When Liu Chong carried a stack of documents and entered the research facility, he saw Bai Luo Yin and several chief engineers standing in front of a large blueprint, earnestly discussing something. Feeling that it would be an inconvenience to interrupt them, he opted to stand at Bai Luo Yin's seat and waited instead.
As he looked ahead, he noticed a barely half-eaten bread and a cup of tea that had gone cold long ago. The large, loose tea leaves floated inside the nearly dried up yellow tea, giving off a tasteless yet simple feeling.
"What are you thinking about?" Bai Luo Yin's voice abruptly burst forth.
Liu Chong shivered for a second as he was jolted from his thoughts and turned to face Bai Luo Yin with an embarrassed laugh.
"I've called you several times, but you didn't respond at all."
Bai Luo Yin stated as he sat down and leafed through the documents that Liu Chong had delivered. Then he asked, "Are these the detailed introduction of all the major military industrial companies that you gathered?"
"It's not completed. The important thing is, listed are some of the companies that we've collaborated with before as well as some that we haven't worked with, but they're well equipped to meet our requirements for collaboration."
Bai Luo Yin simply nodded his head before speaking with an indifferent tone, "Actually, I prefer private enterprises."
"Private enterprises are pretty good. Currently, there are many military units collaborating with privately run military enterprises for scientific researches in all areas. Especially when it comes to spare part components and weaponry subsystem, we can completely outsource the development and manufacturing of these products to these enterprises. By doing it this way, not only can we draw in even more talented individuals and capital, save research funds, but also reduce any hazards or risks that might occur. However, private enterprises also have their own limitations such as, an unstable managerial system, lack of financial stability, loose security, along with a deficiency in confidentiality, all of which accounts to them being inferior to those government-owned enterprises."
As Bai Luo Yin thumbed through the documents in his hands, he carefully listened to Liu Chong's opinion and occasionally nodded his head in agreement.
"Since our project is divided into three very strategic research groups, it's impossible to have just one unit in this collaboration, that's why we need to be even more cautious about this. Looking through the data you've collected, the companies listed are those that we've collaborated with before, so we know for sure that they have ample experience and the qualities of their productions are guaranteed. However, they're extremely high in demand right now, which no doubt will lead to higher costs and manufacturing delays."
Liu Chong completely agreed with Bai Luo Yin in regard to this reasoning, "I really don't like dealing with those high class senior executives. They're too sly in nature."
As Bai Luo Yin continued to flip through the documents once again, he suddenly stopped at the page with the name of a particular company.
"Beijing Haiyin High-Tech Co. Ltd.…"
Once he heard Bai Luo Yin mumbling to himself, Liu Chong hurriedly provided an explanation, "Although, this company hasn't been established for a long time, it has been developing quite fast during the past two years. Even more so, it's been reported that they have collaborated with a couple armed force units several times already. If you are interested, I can contact the researchers on that side and have them send over the materials used in their collaboration."
Narrowing his eyes, Bai Luo Yin focused a bit longer on this particular company.
As he continued to scan over the information, he discovered that when the company first started up, it was only a small entity that dealt mainly with the production of modules for other various formidable enterprises. However, in less than five years, not only did it unexpectedly grow into such a large-scale power house, it had also managed to successfully break into the military industry without a hitch. Honestly, it's truly remarkable!
"Are these the only information we have on this company?" Bai Luo Yin inquired.
Liu Chong scratched his head, feeling a bit at a loss, "It seems, that's all there is. This company has always been pretty mysterious. Their operations management system has always incurred much criticism within the industry, but even amidst the backlash, the senior management are still very persistent in maintaining its own business ethics. From the look of it, the negativity that tried to spoil their image only managed to bring them more benefits instead. Maybe this was just a strategic plan devised by their public relations in order to gain publicity."
Bai Luo Yin was filled with curiosity as he probed further, "What kind of operations management system do they implement?"
"I heard that aside from their president, the rest of the senior management leaders and employees are all women."
Once Liu Chong finished speaking, beads of sweat started to appear on Bai Luo Yin's forehead.
Why is it that the more he listened, the more it felt like this was Gu Hai's company?
Thinking about it, he then flipped two pages back to look at the column where the Company Secretary [1] name was boldly listed, it was impressively marked with two large characters, "Gu Hai".
