Chapter Seventy-Six: An Opportunity Arises

Wang Chenliang’s office.

He sat in his chair, face shrouded in gloom. Now that Xu Shihui had gained the upper hand in the factory, from any angle, their rivalry was tilted decisively in Xu’s favor. If things continued this way, once the old factory director retired, Xu Shihui would surely ascend to that position. The thought left Wang Chenliang restless.

He had hoped to place one of his own people in charge of negotiating with the Shencheng Steelworks, but after Xu Shihui mentioned Shen Guodong, the higher-ups decided to appoint Shen instead. While Shen Guodong’s competence was certainly a factor, Wang believed the real reason was the leadership’s growing confidence in Xu Shihui and willingness to follow his recommendations.

With this realization, Wang Chenliang found himself unable to muster any joy.

“If I can’t have it, then I’ll destroy it,” he suddenly thought, a venomous idea taking root. If he sabotaged the negotiations, even if it didn’t close the gap between himself and Xu Shihui, at least the divide wouldn’t widen further. Nothing was settled yet—there was still a chance for him. Once everything was decided, he would have no hope at all, and Xu Shihui would never spare him. Because of this, Wang Chenliang felt compelled to take a risk.

He was already cornered, with no options left but this, and truly, he had no other choice.

Since he couldn’t prevent Shen Guodong from going to negotiate, he would have to ensure the deal couldn’t be struck. Only then would he have a chance—a fact he saw with surprising clarity.

He held no advantage in the competition between the Second and Third Factories, so how could he stop the deal? The answer was simple: let the other side know about the factory’s current crisis.

Fengcheng First Machine Tool Factory had the worst equipment. Even after upgrades, they lagged behind others, with no advantages and substantial gaps in production capacity. Another crucial factor: they had just secured a contract with Fengtian Zhonggang, another major enterprise, though still far inferior to Shencheng Steelworks.

But—if they took on such a large order, with their limited capacity, they’d be biting off more than they could chew. If, in the future, their own limitations affected Shencheng’s production, it would be a costly mistake. Therefore, Shencheng had every reason to believe that the First Machine Tool Factory was incapable of fulfilling such a contract.

All he needed to do was inform the relevant people in Shencheng of these realities, and the deal would almost certainly fall through—a foregone conclusion. With this in mind, Wang Chenliang’s expression twisted into something sinister.

His purpose was clear. Wang Dayou had once been his direct superior, so they still kept in touch. If he wrote to Wang Dayou, laying out the truth, not only would he achieve his goal, but Wang Dayou would likely thank him. Perhaps, in the future, any benefits would come his way—an outcome he considered inevitable.

Wang Chenliang didn’t hesitate. He picked up pen and paper, wrote the letter, and arranged for it to be sent as quickly as possible. In these days, postal service was nothing like the speed of future times; even though Shencheng and Fengcheng were barely over a hundred kilometers apart, it would still take ten days or half a month for the letter to arrive. The timing coincided with Shen Guodong’s business trip.

“Kid, you think you’re so impressive? Let’s see how you manage to sign a contract with Shencheng Steelworks this time,” Wang Chenliang declared arrogantly. If after this, Shen Guodong could still secure the contract, even Wang himself would have to admit admiration, for that was no feat an ordinary person could achieve. But did Shen Guodong truly possess such ability? At least, Wang Chenliang didn’t believe so.

In any case, it was impossible for Shen to succeed under such disadvantageous circumstances. If even this couldn’t stop Shen Guodong, then it would mean fate itself favored his rise, and Wang would have no hope—such was destiny.

Of course, to be frank, for Shen Guodong, this was truly a challenge worthy of hell. No one could succeed when lacking every advantage, especially with sabotage from within. If Shen somehow managed to secure the contract under these conditions, he could only be called destiny’s chosen one.

Wang Chenliang was absolutely certain: if he succeeded, then Shen Guodong’s bet with Yuan Junfeng could not be fulfilled, and Yuan would definitely have to resign. Otherwise, he’d have no face left in the factory.

Without Shen Guodong, Xu Shihui would be far from matching him in rivalry. Wang Chenliang was convinced—only after Shen’s departure would he have a real chance; otherwise, all would be lost. This thought brought a brilliant smile to his face.

Meanwhile, Shen Guodong remained completely oblivious.

He had no idea what awaited him. But even if he did, the wheels were already in motion; nothing could be changed. All he could do now was search for a glimmer of hope in a desperate situation. That was the only path he could choose.

Shen Guodong took the funds issued by the factory and gave a portion to Zhou Meiniang—her rightful share. He also rewarded Wang Xiuzhi with a hundred yuan. Though he’d won the deal himself and Wang Xiuzhi hadn’t contributed, it was important to offer something, so as to win loyalty. The sales department was short-staffed; if Wang Xiuzhi left, things would become very difficult.

Wang Xiuzhi beamed, warmly inviting Shen Guodong and Zhou Meiniang to dinner, but both politely declined.

Thus, from penniless, Shen Guodong now had several thousand yuan in hand—a considerable sum in those days. Anyone who could so casually produce thousands of yuan was far from ordinary.

“Go home today and arrange for Wang Weihua to come over. We need to have a proper talk,” Shen Guodong said thoughtfully.

Wang Weihua was a typical rogue; dealing with such a person required unconventional methods. Shen decided to seek out Bald Brother, and to share the good news, too.

Opportunity had arrived, and Bald Brother would need to be ready at any moment. Otherwise, when the chance for reform truly appeared, and Bald Brother was unprepared, things could get complicated. The funds required were substantial—far beyond Shen Guodong’s own means.

Their relationship was mutually beneficial: Shen provided opportunities, Bald Brother provided capital, and both would profit. Bald Brother would transform into a successful entrepreneur, and Shen would gain the funds he needed. That would be the ideal outcome.