Chapter 71: The Mayor's Visit and the Isolated Toy Factory

“What, Ding Yan is working with him too?!” In the hotel, Chen Yuanhua was dumbfounded when he heard the news, and Xu Kuangdao beside him turned sullen as well.

Their mood was like preparing for a fight—seeds, drinks, and little stools all ready—only for the quarrelers to suddenly make up, casting strange looks at them as if to ask, “What were you expecting?”

“I always felt that kid was a bit odd, but I didn’t expect him to be this uncanny!” Xu Kuangdao frowned and said, “Brother, could he be a feng shui master? Seafaring folks are always devoted to Mazu.”

“Who knows!” Chen Yuanhua exhaled, pinching his nose. “No matter, let’s just pretend this person doesn’t exist.”

“So are we still going to get back at that brat? With Ding Yan helping him, it’ll be much harder.”

“I actually hope he gets Ding Yan involved!”

Seeing Chen Yuanhua’s animated expression, Xu Kuangdao thought for a moment, then asked, “Brother, just tell me directly.”

“The Canton Fair!”

Xu Kuangdao froze for a second, then let out a cold laugh.

He gave a thumbs up. “You’re as sharp as ever!”

The Canton Fair, formally known as the China Import and Export Fair, was established on April 25, 1957.

Each spring and autumn, it is held in coastal cities. It’s the country’s oldest, highest-level, largest, most diverse, and most successful comprehensive international trade event, drawing the widest range of buyers from around the globe.

It is lauded as “the country’s number one exhibition.”

In the early days, the nation relied on this event to earn foreign exchange reserves. By now, it has become a badge of honor: once a product is sold abroad, a little publicity is all it takes for sales to soar.

It’s not that people are obsessed with foreign markets, but exporting products represents higher standards of production, craftsmanship, and technology.

If you’re going to spend money, you might as well buy the best.

Participation in the Canton Fair is highly sought after, but not just any business can attend; qualifications are required.

For a small town like Tangwan, whose economy is driven by factories, there are on average only four spots for the Canton Fair each year—two in the first half, two in the second.

If Zhang Tianfeng wants to compete for a spot, he’ll have to meet, negotiate, or even collaborate with other local factories. But those factories are already in Xu Kuangdao’s hands, so any contact will only make Zhang look bad.

If at that point he asks Ding Yan to intervene, it would be like stepping on a landmine, forcing the factory bosses to unite and shut him out.

In that scenario, Zhang Tianfeng would be lucky to escape unscathed.

If he doesn’t go after the spot, they’ll have to come up with another plan.

“For now, all we can do is wait and see if he bites.”

“We’ll wait. Brother, you rest here. I’m going to Zhucheng to see my son.”

“Alright, let’s stay in touch.”

......

Ding Yan’s arrival was a wake-up call for Zhang Tianfeng.

He realized he didn’t know how many people had their eyes on his factory, and he needed to stay on the premises at all times, or else trouble might arise.

After lunch, he went to the factory alone, sitting in his office under the air conditioning, sorting through paperwork and reflecting on everything that had happened.

Of the five key elements for a factory—capital, workers, materials, production capacity, and sales channels—he had already secured three. Only production capacity and sales channels remained.

He racked his brain but still couldn’t recall any knowledge about machinery from the little island nation.

“If only I’d watched fewer documentaries,” Zhang Tianfeng muttered in frustration, slamming his fist on the desk—startling someone who had just walked past the door.

“Is the director angry?”

“No idea, he seemed fine earlier.”

Hearing the whispers outside, Zhang Tianfeng called out, “Who’s out there?”

“Director, the mayor is here to see you on the roof,” came Zhong Xiaoyi’s voice from outside.

Why is the mayor here all of a sudden?

Puzzled, Zhang Tianfeng got up and opened the door. Standing outside was a silver-haired old man in a dress shirt, with Zhong Xiaoyi beside him wearing a construction helmet.

“Mayor, correct? I’m Zhang Tianfeng. Please, come in and have a seat; it’s hot outside.”

Once the mayor was inside, Zhang Tianfeng whispered, “Go buy two bottles of water for me, and be quick.”

“Alright, boss, just a moment~”

With the door closed, Zhang Tianfeng saw the mayor pacing the room with his hands behind his back. Smiling, he said, “Renovations aren’t finished yet, so things are still a bit rough. Please don’t mind, Mayor.”

“A talented person coming out of Tangwan Town—why would I mind?” the old man replied, turning around. “My name is Ji Heng. I’ve served as mayor of Tangwan for thirty years, and you’re the most capable young man I’ve ever met.”

“You easily sent Zhou Yuancong and Wang Qi to jail after their misdeeds.”

“Now your factory is being targeted, yet you’re handling it with ease and still expanding. Remarkable.”

“You flatter me, Mayor. It’s thanks to your management that Tangwan runs so smoothly, giving people like me room to thrive,” Zhang Tianfeng said modestly.

“People say you’re a blade with your edge exposed—anyone who looks at you gets cut,” Ji Heng smiled. “But seeing you now, you’re not as arrogant as they claim.”

“Friends are always welcome. For enemies, I keep my sword ready. I’ve always been ruthless to those who cross me. I suppose you heard about me from those I’ve defeated?” Zhang Tianfeng said calmly.

Ji Heng shook his head with a chuckle. “Young man, I’m not here to oppose you this time. I’ve come to give you some advice—sometimes, it’s wise to hide your edge.”

“I’m too stubborn to bow; if someone wants me to yield, they’ll have to break me first,” Zhang Tianfeng narrowed his eyes. “If you came to make me back down, there’s no need to continue.”

“I wasn’t planning to. I just want to ask—do you want your factory to participate in the Canton Fair?”

“The Canton Fair? Of course I do!”

“The rules in Tangwan are that only the four best-performing and highest-taxpaying factories get to go each year.”

“Your Blue Square Toy Factory is in a bit of trouble right now. If you want to make it to the Canton Fair, you’ll have to work even harder.”

Zhang Tianfeng nodded. “I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Mayor. I’m determined to secure that spot.”

Determined? It won’t be that easy.

According to Ji Heng’s information, Zhang Tianfeng’s Blue Square Toy Factory had already been ostracized by the other factories.

He had planned to say as much, but Zhang’s attitude was too forceful—saying more would only breed suspicion.

“Never mind, it’s good for a young man to hit a few walls—keeps him humble,” Ji Heng thought.

With that, he said, “I’ll be off now. If you need anything, find me at the east entrance of town.”

“Take care, Mayor.”

After seeing Ji Heng off, Zhang Tianfeng returned to his office and swept all the papers off his desk.

The Canton Fair—this was his key to breaking into foreign markets. No matter what, he had to secure it.