Chapter 42 Chapter Forty-Two

Zheng Wuding, who was officially promoted to the general manager of Zhongsheng Petrochemical International Trading Company just a month ago, is facing an old friend who has been helping him in different ways in the past 16 years, Li Weilian, for the first time in their relationship. Completely defeated in the competition. What can Zheng Wuding say?Show sympathy?comfort?Or sincere thanks?After all, the reason why I was promoted this time was largely due to Li Weilian, who contributed to the downfall of Gao Min through the low-density polyethylene contract at the beginning of the year, and he signed a backup contract with Zheng Wuding to help Zhongsheng Petrochemical out of trouble , which was highly praised by the group company and finally promoted.

All these words, even Zheng Wuding, who was born in a soldier and has a bold personality, couldn't say a word, because he didn't want to embarrass Li Weilian in the slightest.No matter how frank a friendship is, there is a bottom line that must be maintained, and Li Weilian's active congratulations have shown his dignity.Although Li Weilian's delicate and affectionate personality is quite different from Zheng Wuding's, but after being friends for so many years, he has always impressed Zheng Wuding. The so-called friendships that get up and are maintained by dirty deals under the table are more masculine.

Zheng Wuding decided to completely abandon those useless topics. He made up his mind and asked straightforwardly: "What are your plans for the future?" "I haven't had time to think about it yet." "Cough!" Zheng Wuding patted his thigh, "You really hold your breath. Then I have a suggestion for you?" Li Weilian smiled and remained silent. Zheng Wuding became excited: "Wei Lian, my business trip to Hong Kong this time is mainly for the group company. Zhongsheng Petrochemical has made a lot of moves overseas recently, do you know?" "Well," Li Weilian nodded, "I think it's because of the financial crisis?"

Zheng Wuding sighed with a smile: "It seems that I don't need to say more!" He leaned forward and said in a low voice: "Actually, this is not a secret. The financial crisis has caused a large number of European and American companies to depreciate their assets. Companies are starting to hunt for bottoms around the world, and Zhongsheng Petrochemical is talking about several big projects, some of which have a transaction volume of hundreds of billions of dollars!" "It's a very correct strategy, and now is indeed a great time for Chinese companies to make overseas mergers and acquisitions."

"The strategy is correct. But it is quite difficult to succeed in overseas acquisitions! Weilian, you are the most aware of the weak links of Chinese-funded enterprises in this regard. First of all, overseas information channels are a big problem; and then It is cultural and political prejudices, especially if the target of the acquisition is an upstream energy company, the non-economic resistance encountered is even greater. Finally, even if all difficulties are overcome, how to successfully achieve management integration is still a huge problem. Therefore, the group company While actively operating overseas mergers and acquisitions, we have also been trying to solve these risks and threats."

Having said that, Zheng Wuding stopped and looked at Li Weilian who was opposite him attentively.The eyes of the two people intertwined, and Zheng Wuding was genuinely moved. He said enthusiastically, "Weilian, the group company is preparing to establish a development company specializing in overseas acquisitions. Public relations and feasibility studies, and management talents who understand international operations and European and American business management, and can truly realize management integration after acquisitions. Of course, industry background and experience, sensitivity to global economic dynamics and courage are necessary conditions. Group company leaders This time I made up my mind, as long as I can introduce super high-end talents that really meet the requirements, I am willing to pay even the highest cost, and once they are in place, I will definitely give the greatest authority and support... Wei Lian!" He couldn't help raising his voice. He raised his voice: "I've thought about it, and there is no more suitable candidate than you! How about it? After working for foreigners for so many years, do you want to change your identity and represent China to buy their business for me? ! "

Li Weilian listened intently, but did not answer immediately. Joe just finished a song, and the lounge suddenly fell into a deep silence, and the sound of torrential rain invaded at this moment, roaring in the ears.His gaze moved out of the window, and the sky became darker again. On the table in front of them, the red light from the candle cup swayed leisurely on the curtain window, reflecting the more hazy rain and fog on the sea, flying wantonly between the sky and the earth, and the other bank was almost gone. out of sight. "Wu Ding, I'm deeply moved by what you said." A moment later, Li Weilian met Zheng Wuding's expectant eyes and said sincerely, "Such opportunities and challenges are rare, and they are indeed very attractive to me. But... …After working for more than 20 years, I have been rushing forward with all my strength, and I am quite tired physically and mentally. I really want to take this opportunity to take a break and think about it. Of course, I have to deal with some personal matters, so it is a pity... ..."

Zheng Wuding showed a disappointed expression, still unwilling to reconcile: "Don't rush to refuse, think about it again?" "No need." Li Weilian's tone was calm, but extremely firm, "This kind of work requires full dedication, and it is impossible to do well when there are distracting thoughts in your mind." Zheng Wuding didn't understand all of a sudden: "Miscellaneous thoughts?... Sigh!" He sighed heavily: "Then, what else can I help you with?" "Of course there is." "Okay, tell me, what do you need me to do?"

"It's still being conceived, but my plan will definitely need your support, and I will definitely discuss it with you as soon as the idea takes shape." "No problem, just let me know when you think it over." Zheng Wuding didn't even ask about the possible purpose of the plan. Li Weilian smiled: "No matter what my plan is or how much I need your help, it will never touch the interests of Zhongsheng Petrochemical." Zheng Wuding opened his eyes wide: "Oh, you don't need to say this!" "Say it. You don't have to, but I have to."

