Chapter 1100: Small Calculations

As the saying goes, it's easy to get things done when you have someone on the inside.

This saying is absolutely a golden rule, especially in the business world, where to climb up, you have to be ruthless and step on others' shoulders.

For Zhao Fusheng, it was the same.

Although using connections and pulling strings is not commendable, human relationships, like money, are not omnipotent, but in Chinese society, they are unavoidable.

Just like now, Zhao Fusheng made a phone call to Xue Yuanfang to inquire about Cao Jianguo's identity. According to normal procedures, this was not allowed, but with the personal relationship in place, it was no longer a problem.

"Don't ask anyone else, I know him." Xue Yuanfang quickly gave an answer after hearing Zhao Fusheng mention the name Cao Jianguo.

"You know him?"

Now it was Zhao Fusheng's turn to be surprised.

It seemed he had underestimated Director Cao's status.

"Cao's second son, a classmate of my brother, also a formidable figure, currently competing for the position of department director." Xue Yuanfang quickly explained to Zhao Fusheng.

Of course, the reason he could give Zhao Fusheng an answer so quickly was mainly because Cao Jianguo's family and Xue Yuanfang's family were allies on the same side.

"I see." Zhao Fusheng nodded, finally understanding a bit.

"What's up?" Xue Yuanfang asked curiously upon hearing Zhao Fusheng's words. He wasn't stupid; Zhao Fusheng's serious inquiry must mean something was going on.

Zhao Fusheng smiled. He couldn't talk about Chen Shijie's matter, but other things were fine. Thinking of this, Zhao Fusheng said to Xue Yuanfang, "It's like this: Director Cao asked me to assist him in his work."

"Asked you to assist him?" Xue Yuanfang frowned slightly, his expression changing. "Is it about the case?"

Zhao Fusheng gave a noncommittal smile, neither confirming nor denying it.

Xue Yuanfang immediately understood. He said in a deep voice, "I'll give him a call and ask about this matter."

Regardless, Zhao Fusheng was the boss of Future Group. As the head of the Public Relations Department, Xue Yuanfang had the duty to communicate with Cao Jianguo about this.

Of course, there was much subtlety involved.

Although the process of communication was professionally aligned, it began with people and ended with people. If one could foster a sense of affinity and shorten the distance between people, this affinity would have a significant impact on communication. The Chinese emphasize the fusion of yin and yang. In this example, 'yang' refers to professionalism, and 'yin' refers to human sentiment. Professionalism and human sentiment are not opposed but fused together, like the fusion of yin and yang in the Tai Chi diagram, forming a circle of endless mutual generation. To accomplish things well, one must be professional and also understand human sentiment.

For an outstanding general to win battles on the front line, in addition to his professional command ability and the combat effectiveness of his troops, support from the rear headquarters is a key factor. No matter how skilled a soldier is at fighting, without the backing of ministers in the court, he cannot obtain the necessary provisions and ammunition, and victory is impossible.

The same applies to officialdom. In today's bureaucratic circles, everyone's abilities are comparable, and the projects they submit all have promising prospects. Every individual hopes to eliminate human factors when competing for projects. However, organizations are formed by people, and as long as people are involved, there will inevitably be bureaucracy, departmental egotism, and differing stances, leading to varying perceptions. Moreover, organizational resources are limited, while the battlefields one wishes to engage are infinite. Under the constraints of limited resources and boundless desires, setting priorities to allocate resources properly becomes an unavoidable issue. Those who control resources hold power; those who allocate resources distribute power. For one's project to stand out, surpass others, and gain priority access to resources, besides the objective importance of the project itself, the subjective judgment of the resource allocator is the true key.

What you think is important is not the point; making the resource allocator think it is important is the key.

To secure resources from above requires communication and trust. Easy communication fosters trust. Friends communicate easily, and close friends are easily trusted. As the saying goes, 'It's good to have someone in the court to handle affairs.' Ideally, that person in the court is a friend—a friend you can influence.

Of course, Zhao Fusheng had no such friends. His connections in official circles were almost nonexistent, which is why he valued Xue Yuanfang's status even more.

