Ending a day of talks, Tan Jincheng and Zhao Jinsheng dragged their tired bodies back to the hotel.
Zhao Jinsheng, who was used to sitting in an office, was fine, but Tan Jincheng seemed a bit uncomfortable.
Maintaining a certain posture, engaging in high-intensity discussions, and sitting for long periods was quite a test.
Seeing Tan Jincheng's tired face, Zhao Jinsheng was very understanding:
"Xiao Tan, get some rest tonight. The results will probably be out in two days, so you don't need to get up too early tomorrow."
Zhao Jinsheng was clearest about the internal procedures.
Even if Chief Engineer Lu was already interested, the necessary procedures still had to be followed.
"Okay, Brother Zhao, you should also get some rest early."
Tan Jincheng didn't stand on ceremony with Zhao Jinsheng; he was indeed tired today.
Back in his room, Tan Jincheng uncharacteristically lit a cigarette; he hadn't smoked in a long time.
He reviewed the day's discussions in his mind, feeling there shouldn't be any omissions.
The research and development of lithium batteries was a crucial step, relating to the future fate of Flashchase Technology.
If it could proceed smoothly, Flashchase Technology would gain the qualification to enter the automotive track.
If not, they could only honestly remain a small electric scooter manufacturer.
The best outcome would be to become a giant in the electric scooter industry like Xinri, Yadea, and Aima in his previous life.
At worst, they would just fade into obscurity like most other electric scooter manufacturers.
From the bottom of his heart, Tan Jincheng was inclined to cooperate with the research institute.
Although this step could also be achieved through corporate mergers, firstly, this method would require more capital, and secondly, the technical capabilities were not as strong as the research institute's.
Thirdly, cooperating with a research institute had another major advantage: there would be no short-sighted individuals who could casually make plans against them.
This was a natural barrier; few people would dare to scheme against a research institute.
Furthermore, the biggest advantage was that although research institutes held a technical advantage, most of them did not participate in commercial operations.
Therefore, in the process of cooperating with enterprises, they did not place much emphasis on equity and would not interfere with the enterprise's operational rights.
With background, technology, and not much interest in equity; although they were elites within the system, people involved in technology were relatively simpler, making interactions more comfortable.
All these factors led Tan Jincheng to attach particular importance to this cooperation.
Today's performance should have initially convinced Chief Engineer Lu.
If the other party was interested in commercializing, as long as they showed sincerity, there was still a great chance.
After organizing some of the upcoming work content, Tan Jincheng planned to take a shower and sleep; he was indeed a bit tired today.
On the other side, after Chief Engineer Lu concluded his discussion with Tan Jincheng, he quickly reported the day's discussion content.
"Breaking the blockade? That's a very novel perspective. Wasn't it said that this young man only graduated from high school? Is he that capable? Or is there a master behind him giving guidance?"
Although issues like oil reserves and environmental protection would affect the future of fuel vehicles, these were merely superficial phenomena.
More often, it was a game between nations, which could be glimpsed from trade frictions.
The relationship between nations, whether good or bad, always involved a game.
When the economy was good, everyone worked together to make a bigger cake, but the economy could not grow forever.
At a certain stage, the economy would stagnate or even decline.
Therefore, essential core technologies were a must; this was a means of self-preservation.
From nations to individuals, it was the same: only by becoming strong oneself could one have a voice.
"Not quite. Xiao Zhao, who came with him, was also shocked when he heard that remark. From his expression, it seems there was no prior communication."
Chief Engineer Lu thought for a moment and shook his head.
Moreover, this young man initially seemed not to intend to reveal too much.
"That's quite insightful then. Young people nowadays are truly amazing; at 20, he dares to come and talk about cooperation with us."
The leader exclaimed.
Then he asked,
"By the way, what's your impression of him as a person?"
Since he dared to come to discuss cooperation, it proved that he certainly wasn't short on money.
Plus, with a recommendation from the local government, the main thing was to see if this young man was reliable.
If reliable, it could be considered.
Facing the leader's question, Chief Engineer Lu pondered for a moment and said,
"He doesn't understand technology, but he has his own unique views on the application of technology. Some of his views are very advanced, and I need to carefully contemplate them to even grasp them."
"He gives the impression of being very mature and modest. You don't see the arrogance of youth in him, nor the parvenu feel of someone who has suddenly become rich."
"By the way, he only has a high school diploma, but it's not because of poor grades. It was due to an accident that he didn't report to school, he said this himself."
Although Anhui University was not considered much by them, the academic elites, it was still a good university and was currently applying for the 211 Project, which was almost certainly going to pass.
So, his academic performance was actually quite good.
