bestfiction Chapter 434 The Sword Hanging Over the Merchant's Head
Chapter 434 The Sword Hanging Over the Merchant's Head
"Mr. Chen is right. My principle in life has always been to be harmonious and peaceful. Developing our hometown is my duty, and I'll contribute money or effort as needed."
"It's just that sometimes when these great figures fight like gods, it's inevitable that some lowly soldiers will be accidentally injured, which is truly unfair."
Chen Wenxiong knew that Ye Xinghai was very clever and cunning, and he had always tried to get him on the same side, but Ye Xinghai always managed to fool him with a joke.
Sometimes Chen Wenxiong particularly despised Ye Xinghai. Despite having power and influence in his family, he was always hesitant and fearful, backing down at the slightest risk. As the eldest brother, he lacked the authority of an elder brother in front of his younger brother.
"Mr. Ye, why can't these big shots get along peacefully like businessmen? Why do they have to fight to the death? I think their ideological awareness isn't high enough."
"Since ancient times, officials and merchants have been one family. Merchants revitalize the economy, and the country becomes stronger. Look at those developed countries in Europe and America, aren't they all like that? And you don't hear about corruption or anything like that there."
Ye Xinghai came from a revolutionary family. He didn't actually agree with these words. When he was young, he was always confused as to why there were still kings and emperors in the world in modern civilization. According to his thinking at the time, these were the dregs of feudal society and should all be swept into the dustbin of history.
Even though he is not as radical as he was when he was young, he still believes that creating a privileged class in name only is unreasonable.
As a businessman, Ye Xinghai was well aware of the dangers of collusion between officials and businessmen. Even if it meant letting people flee the country with money, he did not want the collusion between officials and businessmen to be legalized. After all, having a sword hanging over one's head at all times would always instill a sense of awe in people.
"It seems Mr. Chen has a good understanding of the political landscape both domestically and internationally. I'm different; when the old man was still alive, he said I'd eventually become obsessed with money, and now it seems he was right."
"To be honest with Mr. Chen today, I'm easily satisfied and rather traditional. As long as I have some money and my wife and children are safe and sound, my life hasn't been in vain."
Chen Wenxiong could tell that Ye Xinghai was being very humble for his son's sake, but he was also very cunning, never directly answering his questions.
He had indeed learned about some large families in Europe and America, much like the powerful clans of ancient times, who lived in seclusion behind the scenes and could decide the direction of an entire country with a single word. Chen Wenxiong deeply envied this kind of politics that combined officialdom and business.
"President Ye, everyone wants to live a healthy and peaceful life, but there are always some people who claim to serve the people, wielding their power like a tiger, climbing over the corpses of others to get ahead. Their high-sounding words may sound nice, but they're just after promotions and riches."
"Such cold-blooded and ruthless people, who don't even recognize their own family, do you really think they can serve the people?"
Ye Xinghai was once full of passion in his youth, but in the end he could not resist the temptations of reality. He did not know whether those in high positions were truly selfless.
But he liked reading history. Throughout history, interest groups have been like a stubborn skin disease, deeply rooted and growing, eventually destroying the entire world.
If he is in a high position, as long as he still maintains some ideals, he must periodically eliminate certain interest groups; otherwise, everyone will be buried with him.
Emperor Taizong of Tang once said that water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Even though many people today may not agree with this statement, the underlying logic remains the same.
"Mr. Chen, to be honest, I truly empathize with him now."
"Serving the people is a great saying, but I certainly can't do it. That's why I've only become a small-time businessman."
Chen Wenxiong took a sip of tea. This Ye Xinghai was really as slippery as an eel. His words seemed to be trying to distance himself from Ye Xingguo, but he didn't tell the truth at all.
"It seems that President Ye still subscribes to the ancient social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, believing that merchants are always the lowest and most despicable, and that all merchants are unscrupulous."
How could he possibly berate himself? Ye Xinghai quickly explained, "President Chen, you've misunderstood. We live in a civilized society where equality is valued. Whether you're a businessman or a farmer, everyone earns their money through hard work."
Chen Wenxiong pointed at Ye Xinghai and couldn't help but laugh, "President Ye, you're not honest at all, you're just spouting empty words. I think someone like you is more suited for politics."
Damn it, if I were in politics and dared to lay a hand on my family, I'd skin you alive and show you what the power of brute force really is.
But Ye Xinghai only dared to think it to himself, still forcing a smile, "President Chen, you really can't blame me. I'm a timid person, how could I dare to comment on matters of national importance?"
Chen Wenxiong suddenly felt a little regretful. If Ye Xinghai and Ye Xingguo hadn't had this connection, this man would have been a good business partner.
"Mr. Ye, regardless, I still had a very pleasant chat with you today. I'll definitely inquire about your son's matter for you."
"But according to you, we live in a society governed by the rule of law where everyone is equal, and even nightclub hostesses have human rights."
"Of course, nothing is absolute. As long as people are willing to sit down and communicate properly, they can always find a mutually acceptable solution."
Ye Xinghai understood the unspoken meaning: the main point of contention still lay with Ye Xingguo. In short, only cooperation could lead to a win-win situation, but he still had to do what he was supposed to do.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Chen. Since you've participated in the bidding for the municipal highway project, I'll presume to ask for your services. I'll have someone retrieve the bid documents immediately."
Hearing this, Chen Wenxiong remained calm. It seemed that Ye Xinghai was really going all out for his son. Now that there was no strong competitor, the municipal highway was his prize.
"Mr. Ye, you don't need to do this at all. What I want to see most is a win-win cooperation."
No matter how much money he has, nothing is more important than his son's freedom. Ye Xinghai is a person who knows how to make choices very well.
"Mr. Chen, then I'll offer you this congratulations with tea instead of wine, and I also hope we'll have the opportunity to cooperate and achieve mutual benefit."
Chen Wenxiong laughed heartily, "President Ye, then I look forward to cooperating with you for mutual benefit as soon as possible."
Both men are seasoned veterans in the business world. Chen Wenxiong is bolder and more ruthless in his actions, while Ye Xinghai, perhaps due to his revolutionary family background, always maintains a sense of awe and crisis.
But he's not one to back down. If things get to the point of mutual destruction, Chen Wenxiong's son, Chen Zhilong, who lives abroad, won't have an easy time either. After all, foreign countries are a paradise for the rich, but also a paradise for criminals.
After leaving the restaurant, on his way home, Ye Xinghai thought it over and over and finally made a phone call to his younger brother.
"Xingguo, I just met with Chen Wenxiong and he withdrew from the bid for the municipal road project. No matter what he does, it's all for Alang's sake."
Ye Xingguo was silent for a while on the other end of the phone. He knew that his elder brother was worried about his nephew's situation. However, his competitors were watching his every word and action closely, and he could not afford to be careless and give them an opportunity to take advantage of him.
"Brother, I understand you're angry, but I hope you trust the law."