Bai Xiaosheng proposes a unified price negotiation with Yang Corporation, a move that surprises Yang Xiaoyun and Yang Yishan. While Yang Xiaoyun initially finds Bai Xiaosheng's approach unconventional, he agrees to negotiate directly with him. Yang Xiaoyun details numerous price increases across various industries, with Bai Xiaosheng listening intently, stating he will address the pricing only after all information is presented.
Bai Xiaosheng listened intently, leaving Yang Xiaoyun uncertain about how much of his explanation was being absorbed.
Yang Xiaoyun worried that Bai Xiaosheng might consider his efforts to be in vain.
However, if Bai Xiaosheng truly was as he presented himself, persuading him would likely be simpler.
With a gentle chuckle, Bai Xiaosheng remarked amiably, "Mr. Yang, your explanation was thorough and largely accurate. I've taken note of everything. There were just a few minor discrepancies in your recalled figures, for instance, the March index drop attributed to local changes for Karash Company was noted as 0.22%, when in fact, it was 0.215%. Furthermore, the early month report figures from Feiklan Company presented slight variations..."
Bai Xiaosheng calmly pointed out the inaccuracies.
Yang Xiaoyun regarded Bai Xiaosheng with a peculiar expression, a sense of disbelief dawning.
"Did I state it incorrectly? That's impossible."
Finally, Yang Xiaoyun retrieved his phone, performed a search as Bai Xiaosheng suggested, and gradually, a flicker of astonishment appeared in his eyes.
Every detail Bai Xiaosheng had mentioned was precisely correct!
This young man had not only accurately recalled the industry information Yang Xiaoyun presented but had also provided the correct data figures!
How could this be!
Yang Xiaoyun, who prided himself on being an all-around expert and guarded his position jealously, was overcome with surprise and incredulity!
His perception of Bai Xiaosheng shifted dramatically.
"Of course, these minor points don't alter your overall conclusions, Mr. Yang. It's merely my nitpicking," Bai Xiaosheng said with humble politeness. "Perhaps I have an innate sensitivity to numbers, an excessive need for precision, or it's just a lingering habit from my previous employment."
Yang Xiaoyun looked at Bai Xiaosheng, a smile beginning to form on his lips.
"No, no, Mr. Bai, your dedication to precision is commendable, and you are entirely correct on that front. As I age, my memory might not be as sharp as it once was."
Individuals with savant-like abilities to flawlessly recall data were indeed rare and exceptional.
Yang Xiaoyun suddenly grasped why Dong Tianlu and the others had chosen this young man to represent them.
Because this young man was truly remarkable!
However, a perfect memory for data alone did not guarantee negotiation success.
One also needed comprehension, persuasive speaking skills, and the ability to reason effectively!
Yang Xiaoyun found it hard to believe he might struggle against a younger counterpart?
"Very well, let us proceed. Knowing Mr. Bai's extensive knowledge, I shall accelerate the pace."
At this juncture, Yang Xiaoyun paused his conversation with Bai Xiaosheng, calling out to his daughter, Yang Yishan.
Yang Yishan, who was waiting outside, opened the door promptly upon hearing her father's call and entered the room.
"Yishan, please escort our esteemed guests from the trade delegation on a tour. I intend to dedicate my focus to discussing the cooperation framework with Mr. Bai, ensuring both matters are attended to," Yang Xiaoyun instructed.
Yang Xiaoyun's intention was to engage with Bai Xiaosheng without distraction.
"Understood." Yang Yishan replied, casting a glance at Bai Xiaosheng.
She had completely misinterpreted the situation, believing Bai Xiaosheng lacked understanding and was hindering the discussion, thus requiring her father to spend more time.
Yang Yishan's gaze held a subtle hint of disdain.
Bai Xiaosheng acted as if he hadn't noticed, unconcerned.
After Yang Yishan departed, Yang Xiaoyun turned back to Bai Xiaosheng with a smile and resumed their conversation.
This time, Yang Xiaoyun deliberately increased the speed of his speech.
Bai Xiaosheng continued to listen silently, picking up a pen from the table and idly doodling on a piece of paper. The markings were neither patterns nor words. Yang Xiaoyun glanced over and saw what appeared to be aimless scribbles, perhaps Bai Xiaosheng's personal method of processing information.
Yang Xiaoyun continued speaking for about an hour, finally concluding his demands for price increases.
This did not include any additional conditions.
Having finished, Yang Xiaoyun took a sip of tea, cleared his throat, and looked at Bai Xiaosheng with a knowing smile, contemplating the young man who had dared to correct him.
"Mr. Bai, I am finished. The floor is now yours." Yang Xiaoyun grinned at Bai Xiaosheng.
