Xiao Liu didn’t understand why Su Yipeng so readily allowed Anxin to view the contract, but as his secretary, he wouldn’t dare question the decision. Dutifully, he fetched the contract. However, being cautious, he brought a copy of last year’s contract instead of the current one.

From a business standpoint, there wasn’t much difference between the two contracts, except that last year’s transportation cost was 100 yuan per ton lower than this year’s rate.

After all, being too transparent might backfire. If Anxin noticed the higher rate in this year’s contract and decided to negotiate for even more, their bureau would be at a disadvantage.

When Xiao Liu returned with the contract, he glanced at his boss for confirmation. Seeing a subtle nod from Su Yipeng, Xiao Liu handed the document to Anxin, smiling politely.

“Miss Anxin, here’s the contract.”

Anxin noticed it was a single copy but didn’t comment. She took it with a bright smile and began flipping through its pages.

“Thank you, Brother Liu!”

As she skimmed the document, she quickly recognized it was last year’s contract. Without a word, she absorbed the key details:

Organization: The contract confirmed that Su Yipeng was affiliated with the Provincial Commerce Bureau, which explained how they could procure goods nationwide for distribution.

Transport Cost: Last year’s rate to move goods from the port to the train station was 600 yuan per ton.

Anxin couldn’t help but note that transportation rates were relatively high during this era due to the scarcity of trucks. After thoroughly reviewing the contract, she closed it with a clear strategy forming in her mind.

From across the table, Su Yipeng sipped his tea, observing Anxin’s expressions. When she finally set the contract down, he broke the silence.

“Well, Miss Anxin, shall we discuss the transportation contract now?”

Anxin nodded and handed the contract back to Xiao Liu before replying.

“Brother Su, let’s not beat around the bush. I’m straightforward, and I believe you are too. How about this? For your 30,000 tons of goods, let’s set the transportation fee at 25,000 yuan. What do you think?”

Without bothering about the rate listed in the contract, Anxin proposed her ideal price directly. As someone who had experienced the 21st century, she was well-versed in the tricks and pitfalls of contracts.

To her, contracts were merely a reference point. The key was to stay firm on principles and aim for a reasonable compromise.

Hearing her proposal, Xiao Liu couldn’t hold back.

“What? Miss Anxin, isn’t that price far too steep?”

Even by this year’s rates, the cost wouldn’t exceed 21,000 yuan. Yet this unassuming young woman dared to propose a fee 4,000 yuan higher.

Compared to Xiao Liu’s agitation, Su Yipeng remained calm. Raising a hand to quiet his secretary, he asked, “Anxin, money is a good thing, but your price seems high. What’s your reasoning?”

While the additional cost wasn’t outrageous, he needed a convincing explanation. Those in power appreciated boldness, but only if it came with substance.

Anxin smiled confidently. “Brother Su, let me explain.”

She pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, quickly jotting down some calculations. Then she presented her case:

“From the contract, it’s clear that your bureau not only pays transportation fees but also provides fuel and three meals a day for the drivers. Let’s break it down.”

On the paper, she listed the costs of diesel, the daily meals, and even the time spent eating. She pushed the sheet toward Su Yipeng, who reviewed it quietly. A faint smile broke his otherwise stern expression.

“Miss Anxin, I underestimated you. From a simple contract, you identified several inefficiencies and accounted for time and resource costs. Your proposed price actually makes sense.”

He handed the paper to Xiao Liu with a meaningful look. “Xiao Liu, take a good look. You could learn something from her.”

Xiao Liu examined the sheet, his expression a mix of frustration and awe. It was clear that things they had taken for granted harbored hidden inefficiencies—something they had never noticed but Anxin had spotted immediately.

Before anyone could speak, Anxin continued.

“Brother Su, I’m guessing the Provincial Transportation Company didn’t meet last year’s deadline despite all the conveniences you provided, correct?”

Her words caught both men off guard. Su Yipeng’s expression stiffened, and Xiao Liu couldn’t help but blurt out, “How do you know?”

It was true. The transport company had fallen four days behind schedule despite repeated urgings.

Seeing their stunned faces, Anxin’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Would you believe me if I said it was a lucky guess?”

Intrigued, Su Yipeng leaned back and gestured for her to elaborate.

“Go on.”

Anxin obliged, explaining confidently.

“First, your bureau provides fuel, which means you must have a diesel storage facility in the provincial capital. Trucks need to detour to this facility to refuel, wasting valuable time in transit.”

Su Yipeng nodded thoughtfully. “Now that you mention it, I see the issue.”

“Second, providing three meals a day for drivers is generous, but it fosters complacency. When meal times arrive, workers naturally stop everything to eat, further delaying progress.”

She paused, letting her points sink in.