Zhang Yu showed him a news article.
The news was about the local company, Tianyu Auto.
The article reported that Tianyu cars had encountered significant quality issues, condemning the company for shoddy workmanship and irresponsibility. It criticized a particular model for severe quality problems and called for an investigation by the relevant authorities.
Tianyu Auto was, in fact, Che Zhihou's company.
"Last time, when I saw Che Zhihou, he seemed to respect you quite a bit. Did you also check his Feng Shui?"
Xu Zhengyang nodded.
"I was worried that they might cause you trouble, so I kept an eye on it. It seems Tianyu Auto is in trouble."
Zhang Yu said seriously.
"What's the issue?"
"Didn't Che Zhihou recently push his brand out of the province? Recently, Huannan Auto entered San Tai City with ill intentions, reportedly aiming to integrate Che Zhihou's company.
Che Zhihou naturally disagreed, so Huannan Auto had the suppliers of engines to Tianyu cut off their supply. Huannan holds shares in that supplier.
Now, Tianyu Auto has lost its engine source, and the core technical staff and leadership have been poached by Huannan Auto with high salaries. Tianyu is facing unprecedented difficulties.
Do you think they might blame you for this?"
Zhang Yu asked with concern, as it would be understandable if they held Xu Zhengyang responsible, given that he had checked their Feng Shui and such a big issue arose afterward.
Xu Zhengyang frowned slightly and said nonchalantly:
"It's fine. I mentioned to him that he was facing a major disaster recently, so he should have been prepared."
However, Xu Zhengyang was puzzled as to why Che Zhihou hadn't brought this up with him yet.
Was it because Dong Changming was helping him with money, considering Xu Zhengyang had given Dong a large sum?
If that's the case, it's alright. If not, then Che Zhihou was rather interesting—how long did he plan to hold out?
"Oh, as long as it's not your problem, that's good. Che Zhihou really is not having an easy time,"
Zhang Yu said, shaking his head and sighing as he put away his phone.
Xu Zhengyang nodded in agreement.
Che Zhihou started as a car repairman, then learned about assembling cars and wanted to expand. Lacking capital, he began with car dealerships.
Starting with sales, he gradually established his own 4S shop and car dealership company. He then obtained a production license and started manufacturing cars, founding Tianyu Auto.
He initially focused on the pickup and SUV market. In foreign countries, most families can go without a private car but not without a pickup. In China, many cities haven't yet allowed pickups in the city, so he felt he could get a head start.
With the help of Chen Haohai, Dong Changming, and others, Che Zhihou gradually succeeded, securing a significant market share locally.
He was both a car manufacturer and an old-school dealer. For a self-made automotive company, this was quite an achievement.
Che Zhihou's recent efforts to expand the brand beyond the local market invited discontent from large enterprises. If he was unwilling to be integrated, he would face suppression.
Although Che Zhihou did well, as a young enterprise, he lacked a solid foundation and couldn't master engine technology or produce it himself.
With the engine supply cut off, key technical staff poached, and media creating public pressure, Tianyu Auto was under comprehensive attack.
Knowing that Xu Zhengyang had no involvement, Zhang Yu stopped worrying.
He had brought his mother over this time because he used the money Xu Zhengyang had previously given him to buy a two-bedroom apartment, intending to surprise his mother. Though it was on a mortgage, he was thrilled.
Xu Zhengyang joined them in celebrating, then left.
He had already decided what Zhang Yu should arrange.
In the car, Xu Zhengyang called Chen Chusheng.
"Hello, Master Xu."
Chen Chusheng's voice was somewhat subdued.
Xu Zhengyang asked in confusion:
"Where are you?"
"Uh…"
Chen Chusheng hesitated before quietly replying:
"I'm in a chat with someone."
"Is it related to Che Zhihou's company?"
"Master Xu, how did you know?"
Chen Chusheng was surprised, then quickly explained:
"Master Xu, please don't misunderstand. Lao Si doesn't want us to tell you, fearing you'd think he's incapable or look down on him. We told him you're not like that! He didn't believe us!"
Xu Zhengyang laughed and scolded:
"Are you still trying to impress me?"
Chen Chusheng awkwardly smiled.
"Not really… But Lao Si is indeed quite upset. The boss is also considering using some of the money you gave him for emergency relief, and he's contemplating whether to tell you about it. What do you think?"
Xu Zhengyang didn't mind Chen Chusheng's little tricks; he never thought poorly of Che Zhihou. On the contrary, he had a good impression of him for making it from scratch.
Chen Chusheng and the team were hoping to resolve the issue themselves, as they didn't want Xu Zhengyang to know. Resolving it quietly was best.
Otherwise, if Xu Zhengyang thought they were incapable and couldn't handle things, it would be disastrous.
Since Xu Zhengyang knew now, they had to consult him.
"What are you doing now?"
Xu Zhengyang asked.
"They're coming for negotiations; we're waiting."
"Send me the address. I'll come over."
"Alright!"
Xu Zhengyang hung up. The address, Junsheng Hotel, was already sent to his phone.
A few minutes later, Xu Zhengyang arrived.
He pushed open the conference room door to find Chen Chusheng, Che Zhihou, and Tang Ying there.
Seeing Xu Zhengyang arrive, Chen Chusheng quickly stood up, having put away his casual posture.
Chen Chusheng had already reported Xu Zhengyang's beating of Sun Shao to him, and now, he was more afraid of Xu Zhengyang than anyone else.
Che Zhihou, looking rather worn out, greeted Xu Zhengyang with a respectful bow.
"Sorry, Master Xu, I'm disappointing you, but I believe I can resolve this."
Che Zhihou sighed.
"Oh? How do you plan to resolve it? Tell me about it."
Xu Zhengyang said with interest, pulling up a chair and indicating for everyone to sit.
Che Zhihou had no further details. He only made a statement but had no real solution.
At present, finding another engine supplier seemed highly unlikely.
There were only so many engine manufacturers in China, most of which were brand-owned. Moreover, Tianyu's vehicles were SUVs and pickups, making it difficult to find a new supplier quickly.
They didn't have much time left.
"Are they arriving soon?"
Xu Zhengyang, seeing Che Zhihou's anxiety, asked Chen Chusheng.
"They're here!"
Chen Chusheng pointed towards the door, where several people were entering the conference room.