Drivers from the Provincial Transportation Company were all government employees. With free meals provided, why would anyone bother working during meal times?

Hearing this, a glint of admiration flashed in Su Yipeng’s eyes. Anxin concluded confidently,

“From these two points alone, it’s clear the Provincial Transportation Company cannot meet your transportation needs. However, Brother Su, if you sign a contract with me, these issues won’t exist.”

Intrigued, Su Yipeng nodded. “Oh? Go on.”

“I’ll calculate the cost of the diesel and meals you would provide and include it in the transportation fee—the extra 4,000 yuan you think I’m overcharging. This means my team won’t need to refuel at your designated location or stop for meals at specific times. We’ll refuel and eat wherever is most convenient, ensuring my team operates at full efficiency throughout the day without any delays.”

“So, you’re confident you can complete the job within the stipulated time?”

Anxin’s explanation clarified the additional charge. She had turned all logistical inefficiencies into quantifiable costs, and it made sense to Su Yipeng.

By her method, not only could the goods be delivered on time, but the merchandise could also hit shelves during the profitable pre-Spring Festival period, maximizing revenue. In comparison, the extra 4,000 yuan seemed insignificant.

“Yes, exactly!” Anxin nodded. “The additional fee saves you time, diesel, and ensures your goods reach the market faster.”

She couldn’t help but marvel at the high transportation fees of the 1980s, where freight charges could reach hundreds of yuan per ton. Such rates were unimaginable in the 21st century due to fierce competition and an abundance of vehicles driving prices down.

As the discussion progressed, Su Yipeng fell into deep thought, rhythmically tapping his fingers on the desk. Xiao Liu, knowing this was his boss’s habitual gesture before making significant decisions, quickly interjected.

“Director, perhaps you should think this through carefully.”

Xiao Liu’s concern wasn’t entirely without merit. While Anxin had presented a logical and well-argued proposal, her youth and unknown background made her a risky partner.

More importantly, Xiao Liu had a personal motive—losing his kickbacks. For years, he had secretly profited from the inflated rates charged by the Provincial Transportation Company, a practice known only to some of the company’s leaders and himself. Switching to Anxin’s team would mean forfeiting this income.

Anxin’s sharp intuition caught on immediately. Noting Xiao Liu’s discomfort, she shot him a meaningful look and said pointedly,

“Brother Liu, interrupting a leader while they’re deliberating isn’t appropriate, don’t you think?”

Her words were laced with an undertone of warning. Xiao Liu’s unease was evident, and Anxin suspected there was more to his objection than met the eye. Perhaps there were hidden benefits tied to the Provincial Transportation Company.

Her next statement was even more direct. “It’s always good to change partners now and then. Familiarity can sometimes breed complacency, and keeping things fresh makes business more exciting.”

Her insinuation was clear: their long-standing partnership with the Provincial Transportation Company had stagnated, and there was likely something suspicious about Xiao Liu’s insistence on maintaining it.

Her words hit their mark. Xiao Liu’s face turned pale, and he struggled to meet her gaze. Anxin stared him down, her expression cold and unyielding, until he finally relented.

Realizing he couldn’t afford to escalate the situation further, Xiao Liu softened his stance.

“Director, Anxin makes a valid point. We’ve been working with the Provincial Transportation Company for so long without seeing any improvement in efficiency. Maybe it’s time for a change. If she can deliver on schedule, we won’t have to worry about meeting our sales targets this year.”

The tension in the room eased, and Anxin smiled inwardly, pleased with Xiao Liu’s change of heart. If he had benefitted from kickbacks in the past, she could ensure he was incentivized moving forward.

She believed firmly in the value of building relationships, even if it required financial gestures. Establishing goodwill with Xiao Liu could lead to more business opportunities in the future.

Maintaining her professional demeanor, Anxin smiled warmly and said,

“Brother Liu, it seems we’re on the same page. Our goal is to complete this shipment on time. Once the job is done, we should celebrate together. What do you say?”

Her words carried a clear subtext, and she trusted that Xiao Liu, a seasoned bureaucrat, would understand.

Sure enough, Xiao Liu’s tense expression relaxed. He smiled and replied,

“Absolutely. Once the shipment is delivered, we’ll celebrate properly.”