Chapter 49: Chapter 49: A glimmer of hope in despair
"Hello, Mr. Dai. I heard that you are looking for a new supplier of raw materials?" The voice on the other end of the phone sounded a little strange, but the tone was very confident. "Maybe I can help you."
Dai Shiya's heart moved, as if she had grasped a life-saving straw, and she asked anxiously: "You are..."
"My name is Liu Kai, and I'm the head of a small chemical company," the other party said calmly, but with an inexplicable confidence. "Although our company is small, it is also well-known in the industry. We specialize in the research and development of environmentally friendly cosmetic raw materials."
"Environmentally friendly cosmetic raw materials?" Dai Shiya's eyes lit up. This was exactly what she urgently needed. "Can you give me a detailed introduction?"
In the following time, Liu Kai introduced their company's products and technological advantages in detail, and said that he could send samples for Dai Shiya to try.
After hanging up the phone, Dai Shiya held the phone excitedly, feeling that the fog in front of her eyes seemed to have dissipated a little. If what Liu Kai said was true, then he was undoubtedly a hope in the current predicament.
"How is it? Have you found a suitable supplier?" Wei Qing asked hurriedly after seeing Dai Shiya finish the call.
"Well, someone who claimed to be from a small chemical company contacted me and said that he could provide high-quality environmentally friendly raw materials." Dai Shiya briefly explained Liu Kai's situation.
"A small chemical company?" Wei Qing frowned. "Are you sure it's reliable? Could it be a trap set by Mr. Zhou?"
Dai Shiya's heart trembled. Wei Qing's reminder made her realize that she seemed to be too happy too early. In the current situation, nothing could rule out the possibility that Mr. Zhou was interfering.
"Your concerns are not without reason," Dai Shiya calmed down and analyzed seriously, "but if we give up any opportunity because we are afraid of risks, we will only be passive and vulnerable forever."
"What you mean is..." Wei Qing looked at Dai Shiya and vaguely guessed what she meant.
"I want to meet this Liu Kai," Dai Shiya said with a firm look, "Seeing is believing, hearing is not. Only after personal contact can we make a judgment."
A few days later, Dai Shiya came to Liu Kai's company as agreed. It was a small factory, but the factory was clean and tidy, the production equipment was relatively advanced, and the management was standardized.
Liu Kai warmly received Dai Shiya and took her to visit the factory and laboratory. In the laboratory, Dai Shiya witnessed with her own eyes the environmentally friendly raw materials they developed, and all indicators were indeed better than similar products on the market.
"Mr. Dai, what do you think of our products?" Liu Kai asked confidently.
"The product is indeed good," Dai Shiya nodded, and then changed the subject, "But I want to know why you chose to cooperate with us?"
Liu Kai smiled and said, "Because I see your determination, Mr. Dai, and I also see the potential of your company..."
He paused, looked at Dai Shiya with deep eyes, and said slowly: "Of course, the premise of cooperation is that we need to sign a special agreement..."
As soon as Liu Kai finished speaking, the office fell into silence. Dai Shiya frowned slightly, her mind churning. She understood that behind this "special agreement" was Liu Kai's real purpose.
"What does the special agreement that Mr. Liu mentioned mean?" Dai Shiya asked calmly.
Liu Kai picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly: "It's very simple. I need your company to become the exclusive agent of our products, and in the next five years, all environmentally friendly raw materials must be purchased from our company."
Dai Shiya knew clearly that behind this seemingly attractive condition, there were huge risks. Once she agreed, the company would be firmly tied to this small enterprise and its future development would be restricted.
"Mr. Liu, I need to consider your conditions carefully." Dai Shiya did not agree immediately, but declined tactfully.
"Of course, this is as it should be." Liu Kai seemed to have expected this, with a confident smile on his face, "I believe you will make a wise choice."
After leaving Liu Kai's company, Dai Shiya was full of contradictions. Liu Kai's product was indeed the best choice at the moment, but the conditions he proposed were also difficult for her to accept.
Just when Dai Shiya was worried about the raw materials, Wei Qing received a piece of news. She found out about a retired engineer who was once an authority in the cosmetics industry and had in-depth research on environmentally friendly raw materials.
"I have contacted this old gentleman, and he agreed to meet with us tomorrow." Wei Qing said with a hint of excitement in her tone.
The next day, Dai Shiya and Wei Qing went to the old engineer's home as agreed. The old man was named Professor Zhang. Although he was over 70 years old, he was energetic and quick-witted.
After listening to Dai Shiya's introduction to the company's products and technical problems, Professor Zhang pondered for a moment and slowly said, "I also studied the problems you encountered when I was young..."
Professor Zhang analyzed the current technical bottlenecks and solutions for environmentally friendly raw materials from a professional perspective. His unique insights opened the eyes of Dai Shiya and Wei Qing.
