Chapter 2117 We Must Take Steady Steps

“Yes, it’s the Miyazaki family.” Gao Changyuan nodded with certainty. “Whether in Africa, South America, or Australia, the Miyazaki family is a formidable competitor to us. Over the years, our competition has been a back-and-forth affair, with both sides winning and losing.”

Pi Yangyang's eyes flashed, and he asked with some curiosity, "I heard that someone from the Miyazaki family's ancestors participated in the war of aggression back then, and was even promoted to lieutenant general for his military achievements. Is that true?"

Gao Changyuan said with some surprise, "It seems Chairman Pi is quite familiar with that period of history. It's true. You could say that decades ago, the Miyazaki family was already our mortal enemy. To this day, they are still competing with us and even trying to illegally mine rare earth minerals within our country..."

"Chairman Gao, what's the current status of the African iron ore project you mentioned?"

Pi Yangyang suddenly asked.

Gao Changyuan said, "Currently, besides us and the Miyazaki family contacting their local departments, we are also in contact with the Jung family of South Korea. The Jung family is one of the top ten conglomerates in their country, and its steel group is one of the world's leading large steel companies. In addition, steel companies from India, Europe, and other countries are also keeping an eye on things."

"However, the only real competitors are the Zheng family and the Miyazaki family. We have already made initial contact, and they are very interested in our joining. After all, our company has done so many projects in Africa, and our engineering quality and after-sales service are evident to all."

"Therefore, I think we have a pretty good chance of success."

Pi Yangyang seemed to agree with these words.

But the business world is like a battlefield, constantly changing.

Africa is not like China; there are many uncontrollable factors that could change the other party's decision at any time.

"I'm not too worried about the others, but we must be wary of the Miyazaki family."

After a moment, Gao Changyuan said somewhat seriously.

Pi Yangyang asked calmly, "What do you mean?"

"The Miyazaki family is powerful, backed by the Japanese military-industrial conglomerate, and has a strategic partnership with the Hengchuan family, so they are indeed very competitive," Gao Changyuan replied. "Currently, the Miyazaki family has sent a super team stationed in Africa. Its leader is hailed as the fourth-generation business genius of the Miyazaki family, the eldest grandson of Miyazaki Akinori, named Miyazaki Kotaro."

"Miyazaki Kotaro?" Pi Yangyang couldn't help but smile slightly. "Is he really that good?"

Gao Changyuan solemnly said, "He entered Harvard Business School at the age of seventeen and went on to complete his MBA. Then he returned to his family and took over the family's car company. In less than a year, the car company, which had been losing money continuously, was turned around and became profitable under his leadership."

"Miyazaki Akinobu promoted him to the group headquarters, making him the president of the group's foreign affairs department, mainly responsible for the expansion of foreign business. His team is also very outstanding. His assistant, Marcus Weir, is known as a negotiation genius. He originally served the Luo family. Later, the Miyazaki family brought him into their fold with an extremely high salary and a certain number of shares."

"In addition, there is their legal team, which is composed of world-renowned lawyers. One of them is even Chinese, the legal director of the Miyazaki family, named Natoshuang. It is said that his ancestors were great lawyers during the Qing Dynasty, so this can be considered a family tradition for him."

Pi Yangyang remained calm throughout, and after listening, he said, "Their team may indeed be very capable. But business is about making a profit, not about whether they are capable or not, just because they are capable doesn't mean others will cooperate with them."

"The Japanese have always liked to play dirty tricks, and many of their methods are shady. Moreover, Japan's domestic economy has been sluggish in recent years, and it has been on a downward trend. Their prime ministers have been changing frequently, so it's only a matter of time before political instability occurs."

"When others seek cooperation, their primary concern is stability. No country can compare to our environment in this regard. So, they have their strengths, and we have our advantages. I believe that everything depends on human effort, and no one knows the outcome until the final showdown."

