265: Chapter 265 Investing in Hengtian

Zou Luyao had originally just wanted to cling to her boyfriend and tag along to broaden her horizons.

However, she never expected to encounter that person here.

"That person is my father, though he probably doesn't know me."

Huo Zhengdong was the very man who had toyed with her mother's feelings in his youth and then kicked her away without mercy—her biological father.

After abandoning her mother, he only paid the minimum child support required by law; the father and daughter had never even met.

Zou Luyao, however, had secretly clipped photos of this biological father from newspapers and remembered him deeply.

She had learned from some gossip news that Huo Zhengdong's eventual success in securing the position of heir seemed to have a lot to do with the support he received from his wife. Compared to that kind of assistance, the weight of herself and her mother was naturally too insignificant to mention.

But even after he later acquired more money than one could count, he still only chose to pay the legal minimum for child support and never showed his face again after that.

He had never regarded her as a daughter, nor had he ever truly loved her mother.

Zhao Xiaoshuai glanced in the direction where Huo Zhengdong had left, his gaze turning cold.

"Do you hate him?"

"Of course I hate him! I wish he could taste every bit of suffering that my mother and I have endured since I was a child!"

"Fine, I promise you."

Only then did Zou Luyao snap out of her painful emotions, hurriedly saying with concern, "Actually, forget it. I know you're good to me, but I've checked secretly—that man's family is really, really powerful."

Zhao Xiaoshuai gently wiped away a tear from the corner of his little girlfriend's eye. "I originally only intended to give him a lesson, but since he's someone who makes my lovely girlfriend cry, I won't be holding back anymore."

"I will definitely realize what you hope for. I guarantee he will lose everything. Trust me."

Her boyfriend had never broken a promise to her. That existence which had been like a dark cloud over the sky of her and her mother since childhood—perhaps he really would receive his due punishment?

"Mhm, I believe you! But if it really doesn't work out, you must not push yourself. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

Zhao Xiaoshuai patted her head. "I promise you that as well."

[Relationship value/Favorability with Zou Luyao has exceeded 400, reaching the 'Adoration' stage. Current stage rewards are available for collection.]

To the side, Xing Jiaxing had tactfully refrained from approaching, letting Zhao Xiaoshuai handle his woman's issues.

He scanned the women dressed like secretaries; not only was each one exceptionally beautiful, but their identities were also quite formidable.

Aside from that ice beauty currently organizing files whose background he didn't know, he could recognize that the mature woman was likely the daughter of a major shareholder in Lingshi Group. Although he couldn't remember her name, he was certain of her status.

The haughty young girl was even more remarkable; she was the only daughter of the current CEO of Lingshi Group, Ling Weiqin—essentially the little princess of Ling Shi.

Adding in this illegitimate daughter of Huo Zhengdong who had just popped up, it really was a gathering of noble ladies!

'It seems he has a soft spot for the daughters of the wealthy. Does that mean my daughter...'

Zhao Xiaoshuai gave his little girlfriend another comforting hug before turning around. "President Xing, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Not at all, not at all. President Zhao is a man of deep feeling; it's rare, truly rare."

"For such an important meeting, why isn't Huiqiong here?"

"In our Xing Family, when discussing major affairs, there is no place for women."

Zhao Xiaoshuai noticed Xing Tianjie nearby showing a clear look of disgust and turning his head away in shame.

'At least you have a conscience, kid. Your sister didn't dote on you for nothing.'

"When she was creating wealth for your Hengtian, did you forget she was a woman?"

Xing Jiaxing's face stiffened. Obviously, being lectured on his family matters by a junior made him very annoyed, but no matter how annoyed he was, he had to endure it now.

"The seven billion President Zhao mentioned just now... you weren't joking, were you?"

"I'm not in the habit of making empty boasts."

A look of joy appeared on Xing Jiaxing's face.

"However, I have a few conditions."

Xing Jiaxing knew the main event was coming and braced himself. "Please, go ahead, President Zhao."

Zhao Xiaoshuai had his little secretaries bring out several files, then said unhurriedly:

"Your current stock price has already been cut in half, but that's not the end of it. I've had experts analyze it, and your final market value is estimated to be around 2 billion."

"I will inject 7 billion, but I demand 60% of the equity after dilution."

Although for the thriving Hengtian before the crisis, it would have been impossible to buy 60% of the equity with 7 billion, things were different now. This demand was practically giving them a huge benefit.

Therefore, with such a favorable price, the other party would obviously have additional clauses.

"There are three additional clauses. First, I want absolute control of the board of directors. Use this opportunity to find a way to clear out those allies of yours who aren't so firm."

This request was very reasonable. After all, as the absolute controlling party after equity dilution, he was fully qualified for this position.

And the timing was perfect. As long as they made good use of the information gap, purging those unstable elements eager to jump ship would be both easy and in his favor.

"Second, I have absolutely no trust in your management ability. I require you to resign immediately, but you are allowed to transfer your equity to your heir."

Xing Jiaxing became a bit unsettled. "President Zhao, I built the Hengtian brand with my own hands after all. This break in the capital chain was just an accident..."

"You can choose not to agree, and I won't waste any more time."

"...Fine. President Zhao, please continue with the final condition."

"Third, you will presumably hand over the equity to your son, so I require Hengtian to implement a dual-president model in the short term."

"Dual-president model?"

"Huiqiong and Tianjie will compete on the same stage. In this battle to pull Hengtian out of its predicament, whoever achieves more will be the final CEO of Hengtian. I think that's very reasonable."

"This... Tianjie is young after all, and his sister has already secured many advantages within the company. This isn't fair."

Seeing his son about to say something, Xing Jiaxing glared at him fiercely.

"You can advise him from behind the scenes. Consider it the two of you against one. How about it?"

"In that case, I can accept."

"However, let me be clear: this competition must be fair and square, based on ability. Don't play any dirty tricks on me."

"My contract is already drawn up; you can take a look first."

"If you use any dishonorable means later, according to the contract, I will dismiss your son from his position at any time and end the competition immediately."

Xing Jiaxing frowned as he looked over the contract. After thinking for a long time, he gave a heavy nod.

'There's no way I can lose to my own daughter!'