"Professor Zhang, do you mean that we can improve the environmental performance of our products by improving the production process?" Dai Shiya asked excitedly.
"It's feasible in theory, but it's very difficult to implement in practice." Professor Zhang shook his head, "Moreover, it requires a lot of money and time investment."
Dai Shiya and Wei Qing looked at each other and saw hope in each other's eyes. If they could get the technical support of Professor Zhang, they would have the opportunity to break the technical blockade of Zhou Group and develop truly competitive products.
"Professor Zhang, are you willing to help us?" Dai Shiya said sincerely, "Although our company is facing difficulties now, I believe..."
"Child, I know what you want to say." Professor Zhang interrupted Dai Shiya and looked at her deeply. "I am old and no longer have the energy to participate in commercial competition, but I can give you my research results. I hope it will be helpful to you."
Professor Zhang took out a thick stack of information from his study and handed it to Dai Shiya. Dai Shiya took it with both hands, her heart full of gratitude and admiration. She knew that this was not just a research document, but also the expectation and inheritance of the older generation of scientific researchers to the young people.
After leaving Professor Zhang's house, Dai Shiya and Wei Qing immediately plunged into intense research. With the information provided by Professor Zhang and their own efforts, the research and development of new products has made breakthrough progress. At the same time, Dai Shiya is also actively looking for other breakthroughs. She knows that relying solely on technical advantages is not enough to turn the tide, and the market and reputation are equally important.
Dai Shiya decided to start with public welfare activities to reshape the company's image. She contacted local environmental protection organizations, sponsored a series of environmental protection public welfare activities, and personally led the team to participate in them. Dai Shiya's sincere attitude and practical actions gradually won the recognition and favor of the public, and the reputation of the company's products began to slowly recover.
However, the market's reaction was not as fast as expected. Zhou Group's suppression and low-price strategy still made Dai Shiya's company difficult to move forward. Looking at the company's decreasing funds on the books, Dai Shiya was anxious, but she had no idea what to do.
At the family meeting, Dai Shiya reported the company's current situation and future plans. As expected, family members shook their heads and sighed, expressing concerns about her ability and prospects.
"Shiya, it's not that the uncles and aunts don't want to help you, but the business world is changing rapidly. Why should you, a girl, work so hard?"
"Yes, if you really can't hold on, just come back. There will always be a place for you in the family business."
Listening to these seemingly caring but actually contemptuous words, Dai Shiya felt a sense of unwillingness to admit defeat.
"My dear uncles, I know what you are worried about, but I believe that as long as I am given time, I can prove my ability!" Dai Shiya said firmly, "I have found a new technological breakthrough and am actively exploring the market. Please give me another chance, and I will definitely lead the company out of the predicament!"
Dai Shiya's persistence and hard work finally gave the family members a glimmer of hope. In the end, they decided to give Dai Shiya one last financial support and let her give it a try.
Holding the bank card in her hand, Dai Shiya took a deep breath, her eyes full of determination. She knew that this was her last chance, and she had to seize the opportunity, but ahead...
Dai Shiya tightly held the bank card in her hand. It was not just a card, but a heavy burden that made her breathless. The support at the family meeting did not make her feel relieved, but increased the responsibility on her shoulders. The last ray of hope was like a candle swaying in the wind, which could go out at any time.
"Shiya, don't worry, we can do it." Wei Qing held Dai Shiya's cleavage to give her strength.
"Well, let's work together." Dai Shiya took a deep breath and suppressed her anxiety in her heart.
The research and development of new products has been put on track, but market promotion is difficult. Zhou Group's suppression is pervasive and has almost blocked all large channels. Dai Shiya can only turn her attention to those neglected small suppliers, hoping to open up the situation with a more flexible cooperation method.
"Mr. Dai, we understand your difficulties, but the payment for this batch of goods..." On the other end of the phone, the small supplier's voice was full of hesitation and uneasiness.
"Don't worry, we will pay the purchase price on time. I can guarantee you that." Dai Shiya explained patiently, trying to dispel the other party's concerns.
"But..." The other party hesitated to speak.
Dai Shiya keenly sensed that the other party seemed to have something to hide, so she said, "How about we meet and talk? Is it convenient for you tomorrow morning?"
"This..." The other party was silent for a moment, and finally agreed to meet.
The next day, Dai Shiya arrived at the coffee shop where she had agreed to meet with the small supplier. The other party was a middle-aged man with obvious anxiety and uneasiness on his face.
"Mr. Dai, you must help us!" When the man saw Dai Shiya, he immediately stood up and his tone was almost pleading.
"Don't be anxious, talk slowly." Dai Shiya handed the other person a cup of coffee, signaling him to calm down.
The man took a deep breath and slowly said something that Dai Shiya didn't expect: "We...we were forced to refuse to cooperate with you..."