Chapter 44: The Billion-Dollar Wood

The assistant to Zhao Zhenbiao was filled with overwhelming excitement that prevented him from remaining calm. He couldn't help but repeatedly exclaim, " Oh my god! Oh my god! "

It had been years of working for the prestigious Hongda Group and serving as Zhao Zhenbiao's assistant, but today was a moment that shook him to his core.

After regaining his composure, the assistant eagerly reported, his voice brimming with enthusiasm, " I have meticulously tallied up 106 items, with 23 of them being Jinsinan and the remaining made of the exquisite Huanghuali wood. It was a truly awe-inspiring revelation for me. "

Having witnessed numerous extraordinary situations during his tenure, the assistant thought he had seen it all. However, the discovery before him was something unparalleled. Even Zhao Zhenbiao, his Boss, struggled to maintain his composure in the face of such a remarkable sight. In his entire life, he had never encountered a piece of golden nanmu with a diameter exceeding 1.5 meters.

Overwhelmed by the astonishing discovery, Zhao Zhenbiao once again said, "Mr Liu, you have struck gold! You have struck gold! "

Naturally, Liu Yong was eager to know its worth. He anxiously asked, " How much is this wood worth, Mr Zhao? "

Zhao Zhenbiao waited to respond. Instead, he looked around again, his gaze filled with profound contemplation. After thoughtful consideration, he replied, " I believe the total value of these pieces surpasses 2 billion. "

The staggering estimation took aback Liu Yong. Initially, he thought the wood might be worth around 100 to 200 million, but he had no idea it could reach such astronomical figures.

Observing Liu Yong's astonishment, Zhao Zhenbiao continued, " The largest golden silk nan alone is worth more than 100 or 200 million. "

The sheer thickness of the golden nanmu indicated that it had likely grown for over a thousand years. Its value had become immeasurable and almost impossible to acquire. It was a seller's market.

The realization that the wood held such immense value ignited a whirlwind of thoughts in Liu Yong's mind. This windfall was a game-changer for his company, providing the necessary funds for its early development.

His fascination grew stronger as Zhao Zhenbiao continued to admire the Jinsinan and Huanghuali wood. The more he gazed upon them, the more content he became, unable to resist his curiosity. He turned to Liu Yong and inquired, " Mr Liu, would you consider selling some of it to me? "

Liu Yong beamed happily and replied, " I am willing to sell as long as the price is right. I can sell all of it to you. "

-Hmmm!

Zhao Zhenbiao rubbed his hands together excitedly, his anticipation growing. He had been concerned that Liu Yong might be reluctant to part with the wood, but his hopes were gradually being realized.

Carefully assessing his financial resources, Zhao Zhenbiao realized that despite Hongda Group's substantial annual revenue of approximately 10 billion, purchasing over 2 billion of wood would pose a challenge. After contemplating, he spoke honestly, " We require a large golden nanmu. Sell me the largest one, and I'll also select another one with a diameter of around 1.2 meters. "

The most significant piece had a remarkable diameter of 1.5 meters, and once it was in Zhao Zhenbiao's possession, he would cherish it rather than use it. With Hongda Group owning such a grand golden nanmu, its reputation and influence in the industry would undoubtedly ascend to new heights.

Liu Yong responded straightforwardly, " You can choose whichever pieces you desire. "

With determination, Zhao Zhenbiao swiftly identified a piece with a diameter of approximately 1.2 meters. Once cut, one of the large boards would be utilized to construct a magnificent desk for the Boss.

In the end, two pieces were chosen—a golden nanmu with a diameter of roughly 1.5 meters and another with a diameter of approximately 1.2 meters.

After selecting these two precious specimens, Zhao Zhenbiao said, " Mr. Liu, please name your price for these two. "

It was only natural to negotiate and reach a fair agreement. Liu Yong asked, " Mr. Zhao, how about 600 million yuan for the price? Payment and delivery can be made simultaneously. "

Feeling that the price was higher, Zhao Zhenbiao began to bargain. However, he knew all too well that it would be challenging to sway the price significantly in a seller's market.

