A Divine Farmer

Chapter 213 - Who's the Boss??

Initially, Chen Yaru thought Zhang Xiaolong was merely concocting an excuse to prompt Su Mei to reject the partnership. The terms appeared so lopsided that most people would balk at the idea.

Yet, when Zhang Xiaolong spoke those words, she had an epiphany: she had underestimated her partner. She couldn't muster a single rebuttal.

Strong Dragon was formidable, but now it was nothing more than a lifeless husk. Left in Su Mei's incapable hands, it would swiftly decay into worthlessness.

Actually, it could be even worse than worthless. As it decayed, it might well erode the once-thriving Su family business.

In the Su family's possession, this unresurrectable behemoth was a ticking time bomb, with no telling when it might plunge them into the mire.

“Do you truly believe that? Strong Dragon can thrive with you but is doomed with me?” Su Mei retorted, her frustration evident. “Are you overestimating yourself or simply underestimating everyone else?”

Zhang Xiaolong responded with a serene smile. “It's not about overestimation. The Su family has no experience in the beverage sector. I'm sure you've researched Elegant Dragon Drinks after taking over. It's a common endeavor among beverage companies. But the outcome is invariably the same: the drink is excellent, yet impossible to replicate, correct?”

Su Mei couldn't contest this. She had indeed conducted research, mobilizing numerous hired experts and investing substantial funds.

She had believed that such dedication would yield dividends, but the outcome was both disheartening and shocking. The researchers had informed her that replicating the drink's flavor was challenging, and incorporating the plethora of nutrients absorbable by the human body was nearly impossible.

“Elegant Dragon Drinks is akin to a resurrection potion. With it, Strong Dragon can become a hundred times mightier than before its downfall—no hyperbole,” Zhang Xiaolong stated with confidence. “While I may not match your business acumen, I'm lucky to possess Elegant Dragon Drinks. Given your exceptional business savvy and sharp instincts, it should be clear to you how much profit even a ten percent stake in Strong Dragon could generate in the future, right?”

Su Mei fell silent. Bidding for Strong Dragon had been an impulsive decision. At times, she already regretted it, but her stubborn nature wouldn't allow her to concede defeat.

Even when Zhang Xiaolong approached her later, she agreed to cooperate with him, harboring ulterior motives. Yet, after hearing his pitch, she began to evaluate the business opportunity purely from a commercial standpoint.

After some internal conflict, she realized that while Zhang Xiaolong's words weren't entirely accurate, the potential for success was indeed significant.

To her, Strong Dragon was nothing more than a useless burden, but in Zhang Xiaolong's hands, it could be transformed into something extraordinary, yielding far greater profits than its current state.

“No way, I will never agree to just ten percent of the shares,” Su Mei said firmly, her teeth clenched. “I'd rather dismantle it and sell it for scrap than let you have it that cheaply.”

“Alright, alright,” Zhang Xiaolong conceded graciously, immediately compromising with the beautiful woman. “One and a half percent, then. After all, we're such good friends, aren't we?”

“You're too kind!” Su Mei retorted bitterly.

Zhang Xiaolong laughed softly. “Many people have said that. I'm sure you'd prefer to work with someone generous.”

Completely ignoring the sarcasm in his words, Chen Yaru and the other onlookers couldn't help but stifle their giggles.

Despite his usual honesty, Zhang Xiaolong could be quite the rascal when he wanted to, and he played the part masterfully.

“Thirty percent,” Su Mei declared, her voice tense. “That's my final offer. Any less, and there's nothing to discuss.”

“I'll need to think about that…” Zhang Xiaolong said, feigning hesitation.

Su Mei nearly slammed the phone down in frustration, yet a part of her worried that if he didn't agree, Strong Dragon could indeed be ruined.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaolong, already grinning, flashed an ‘OK' sign to Chen Yaru and the others.

“Alright, it's a deal!” he responded promptly, not leaving her in suspense. “The additional one and a half percent is in recognition of Director Su's stunning looks!”

“Go fool someone else!” Su Mei retorted, unamused.

As she breathed a sigh of relief, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of happiness, even though she knew she had fallen for his little ploy.

No matter his intentions, it was flattering to receive such praise from him for the first time.

Zhang Xiaolong was equally elated after ending the call. Successfully bringing Strong Dragon Group on board without compromising Soaring Dragon's leadership was an excellent outcome.

Turning to the two women, however, he found them looking at him as if he were a stranger.

“Yaru, he seems to have picked up quite the repertoire of sweet talk. Be careful with him,” Yang Jingjing warned before leaving the room.

“Hey, is there really a need to stir up trouble?” Zhang Xiaolong called out to their retreating figures.

“Hubby, no need to explain,” Chen Yaru said with a dismissive wave, “You gave in too easily. From 10% to 30%—who does business like that?”

?With that, she too exited, leaving Zhang Xiaolong standing there, stunned. After a moment, he muttered in frustration, “Aren't you two a bit too greedy? Complaining about owning a mere 30% of Strong Dragon Group's shares?”

Then he heard their laughter outside the door and realized he'd been played. “Fine, you think you can play me? Jingjing, go on with your work. Yaru, you're coming home with me, and we'll see about that lesson…”

……

The collaboration agreement came together swiftly. Su Mingtang even made a personal appearance at the signing, though Su Mei was the one managing the proceedings.

“I have one more condition,” Su Mei said, pausing as she picked up the pen. “In the merged Soaring Dragon Company, I will take a seat and answer only to the top boss. Is that clear?”

?Her eyes briefly met Chen Yaru's and Yang Jingjing's, leaving no doubt about her stance. Despite merging with Soaring Dragon, as the largest shareholder after Zhang Xiaolong, she would not be subordinate to either Chen Yaru or Yang Jingjing.

“No problem,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a smile, “But remember, you can't misuse your authority, or the boss will have to step in.”

Su Mei's elegant eyebrows arched slightly, seemingly in defiance of his words, before she signed her name.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaolong turned to Chen Yaru, “Could we have the CEO of Soaring Dragon come over to sign the contract, please?”

The room fell silent, and Su Mei's face darkened. “Zhang Xiaolong, what are you implying?”

“There's no hidden meaning,” Zhang Xiaolong hurriedly clarified, “You just seem to have overlooked a key detail in the contract. Seventy percent of Soaring Dragon's shares are owned by Chen Yaru. This means that, as of today, Chen Yaru is the undisputed leader of Soaring Dragon. I trust you'll enjoy a fruitful collaboration.”

“You…” Su Mei was momentarily at a loss for words, fuming with anger.

It dawned on her that she would now have to contend with the other party's authority from here on out.