People often say that there is no business without deceit, and businessmen often stop at nothing to make money. Ironically, however, businessmen have their own set of ethics, or rather, game rules.
Any businessman who isn't planning a hit-and-run trade knows the importance of honesty and forthrightness because they determine whether you can gain the trust of other businessmen and get opportunities for cooperation.
Xiao Ming was upfront about the reason for his call being for his own interests precisely because of this.
If he hadn't mentioned it, Zhou Jicang would have inevitably felt resentment upon finding out his goal was to take control of Dabang Group, even though it would have been harmless to Canghai. He would have thought Xiao was not someone to engage with deeply.
In short, long-term vision is vital in business, and one cannot simply focus on the minor profits right before their eyes.