"Oh? Is that so?"
the leader asked with interest.
"Yes, I casually asked why he wasn't studying in school at his age, and then we talked about this. His experience is quite amusing, actually. He and a companion, out of curiosity, were tricked onto a cruise ship, and once they sailed out to sea, they were completely lost."
After listening to Chief Engineer Lu's description, the leader was also dumbfounded.
This experience was even more fantastical than him achieving a net worth of hundreds of millions in just over a year.
"Unable to contact him for several months, his parents must have been worried sick, haha."
"That's what he said. After landing and returning home, he got a beating. Youthful exuberance, understandable. It's also possible that a year and a half at sea broadened his horizons considerably, leading to his maturity."
"Hmm, that's possible. People need tempering. Seeing the scenery of different regions of the world and meeting all sorts of people, this experience is indeed quite rare."
"Indeed, it's also possible that having seen too many foreigners and later doing foreign trade led to this novel theory."
"Alright, let's stop here for today. Tomorrow, we'll have a meeting to discuss. This technology always needs to be commercialized. As for whether to choose him or not, we'll discuss it during the meeting."
Chief Engineer Lu nodded,
"Okay, then I'll be off work."
After Chief Engineer Lu left the office, the leader sat in his office for a long time, lost in thought.
Commercializing the institute's technology was already part of the plan.
This young man being able to get wind of the news and finding someone to connect him showed that he had some capabilities behind him.
Furthermore, judging from the attitude of the local government, they were very supportive.
Flashchase Technology could be considered a dark horse in the electric vehicle industry in 2005.
Through two endorsement activities, they quickly established a certain level of popularity for their two major brands nationwide.
It is said that as of now, their company's products have been in short supply, with very good sales, and a new industrial base is also under construction.
All this information was learned through intermediaries.
From today's conversation, it's clear that this young man is not content with just the electric vehicle assembly business.
He wants to enter a larger market through lithium batteries; his ambition is not small.
With capital, support, means, and ambition; he also has his own judgment on the future landscape.
Such a partner is actually quite good.
Most importantly, he is young.
The leader, who has seen many child prodigies, does not consider youth a disadvantage; on the contrary, it is an advantage.
Young people dare to think and act.
Even if they fail, they have enough time to regain confidence and start over.
Cooperating with a future potential stock is far more promising than cooperating with some mature capital, and it can better guarantee one's own interests, allowing one to gain more benefits when support is needed.
Most importantly, this young man is clean.
His wealth is entirely legitimate, which means relatively low risk for oneself.
Lost in thought, the leader couldn't help but take out his phone and dial the number of the intermediary liaison.
—
The next day.
Tan Jincheng woke up as usual, not too early and not too late.
Today was relatively relaxed with nothing much to do, so Tan Jincheng planned to visit the Forbidden City.
The message from Chief Engineer Lu was that they would hold a meeting today to discuss, and the specific results would be communicated to Tan Jincheng after the meeting.
If approved, both parties could enter the next stage of formal negotiations, which would involve many issues such as technology introduction, capital allocation, and equity distribution.
If it wasn't approved, Tan Jincheng didn't intend to give up.
He would continue to lobby.
Opportunities were rare, and giving up after just one try would be too ungrateful for all the preparations made this time.
If he gave up easily this time, with his current network of connections, it would be almost impossible to find someone to facilitate future cooperation.
Besides, Xinri could only be considered a rising star this year.
Last year, their strength was not much greater than Flashchase Technology's current strength.
If they could cooperate with Zhongke Sanhuan to develop lead-acid batteries, why couldn't he cooperate with a research institute?
Having figured this out, Tan Jincheng was no longer anxious and could just wait patiently.
With his mind relaxed, Tan Jincheng also regained his previous vitality:
"Let's go, Brother Zhao, I've never been to the Forbidden City before. You'll have to explain things to me then."
This was a previously planned itinerary.
Zhao Jinsheng and the technical staff were cooperating with him in the cold weather, and even things like the hotel were arranged by the Beicang Municipal Government's office in the Imperial Capital.
Flashchase Technology couldn't show no appreciation at all.
Besides, going out to relax and clear his mind would also be good for him.
"You rascal, didn't you brag that you had good grades when you were in school? And you still need me to explain the Forbidden City to you?"
Seeing Tan Jincheng looking well, Zhao Jinsheng also felt relieved.
"You're so knowledgeable, everything I learned in school I've long since returned to my teachers."
Tan Jincheng flattered.
He had naturally been to the Forbidden City, but that was in his previous life.
Meanwhile, a group of people at the research institute were holding a meeting to discuss the intent to cooperate with Flashchase Technology.
(End of Chapter)