Chapter Seven: Collaboration

After the press conference, Zhang Hai was promptly taken away. As a member of Ming Tai Group’s management, his flagrant actions had not only completely violated the company’s interests but also involved arson and violence—hardly matters to be dismissed lightly.

As he was leaving, Zhang Hai happened to pass by Shu Yiming. His bloodshot eyes bulged as he glared at Shu Yiming. Shu Yiming merely smiled, watching the very man who had caused his downfall in his past life being escorted away. He felt a profound sense of satisfaction.

After the event, Yonghui Trading, though having managed to save face, was forced to swallow their defeat. This affair, which had initially seemed to guarantee them victory, had turned into a fiasco. Had things gone as planned, they would have profited handsomely from both sides. But now, if they refused to continue the partnership, the loss of face would be even greater. Worse yet, the whole affair was now public knowledge. Lu Yi found himself caught in a dilemma.

Shu Yiming noticed Lu Yi trying to slip away quietly and immediately stepped forward to block his path.

“President Lu, I suppose this isn’t how you would have wished things to turn out. Still, since your company bears some responsibility, about the compensation…” Shu Yiming deliberately trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished, waiting for Lu Yi to speak first.

Lu Yi forced a laugh, the corners of his mouth twitching involuntarily. This was no longer a simple matter of compensation; not only would they have to return the money, but it seemed the contract would have to be fulfilled as well.

“President Lu, how about this? Our two companies have forged a connection through this ordeal. As for the money Zhang Hai paid, we won’t ask for it back. However, the contract must continue—let’s set the delivery date for three months from now, and add a one-year extension. What do you say?” Shu Yiming smiled calmly, confident in his proposal.

This arrangement was essentially handing money to Lu Yi—after all, the sum from Zhang Hai was not insignificant. Furthermore, the profit margin for Ming Tai Group in this partnership was minimal; with the additional losses from the destroyed goods, it was hardly a profitable deal. For Lu Yi, there was nothing to lose.

Yet Shu Yiming understood well that Ming Tai Group, having just weathered a major crisis, was in a vulnerable state. Factory workers and staff still needed to be paid. Without ongoing projects, the company would bleed money for nothing. Only by keeping the business running could the group survive and thrive in the long term.

Lu Yi listened, slightly bewildered. It felt too generous—where could such good fortune come from? Carefully considering, however, he found no loopholes. He chuckled and said, “Alright. I must admit, you’re quite a formidable young man. Since you’re so straightforward, why don’t you come by to sign the contract?”

“No need to wait. We can do it now. As they say, there’s no time like the present—and today is an auspicious day.” Shu Yiming picked up the documents from the table behind him and handed a pen to Lu Yi.

“This? I haven’t looked it over carefully,” Lu Yi hesitated. “Tell you what, I’ll take it back to review. If there are no issues, you can come by tomorrow to collect it.”

Shu Yiming nodded and smiled. “No trouble at all—it’s only two pages. President Lu, I happen to have some excellent Tieguanyin tea here. Why not sit down and have a look? Or are you worried about being outmaneuvered by someone of my generation?”

Some journalists were still present, and seeing them in discussion, gathered around.

“President Lu, are you truly concerned about this?”

“President Lu, is this contract unfavorable to your company?”

“Haha, not at all. Mr. Shu is a man of vision—I’m sure he’s destined for great things.” Lu Yi wiped the sweat from his brow and reluctantly sat down to study the contract.

After several readings, he found nothing amiss. Although he still felt a vague sense of unease, with so many eyes watching and his own company at fault, he had no choice but to sign swiftly.

“It’s done. Mr. Shu, you are indeed outstanding—your future is bright!” Lu Yi now fully grasped how formidable Shu Yiming could be.

The scene just now had been nothing short of a forced hand. Although Shu Yiming had gained little personal benefit, he had successfully stabilized Ming Tai. With this contract, the group would weather even the fiercest storms and avoid immediate disaster.

More importantly, Ming Tai’s resounding victory had showcased Shu Yiming’s capabilities. From now on, their business would proceed far more smoothly.

...

With the press conference concluded, Shu Yiming’s thoughts turned to Lin Peishi.

This woman was truly a force to be reckoned with. Now that Wang Hai was gone, the company was certain to harbor other malignant elements. Unless they were purged completely, they would inevitably bring trouble in the future.

Shu Jinghan, ever attuned to her brother’s thoughts, smiled and raised her phone before he could speak. “Brother, see, your sister understands you best—I’ve already invited Sister Peishi to tonight’s celebration. How about that? Not bad, right?”

“Hey, when did you become so perceptive?” Shu Yiming grinned with delight and pride.

In his past life, he’d always felt he was looking out for his sisters, bearing the burden alone. Only now did he realize how mistaken he had been.

...

At the Ketter Hotel, the gathering consisted only of their inner circle. Lin Peishi had been dragged along by Shu Jinghan and seemed calm, though slightly awkward.

Having lived two lives, Shu Yiming easily detected Lin Peishi’s discomfort and resistance. After some small talk, he turned to her and said, “Miss Lin, have you given any further thought to my offer? There’s really no rush.”

“If Miss Peishi has any reservations, the offer can remain open indefinitely. I can wait—as long as, one day, you’ll fulfill your promise.”

Of course, Shu Yiming had no intention of waiting; he was simply employing a bit of reverse psychology. Lin Peishi was proud and strong-willed—his words would only stoke her determination.

“No need. I always keep my word. Tomorrow, in your office.” Having spoken, Lin Peishi secretly admired the man before her—he’d coaxed her into agreeing with just a few well-chosen words.

Now that things had been settled, and after all that had transpired, Lin Peishi found herself a little curious about this man.

“Really? That’s wonderful. Miss Lin, I hereby appoint you Vice Executive Director of the company. The official letter has already been sent to your office!” Shu Yiming smiled warmly, finally at ease. With such a talent by his side, he had gained a powerful ally.