Free Web NovelChapter 185: Chapter 185 Fear
"Alright, then you guys take your time chatting, we’ll head over now!"
The county head smiled and waved to everyone before preparing to leave.
Reaching the doorway, the county head seemed to remember something, turned his head towards Zhou Kun, and asked.
"Old Zhou, you were about to tell me something just now, but I got distracted seeing brother Wang Hao and forgot. Say it again!"
"I was saying..."
Now Zhou Kun, even if beaten to death, wouldn’t dare to badmouth Wang Hao again, so he hurriedly corrected himself.
"I meant to say that this young fellow Wang Hao is really something, not only has he opened a Chinese herb company, but he also runs the best hotel in Chicheng County. He’s truly a role model for our county’s younger generation!"
Hearing that Wang Hao was also the owner of this hotel left the county head and the police chief quite surprised; they really didn’t know that.
But the two of them just smiled at Wang Hao again and left.
After the county head and the police chief left, the entire private room fell into dead silence.
Everyone glanced at each other, I looked at you, you looked at me, and eventually all eyes landed back on Wang Hao.
Nobody dared to speak first, nor knew what to say.
"Manager Chen, you don’t need to worry. Our Le Tian Group will only cooperate with you in Chicheng County. It’s the big companies like yours that are more trustworthy."
"Those small companies, especially the newly established ones, are not even in our consideration."
Ma Boyuan was the first to break the silence; he didn’t have to give face to Wang Hao, but instead reassured Chen Hongying.
Chen Hongying let out a sigh of relief after hearing Ma Boyuan’s words, feeling like a weight had been lifted off her chest.
But Zhou Kun sitting nearby didn’t dare to let out a fart, mainly afraid that Wang Hao would cause trouble for him in front of the county head.
"Some people just think they’re all that because they have a little money, thinking they can come and steal business just because they know a few top leaders. I despise this type of person the most!"
As the biggest buyer, Ma Boyuan’s presence in Chicheng County meant income for the county, so he didn’t need to please anyone.
Moreover, he had taken quite a few kickbacks from Chen Hongying before, so he was definitely on Chen Hongying’s side this time, targeting Wang Hao at every turn.
"Hmph! Really?"
Wang Hao scoffed with a threatening tone.
"Then make sure you remember what you said today. Don’t go back on your word later—don’t come crying and begging to sell goods to me. I also despise those kinds of people the most!"
"Slap!"
Infuriated by Wang Hao’s belittlement, Ma Boyuan stood up abruptly, slamming his hand on the table and cursing at Wang Hao,
"What do you think you are? In the Xiangbei region, no one has ever dared to speak to me like this. Our Le Tian Group is the pride of the Chinese herb industry in the Xiangbei region; we have the power to determine the life and death of your Chinese herb companies."
"I’m laying it out here today, no matter how rich you are, your Chinese herb company in Chicheng County will not survive until next year’s procurement meeting!"
"Is that so? I don’t believe you. I say my company will definitely make it past next year’s procurement meeting, and will last even longer. One day, it might even take over your Le Tian Group’s position in the Xiangbei region!"
Wang Hao retorted uncompromisingly. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"A calf is not afraid of a tiger just because it’s new-born; keep talking tough! Even if I don’t cooperate with you, I’ll make sure every Chinese herb shop in Xiangbei refuses to work with you. Let’s see how you survive!"
Ma Boyuan boasted confidently.
After saying these words, he didn’t forget to exchange a glance with Chen Hongying, signaling to her not to worry, he would help take down Wang Hao.
"What are you guys talking about? How far along are you?"
Just then, Zhang Xuepin walked in, having heard the lively discussion from outside and thinking they were enjoying a chat with Wang Hao.
But he stepped in to see Ma Boyuan’s arrogant demeanor, turned to look at Wang Hao, and realized Wang Hao wasn’t happy, so his expression darkened.
"It’s good to finally see you, Appraiser Zhang. Please come in and take a seat!"
Seeing Zhang Xuepin, Ma Boyuan quickly switched his demeanor, approaching with a fawning smile, skilfully moving a chair for Zhang Xuepin, and intentionally seating him next to himself.
"I’ll sit over here!"
