About 20 minutes later, I finally arrived at the prearranged location. Jian Wei was waiting under the eaves. Judging from her demeanor, Yang Congrong had not yet arrived. I opened the car door and stepped out. Jian Wei waved at me, urging me to hurry up.
I quickly approached her and asked, “Why the rush? Has Director Yang arrived yet?”
“I’m just annoyed by your slow attitude. Do you remember what time we agreed to meet?”
I glanced at my watch and realized I had indeed passed our agreed meeting time. I replied, “Director Yang hasn’t arrived either, so there’s no need for you to single me out.”
“My meeting time with Uncle Yang is different from yours.”
“Then why did you call me here first? Do you have some ulterior motive?”
“I just wanted to ask you about the tourism project. Is there really no room for negotiation at all?”
Without hesitation, I replied, “No.”
Jian Wei sighed and said, “Uncle Yang has high expectations for this project. If properly packaged, it could usher in a brand-new era for Lukuo. Let me put it this way: Uncle Yang’s plan is to use the Lukuo brand as the driving force once this project officially launches, establish a production line to develop tourism products, and proceed with the next round of financing. When multiple projects are launched together, the resulting impact will be tremendous. At that point, the Lukuo brand will have gained initial recognition in the market!”
“What you’re describing can easily be achieved under the Easy Travel Network’s name. After all, we’re all in the tourism industry!”
“Zhaoyang, can’t you think more strategically?… Do you really not understand the fundamental difference between Easy Travel Network and Lukuo? Yes, Easy Travel Network could do it, but it’s essentially just a platform, lacking strong control. Lukuo is different. Initiating this project through Lukuo will ensure stronger sustainability and generate more buzz, which will also bring more possibilities to the ‘Artistic Journey’ project…”
I scoffed and said, “What additional possibilities? Selling Lukuo-branded travel products in independent cafes and guesthouses with their own unique spirits?… Sorry, I can’t accept this kind of business model!”
Perhaps my tone was too harsh, and Jian Wei was momentarily at a loss for words. Actually, I was being too biased. Even after rapid expansion, travel products wouldn’t necessarily be sold in the stores of the ‘Artistic Journey’ project. I just really disliked this kind of overly commercial expansion because it would sacrifice individuality in operations, ultimately draining the vitality of a brand. In reality, there are too many such cases in business. After expansion-driven growth, what often follows is a period of weakness. A long-lasting brand must go through a prolonged period of maturation, during which its brand culture is formed. I firmly believe in this.
In the silence between us, Yang Congrong finally arrived in a black Mercedes-Benz. Jian Wei looked at me again, her expression showing her dilemma. Obviously, she felt caught between my and Yang Congrong’s differing business philosophies.
Yang’s assistant opened the car door for him. He appeared even more energetic than last time, and approached me with his usual calm smile. He said, “Zhaoyang, on this trip to Suzhou, I also stopped by Xuzhou. I visited the guesthouses and bars they’re developing there. They have great style, especially the business theme of ‘waterside mountain journey’ you proposed, which really fits the character of Xuzhou city. I believe this will be another successful model for the ‘Artistic Journey’ project!” He patted my shoulder lightly to encourage me.
I just smiled, unsure how to respond. I was already thinking about how to handle his proposal later. Moreover, Jian Wei supported his business philosophy. Although I was the leader of Lukuo, the pressure was significant since the two major investors shared the same opposing demand. However, their proposed diversified development model was indeed a popular trend nowadays, and more likely to gain investors’ favor due to its higher investment return efficiency.
…
After entering the hotel, Yang Congrong quickly got to the point, presenting his ideas to me and seeking my opinion. Before I could respond, Jian Wei quickly interjected, saying, “Uncle Yang, I’ve already discussed this matter with Zhaoyang. We’ve decided to first inspect the scenic area project and then make a decision. What do you think?”
Yang Congrong smiled and said, “Sweetheart, whether or not we acquire that scenic project is just a small matter. The key question is whether Zhaoyang agrees with my vision for the development of Lukuo.”
Jian Wei looked at me. Since the conversation had reached this point, she couldn’t cover for me anymore. I had to express my position directly in front of Yang Congrong.
After a period of silence, I finally said, “Uncle Yang, at this stage, I cannot agree with this development model.”
My firm rejection surprised Yang Congrong. After a while, he asked, “Then tell me your reasons for disagreeing.”
“This aggressive expansion will erode a brand’s individuality, hinder the formation of brand culture, and may lead to operational weakness in the future. I hope Lukuo can be a company that endures over time, using its unique brand culture to change many people’s lifestyles. The development model you proposed seems to be entirely from a commercial perspective, and that’s exactly the part I can never accept…”
Yang Congrong took a cigarette from his pack and lit it. Obviously, my refusal made him uncomfortable. However, I didn’t expect my words to change his already established viewpoint, considering how long he had been successful in the business world. It wouldn’t be easy for anyone to influence his perspective with just a few sentences.
In the silence between the two of us, Jian Wei spoke again, saying, “Uncle Yang, regarding the development model, let’s have another in-depth discussion after I and Zhaoyang inspect the scenic project. Would that be okay?… Zhaoyang does have a point, and this decision will directly affect the company’s future direction. I think we need to be extremely cautious!”
Yang Congrong finally nodded, though his expression was heavy. He said, “I hope we can reach an agreement as soon as possible. Strategic decision-making is the most critical aspect of a company’s operational efficiency and must never be delayed…” He paused briefly before continuing, “Lukuo is the company I’ve had the highest hopes for in the past six years, and it’s the one I’ve invested the most in. I’ve never hesitated to provide it with the best resources. My business career is nearly over, and this is my final hope. I sincerely hope that you, the younger generation, can help fulfill it!”
Jian Wei looked at me with a complex expression, and I, too, felt conflicted after hearing Yang Congrong’s words. I asked myself whether I should use my stubbornness to shatter someone else’s final hope, especially when that person was my benefactor!!
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