Hong Kong Island Chronicles: From Electrical Appliances King to Business Legend

Chapter 66: Trouble Encounters at the Door, Endless Turmoil

Two or three minutes later...

Li Jiagang then slowly began to speak.

What are your thoughts on this?

"Chairman, there's no doubt, it was definitely the work of other washing machine distributors in Hong Kong," Huo Jianning replied without hesitation.

"Yes, Chairman," Li Haiming chimed in, "all washing machine retailers are offering a 50% discount, and at the same time, our company has been plagued by so many problems. The situation is quite clear."

"But I need evidence."

"Only with evidence can I give them the chance to shoot themselves in the foot."

“Of course,” Li Jiagang’s gaze sharpened, “I could easily do the same thing as them, resorting to underhanded tactics.” He turned to look at Huo Jianning and the other woman: “If I did that, who would dare to do business with me in the future?”

"They can disregard everything, but I have to consider the company's future."

Huo Jianning and Li Haiming nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

"What do you think I should do to retaliate?" Li Jiagang turned to look at the two of them.

His question was actually directed at Fok Kin-ning. Historical records show that this general who followed Li Ka-shing not only had exceptional business development capabilities and a long-term vision, but also...

Negotiation and crisis management are also among his strengths, which is why he asked this question.

Huo Jianning was slightly taken aback, then a smile appeared on his lips: "Chairman, I think it's not about retaliating, but about crushing them."

"Not a counterattack, but a complete rout?"

Upon hearing this, he immediately showed great interest.

"Could you elaborate on your thoughts?"

"We'll engage with the orthodox and win with the unorthodox," Huo Jianning responded calmly, yet with a hint of ruthlessness. "They want to wage a price war, so we'll wage a quality war. They spread rumors, so we'll let the facts speak for themselves. Tomorrow, we'll hold a press conference, not to clarify, but to take the initiative."

"I believe this incident is not a crisis for the company, but rather an opportunity to vindicate the product."

"Chairman, I suggest we hold a public press conference tomorrow, and invite authoritative experts from the testing and inspection bureau to come and personally conduct the most dangerous tests on our products to prove the quality issues of our washing machines."

"As for our partners and material suppliers," Huo Jianning revealed a cold smile, "they've given us a perfect reason to make the acquisition."

"I've reviewed the contracts with our partners and material suppliers. There's still an order for 17 washing machines that hasn't been fulfilled. Once we get evidence that they did breach the contract, the amount of money, plus the penalty, and the issue of their integrity, will be something they can't afford."

Upon hearing this, Li Jiagang's eyes lit up.

His eyes were filled with surprise; he couldn't believe that Huo Jianning, at such a young age, had grown to this extent.

It can only be described as terrifying.

To be honest, Li Jiagang thought about how to fight back against those washing machine retailers, but he didn't take his partners and material suppliers into account.

Now, hearing Huo Jianning's words...

Li Jiagang immediately understood his meaning and also agreed with his idea; it was feasible.

Indeed, if he obtains evidence of deliberate breach of contract by these partners and material suppliers, he will remain steadfast and uncompromising. If a lawsuit is initiated, they will undoubtedly lose.

Based on the order amount and the penalty for breach of contract, such a large sum is enough to bankrupt these companies, and it is indeed possible that he will acquire these companies and make them his business.

If he acquires all these companies at once, then a large part of the complete industrial chain of his electronics company will be completed. At that time, he only needs to develop the electronic component factory, and then his electronics company can be self-sufficient.

"Hahaha……."

"Getting Jianning is like Liu Bei getting Zhuge Liang!" Li Jiagang laughed heartily as he stepped forward and patted Huo Jianning on the shoulder.

"You flatter me, Chairman."

"Jianning, there's no need to be modest," he then emphasized, looking firmly into Huo Jianning's eyes, "Are you confident in handling this matter?"

"I promise I won't let the chairman down."

"Okay, okay..."

Huo Jianning and the others left shortly afterward.

Li Jiagang was alone in his office, pondering how he should deal with those people afterward.

