The entire day, Xiao Hui met with the heads of the Procurement, Finance, Sales, Production, and HR departments.
Not a single piece of good news came his way.
"The suppliers are cutting off supply!"
"We can't pay the employees' wages!"
"Dealers are refusing to pay in advance to pick up cars!"
"Another employee just quit!"
"The tax bureau is here to audit us!"
At only 22 years old, Xiao Hui had returned to manage a company riddled with leaks before even graduating from university. The immense pressure he faced was unimaginable.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have died of overwork last week while reviewing documents late at night, leaving his body to Xiao Hui from another world.
Despite the pile of bad news, Xiao Hui now was no longer the same Xiao Hui as before.
If other manufacturers could produce good cars, why couldn't he?
Xiao Hui was determined to prove to every automobile company worldwide that the Chinese could make great cars too.
Soon, word spread among Nanshan Auto's employees that the company was about to make a big move.
Seeing all the department heads summoned for an evening meeting, the employees felt the tension in the air.
Many feared they would be called in to sign layoff agreements the next morning.
"The company is facing some difficulties right now. I believe everyone is aware of this," Xiao Hui began, without beating around the bush once everyone had gathered.
"To completely turn the situation around and lead Nanshan Auto to glory, I've decided to halt production of all current models starting next month.
All staff will focus their efforts on preparing for our next model.
Dean Xiang, please provide a brief introduction to our new model plan."
Xiang Changle cleared his throat and reluctantly stood up.
After digesting the plan throughout the afternoon, he had gained a bit more confidence in Xiao Hui's vision.
Still, this unprecedented plan was beyond his comprehension.
With no choice but to take the plunge, he resolved to move forward. If it failed, he could always find another job.
"Good evening, everyone! Before I begin, please sign the confidentiality agreements on your desks," Xiang said, taking a deep breath.
Although some department heads were resistant to the agreements, feeling the company didn't trust them, none dared voice their objections.
Soon, Ling Mengyu, the secretary, collected the signed agreements.
"This vehicle, internally codenamed NS1, is a compact car with a stylish design, practical functionality, and spacious interior. It targets small business owners and the vast rural market…"
As Xiang began his introduction, the room erupted in murmurs of surprise.
For a moment, Xiang secretly enjoyed their rollercoaster reactions, which mirrored his own emotional upheaval earlier that day.
"Alright, Dean Xiang has given a brief overview of the NS1. Detailed blueprints and data will soon be distributed to each department.
The success or failure of this car will determine the life or death of the company.
Whether you're busy looking for jobs or counting money in the future depends on its success.
Here, I'll set a small goal: in three months, the first NS1 must roll off the production line."
"Bang!"
As soon as Xiao Hui finished speaking, a loud bang echoed in the meeting room.
The company's deputy general manager, Pi Wei, slammed the table and exclaimed angrily,
"Three months to production? Do you even understand how cars are made?"
"Let me remind you, international giants take four to five years to develop a new model. Even domestic teams, cutting corners, need one to two years.
And you're saying three months? That's nonsense!
Designing and testing a model takes time. In three months, you won't even have the molds ready!"
Turning to Wang Fugui, he continued,
"Minister Wang, even if the blueprints were handed to the procurement team, could you deliver the parts in three months?"
This put Wang Fugui in a tough spot.
Pi Wei had long harbored ambitions of taking over the company, often undermining efforts behind the scenes. Nanshan Auto's current struggles were partly his doing.
Wang Fugui glanced at Xiao Hui, calm as ever, and then at Pi Wei before carefully replying,
"For standard components, we could likely produce initial samples in three months.
But for large stamped parts like doors and hoods, mold production alone typically takes over six months."
Pi Wei smirked at this, satisfied.
"In the past, even when the R&D center was unreliable, they'd at least produce a batch of prototypes and revise the blueprints before issuing official tooling drawings. Are you skipping all these steps now?"
"Pi Wei, the NS1 blueprints are already in a state ready for mass production. This time, there's no need for a prototype phase," Xiang countered unexpectedly.
"Ridiculous! The NS1 project was just initiated. From what you've described, it's a completely new model. How can it be production-ready already?" Pi Wei's face darkened.
Xiao Hui interjected,
"Pi Wei, you don't need to worry about the blueprints. Just make sure production doesn't fail."
Turning to Wang Fugui, he asked,
"If all the blueprints, including tooling designs, are complete, can you guarantee parts delivery in three months?"
All eyes fell on Wang Fugui again.
After a moment of calculation, he replied,
"If everything is truly as you've described, the procurement team can ensure sample parts are delivered in three months."
"In that case, the NS1 project is finalized. All departments must immediately redirect their focus to this project. In three months, we'll shock the world."