Frankly, even for him as an experienced veteran of the industry, recalling everything from the latter part of his monologue required significant effort.
He doubted Bai Xiaosheng could retain all the details clearly; if he did, it would be beyond extraordinary, bordering on superhuman.
Earlier, Bai Xiaosheng had displayed his prowess.
Now, Yang Xiaoyun intended to present him with a real challenge.
Throughout Yang Xiaoyun's entire discourse, Bai Xiaosheng had been continuously doodling on the paper with his pen.
When Yang Xiaoyun concluded, Bai Xiaosheng's pen stopped its motion abruptly.
Bai Xiaosheng smiled serenely, "I presume the price increases Mr. Yang has proposed have already been finalized by your team, likely in a digital format?"
"Am I speaking too rapidly for Mr. Bai to follow? We do possess the data, but it's not readily available for your review," Yang Xiaoyun responded with a grin.
"I have no need to view it; I trust that once an agreement is reached, adjustments can be made to that document accordingly."
As he spoke, Bai Xiaosheng handed the pen to Yang Xiaoyun. "It is my turn now. You may wish to take notes on any points requiring discussion, and please feel free to interrupt me."
Yang Xiaoyun cast a glance at the writing implement Bai Xiaosheng presented, then took a sheet of paper for himself and offered a smile. "Very well, Mr. Bai, begin your explanation."
A doubt lingered in Yang Xiaoyun's mind: could Bai Xiaosheng truly commit everything to memory in a single hearing?
"Let us revisit the initial point, commencing with the escalation in oil prices and secondary energy sources..."
Bai Xiaosheng started his exposition without any semblance of rush.
Initially indifferent, Yang Xiaoyun's demeanor shifted after hearing Bai Xiaosheng articulate the global shifts in commodity pricing, pinpoint regional tendencies, and validate the logic behind Yang Xiaoyun's proposed price increments, even offering guidance on the exact margin of increase.
While Bai Xiaosheng was not as verbose as Yang Xiaoyun, each point he made struck its mark, directly addressing the crux of the matter. His concise arguments systematically dismantled Yang Xiaoyun's justifications for the price hikes, leaving him utterly without words.
"Now, let us proceed to the second matter..."
Throughout Bai Xiaosheng's detailed explanation, Yang Xiaoyun attempted to interject several counter-arguments, but each was expertly neutralized by Bai Xiaosheng's thorough and well-reasoned points.
"This young gentleman possesses an astonishing level of preparedness! His oratory skills are truly commendable!"
Even Yang Xiaoyun couldn't help but acknowledge Bai Xiaosheng's formidable negotiation prowess, which struck him as almost frightening.
The inherent composure and the decisive confidence radiating from Bai Xiaosheng were undeniably the hallmarks of a supremely successful business magnate!
A subtle shiver ran down Yang Xiaoyun's spine.
It became clear that Bai Xiaosheng was not merely a background figure seeking superficial recognition, but a genuinely powerful and influential individual!
Under the weight of Bai Xiaosheng's arguments, Yang Xiaoyun found himself under immense pressure, his attempts at negotiation proving futile and repeatedly falling short.
Bai Xiaosheng's counter-offer perfectly aligned with Yang Corporation's internally set ceiling for price adjustments, exceeding it only marginally.
The precision and sheer force of his price reduction were astonishing!
With his comprehensive rebuttal having failed entirely, Yang Xiaoyun appeared visibly disheartened.
"Mr. Yang, you must understand that China's development is in a constant state of evolution, presenting business opportunities unparalleled anywhere else. We are not discussing the collaboration of a mere one or two companies with you, but twelve, and this number may even grow! Shared success will benefit us all! Conversely, failure will bring detriment to everyone involved! I trust you will maintain a realistic perspective and plan your business dealings with a long-term vision; my proposed offer certainly charts a rewarding course for Yang Corporation!"
Bai Xiaosheng's words carried significant weight, leaving Yang Xiaoyun unable to offer further objections. He lowered his head in deep thought, discreetly sending frequent messages to communicate.
Bai Xiaosheng patiently waited, granting him the necessary time.
After a period of deliberation, Yang Xiaoyun finally lifted his head, letting out a sigh. "Mr. Bai, my brother finds your proposed prices acceptable."
Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaosheng also exhaled a breath of relief.
He had successfully met the expectations placed upon him, contributing to the success of the trade delegation.
"However," Yang Xiaoyun continued, his tone earnest, "we do have several conditions that are not related to price. Those must be agreed upon; otherwise, no agreement can be reached!"
Intrigued by this statement, Bai Xiaosheng inquired, "Oh, Mr. Yang, please elaborate!"