Gao Changyuan breathed a sigh of relief and said approvingly, "Chairman Pi, what you said was very inspiring. I was a little worried at first, but now it seems that my worries were unnecessary. In that case, let's go all out and never give up until the very last moment."

Pi Yangyang asked, "When does Chairman Gao plan to go to Africa?"

"About a week from now, we're still making plans," Gao Changyuan said. "Moreover, the other party has clearly stated that the debate meeting will be held in ten days to preliminarily determine the cooperation partner."

Pi Yangyang nodded, "Okay, I'll go with you then."

“That’s exactly what I meant,” Gao Changyuan said happily. “There are some things that are indeed difficult for us state-owned companies to discuss. But it’s different for you; you can speak freely.”

Although Pi Yangyang felt that Gao Changyuan's idea was somewhat of a way to take advantage of him, he didn't care.

At least Gao Changyuan spoke out openly and honestly, which shows that he is a person with a clear conscience.

At this moment, Xu Lin personally came to the private room and asked if the dishes could be served.

Pi Yangyang nodded and said, "Let's go."

"By the way, President Su just sent over a few boxes of tea, saying that the chairman specifically requested them. I've already placed them on the bar."

Xu Lin then reported.

"Yes, that's for Chairman Gao. I'll put it in his car later."

Pi Yangyang said.

Xu Lin answered and then turned to arrange for the dishes to be served.

"Chairman Pi, thank you very much."

Gao Changyuan said gratefully.

"You're too kind. It's just a few boxes of tea, nothing expensive. If you like it, Mr. Gao, please give me a call anytime and I'll send someone to deliver it to you."

Pi Yangyang said.

"No need. Just like we said before, you let me know when it opens, and I'll come and familiarize myself with the place."

Gao Changyuan laughed heartily and said in a cheerful tone.

Soon, the waiters started serving the dishes, filling the table to the brim.

"Chairman Gao, these are all standard Southern dishes. The chefs are all from Qingjiang. Please try them and see if they suit your taste?"

Pi Yangyang turned a plate of fish to Gao Changyuan and stopped, saying politely.

Gao Changyuan said, "Chairman Pi, even though I've always lived in the north, I really love southern cuisine, especially Chu cuisine. Today I'm going to have a real feast..."

He then raised his glass and said, "Thank you, Chairman Pi, for your warm hospitality. I also wish our second collaboration a complete success. Cheers..."

This meal was a great time for both host and guest.

Before leaving after the meal, Gao Changyuan said to Pi Yangyang, "Chairman Pi, let's find some time to discuss our cooperation. You can choose the time."

Without much thought, Pi Yangyang said directly, "Let's do it the day after tomorrow. I'll send someone to Guanghui Group."

"Okay, then it's settled."

Gao Changyuan was a little tipsy, waved his hand, and got into the car.

After Gao Changyuan's car drove away, Lan Bowen finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Chairman, we just won the Xingyi Industrial Park project and need a lot of funds. Isn't it a bit hasty to agree to cooperate with Guanghui Group at this time?"

Pi Yangyang said calmly, "Don't worry about the funding, I'll take care of it. This mining trip to Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we can't miss it. Especially since this mine has been eyed by the Miyazaki family, we can't let them succeed!"

Lan Bowen immediately understood that the main reason Pi Yangyang agreed to cooperate with Guanghui Group was because of the Miyazaki family.

"Alright, since the chairman has made his decision, I won't say anything more. Rest assured, we will definitely carry out the chairman's decision."

Lan Bowen understood and immediately expressed his opinion.

Pi Yangyang hummed in agreement and said, "Get ready, take Sister Qiu and the Marketing Manager with you. We're going to Guanghui Group the day after tomorrow to discuss cooperation. Don't set our target too high, just enough to hold more than 20%. This is our first step into this industry, and we must take it steadily."

Lan Bowen nodded. "Understood."

"Let's go back to the company."

Pi Yangyang waved his hand, got into his car, and returned to the company.

Just then, a private plane belonging to the Miyazaki family slowly landed at the Beijing airport.