"Reportedly, these women should not be underestimated since each are extremely talented and proficient in a field dominated by men. Otherwise, their business would have not been able to expand into so many areas in such a short amount of time. Actually, I really admire their president. He's courageous, insightful, bold and is exceptionally driven. Even more praiseworthy is that he has the guts to implement a new and innovative system that diverges from all other competitors. That's something I definitely can't do. I can only approach things the traditional way."
Bai Luo Yin snorted, "He is just as shameless as before……" [2]
"Huh?" Liu Chong expressed his confusion.
Bai Luo Yin faintly cleared his throat, "It's nothing. You should go and take care of your own business. I will look over these documents again."
"Oh," Liu Chong added one more sentence, "Major, even though you are busy, don't forget to eat properly."
"I know."
After Liu Chong left, Bai Luo Yin's gaze swept towards the papers once more.
"Beijing Haiyin High-Tech Co. Ltd…..Haiyin……"
The beautiful woman — named Xiao Tao — who had taken the initiative to invite the Air Force pilots for a friendship party during the annual meeting, was quickly promoted from a team leader to a department manager. And, the reason that led to her promotion was extremely illogical to numerous people. They were only given a four word explanation from the president which was, she has a "good sense of judgement."
At that time, Yan Ya Jing only responded with, "Wouldn't it be really difficult to convince every other staff with this kind of reason?"
Gu Hai shot Yan Ya Jing a quick glance, "Then, you should think of another reason to convince them."
Yan Ya Jing took a deep breath to calm herself down as a hint of unhappiness sketched out solemnly on her face.
"If you want me to say it, then it's because her butt is big."
Remaining calm and collected, Gu Hai fiddled with the lighter in his hand as a trace of amusement flitted across his stern face.
"Based on what you just said, then your butt must be the biggest in this whole company."
"You!……" Feeling ashamed and resentful, Yan Ya Jing did not know what to say as a comeback.
Gu Hai's tone returned to its original cold and distant tone, "Enough, call Xiao Tao to come up here."
Complying with Gu Hai's order, Yan Ya Jing left with an unsightly expression on her face.
This was the first time that Xiao Tao was called by the president into his office. Along the way there, she swayed her butt left and right to the point that it was going to blossom into a full-fledged flower any time now. All the while, the other conscientious and hardworking female staffs all looked closely at her as if they saw an evil spirit. This only boost Xiao Tao's pride, allowing her to receive a great sense of satisfaction.
"Gu Zong…"
When Gu Hai lifted his eyes, he saw a smiling face, beautiful just like that of a newly bloomed flower.
"Sit down."
With that, Xiao Tao assumed a demure and innocent attitude.
"I am assigning you a task." Gu Hai looked at Xiao Tao.
Xiao Tao smiled so wide that her eyes narrowed, "Gu Zong, please elaborate."
Gu Hai remained unmoved by Xiao Tao's blatant attempt to seduce him. He kept his tone exceptionally serious as he talked to her, "We are planning to collaborate with the Air Force Research Institute for a project very soon. This is the person in charge of the project. In short, your task is to convince the project leader. Convince him so that he'll agree to collaborate with us."
"Why me?" Xiao Tao asked while feigning modesty, "I'm afraid I won't be able to reach an agreement with him. You are also aware that I am the worst when it comes to dealing with men."
"You've succeeded once, so I believe you can succeed a second time."
Xiao Tao's face was brimming with astonishment, "Succeeded once?"
Gu Hai nodded his head, and then pushed the sheet with Bai Luo Yin's information and photo in front of Xiao Tao, "Do you see who it is now? He is the person in charge."
"Oh, it's actually that handsome officer!" Xiao Tao's eyes were filled with hearts symbols♥. Once she became aware of her momentary lack of self-control, Xiao Tao restrained the smile on her face and pulled herself together, "I will try my best."
Gu Hai merely nodded his head.
Looking at him, Xiao Tao struggled with herself for a moment, but still asked curiously, "Gu Zong, I have a question I want to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"Do you really like flowery cotton-padded jacket and green pants?"
The expression in Gu Hai's eyes went through a series of complicated transformation before he finally replied, "Do you really want to know?"
Hearing that, Xiao Tao could not help but to nod her head lightly.
"You have to wait until you have accomplished the task I assigned to you. Only then will I tell you."
