Chapter Sixteen: The Journey to Shanghai

At that moment, Li Fengyu noticed Li Sen standing there in a daze and quickly jogged over, saying, “You’re here. We’ve all arrived and have been waiting for you.”

Li Sen pulled Li Fengyu aside and said quietly, “That must be Xiao Chen. He looks quite a bit like Yang Yang.”

Li Fengyu smiled slightly and replied, “Lin Chu plans to use a beauty tactic. Having good looks during negotiations is indeed an advantage. It’s harsh, but that’s the reality.”

Just then, Xiao Chen approached with a smile and introduced himself, “Secretary Li (Li Sen), Vice President Li (Li Fengyu, who was promoted to vice president after Lin Chu became president by smoothing over the shareholders), hello. My name is Chen Yuxuan. I’m twenty years old. Today, we’re heading to Shanghai together. I honestly didn’t expect that a marketing department employee like me would get to travel on a business trip with you. I’m grateful the organization gave me this opportunity, and I will do my best to perform well.”

Li Fengyu patted him on the shoulder and said, “Work hard. We see everyone’s efforts, and this time, your role is especially crucial.” Before Chen Yuxuan could grasp what he meant, Li Sen urged, “We should get going, or we’ll miss the high-speed train.”

Thus, the Shanghai trip officially began. Five hours later, they arrived in Shanghai. Upon exiting the station, the three were immediately awestruck by the city’s bustling grandeur. Although they had visited before, it had been a long time since their last trip. Towering skyscrapers dotted the skyline, streams of orderly traffic flowed like rivers, and even the streets were noticeably cleaner than in Xingtai. Foreigners strolled along the sidewalks as well. Li Fengyu remarked as they walked, “Shanghai truly is prosperous—no wonder it’s one of China’s most famous metropolises.”

Chen Yuxuan chimed in, “Indeed, Vice President. Shanghai, as a renowned financial hub of the Far East, boasts thriving industries and economic development. But ultimately, this is their home turf. I reviewed the information you gave me yesterday—Miss Gu studied abroad in the UK and returned home. Overseas-educated returnees like her often have a higher education and different etiquette and tastes. To ensure smooth negotiations, perhaps we should first probe a little and tailor our approach accordingly.”

Li Fengyu nodded as if enlightened. “You reminded me. We must be adaptable.”

At that moment, Li Sen added, “Our primary focus this trip is the iron ore trading issue. Ideally, we want a win-win outcome. If things get ugly, it’s us who will truly suffer.”

By then, they had reached the hotel they had booked: the Hilton. Chen Yuxuan was surprised. “Vice President, isn’t this a bit extravagant?”

Li Fengyu gave him a meaningful look. “What’s the big deal? It’s just a hotel. Let me tell you why we do business: to make money. Why make money? To enjoy life. Only when you truly enjoy life can you find greater motivation to earn more. Today, I’m treating you to stay at the Hilton, eating lobster and drinking red wine. That’s how I can provide you with a more luxurious lifestyle every day.”

Chen Yuxuan seemed to awaken from a dream. “So that’s it—the essence of making money!”

By then, Li Sen had already collected the room keys, and Li Fengyu and the others settled into the Hilton, finally feeling at ease. The business talks were scheduled for two days later, and during this interval, they needed to conduct thorough research and prepare everything meticulously.