Chapter 90: Weighing Strengths and Weaknesses

Such is the era! Capital is eternal. In the game of capital, the phrase “those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish” is manifested to the fullest extent. Shen Guodong understood this all too well. His current plans were not merely for money or such, but for a future where he would no longer have to bow to others’ whims.

If one cannot achieve such independence, one will inevitably be devoured alive, leaving not even a bone behind. In this game, the outcome is determined from the very start: either you succeed, like Mahua Yun of Ali, whose name will echo through the ages, or you become one of countless internet failures, whose names are lost to history, unknown even in the present, let alone to future generations.

Even in future histories, Mahua Yun’s name will appear, just as Shen Wansan’s did centuries ago in the Ming dynasty. Once you become famous, your story will inevitably be recorded. That is the way of things.

Shen Guodong aspired to be such a man, so that one day his children would speak of their father with a quiet pride.

“How much is this company worth? At the very least, several million, right?” Zhou Meiniang stared blankly at the Shen City Steel Factory—its office building was grander than most.

Shen Guodong smiled. “Don’t worry, one day you’ll become the president of such a company.”

With Zhou Meiniang’s talent, as long as she was given proper guidance, she was certain to achieve great things. Shen Guodong intended to branch into many industries. He planned to entrust some of his ventures to Zhou Meiniang, such as real estate development, the appliance business, and the food and beverage sector.

Essentially, any industry with potential! As long as he had the energy and enough talented people, Shen Guodong would not let an opportunity slip by.

For now, his first target was the beverage industry. Drawing inspiration from companies in his previous life—like Wahaha and Kangshuaifu—both of which had once produced the richest men in Xia Country, the beverage business was undoubtedly lucrative.

After all, the population alone guaranteed it. These were merely representative enterprises; later, others such as Wang Duobao Herbal Tea and Red Bull energy drinks would emerge, each generating millions in annual sales. If he could seize control of them all, the future would be bright. Shen Guodong had already mapped out his strategy.

Having successfully acquired a plot of land from Yuan Junfeng’s family, he was preparing to build a beverage factory. People had scarcely tasted proper drinks yet! As the years went by, sales would inevitably reach their peak. That was certain.

Zhou Meiniang gazed blankly at the company, then suddenly heard Shen Guodong’s words and couldn’t help but doubt herself. She shook her head repeatedly. “I’m not cut out for that!”

“How can you be so sure? I believe you are, because you have the potential,” Shen Guodong replied. “So, for now, stay by my side and learn about business. When the time comes, you’ll have your chance to shine.”

Zhou Meiniang nodded, half understanding. She had unwavering trust in Shen Guodong.

“In the future, I’ll be venturing into many industries. I don’t feel comfortable handing everything over to others, so I hope someone can grow alongside me and help manage the companies. I’d prefer that person to be you.”

Zhou Meiniang laughed charmingly, her allure unmistakable. “As long as you need me, I’ll do anything.”

Shen Guodong nodded slightly. Of course, it was too early to discuss such distant plans. For the moment, their priority was to resolve the task at hand. If they failed to seize this opportunity, everything else was mere empty talk—no matter how much they said, it would mean nothing.

Together, they walked into Shen City Steel Factory.

“Are you from Fengcheng First Lathe Plant? Alright, please wait here while I check inside,” said the young man at the entrance, who kept his eyes fixed on Zhou Meiniang. She was simply too beautiful—one glance was enough to make his heart race.

Even in a bustling metropolis like Shen City, with its endless stream of people and faces, it was the first time he’d seen a woman as stunning as Zhou Meiniang.

Soon, the young man invited them inside.

“Comrade, may I ask if anyone from other Fengcheng lathe plants have arrived?” Zhou Meiniang asked in her beguiling manner.

She hadn’t intentionally acted coy, yet her voice naturally carried an alluring charm, sending chills down the young man’s spine. In ancient times, she would have been the legendary femme fatale.

“Before you arrived, two groups had already come and met the director. Please go inside—the director wants to see you first. Later, during the bidding, everyone will be together.”

The young man spoke hurriedly, not daring to linger in conversation with Zhou Meiniang. If he said too much, he feared he would lose control, which would bring more trouble than it was worth. That was inevitable.

Shen Guodong watched all of this unfold, amused by his own keen judgment.

“Brother, did your director give you any hints? Do you think we have a good chance at winning the bid? It seems we don’t have much advantage compared to the other lathe plants,” Zhou Meiniang pressed further.

Shen Guodong suppressed a laugh beside her. Zhou Meiniang had finally realized her greatest weapon—using it to gather information. He shot her a stern look.

She responded by sticking out her tongue playfully.

“Comrade, I can’t really say. But once, when I went to see the director, they were discussing this matter. It seems they’re quite satisfied with the equipment from the Third Lathe Plant, but that plant has too many orders and might not be able to handle the workload. Also, recently, Fengcheng and the Third Lathe Plant’s partner, Fengtian Zhonggang, canceled all their orders—perhaps there’s been some upheaval at the factory!

The Fourth Lathe Plant currently holds an advantage. As for your plant and the Second Lathe Plant, the director didn’t mention either.”

The young man spoke casually.

But to Shen Guodong, these words were full of confidence—just as he had expected.

His mind settled completely.

The Third Plant had the greatest advantage, but with these concerns, all he needed to do was exploit them. That would suffice.