That night, by the Jialing River.
A Private Kitchen Restaurant house built on the water.
The 270-degree arc Floor-to-Ceiling Window here offers a panoramic view of the Jialing River night scene, with the river sparkling in the night.
There are only two people in Private Room - Zhao Chen and Song Zhongping.
"Mr. Song, thank you for your support at today's meeting."
Zhao Chen raises the glass, Red Wine in the glass glows with deep red luster under the light.
Song Zhongping leaned forward slightly and clinked glasses with Zhao Chen:
"Chairman Zhao You're welcome. I just said what I needed to say and did what I needed to do."
The two drank it all in one gulp.
The waiter quietly finished the appetizers and exited Private Room, ensuring not to disturb the guests' conversation.
"About auditing and quality evaluation,"
Zhao Chen was cutting the foie gras on the plate with a casual tone,
"Follow-up progress may encounter resistance. What suggestions does Mr. Song have?"
Song Zhongping put down his knife and fork with a serious expression:
"Chairman Zhao Since you asked, I will give you some immature suggestions."
He gathered his thoughts for a moment and said slowly:
"First, the entry point of auditing.
The core company controlled by Lin Wanqing is the first to be audited. It is too sensitive and can easily alert others.
I suggest starting with downstream subcontractors - such as 'Zhenhua Construction', this company has undertaken many projects of Huadong Construction.
If there is a problem with a subcontractor, follow the lead and investigate the general contractor, and the reasons will be much more sufficient."
Zhao Chen nodded, indicating to continue.
"Second, project quality assessment."
Song Zhongping continued,
"I suggest focusing on projects with 'high customer complaint rates' and 'high repair costs'.
For example, in the second phase of 'Yue Mansion', the customer complaint rate after the delivery last year exceeded 15%, and the maintenance expenditure has exceeded 3 million. Starting from these projects, there is less resistance and strong legitimacy."
"Third, personnel arrangements."
Song Zhongping paused,
"The audit team must include people from the operations department. Otherwise, relying solely on finance and legal affairs will not understand the engineering process.
I can recommend a few engineers who understand technology and dare to speak up. They are on the front line and know best which links are prone to problems."
Zhao Chen's eyes flashed with approval.
Lao Jianghu is Lao Jianghu. He does not directly participate in the specific operations, but the advice he gives is both ruthless and stable, and every point hits the key points.
"Mr. Song has thought carefully." Zhao Chen nodded,
"I will let Chen Xi communicate these suggestions with the audit team. But..."
He looked at Song Zhongping:
"During the audit process, some Historical Issue may be touched upon, such as early cooperation agreements, equity arrangements..."
Song Zhongping's expression remains unchanged:
"Historical issues must respect the historical background. But if the company wants to move forward, what should be regulated must still be regulated.
The key is to have a suitable transition plan, not a one-size-fits-all approach."
This is said in a flawless manner - it not only shows support for standardization, but also leaves room for oneself.
"So institutional solutions are needed."
Zhao Chen took the call,
"Next time Board of Directors, I am going to propose discussing the optimization of the executive compensation system and the long-term incentive mechanism so that those who truly create value for the company can share the results of development."
Song Zhongping's eyes lit up.
He is fifty-three years old and has seven years to retire.
If you can get equity incentives before retirement, you will be completely stable for the rest of your life.
"Chairman Zhao is wise." Song Zhongping raised his glass,
"The current salary structure does need reform. Especially in our front-line departments, we have high pressure and heavy responsibilities, but insufficient incentives.
With a reasonable incentive mechanism, everyone will be motivated to do things."
"So we need the support of veterans like Mr. Song." Zhao Chen clinked glasses with him,
"Reform will inevitably affect interests, and it is normal to have resistance. But as long as the direction is correct, it will ultimately benefit everyone."
The two drank it all in one gulp.
The conversation then turned to the details of the company's operations.
Song Zhongping shared several practical problems in project management. Zhao Chen listened carefully and occasionally gave directional opinions.
The dinner lasted for more than two hours, and the atmosphere was harmonious and pragmatic.
When leaving, Song Zhongping turned around and said something to Zhao Chen before getting in the car:
"Chairman Zhao, as long as it is officially decided by Board of Directors, the operation department will fully implement it. If the company wants to develop, it must have a unified pace."
The words are very subtle, but the meaning is very clear - now you are Major Shareholder, Board of Directors, you have the final say, and I listen to Board of Directors's decision.
Zhao Chen nodded with satisfaction.
This is the attitude he wants. He doesn't need verbal loyalty, he just needs the other party to recognize the reality:
What can bring the greatest benefit to Song Zhongping now is to support the reforms promoted by Zhao Chen.
Once a bond of interest is established, the relationship is solid.
This dinner lasted for more than two hours, and the guests and hosts thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
When leaving, Zhao Chen asked the driver to take Song Zhongping home first.
Watching Song Zhongping's car disappear into the night, he said to Chen Xi, "Help me make an appointment with Vice Principal Li Zhenhua tomorrow."
Chen Xi was a little surprised. "In what name?"
"Just say that I want to donate a sum of money to Zhengfa University and set up a scholarship."
Zhao Chen looked out the window, "By the way... I'm asking about something."
On the afternoon of June 7th, Zhengfa University Administration Building.
The vice-principal's office is antique, and the mahogany bookshelves are filled with Law classics.
Li Zhenhua makes tea by himself, with skillful techniques.
"Zhao Chen, your speech yesterday caused a sensation in our school."
Li Zhenhua smiled and handed over the teacup, "Several professors told me that you taught me more thoroughly than them."