Zhang Xuepin didn’t follow Ma Boyuan’s arrangement and directly sat next to Wang Hao. As soon as he sat down, he addressed the people at the table.
"Sorry, everyone. Wang Hao is here today at my invitation. You don’t mind, do you?"
Upon hearing that Wang Hao had been brought by Zhang Xuepin, Ma Boyuan began to panic.
Zhang Xuepin is a quality assessor for Le Tian Group and wields considerable decision-making power over the purchase of medicinal herbs. In addition, he is known for his integrity and is greatly valued by the chairman of Le Tian Group.
Moreover, the biggest client for their Xiangbei store is Le Tian Group; they could essentially be considered a designated supplier for Le Tian.
Due to this relationship, the position of the Xiangbei store among these medicinal herb companies was also quite high; in fact, it was all for the sake of giving face to Le Tian Group.
Thus, the Xiangbei store paid homage to Le Tian Group as if they were worshipping the God of Wealth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Wang Hao has also started a medicinal herb company in Chicheng County. I hope everyone can help each other and work together for mutual benefit,"
Zhang Xuepin said earnestly.
After hearing this, Ma Boyuan’s face turned deathly pale; it was clear that Zhang Xuepin was speaking in support of Wang Hao.
"Assessor Zhang, if I may be so bold as to ask what your relationship with Wang Hao is..."
Ma Boyuan asked cautiously.
"Since you know it’s presumptuous, why ask?"
Zhang Xuepin glared at Ma Boyuan and then turned to Wang Hao with a smile.
"However, I don’t mind telling you. Our relationship is..."
Zhang Xuepin was about to say they were good friends, but he noticed Ma Boyuan and Chen Hongying giving him a strange look, as if they were eagerly anticipating his answer.
So he changed his words and said.
"Well, my son is currently being looked after by Wang Hao. He could be considered half a father to my son now, I suppose."
"Half a father? Could it be a godfather?"
Ma Boyuan’s eyes widened in shock; this relationship was far beyond that of ordinary friends.
If Wang Hao said a few words in front of Zhang Xuepin, coupled with Zhang Xuepin’s identity and status within Le Tian Group, it could indeed be possible to replace the Xiangbei store.
Just before, Ma Boyuan had spoken quite harshly, saying that Wang Hao’s company wouldn’t survive the next year’s procurement conference.
Now, a single sentence from Wang Hao might put the Xiangbei store out of business.
Ma Boyuan suddenly felt as if his face were on fire, as if he had been fiercely slapped twice.
Chen Hongying was also stamping her feet in anger. She had initially hoped to rely on Zhou Kun, but since Zhou Kun realized that the county head had a notable relationship with Wang Hao, he didn’t dare make a peep.
With all her hopes now placed on Ma Boyuan, the last thing she expected was for Zhang Xuepin to emerge, and for Wang Hao to be his son’s godfather. Now, in front of Zhang Xuepin, Ma Boyuan was as obsequious as a grandson before his grandfather, so there was no counting on him anymore.
"Mr. Wang, how do you do!"
Having learned of the relationship between Wang Hao and Zhang Xuepin, Ma Boyuan immediately put on a different face and started referring to Wang Hao respectfully as Mr. Wang.
Ma Boyuan, with a sycophantic smile, reached out his hand, hoping to shake hands with Wang Hao in hopes that Wang Hao would let bygones be bygones. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"I really can’t afford such treatment. Our company might not even survive the next year’s procurement meeting; I certainly wouldn’t want to spread this bad luck to Manager Ma."
Wang Hao said coldly.
"What you’re saying... I was just joking. Please don’t take it the wrong way, Mr. Wang!"
Seeing Wang Hao’s pointed remarks, Ma Boyuan hastily tried to extricate himself, shamelessly pleading.
"You don’t even collaborate with small, newly-founded companies like ours, so what’s the point of shaking hands?"
Wang Hao gave Ma Boyuan a dismissive glance.
"Collaborate! Of course we will collaborate!"
Ma Boyuan knew that Wang Hao was deliberately provoking him, but he had no choice; his own bluntness was to blame and now he could only look for an opportunity to recover the situation.
At this moment, Ma Boyuan was sweating profusely, looking at Wang Hao with a timid expression, not daring to breathe loudly, afraid that he might say another wrong word.