Two days later, Xiao Tao arrived at Gu Hai's office again with an intense sense of bitterness riding her face.
"Gu Zong, I have failed to live up to your expectations. I've used all kinds of methods to persuade that Major but to no avail, he remained unmoved."
Contrariwise, Gu Hai did not express any sign of disappointment. Instead, he only asked, "How did you say it?"
"I've meticulously informed him of our company circumstances in full details with a focus and emphasis on the company's strengths. Then, in order to show our sincerity, I even brought samples of all the products we had previously manufactured and introduced each of them. Even more so… for the interest of the company, I even sacrificed my dignity by slightly putting my beauty and seduction to use just to ensnare him. But, that Major is just like a wooden log. I……" Xiao Tao still wanted to say something but she hesitated and held back her tongue instead, feeling as if she had been wronged and had nowhere to pour her heart out.
Gu Hai asked again, "Did he state the reasons why he won't collaborate with us?"
Now that it had come up to this point, Xiao Tao found it even more difficult to open her mouth.
"He… he said that the terms and conditions our company set out are quite outstanding, but the degree of credibility is low. He mentioned that he feels very uneasy about how Gu Zong treat others, and he also expressed his doubt towards your behaviors and way of conduct. He said… he's unable to collaborate with a company that only recruits female staffs."
This was the first time Xiao Tao saw such a vivid expression play out on Gu Hai's face like this. This sight caused her to be in a state of anxiety, terrified that she had said something wrong and the position as well as the 'goodwill and luck' that she possessed would be no more.
Gu Hai did not say anything and directly walked out.
"Major, someone is looking for you."
When Bai Luo Yin came out of the Research Center, he saw Gu Hai's car parked outside and the person himself was leaning against the car door. He looked straight at Bai Luo Yin and beckoned him over with a wave of his hand. It was as if the two were old friends that have known each other for many years already rather than the two that brawled viciously two days ago.
Giving him a glance, Bai Luo Yin's footsteps involuntarily brought him closer.
"Do you have any spare time for a chat?" Gu Hai asked.
Bai Luo Yin nodded, "Alright. Let me start the car."
Twenty minutes later, the two arrived at a quiet teahouse for a drink of tea.
Silence overtook the space between them for a long while before Gu Hai spoke first, "My subordinate told me that the reason you refused to collaborate was because you doubt my behaviors."
"That's right." Bai Luo Yin said bluntly without holding back, "Our research project is highly confidential. Aside from demanding the company to have sufficient capabilities, we request that it has an even better reputation. I believe that a president who only recruits beautiful female employees is unreliable. I don't dare to collaborate with such a company so easily."
An inexplicable smile emerged on Gu Hai's face, "That's good. Today, I will prove to you how proper my behaviors are."
In the span of two hours, the two discussed about many work affairs intermittently, without going off track or allowing even a single unnecessary word to hinder them. Bai Luo Yin was constantly waiting, waiting for Gu Hai's 'so-called proof'. However, even after the sun had already set, Gu Hai still did not produce any reasons.
"Gu Zong!" Bai Luo Yin momentarily interrupted Gu Hai, "I think you need to cut to the chase and get to the main topic. I don't have a lot of time."
"What do you think the topic is?"
Bai Luo Yin kindly reminded him, "Didn't you want to prove to me how proper your behaviors are?"
"I have already proven it!" Gu Hai exclaimed as he spread his hands out.
Looking at him, Bai Luo Yin's eyes gradually sank, "Just how did you prove it?"
An unfathomable smile snaked its way onto Gu Hai's face, "My dear ex-lover, we've been alone talking with each other for more than three hours already and I haven't done anything indecent. Isn't this enough to prove how proper my behaviors are?"
Translator's Note:
[1] Company Secretary – A company secretary is a senior position in a private sector company or public sector organization, normally in the form of a managerial position or above; responsible for the efficient administration of a company, particularly with regard to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and for ensuring that decisions of the board of directors are implemented lawfully. (The Director can be appointed as a Company Secretary although the Company Secretary is no longer a mandatory appointment.) In this case, Gu Hai holds the title of President (Gu Zong) as well as CS.
[2] "He is just as shameless as before……" – 他以前就那个德行…… '德行' déxíng here can mean 'shameless' or 'moral behaviors' so the alternate translation for this sentence is, "His behaviors are just like it was before……"
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