Chapter Eighty-Five - Matchmaking (Part Two)

"You've misunderstood me," I said casually, seeing the brief look of panic on Chu Zhengsheng’s face and feeling completely in control. "By acquisition, I don’t mean a complete buyout. I just want to bring your company under the Sunshine Group. Of course, we can structure the company as a shareholding enterprise—I’ll take seventy percent, you keep thirty. As far as I know, your company isn’t publicly listed, so there aren’t any shareholders to disagree. I can offer you technology in exchange—something of equal value to your company."

I paused, seeing that he was deep in thought, then continued, "Currently, hard drives on the market are generally three gigabytes. The ones you’re distributing are probably of this type, right? Imagine—if your company could produce hard drives over thirty gigabytes, what would that mean? That would be nothing short of a revolution in computing! Every component of the computer would be rendered obsolete, replaced by brand-new hardware. Digital music players? Those old tape-playing devices are long overdue for retirement. I already have the plans for a portable player that uses MP3s—cheap to manufacture, yet its performance exceeds any tape player. Most importantly, it’s compact and convenient, and I guarantee it would take the world by storm! Now, let’s talk about motherboards. It’s a bit of a pity—I once submitted a design to Intel for a processor and motherboard at least two years ahead of current global technology. Unfortunately, whether they never received it or dismissed it as a prank, Intel never responded. If your company becomes part of mine, those processors and motherboards would become the patented products of your Dynasty Corporation."

I could clearly see Chu Zhengsheng’s facial muscles twitch each time I mentioned a new product. As a boss who built his fortune in digital products, how could he not be tempted by what I was offering? The three products I just mentioned were precisely the hottest commodities his Dynasty Group distributed—he knew them inside out! I was certain he’d thought about developing them himself before, but the technologies he handled represented the world’s most advanced, and without a massive R&D team and hundreds of top scientists, success would have been impossible. His Dynasty Group meant something in Province Z, but on the world stage, it was just another reed in a marsh. Hearing about my products, most people would have been green with envy—only someone as seasoned in business as he was could feign such composure.

"Is everything you said true? I really can’t believe you could come up with such things." Though Chu Zhengsheng knew I wouldn’t waste my time bragging at his house, he still had his doubts. Who would believe that a kid, barely out of childhood, could speak of technology the world had never seen?

"It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me. As long as you agree, I’ll show you proof." I sighed lightly. "I hadn’t wanted to reveal myself so soon, but time waits for no one. Since I’m being forced to act, I might as well do it openly. I sincerely hope you can be my right hand. I have the technology, but lack the experience of a true businessman. Working together, we both win."

Looking into my eyes, utterly devoid of any hint of jest, Chu Zhengsheng fell silent for a moment, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "I thought I was clever, and that I could see through prodigies like you. But I misjudged—you’re not just a hundred times sharper than me... With such vision and courage, not even my own father could compare. Very well, if everything you say is true, I agree to your acquisition. In fact, with those three technologies, the Dynasty Group could become world-renowned within two years. My thirty percent would be more than enough reward."

As a businessman, calculating profit is second nature to Chu Zhengsheng—his mental ledger was surely clearer than anyone’s.

"Good. Since you’ve agreed, let me move on to the second matter. This one actually doesn’t concern you directly; I just hope to accomplish it through you." At this point, I no longer regarded Chu Zhengsheng as my elder. First, I had lived another life before; second, once the company was acquired, he’d be my employee—at most, a shareholder. I had every right to speak to him as an equal. "There’s someone who presents a great opportunity. I want you to recommend him to Su Guohui in your name."

"Who is it?" Relieved that it didn’t involve him, Chu Zhengsheng asked casually.

"Someone who can change the political landscape of City C," I replied, a steely glint in my eyes. "With this person, Su Guohui will secure his hold on the administration, and I’ll be able to defeat the enemies I wish to defeat."

As my words drifted into Chu Zhengsheng’s ears, I saw clear surprise flicker in his gaze. After a long pause, he forced a smile and said, "Meeting you today has truly changed my perspective. From now on, I’ll never underestimate anyone again. Maybe you really do have what it takes to win back that Su family girl… Too bad my own Qitong doesn’t have such luck…"

"Woo… woo…" Just as Chu Zhengsheng was sighing, a faint sound of weeping came from a corner of the living room. I turned sharply toward the source and saw, behind the large decorative vase, a pale, delicate arm trembling in the open. There was no need to guess—it could only be Chu Qitong hiding back there.

"Ah…" Chu Zhengsheng sighed again and called out in that direction, "Qitong, it seems even your father can’t help you now. You… you’ll have to let it go."

Slowly, as his sigh faded, Chu Qitong emerged from behind the vase, her beautiful face streaked with tears. I’d grown used to seeing her proud and willful, or mischievous and argumentative, but never had I seen her look so delicate, so pitiful. For a moment, my heart softened, and I forced a smile. "I’m sorry, Qitong. My heart already belongs to Su Xin, so…"

"Xiao Qiang… I… I hate you… woo… woo…" She cried out, eyes red, then burst into even louder sobs and ran for her bedroom. Watching her slender figure in a pink gauze dress disappear, I could only sigh in helplessness. I truly never expected that one day this little demon would fall for me—it was far too surprising.

"Xiao Xiao, let’s end our discussion here for today. We’ll talk over the details at my company another time," Chu Zhengsheng said, clearly worried about his daughter and eager to send me off. "As for the second matter, I agree as well. I’ll contact Su Guohui when the time comes."

"Alright, I’ll take my leave then." I quickly stood up from the sofa and apologized to Chu Zhengsheng, "I’m sorry, Uncle Chu. Please take good care of Qitong."

He chuckled. "Of course I’ll take care of my own daughter. Don’t worry, a few days of guidance and she’ll come around." Stretching out his large hand, he smiled warmly. "Here’s to a successful partnership. This humble employee will be counting on the boss for a few promotions in the future, alright?"

I shook his hand firmly, replying with conviction, "It’s a promise!"

"It’s a promise!" Chu Zhengsheng nodded emphatically, his deep gaze brimming with respect and admiration.

I knew I had made the right choice coming here. With Chu Zhengsheng, a seasoned veteran of the business world, and Zhang Jing, a young female CEO, by my side, I now had the perfect team. The future filled me with boundless confidence.