A Divine Farmer

Chapter 212 - The God of Shamelessness Has Possessed Him

“What's your proposal? Let's hear it,” Zhang Xiaolong said, sensing her demeanor and realizing he had already lost much of his optimism.

He hadn't held out much hope for acquiring Strong Dragon anyway. His visit was prompted by a call from Su Mingtang, a favor to the Su family rather than an opportunity to benefit himself.

Su Mei's gaze darted about before she finally clammed up. “I won't discuss it with you. Give me Chen Yaru's number; I want to speak with her.”

“There's really no need for that. I'm still calling the shots at Soaring Dragon,” Zhang Xiaolong replied cautiously. “Even if you talk to Yaru, she'll need to run it by me in the end.”

He wondered what Su Mei and Chen Yaru would even discuss. If Yaru were to be swayed by Su Mei, that could spell trouble.

“What? You're worried I'll drive her away?” Su Mei challenged.

Zhang Xiaolong was confident that Su Mei lacked the influence to do so, and he knew Yaru wasn't easily manipulated. He simply preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.

“If that's not your intention, I won't press the issue. But keeping Strong Dragon isn't the wisest move for you,” Zhang Xiaolong started to say, almost bluntly suggesting she sell. But considering their recently mended rapport, he softened his approach. “No worries. If there's any way I can assist, just let me know. Whenever you're ready, I'm here to take Strong Dragon off your hands. And if you'd like to meet with Yaru, perhaps we could all dine together soon.”

“No, I just want to call her. Hand over the phone,” Su Mei insisted firmly.

With no other option, Zhang Xiaolong reluctantly recited the phone number for her.

“So, what's it going to be? Will you head back and await news, or join me for a meal?” Su Mei's tone was flirtatious, yet it was clear she was showing him the door.

As soon as Zhang Xiaolong exited the company, he dialed Yaru's number, only to find the line already busy. Su Mei was certainly not one to waste time.

“What did Su Mei offer you?” Zhang Xiaolong inquired as soon as he returned to the Soaring Dragon office.

“Not much,” Yaru replied with a smile. “She's come up with a clever idea to partner with us on Elegant Dragon Drinks, with the Strong Dragon Group as the capital.”

“Using Strong Dragon to partner with us…” Zhang Xiaolong repeated thoughtfully. “How does she envision this partnership?”

“The Strong Dragon Group will commit all of its resources, taking a 70% stake, while we value Soaring Dragon as it stands for a 30% stake,” Chen Yaru explained with a smile. “From a value standpoint, it seems like we're getting quite the deal.”

The Strong Dragon Group was valued at over a billion, whereas Soaring Dragon was worth less than a hundred million, yet it would hold a 30% share. It was indeed a significant advantage.

“What's your take on this?” Zhang Xiaolong asked, looking at both Yaru and Jingjing.

“I'm not interested in partnering with her,” Yang Jingjing stated bluntly. “Given her temperament, who knows if she'll throw a tantrum over something and impulsively sell the company.”

Although this comment was made in frustration, Zhang Xiaolong and Chen Yaru exchanged glances, acknowledging that such behavior was within the realm of possibility for Su Mei.

“I share Jingjing's concerns,” Chen Yaru agreed, nodding. “While it's true we'd be getting a good deal, agreeing would mean losing control of Soaring Dragon. All future decisions would be in the hands of the Su family, or more specifically, Su Mei. It's not wise to rely on her.”

“No, even if it were safe, it wouldn't be acceptable,” Zhang Xiaolong stated resolutely. “Soaring Dragon is our life's work. We've toiled to make it a household name in Qingyang City, and we can't let it become subordinate to anyone else. It doesn't matter if she's Su Mei or a business prodigy capable of increasing our value a hundredfold, I simply won't agree.”

Chen Yaru and Yang Jingjing exchanged knowing smiles; clearly, they had anticipated this reaction.

“You're probably laughing at me for being unsophisticated, or for thinking I'm good at everything,” Zhang Xiaolong said, suspecting that his two close friends were poking fun at his constrained thinking. “Deep down, I'm just a simple farmer. I don't have a head for business. I aspire to a better life, but not at the cost of being controlled. I'd rather stay in my own humble hut than in a gilded cage.”

In the midst of their conversation, Yaru's phone rang once more.

She gave Zhang Xiaolong and Su Mei a quick look, signaling that it was Su Mei on the line.

“He must have returned by now, right? How did the talk go?” Su Mei's voice came through as soon as the call connected.

She seemed eager, otherwise, she wouldn't have called so promptly.

Chen Yaru glanced at Zhang Xiaolong, who took the phone and said, “I've considered it, and we can proceed with the partnership.”

His words left the two women beside him momentarily speechless.

He had just been adamantly against the idea, and now he was suddenly in favor?

“I knew you'd agree. So, when shall we sign the contract? I'm excited to work with you and reach new heights in the beverage industry,” Su Mei responded with renewed enthusiasm.

Zhang Xiaolong gave a slight smile. “Let's not rush. We can certainly collaborate, but we need to discuss the share distribution first. If that's agreeable, then we can move on to the contract details.”

“Do you think 30% is too little?” Su Mei hesitated. “I can go up to 40%. How does that sound?”

“No, I'd prefer a ninety-ten split,” Zhang Xiaolong stated firmly. “Soaring Dragon should hold ninety percent of the shares with its assets and the technology from Elegant Dragon Drinks, while Strong Dragon Group holds ten percent. If you're on board with that, we can delve into the contract specifics. Yaru will likely have more expertise in those matters.”

Once again, Chen Yaru and Yang Jingjing looked at each other, their eyes twinkling with amusement.

It seems that this man has taken a turn for the worse. Soaring Dragon, with less than a hundred million in assets, is seeking to collaborate with Strong Dragon, which boasts over a billion. Yet, he insists on seizing ninety percent control of the partnership. No sane person would agree to such terms!

However, this approach might be more face-saving than outright rejection. It's not that the proposal has been declined; it's just that the specifics of the profit-sharing haven't been ironed out. This way, it would be more dignified for him to bow out in front of Su Mei.

Apparently taken aback by these words, Su Mei finally spoke up after a long pause, her voice tinged with frustration, “Do you really think I would accept such terms? The disparity between Soaring Dragon and Strong Dragon is vast, yet you have the audacity to demand ninety percent. Isn't that excessively greedy?”

Zhang Xiaolong, however, seemed utterly unfazed, as if impervious to shame, “The difference between Strong Dragon and Soaring Dragon is indeed immense. Strong Dragon is nothing but an empty shell now, and you lack the miraculous cure to revive it. Soaring Dragon, on the other hand, is in a league of its own. Even without the shell, it could outpace Strong Dragon a hundredfold within two years. Therefore, I believe offering Strong Dragon a ten percent stake is quite magnanimous.”