He couldn't reveal his methods for dealing with Huo Jianning and the others in front of them, but since they had already come to his doorstep, how could he not retaliate?

If we just defend and avoid conflict, will everyone think that Lijiagang is easy to bully, and will no one care about him?

Li Jiagang certainly didn't want this to happen, so he had to use them as a sacrifice.

He wanted others to know that Lijiagang was not someone to be trifled with.

"Perfect, I'll use you as a test of my authority."

Li Jiagang has already made up his mind.

Before we knew it, it was two o'clock in the afternoon.

At this time, everyone in all departments of Lijiagang Company was still actively working on the problem.

In Causeway Bay, at the Legend Appliances flagship store, which used to be the most popular store for Legend's washing machines, a crowd of people had gathered.

"Give me my money back! We want my money back!"

"Legendary Appliances is a fraud, selling inferior products and trying to cheat us ordinary people."

"Yes! Give me back my hard-earned money!"

A dozen or so men, women, and children, holding banners, were crying and making a scene at the store entrance. Surrounding them was a group of thugs who were clearly members of a triad.

At the same time, it quickly attracted many onlookers and reporters who came after hearing the news.

"What happened?" Store manager Chen Zhiming rushed out, covered in sweat.

"What's going on? Look at your stuff!" A menacing young man pointed at the washing machine they had brought over and shouted, "I only bought it ten days ago, and after using it for a few days, it started leaking and causing an electrical fault. Not only did it flood my floor, but it also caught fire! You're trying to kill me!"

"Yeah, the one I bought was as noisy as a tractor, and my child was so scared he cried!" another man chimed in.

Chen Zhiming's face turned ashen. He could tell at a glance that these people were not genuine customers seeking redress, but were clearly there to cause trouble.

He was angry, but he remembered the company's orders that no matter who came to complain or inquire, he had to be patient and polite.

So even though he knew they were there to cause trouble, he suppressed his anger. After all, they were carrying his company's products; if he started a conflict with the customer without understanding the situation, what would the bystanders think, and what would the reporters write?

"I'm sorry, customer," he quickly stepped forward to greet them politely, "If there is a real problem with our products, we will take full responsibility."

"Perfect timing! Our company's testing personnel are here. I'll inspect your machine in public right away, and we'll address any issues immediately. How about that?"

In fact, Chen Zhiming had already seen them bring over the "leaking" washing machine and found that the sealing ring at the drain pipe interface was loose and had not been properly fixed, which clearly indicated that someone had tampered with it.

Therefore, he concluded that the machine must have been tampered with, and that by testing it in public, he could understand everything and expose their lies.

"Inspect what?" one of the men asked, clearly flustered. "You manufactured the machine, you don't even know anything about it, so won't you just be able to say whatever you want?"

"Please don't get excited, everyone," Chen Zhiming replied with a smile. "There are so many people watching, and reporters are also witnessing this, so please rest assured."

"Yes, we've all been watching."

"That's right, there are reporters here. What are they afraid of? If there's a real problem, would they dare to deny it?"

"You're not allowing testing because you have something to hide. I also bought a Legend brand washing machine, but I haven't had any of the problems you're talking about. On the contrary, this washing machine is really great."

"Yes, yes, I bought one too. I haven't encountered the problems they mentioned. It's very convenient."

"Me too. I was scared half to death when I saw the news this morning. I took leave from work and went home, but when I got home, nothing happened. It was perfectly normal."

"This is nothing. My child accidentally spilled a bowl of water all over the washing machine this morning, and the water even got inside. I thought it was the end of me, but it turned out there was no problem at all. I called customer service, and someone came to check it up shortly afterward and said there was no problem. I feel very safe."

Among the crowd of onlookers were many customers who had purchased washing machines. Hearing their comments warmed Chen Zhiming's heart and gave him a strong sense of confidence.

"Come on, let's get the test done right away."

Before the troublemaking customers could react, several technicians went up to test the machine. The troublemakers, seeing the onlookers pointing and whispering about them, dared not say anything more and all looked at the young man who was leading the group.

The young man in the lead remained silent and dared not stop them. He watched the technicians conduct the tests with a hint of panic on his face.