Chapter Fifty-Nine: Seeking Unity Through Struggle

“General Manager, our people conducting the survey in County H have been assaulted!”
The speaker was Sun Bowen, deputy general manager of Huakun Supermarket, a talent whom Lu Kun had poached from a state-owned department store at a high price. Sun managed logistics with remarkable skill and was promptly promoted to deputy by Lu Kun.
Bang!
Lu Kun slammed his teacup down, tea splashing across a wide stretch of the table.
“Explain in detail. What exactly happened?” Moments ago, Lu Kun had been savoring fragrant tea, basking in sunlight, and listening to Kunqu opera. Upon receiving Sun Bowen’s call, anger flashed through his heart.
“It’s… the local gangsters in County H. They say we don’t follow the rules. Now they’ve joined forces and are holding our people captive…” On the other end of the line, Sun Bowen was sweating coldly, his voice trembling with anxiety.
“Alright, I understand the situation. First, calm everyone down—don’t let panic spread. Have Pan drive over to pick me up. Also, inform all management: meeting in the conference room in half an hour.” As he spoke, Lu Kun tapped his knuckles rapidly against the tea table, issuing swift instructions.
“Yes, General Manager. Understood.”
Sun Bowen, though perhaps lacking the commanding presence of a leader, was certainly capable in logistics. With Lu Kun’s orders, he was quick to act.
…
Half an hour later, Lu Kun arrived at the Huakun Supermarket’s conference room.
The management team wore varied expressions—some worried, some fearful, some feigning composure.
“Good, I see no one is absent. That’s excellent, a tradition worth continuing.”
Lu Kun’s demeanor remained unchanged, as if Mount Tai were collapsing overhead and he stood unmoved. His composure gradually steadied the nerves of those present.
“The purpose of today’s meeting is to determine how best to handle the challenges Huakun faces as we expand into County H. Deputy Sun, you begin with your thoughts.”
True to his decisive style, Lu Kun didn’t allow for lengthy discussion, but called directly on Sun.
“General Manager, I believe our first priority should be to confirm the condition of our colleagues and, at the same time, understand the motives and demands of those holding them…” He was about to continue when Lu Kun gestured for him to sit down.
Indeed, Sun was competent in logistics, but lacked the decisiveness required in a crisis.
Sun, though rebuffed, felt relief rather than anger.
He knew well that his temperament was gentle—plainly, a good-natured fellow, a rubber eraser in the boss’s hand, to be used as needed.
Of course, this was deliberate on Lu Kun’s part.
Huakun didn’t need a forceful deputy right now, only one who could coordinate affairs across departments.
The ship of Huakun was still being steered by Lu Kun himself.
Perhaps, when Huakun grew strong enough to withstand risks from all sides, Lu Kun would appoint a tougher, more capable deputy, but not yet.
With a strong general manager and a strong deputy, Huakun was certain to face problems.
“What suggestions does our PR department have?” Lu Kun continued, calling on public relations.
“General Manager, I believe we should prepare on two fronts. First, attempt contact with the other side, learn their demands, negotiate and consult. Second, discreetly reach out to the police; if necessary, it would be best to secure police support…”
The speaker was Lin Chunming, manager of the PR department, who had handled previous PR tasks well.
Lu Kun nodded and signaled him to sit.
Tap, tap, tap!
Lu Kun rapped his knuckles three times on the table.
“Minister Liang, share your views and opinions on this matter.”
Lu Kun referred to Liang Guanshi, head of the security department—known as Stone.
Stone, who had been dozing through the meeting, snapped to attention at Lu Kun’s call, his eyes brightening.
Normally, Stone sat through meetings like a silent Buddha, rarely voicing opinions.
Lu Kun knew he wasn’t keen on such matters.
“What’s there to discuss? If they’re bullying our brothers, of course we fight back first!” Stone said boisterously, clenching his fist and slamming it onto the table, causing it to tremble.
The others’ eyebrows shot up, secretly cursing, while Lu Kun’s eyes grew increasingly bright.
“Indeed, a brother of many years. With just a hint, Stone understands my intentions,” Lu Kun thought, inwardly gratified.
That was Lu Kun’s philosophy: relentless concession was never wise.
The great leader once said, “If unity is sought through struggle it will survive; if sought through concession, it will perish.” Lu Kun deeply believed this.
As Huakun grew, it would inevitably encroach on the interests of others. Constant retreat was not sustainable. Huakun must seize opportunities boldly.
If the other party wanted to play within the rules, Lu Kun would oblige; if they wanted to overturn the chessboard and get rough, he would fight to the end.
As for seeking police assistance—not on today’s agenda.
Consider why the police always arrive only as matters are ending.
Of course, there could be logistical or response difficulties.
Before the police even arrive, the culprits likely catch wind and flee.
That’s why seeking police help isn’t the first choice right now.
Once you rely on official power, you alone must bear the bitter fruit of any ensuing retaliation.
The management team finally understood—the boss had already made up his mind.
“Minister Liang, proceed as we discussed a few days ago. Be careful, minimize public impact. PR should coordinate with security.”
With the management staff anxious, Lu Kun made the final decision.
“Understood!” Lin Chunming and Stone both stood and saluted Lu Kun.
“Remember, I have only one demand: this time, we must be a river-crossing dragon and suppress all the local snakes in County H!” Lu Kun’s gaze swept the room.
“Except for Minister Liang, the rest may leave.”
…
“Stone, this time, take all your men out with you. From now on, they’re no longer official employees of Huakun—let them work as temps. When there’s work, the company pays. After this operation, it’s best to sever ties with them, so they don’t use your name for their own ventures.”
Stone hesitated for a moment, then nodded firmly.