Even if that guy did nothing and just acted as a mascot in the company, he would still be useful.

As for whether he would be seen as a vassal of the Xue family, ha, Zhao Fusheng would be more than happy if people thought that way. Because then, for at least twenty years, he wouldn't have to worry about the future development of the group.

Xue Yuanfang's uncle was a top-tier big shot.

It's often said that under a big tree you can enjoy the shade, and this was the biggest tree of all. Zhao Fusheng was simply suffering from a lack of connections to latch onto his thigh.

Soon, Zhao Fusheng's phone rang. Cao Jianguo's voice was very cordial: "Who would have thought it was a case of family falling out? Director Zhao, why didn't you mention earlier that you and Yuanfang are good friends?"

Zhao Fusheng chuckled: "My apologies, Director Cao. I just didn't expect you and Minister Xue to know each other."

"Minister Xue?" Cao Jianguo was taken aback.

Zhao Fusheng quickly explained: "Our Future Group's Public Relations Minister, responsible for the company's brand external publicity and promotion."

Cao Jianguo muttered something under his breath, then smiled and said to Zhao Fusheng: "Since we're on the same side, I'll be straightforward. Regarding the matter we discussed earlier, do you see any issues?"

Clearly, Xue Yuanfang had made his stance known, so Cao Jianguo hurried over to make amends. After all, in Cao Jianguo's view, the appearance of Xue Yuanfang, the third generation of the Xue family, at Future Group was no simple matter.

Zhao Fusheng found it secretly amusing and naturally understood Cao Jianguo's meaning. He said: "Overall, there are no issues. Rest assured, Director Cao, I will personally handle that sum of money and guarantee the task will be completed."

"Good, if there are any problems, we'll communicate in a timely manner." Cao Jianguo mentioned a few more points to note before hanging up.

In fact, both he and Zhao Fusheng knew that this phone call was merely a gesture, shifting from the previous condescension to equal treatment.

…

…

After putting down the phone, Zhao Fusheng's expression turned strange. He wasn't stupid; Xue Yuanfang must have said something to Cao Jianguo, otherwise Cao's attitude wouldn't have changed so quickly.

"That guy, he wouldn't be trying to pull me into the Xue family, would he?" Zhao Fusheng thought, then suddenly revealed a peculiar smile.

Doing business inevitably involves dealings with officialdom. Reluctance to take sides is only because one misstep could mean siding with the wrong faction.

But if a bright path and a tree offering shade were right before him, only a fool would give it up.

Of course, Zhao Fusheng wouldn't be too obvious; after all, everything must be done in moderation. Getting too deeply involved would be counterproductive.

After a moment's thought, he dialed Xue Yuanfang's number.

"Brother Xue, thank you." Zhao Fusheng said earnestly.

He didn't address Xue Yuanfang by his official title, indicating this was a personal relationship.

Xue Yuanfang was quite casual: "You're being too polite saying that. Since this matter involves the company's image, I, as the PR minister, am not here to coast."

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "That's true, but regardless, I need to thank you."

"Why be so polite?" Xue Yuanfang said nonchalantly. "My uncle once said that whether doing business or working, it's all pretty much the same. Success is a situation that emerges only after various competitions, compromises, and even backstabbing finally reach a balance."

Zhao Fusheng knew he was implying something, touching on officialdom, business, and naturally, the way they would interact in the future.

"Anyway, I'm leaving the company's brand image in your hands. Handle the specifics as you see fit, and I'll give you my full support." Zhao Fusheng said to Xue Yuanfang.

"Good, let's wait and see." Xue Yuanfang nodded with a smile.

Zhao Fusheng was well aware of the implications in Xue Yuanfang's words, and Xue Yuanfang also understood that Zhao Fusheng didn't want to get too deeply entangled with political forces, but didn't mind, under the guise of expanding the company's brand publicity, letting him, in his capacity as the PR department, push Future Group to do things beneficial to the Xue family.

It was mutual benefit, both pretending to be in the dark while knowing full well.