"But we aren't at a disadvantage; we're just earning less. Let's stabilize this fellow first, and the rest will be easy to handle," Liu Yifeng let out a long sigh, reasonably satisfied with the outcome.
Lu Fei frowned. Although he disliked this result, it seemed to be the best one possible for now.
"It's just that I find it strange that only Zhang Jin and we knew about this. How did they find out? Did Zhang Jin tell them?" Lu Fei found the whole affair very peculiar.
Liu Yifeng, however, was unconcerned. "No matter who told them, I think it's much better to reveal it now than later. Even if this matter isn't exposed, it will be known eventually."
"That's true. But what I'm trying to say is that we're quite transparent in everything we do. I guess there's nothing trustworthy around us."
Lu Fei stroked his chin thoughtfully, feeling quite self-assured in his statement.
"If you were more careful in the future, you'd manage to keep some secrets," Liu Yifeng teased mercilessly, effectively taking him down a peg.
Lu Fei immediately scowled. "Let me tell you, don't think that just because I speak carelessly around you, I'm loose-lipped outside. My mouth is very tight when it matters."
He felt the need to defend himself. Such significant matters were not something he would blab about casually.
"I know your character. Let's leave the Pengzhou matter as it is. You follow up on the subsequent developments. If there are any more contract issues, just have them come directly to my office."
In the following days, they were busy dealing with contract matters. Everyone who knew about the situation brought their old contracts, seeking an explanation from him.
In reality, they preferred business partners who could provide both vegetables and meat. At least, this way, they wouldn't have to constantly switch suppliers, which was undoubtedly a beneficial arrangement.
Everyone also approved of Liu Yifeng's attitude and accepted his proposed cooperation plan.
With the recent surge in meat production, the butcher shops were quite pleased, as such developments were highly desirable.
"Oh, Mr. Liu, it's truly an honor to cooperate with you. If it weren't for you, my business might not have achieved this level of success."
Maren was swamped with work due to the increased production, and the profits were substantial. He was genuinely grateful to Liu Yifeng and seized the opportunity to visit him.
Seeing Maren's bald, shiny head and his excited demeanor as he discussed the matter, Liu Yifeng found him rather… greasy.
"Mr. Ma, you flatter me. This is standard procedure. After all, our vegetable production is very high, and you've offered me extremely favorable prices. If I didn't show you some profit, how could this cooperation last?"
He said this with a slight smile, assuming Maren would understand.
It seemed Maren had already given him a discount on the meat prices, yet Liu Yifeng acted as if there were no concessions at all. Even Lu Fei was unaware of this. Liu Yifeng's strategy was truly brilliant.
Everyone had been fooled by him. Seeing his reluctant expression, they all thought they had gotten the better end of the deal. He was indeed cunning.
"The key is that Mr. Liu also fulfilled his promise. This price is truly not a loss for me," Maren stated, quite satisfied with the current outcome.
So, they had conspired about this matter. It appeared Liu Yifeng had astutely understood Maren's situation at the time, leading him to devise this plan.
Due to their pricing, many were reluctant to cooperate with them, and even Zhang Jin was somewhat wary of their prices. However, their pork was undeniably good.
Liu Yifeng was quite pleased and came up with a plan: he made a promise. Maren would undoubtedly be eager for more businesses to cooperate with him. Looking at it now, it couldn't be more perfect.
He had solved Maren's difficulties and Maren was even pleased with the current situation. Furthermore, Liu Yifeng had kept his word, which was why Maren was so happy.
"Mr. Ma's meat is truly excellent. I hope you maintain this quality. Rest assured, cooperation will continue to pour in, and you won't have any idle periods. I hope you're prepared for sustained effort."
Hearing Liu Yifeng's words, Maren became even more delighted and nodded repeatedly.
After exchanging pleasantries, they both departed. Lu Fei, observing Maren's expression as he left, was very curious about what benefits Liu Yifeng had actually provided him.
"Are you hiding something from me?" Logically, with so many people demanding the same prices, Liu Yifeng must have been anxious and intended to negotiate with Mr. Ma. Who would have thought Mr. Ma would become happier as they talked?
This left him bewildered. He directly pushed open the office door.
"No. You know, we have many business partners, and he's naturally happy. It's better than him being idle and relying solely on his barbecue restaurant's business."
Lu Fei, somewhat convinced, scratched the back of his head, still feeling a bit lost.
Liu Yifeng watched Lu Fei's bewildered expression and couldn't help but find it amusing, shaking his head helplessly.
The day for Tongtong's parent-teacher meeting was fast approaching. Su Wanru had informed him about it two weeks ago, and now it was here.
"Daddy, you're dressed so formally today." Tongtong found Liu Yifeng looking very handsome in his suit, comparable to any current idol.
Liu Yifeng was actually quite nervous. Although he had spoken to teachers in kindergarten, this was different. This was for first grade, a much more formal occasion, and he felt a degree of anxiety.
"Of course, I have to be formal. This is Tongtong's first parent-teacher meeting in first grade. Due to my work, I haven't been able to fully understand your learning abilities. Now that it's the parent-teacher meeting, I need to understand properly."
Liu Yifeng knelt before Tongtong, speaking to him gently. Dressing formally represented his importance and seriousness towards Tongtong and the event.
Tongtong just laughed happily and then headed to school with Liu Yifeng.
Tongtong had initially wanted Su Wanru to go, but there was a problem at her Hundred Fruits Garden, so she had to inform Liu Yifeng at the last minute that she couldn't make it. He had to go alone.
Soon, their car arrived at the school.
Liu Yifeng slowly alighted from the car, observing many anxious parents walking towards the school with their children. They were dressed in various ways: casual everyday wear, suits like his, and even grandparents attending.