Working tirelessly to transport the wood, Liu Yong was determined to sell it at a high price and would only sometimes yield. Shaking his head, he responded, " Mr Zhao, at most, let's make it 10 million cheaper. The lowest I can accept is 590 million. "

The price remained steep, but Zhao Zhenbiao urgently required the wood, making it necessary. Besides Liu Yong, hardly anyone possessed such remarkably thick golden silkwood. Rarity often translated into a higher price.

Zhao Zhenbiao nodded, conceding, " Alright, 590 million it is. "

Once the price was settled, Zhao Zhenbiao immediately called the accountant, and after a brief conversation, the funds were swiftly transferred to the account of Global Ocean Services. Liu Yong confirmed the transaction, saying, " Mr. Zhao, you can arrange for a vehicle to transport these two golden nanmu. "

Zhao Zhenbiao promptly made another phone call, summoning the company's transportation staff to facilitate the process.

While on the call, Zhao Zhenbiao couldn't help but cast envious glances at the remaining wood. He inquired, " Mr. Liu, would you be willing to sell the rest to me? "

Liu Yong responded, " There's no problem selling them all to you, Mr. Zhao, but the price must be at least 2 billion. No counter-offer. "

Two billion! The figure reverberated in Zhao Zhenbiao's mind, leaving him momentarily hesitant. Nevertheless, he knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip away.

Nodding with determination, he said, " Alright, the price is 2 billion, but I will need three days to arrange the funds. This amount of money is substantial, and I must raise it. "

Liu Yong nodded understanding, acknowledging the need for time to gather such a significant sum.

With the business deal concluded, both parties found themselves elated, conversing and laughing as if they had been old friends for many years.

After approximately an hour, a large truck arrived at the scene, marking the beginning of the transportation process.

The imposing truck drove straight into the warehouse, and several individuals swiftly disembarked. They were representatives from Hongda Group, with Vice President Wu Qingsong leading the team.

As Wu Qingsong stepped out of the vehicle, his eyes widened in amazement at the sight of the great logs. Hastening his pace, he approached and inspected the golden nanmu and Huanghuali with great excitement.

Filled with exhilaration, he exclaimed, "Boss, with these incredibly thick golden nanmu, our problems are solved! "

Zhao Zhenbiao nodded, gestured, and said, " Start loading the truck and transport the wood back to our company. "

Several workers sprang into action, carefully loading the 1.5-meter golden nanmu and the 1.2-meter piece onto the truck and securing them firmly.

The warehouse bustled with activity throughout the day. One large truck after another arrived, and the Hongda Company personnel diligently transported the wood, one piece at a time. By evening, all the lumber had been successfully loaded onto the trucks and carted away.

In the afternoon, Liu Yong and Zhao Zhenbiao sat with their lawyers. A formal transaction agreement was drafted, signed, and stamped, finalizing the deal.

The payment was divided into two parts: an initial income of 590 million, to be transferred to the account of Global Ocean Services the following morning, and a second payment of 2 billion, to be transferred to Liu Yong's account three days later.

With the contract signed, the two men happily sipped tea and engaged in friendly conversation.

Through Zhao Zhenbiao's detailed explanation, Liu Yong understood Jinsinan and Huanghuali, especially the former, as unique and precious wood in their country.

However, Liu Yong couldn't help but express his curiosity " Mr. Zhao, the density of golden nanmu is lower than that of water. It should float when placed in water. But when I tested it, the golden nanmu sank. "

Zhao Zhenbiao explained, " It is likely that it has been submerged at the bottom of the sea for an extended period. The wood absorbed enough water, making it heavier and unable to float. "

The first truck arrived at the HTC Group's Huahai Factory, carrying the two thick golden nanmu logs. As soon as they were unloaded, the factory seemed to buzz excitedly.

The vast workshop, initially filled with bustling workers and technicians, momentarily halted their tasks as everyone gathered around to witness the arrival of the golden nanmu.

" My goodness, it's golden nanmu! "

" Indeed, it's golden nanmu! "

" I've never seen such thick golden nanmu before. "

Under Vice President Wu Qingsong's guidance, several workers carefully hoisted the two valuable golden nanmu logs from the truck and placed them in an open space within the workshop.

Vice President Wu Qingsong took charge and prepared to cut open the logs. The 1.2-meter golden nanmu was placed on a large saw, ready to be processed into individual golden nanmu boards.

...........