Chapter 255: Collapse-style Bargaining

Chapter 251: Collapse-Style Bargaining

After leaving the tea house, Qin Guan didn't rush back to the apartment. He found a payphone on the street and dialed his mother's number. He needed to know how his father, Qin Xiangqian, was doing in his negotiations with the department store leadership. This was directly related to his future direction.

"Mom, how is it? How are Dad's negotiations going?" Qin Guan asked anxiously the moment his mother, Zhao Xiaoying, picked up the phone.

"Your dad..." Zhao Xiaoying hesitated, sighing before continuing, "Your dad is still negotiating with the department store leadership. Your dad has rejected the two proposals they've offered so far. Your dad says neither proposal is suitable."

"What proposals? Mom, tell me quickly," Qin Guan urged.

"The first proposal was to let your dad be the deputy director, but with no real power, essentially a figurehead. The second proposal was a bit better, appointing your dad as the deputy director of the labor union. This sounds good, but in fact, it's just the department store's way of appeasing people, with very little power," Zhao Xiaoying explained the two proposals.

"These two proposals are certainly not good. One is a figurehead, and the other is a retirement plan. No wonder Dad isn't willing," Qin Guan said, thinking to himself that the department store leadership was trying to dismiss Qin Xiangqian in a roundabout way.

"Your dad is now proposing a third plan, which he says is a win-win. He wants to contract the department store's unprofitable clothing floor and turn it into a specialized clothing market," Zhao Xiaoying said.

"Contract the clothing floor?" Qin Guan was surprised and then realized the importance of this plan. The department store was a state-owned enterprise, with many floors and departments. The clothing floor was indeed one of the less profitable ones, as the styles were outdated and the prices were not competitive. It was rumored that it was operating at a loss.

Contracting the clothing floor would allow Qin Xiangqian to use his decades of experience to manage and operate it. If successful, it could turn a loss into a profit, which would be beneficial for both the department store and Qin Xiangqian himself.

"Mom, this is a good idea. How did the department store leadership respond?" Qin Guan asked expectantly.

Zhao Xiaoying sighed again, "They are still discussing. Your dad said that the department store leadership is still weighing it. They feel that this plan is too risky and could easily lead to further losses."

"Risky? Further losses? They are just afraid of taking responsibility. If they sign this contract with Dad and it fails, they will be held accountable. If it succeeds, they might not get any political benefits. It's typical bureaucratic thinking," Qin Guan sneered.

"Your dad is also trying to persuade them. He said that even if he fails, he will cover all the losses himself and will not cause any loss to the department store," Zhao Xiaoying added.

"Dad is really determined. He must succeed. He wants to do something worthwhile in his remaining years," Qin Guan said firmly.

"Yes, your dad said that even if he fails, it's just a matter of losing some money. But if he doesn't fight for it, he will regret it for the rest of his life," Zhao Xiaoying's voice was filled with emotion.

"Mom, don't worry. Dad will definitely succeed. I believe in him," Qin Guan comforted his mother.

After hanging up the phone, Qin Guan walked towards the apartment, his heart filled with determination. He had to help his father. He had to make sure his father's plan succeeded.

Back at the apartment, Qin Guan immediately started thinking about how to help his father. He knew that the key was to make the department store leadership believe in his father's plan and see its potential.

The next day, Qin Guan went to the department store and found his father. Qin Xiangqian was still in negotiations with the department store leadership, which was led by the director, Wang Ming.

"Dad, how is it going?" Qin Guan asked in a low voice.

Qin Xiangqian frowned, "Not very well. Wang Ming and the others are still hesitant. They are worried about the risk."

"Dad, let me talk to them. Maybe I can help," Qin Guan said.

Qin Xiangqian hesitated for a moment and then agreed, "Okay, but be careful with your words. Don't be reckless."

Qin Guan walked into the meeting room and saw Wang Ming and several other department store leaders. He bowed respectfully and then sat down.

"Director Wang, I am Qin Guan, Qin Xiangqian's son. I understand you are considering my father's proposal to contract the clothing floor," Qin Guan said.

"Yes, we are. But we are concerned about the risk," Wang Ming said.

"Director Wang, I understand your concerns. However, I believe that my father's plan is not as risky as it seems. In fact, it is a win-win situation for both the department store and my father," Qin Guan said confidently.

"How do you say that?" Wang Ming asked.

"Currently, the clothing floor is operating at a loss. By contracting it to my father, the department store will no longer have to bear the losses. Instead, my father will take on all the risks and responsibilities. If he succeeds, the department store will receive a share of the profits. If he fails, he will cover all the losses himself. So, for the department store, it is a no-lose situation," Qin Guan explained.

"But what if he fails? The clothing floor will be in even worse shape," another leader said.

"That is where my father's expertise comes in. He has decades of experience in the retail industry. He knows how to manage and operate a clothing market. He has a detailed plan to revitalize the clothing floor. He will introduce new styles, improve the layout, and implement effective marketing strategies. I believe that with his expertise, he will be able to turn the clothing floor into a profitable venture," Qin Guan said.

"Even so, there is still a risk. What if his plan fails?" Wang Ming pressed.

"Director Wang, there is always a risk in any business venture. However, the potential rewards outweigh the risks in this case. If my father succeeds, the department store will gain a profitable clothing floor, which will attract more customers to the department store as a whole. This will benefit all the other departments as well. It will also improve the image and reputation of the department store," Qin Guan argued.

"We will consider your points," Wang Ming said, but his tone was still hesitant.

Qin Guan knew that he needed to provide more convincing evidence. He had to show them the potential of the clothing market.

"Director Wang, I have a suggestion. Why don't you give my father a trial period? Let him manage the clothing floor for a few months and see the results. If he can improve the situation, then you can sign a long-term contract with him. If not, then you can terminate the trial period without any loss," Qin Guan proposed.

Wang Ming and the other leaders looked at each other, considering the proposal. This seemed like a reasonable compromise.

"Okay, we will consider your suggestion. We will discuss it further and let you know our decision," Wang Ming said.

After leaving the meeting room, Qin Guan felt a sense of relief. He had managed to make them consider a trial period, which was a step in the right direction.

However, he knew that he couldn't just sit back and wait. He needed to help his father succeed during the trial period. He needed to provide him with the resources and support he needed.

Qin Guan decided to use his knowledge and experience in the fashion industry to help his father. He would help him with sourcing new styles, marketing strategies, and customer service. He would make sure that the clothing floor became a vibrant and profitable market.

He knew that this was not just about helping his father. It was also about proving to the department store leadership that his father's plan was viable and that he was capable of achieving success. It was about securing his father's future and his own.