Chapter 37: Quiet Deals, Loud Roads
The Counterattack Rolls On
Haotian didn't let the Wenzhou demo go unanswered. Within days, they rented a main road billboard:
"Why risk it? Ride Falcon Z — Proven Safety."
They even staged a photo of a Light Rider pulled to the side of a highway, the rider looking frustrated — a not-so-subtle dig.
Li Wei slammed the paper on Rui's desk. "They're not even pretending anymore."
Rui nodded calmly. "Then we make noise they can't drown out. Let's take the demo to their cities."
Walking the Land
Between PR skirmishes, Rui found himself standing on a weed-covered plot just outside Kaiyuan city limits.
The land agent pointed with his umbrella. "Three thousand square meters, good truck access, close to the main road. Needs leveling, but the foundation's solid."
Li Wei whistled. "We could double production and still have room for expansion."
Rui knelt, scooping up a handful of dirt. Heavy, damp — good for a stable base. "If the bank says yes, this could be our future."
A Whisper from the Enemy's Camp
That evening, while Rui was going over delivery schedules, his phone buzzed. The caller ID was unknown.
A low voice spoke: "This is Mr. Gao from Mingzhou. I… handle Haotian's dealership there. Let's just say I'm not happy with how they treat us."
Rui straightened in his chair. "And what do you want from Kaiyuan?"
"A quiet deal. Supply me fifty units a month. I'll clear shelf space for you without anyone noticing — for now."
It was risky. If Haotian found out, Gao's career — and Rui's secret foothold in Mingzhou — could both go up in smoke.
Decision at Dusk
As the sun set, Rui stood at the factory gates, watching workers clock out.
In one hand, the dirt from the land plot.
In the other, Gao's number scribbled on paper.
Growth meant taking chances — on land, on people, and on winning a fight Haotian thought they owned.