ABT Chapter 61: Opportunistic Advertising

Cheng Gang looked hesitantly at the calm Pan Qiang, then at the frantic Fang Xingnan. After thinking for a long time, he asked one of the police officers in front of him, "Are you sure these cars are in good condition?"

The police officer, in his forties, had a tanned face and deep wrinkles, indicating his experience. He nodded solemnly, "I can't speak for all the cars, but the ones I checked are definitely in good condition. Moreover, I heard our average purchase price was 130,000 yuan per vehicle. Based on the standard of these cars, they could easily sell for 150,000 to 160,000 yuan in the used car market. I suspect Zhengxin isn't making any profit from this deal."

Cheng Gang's expression changed multiple times. If not for his position, he would have slapped Fang Xingnan right there!

Meanwhile, the audience in Tiancheng City was closely following the development of the situation on TV. Tiancheng, with a population of over ten million, was neither too big nor too small. The events unfolding on the local station instantly drew massive attention.

A live broadcast of a leadership investigation! How exciting!

This kind of story about collusion between officials and businesses, insider deals, was much more thrilling than any soap opera on other channels.

At first, when the reporter showed the photos on camera, viewers were outraged, vowing never to buy or repair their cars at Zhengxin again.

But as the situation evolved, especially after the police officer’s statement, public opinion began to shift overwhelmingly in favor of Zhengxin.

"This is a truly conscientious company!"

"These cars look much better than our city’s previous police vehicles. Only 130,000 yuan? No way!"

"Of course, didn't you hear what the police officer just said?"

"I've always heard that Zhengxin sells good cars at great prices! I knew there was something fishy about this. I think the owner of Longbao Used Cars is the real scoundrel, trying to sabotage the competition."

"Exactly, exactly. Compared to Zhengxin, it’s clear who’s good and who’s bad!"

"This is eye-opening. This storm around Zhengxin proves the saying true: real gold fears no fire!"

...

At Zhengxin Company, Cheng Gang suppressed his anger and, ignoring the trembling Fang Xingnan on the ground, shook Pan Qiang's hand vigorously.

"Oh, I'm really sorry, it was my mistake to doubt you."

Pan Qiang, still calm and collected, smiled and said, "It’s no trouble, as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up."

Cheng Gang was moved. This Zhengxin was extraordinary! Although he didn't know much about cars, he could tell that restoring the vehicles from the photos to their current condition required a high level of technical skill. Furthermore, they hadn't taken advantage of the situation to raise prices. The country needed such technically proficient, morally responsible, and socially conscious companies!

Such a company, right under his nose, had to be supported!

He patted Pan Qiang on the arm and sighed, "You’re remarkable, and so is your company. To be honest, replacing police vehicles is just the first step in updating our city’s government vehicles. The tender for the replacement of government administrative vehicles has already been decided and will be held soon. I will personally recommend you to the municipal government!"

Pan Qiang, rarely showing much emotion, smiled and said, "Thank you for your support, Director Cheng."

Cheng Gang waved his hand, "But let’s be clear: when you participate in the tender, you must maintain this price and quality! If the standards drop, we still won't take them."

Pan Qiang nodded indifferently, "No problem."

The cameraman captured this handshake between the two men with a prominent close-up.

Suddenly, a young woman in a white blouse and black skirt appeared on the screen. Clearing her throat, she quickly said, "Our company's new trade-in service is now booming. If you want to exchange your car, you can use your old car as payment to purchase any model in our company. The offer is for a limited time, so hurry!"

After speaking, she turned around and playfully stuck her tongue out at Pan Qiang and Cheng Gang, causing Pan Qiang to blush mysteriously and Cheng Gang to laugh heartily.

With that, the live broadcast ended.

The scene shifted back to the news studio.

The beautiful anchorwoman adjusted the script in front of her and, with a sweet voice, began the live summary for the camera:

"Today's ceremony for the replacement of police vehicles can truly be described as a series of dramatic twists and turns. 

To be honest with our viewers at home, my live script was changed three times by the director. 

From 'Mysterious Man Accuses Zhengxin Company of Fraud During Police Vehicle Replacement Ceremony' to 'Shocking Reversal: Competing Company’s Boss Spreads False Rumors Against Reputable Company' and finally to 'Ceremony Ends Well: Government Agencies Highly Satisfied with Zhengxin’s Vehicles, Director Cheng Gang Promises to Recommend Zhengxin for Citywide Government Vehicle Replacement Tender.'

As everyone saw, with the gradual clarification of the facts, it highlighted a government committed to transparency and cost-cutting, as well as a conscientious company with advanced technology and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Despite the ups and downs and misunderstandings, I believe this was a perfect ceremony. It marks a good beginning for our city’s integrity efforts and the development of a resilient company.

This is Tiancheng TV News Channel, and I am your host, Jing Yao. Today's live broadcast ends here. Thank you, viewers, for watching, and we’ll see you tomorrow."

This broadcast practically served as a two-hour advertisement for Zhengxin Company!

Shortly after it ended, the company experienced a surge in customer traffic. The massive boost in reputation brought out all potential customers. Coupled with Wang Meimei's timely promotional insert, citizens with car purchase or exchange intentions flocked in.

Especially after learning about the company’s new trade-in program, both the sales team and the cashier area were incredibly busy.

On another front, various police units, having seen the pristine new cars during the broadcast, quickly sent more people to receive them—first come, first served! Those who came late risked missing out on the best models.

Old Wu from the city’s criminal police department, who had attended the ceremony that morning, was the first to react. Pointing to a row of cars in front of him, he declared to the others, "Listen up, these fifteen cars are for the criminal police department. Anyone tries to take them, and they'll have to answer to me!"

Old Xiao from the traffic police department immediately protested, "Nonsense! Did you stamp your department's seal on the car trunks? Cut the crap. Whoever gets here first gets to choose!"

Old Wu, genuinely agitated, retorted, "You traffic cops are really pushing it! Pick any other cars you like, but not these. Our work is special, and this unmarked Sha Feng is perfect for undercover investigations. If you dare to fight me over this, don’t blame me for turning hostile!"

Old Xiao, ready to argue, shot back, "What a load of bull! Everyone in uniform has special work. You're eyeing that Sha Feng because of its upgraded interior, aren’t you? I know exactly what you’re up to, you sneaky old fox!"

...

In short, these seasoned veterans were looking out for their own interests.

Several representatives spent a long time bickering over the selection of vehicles in the parking lot.


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