Volume Two: The Path to Azure Clouds 30. The Sales Battlefield (Part Five)

After my shower, Lin Xiaolong still hadn’t returned. A sudden thought struck me: why was it such a coincidence that Lin Yuanyuan had come, and why had Lin Xiaolong insisted on going out tonight, leaving me all alone? Was it truly a coincidence, or was there some collusion between them? It was hard not to be suspicious.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Li Qiang. I picked up.

"Director Wang, it’s quite late. I hope I’m not disturbing your rest."

"Not at all. I was just about to turn in."

"Did you have any plans for the evening? I could have arranged something. I offered to take you to dinner earlier, but you were too modest."

"No need, I really am going to sleep. Is there something you need, Boss Li?"

"Actually, there are some things I wanted to discuss with you privately, but I was afraid it might be inconvenient. If now is a good time, I’ll just tell you over the phone."

"It’s fine. Go ahead."

"It’s like this: the matter we discussed today really depends on your help, Director Wang. Rest assured, I understand how things work. I’m a man with plenty of flaws, but I have one saving grace: I value loyalty and know how to return a favor. If you help me, you’ll be my benefactor, and I will certainly make it worth your while."

"Boss Li, it’s not that I don’t want to help, but I’m not the one calling the shots. I’m just an errand boy. The factory set these terms. I told you that today."

"There were some things I couldn't say today. Why don’t I take you out for a private dinner tomorrow?"

"That wouldn't be appropriate, would it? How would it look if I met you for dinner alone?"

"Since you put it that way, I understand. I’ll just say it over the phone then. How about this: whatever conditions you have, Director Wang, feel free to name them."

"I wouldn't dare. How could I possibly set conditions for you, Boss Li? If I were to ask for anything, it would be for your support in my work—that would be enough to make me grateful."

"Brother, I won't beat around the bush anymore. I’ll be direct: 0.5 percent. How does that sound?"

"What 0.5 percent?" I hadn't caught his drift.

"Director Wang, you’re playing coy, pretending not to understand. I mean, if you can find a way to keep our agency agreement under the original terms, we’ll give you a 0.5 percent rebate based on the total purchase volume. I think I’m being fair to you, don’t you? You can calculate for yourself just how much that adds up to in a year."

This Boss Li was far too calculating. He wanted to use a 0.5 percent kickback to secure benefits worth over a dozen percentage points. Not to mention whether the call was being recorded—if I accepted his terms, I would be under his thumb, subject to his blackmail forever. Besides, using my position for personal gain was a fundamental violation of my principles.

I calmed myself and said into the phone, "Boss Li, I’ve calculated it. The annual amount is enough to land me in prison for several years. I’m sorry, I’m just too cowardly for that."

"It’s not as serious as you make it sound, Director Wang. Would I ever harm you? I have ways to ensure that this income is handled in a reasonable and legal manner."

Reasonable and legal? Only a fool would believe that. Once things turned sour, everything would become damning evidence. If he had a way to make it look legitimate now, he would have a way to turn it into whatever evidence he needed when it suited him. Thinking of this, I insisted:

"I’ll say it again, Boss Li: I don’t have the authority. No matter how much you say, it won't change anything."

"I understand what you’re saying, but I just need a word from you. As long as you show some support when you’re back at the factory, that’s enough. Once this is done, what’s yours will remain yours." Li Qiang sounded remarkably confident on the other end of the line.

His words and attitude sent a chill through me. His tone implied that as long as I didn’t oppose him, there might be others ready to support his cause to achieve his goals. His current intent seemed to be that if I just gave my backing, he had ways to settle the rest. How could I not be shocked? What kind of complex, tangled web lay behind this? I didn't dare to think too deeply.

"Let me think about it."

"Then get some rest. I’ll wait for your good news." I gave a bitter smile to myself. Now there was yet another person waiting for my "good news."

Later, seeing that Lin Xiaolong still hadn't returned, I went to sleep. I don't even remember what time he finally came back.