"Okay..." Zheng Wuding shook his head helplessly. Li Weilian looked out the window: "What time is your flight?" "At eight o'clock, it's time to leave... How about you? Continue in Hong Kong?" "No, everything that should be dealt with in Hong Kong has been dealt with, and I will return to Shanghai tomorrow." "Back to Shanghai?" Zheng Wuding waved his hand, "Shanghai is still home after all. Well, I have to go back to my room to get my luggage. Let's go up together? This time I also live on the executive floor." Li Weilian didn't move: "I don't live here."

"Huh? You haven't always... Oh!" Zheng Wuding was stunned, "It's my habit of thinking! Then why did we meet here?" He was suddenly very annoyed, feeling that he had done something bad with good intentions. "Because you live here, I'm an idler anyway, so it's more important to take advantage of you." Li Weilian replied calmly, "Of course, with your current status, meeting me alone would be a little sensitive. Fortunately, today is the weekend. It was raining so heavily again, and it was deserted all afternoon, and I kept observing, but no acquaintance showed up." He stood up: "Let's go then. Wuding, I will go to Beijing soon, and we will talk then." Joe finished playing the last piece of the day - "Sad Rain", and carefully lowered the piano cover.There will be a jazz band performance here in the evening, and he gets off work at six o'clock.Two guests passed by him, and Joe greeted them with a smile.Zheng Wuding hurriedly walked ahead, and Li Weilian was slightly behind. When he walked to the piano, he nodded to Joe, thanked him in a low voice, and gently put a few Hong Kong dollars on the piano cover. After shaking hands with Zheng Wuding in front of the elevator, Li Weilian walked towards the door alone. "gentlemen!" He turned around, Tina caught up, and handed him an umbrella with a blushing face: "Your umbrella." "Oh," Li Weilian looked at the glass curtain window involuntarily. The torrential rainwater flowed more joyfully from top to bottom like a mountain spring. "Thank you." He smiled and took the umbrella from Tina. Tina stared blankly at him walking out of the revolving door, the sound of rain pouring in loudly, his back immediately merged into the trio of rain, fog and twilight.Li Sorrow hit the girl's heart inadvertently, and she suddenly felt indescribably sad—would she never see him again? It was raining very hard. The terrain of Central is relatively low, and Li Weilian found himself stepping on the rapids with every step. He quickly walked through the streets like shallow canals, and walked onto the overpass connecting the buildings. It's not easy to walk outdoors, and there are more people walking on the flyover than usual on weekends, almost all of them are casual short games.Li Weilian slowed down his pace. He had walked these overpasses countless times. Even with his eyes closed, the smell in the air could guide him to the most familiar direction.He can distinguish the tiniest nuances of these flavors, which vary with season, time, and location.For example, at the beginning of June and the beginning of the rainy season in midsummer, the cold air gushing out of the office building is mixed with the humid hot air, and there is a refreshing fragrance floating in the sultry heat. As long as you smell it carefully, you can even distinguish the perfume sprayed by different buildings. odor…… Li Wei walked without looking sideways, hearing the loud sound of rain and babbling Filipino, and the Filipino maids sitting on the floor put a plastic sheet under the cardboard, playing cards and chatting as usual.At every intersection, signs indicate the direction of ifc, Prince Plaza, Exchange Square, Mandarin Hotel, etc.He walked towards the ferry terminal. The Jardine Building was the last office building leading to the seaside. After passing this milky white building with neat circular windows, there was an open space near the sea. Twenty years ago, when he first came to West Bund Chemical for an interview, he fell in love with Jardine House.Even today, many years later, more and more high-rise buildings are erected on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. No matter the height, structural design or material application, they are greatly improved and innovative compared with the Jardine Building. Li Weilian’s favorite is still the Jardine Building. . Not only because he has worked here for 20 years, but also for many other reasons that Li Weilian loves it—simple and subtle shape, soft and firm lines, gentle and elegant style...especially its color, this elegant The soft, milky white always reminds him of another building and arouses the longest and deepest nostalgia in his heart. Li Weilian walked past the Jardine Building without taking another look at it. Now all he had in front of him was the unobstructed view of the sea.The rain became lighter, and the white mist fell like a huge curtain under the night, and the lights on the other side only penetrated a little. The sea surface with the rain was much quieter than before. As a result, it becomes a bit like the barren and barren sea in Li Weilian's memory. Shanghai, the name of this city has the word "sea".But many people living in Shanghai may not have seen the real sea in their whole life. Li Weilian saw the sea for the first time after he went to Jinshan Petrochemical Plant as an apprentice. In Jinshan in the early 1980s, chimneys and factory buildings were wrapped in rows of farmland and wasteland, and to the east was the endless Hangzhou Bay.Li Weilian formed an intuitive impression of the sea here, so that when he set foot on the land of Hong Kong a few years later, he was really surprised by the clear green color of the sea in Hong Kong.He used to think that the seas all over the world were like what he saw in Jinshan, the sea was vast, rough, and the color was blue with black, under the long gray sky, showing a kind of turbid coldness. He likes this vast smell very much.In his spare time, Li Weilian often goes to the beach to swim with his junior brother Zhou Feng who is two years younger than him.Within a few days of Li Weilian's arrival in the factory, this little junior brother began to admire him to the utmost, following him like a follower all day long, yelling "senior brother, senior brother" non-stop.