99: Chapter 99 Discusses Acquisition

Gao Yuanyuan walked to the side of Lin Yu and sat down, her back straight as she reported: "Boss, I have already made arrangements for the change of registration for the PR company. It will be finalized by tomorrow, and we will be able to obtain the official seal and business license."

Lin Yu nodded without speaking. He reached for his phone on the table, swiped across the screen a few times, opened an image, and pushed the phone toward Gao Yuanyuan.

The image showed a skyscraper that towered into the clouds, its glass curtain wall refracting dazzling light under the sun. It was the tallest building in Lu Province, a landmark of Quan City.

Gao Yuanyuan recognized it with just a glance. She looked up, a trace of confusion flashing in her beautiful eyes.

"Does it look good?"

"It does." Gao Yuanyuan answered decisively.

Lin Yu took back his phone and leaned back on the sofa, his tone indifferent as he said: "Over in Ze City, President Wang Ya and her team are all 'stepping out,' so you won't need to go to Ze City for work anymore."

Gao Yuanyuan was sharp-witted and instantly grasped the implications of Lin Yu's words. If President Wang Ya and the others were 'stepping out,' it meant that Lin Yu's major layout in Ze City was complete, or in other words, the temple was too small to hold the great deities.

"Is the Boss looking to rent office space in this building?" Gao Yuanyuan asked tentatively. "Do you need me to keep an eye on information from the leasing department?"

Lin Yu looked at her, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth: "Gao Yuanyuan, think bigger."

Gao Yuanyuan was stunned for a moment. Did renting a venue require thinking bigger? She frowned and pondered for a moment, a flash of surprise appearing in her eyes: "You want to buy it? How many floors?"

Lin Yu shook his head slightly and took a sip of tea: "Your perspective is too small."

Gao Yuanyuan's mouth slowly opened into an 'O' shape. She looked at Lin Yu, her voice rising a few notches: "The... the whole building?"

Lin Yu set down his teacup and nodded, his tone as calm as if he were discussing the weather: "So, you can start keeping an eye on the status of this company and look for an opportunity."

Gao Yuanyuan was completely stunned. That was the tallest building in Lu Province, an asset worth tens of billions, yet Lin Yu spoke of it so casually. She took a deep breath, trying to recover from the shock, but her heart was still pounding violently.

After a while, Gao Yuanyuan finally regained her composure. She looked at the man before her, who was excessively young, and a sense of indescribable awe welled up in her heart. She had originally thought she understood this boss's methods well, but now it seemed she had only seen the tip of the iceberg.

"I understand, Boss." Gao Yuanyuan steadied her mind, her eyes becoming firm once more. "I will investigate the company's equity structure and capital chain to find an entry point."

Lin Yu and Gao Yuanyuan chatted for a while longer.

An enticing aroma wafted from the kitchen. Sister Ma's cooking skills were clearly quite good; the scent of stir-fried scallions, ginger, and garlic mixed with the smell of meat drifted out, instantly dispelling the tension in the living room from discussing multi-billion dollar deals and bringing a touch of warmth and domesticity.

Lin Yu sniffed and nodded in satisfaction.

Gao Yuanyuan also smelled the aroma, and her tense nerves relaxed slightly. She looked at Lin Yu and sighed inwardly: This man could determine the earth-shattering plan of acquiring a landmark building while chatting and laughing, yet could also sit here calmly waiting for a home-cooked meal. It made him seem even more unfathomable.

"Go wash your hands. It's time to eat." Lin Yu stood up and walked toward the dining room.

Gao Yuanyuan acknowledged and stood up to follow him.

The kitchen door was pushed open, and Sister Ma walked out carrying the first dish, a fawning smile on her face: "Mr. Lin, Miss Gao, the food is ready. Please taste it and see if it's to your liking."

Lin Yu looked at the plate of bright red-brown braised pork belly and picked up his chopsticks to put a piece in his mouth. It was rich but not greasy, melting in his mouth, with a perfect balance of salty and sweet. The cooking time was mastered perfectly.

"Not bad," Lin Yu said, swallowing the meat and looking at Sister Ma. "From now on, I'll leave the meals at home to you."

Sister Ma breathed a sigh of relief, a simple, honest smile appearing on her face: "Alright, thank you, Mr. Lin. I will definitely work hard."

After Lin Yu and Gao Yuanyuan tasted the next two dishes, they put down their chopsticks, wiped the corners of their mouths, and turned their gaze to Sister Ma, who was standing to the side waiting for instructions.

Seeing Lin Yu look over, Sister Ma quickly bowed slightly: "At your service, Mr. Lin."

"Your duties are very simple," Lin Yu said, calculating in his mind. "Mainly grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and maintaining the daily cleanliness of the house."

He paused and added: "But don't overwork yourself; there will be hourly workers coming regularly for thorough cleaning. The property management is responsible for the garden landscaping and swimming pool maintenance, so you don't need to worry about that. You will stay in the nanny's room on the first floor for convenience in taking care of the house."

Sister Ma listened carefully. The work was simple, didn't require heavy lifting, and she got to live in such a nice house. This treatment was better than any other place she had worked before.

"Regarding the salary," Lin Yu calmly dropped his trump card, "I will pay you double the market rate, not including bonuses for holidays. As long as you work steadily and care for this place like your own home, I won't treat you poorly."

"Dou... double?" Sister Ma's voice trembled. She had been working in this city for many years and knew how hard it was to earn money. Double the salary meant her annual income would equal two years of previous earnings, perhaps even enough to send back to her hometown to build a house and support her children's education.

"Yes, double." Lin Yu nodded affirmatively. "But I must speak plainly first: I have high standards for hygiene and security. I hope you understand."

"I understand! I understand!" Sister Ma was so excited her eyes turned red, and she bowed repeatedly. "Mr. Lin, please rest assured. I will definitely keep the house spotlessly clean and make meals to your taste!"

"Alright, go clean up the kitchen, then check the nanny's room to see what's missing and make a list for Gao Yuanyuan." Lin Yu waved his hand.

"Alright, understood!" Sister Ma happily returned to the kitchen to clean up.

After the meal, Gao Yuanyuan stood up to leave. Lin Yu didn't ask her to stay, only told her to drive carefully.

...

Downstairs at the Junlin Capital building in Ze City.

Two black Alphards slowly drove up and stopped in front of the main entrance.

The car doors opened one after another, and two people stepped out.

One was the actual controller of Renhetang, Chairman Li Jie, who was around sixty years old, with a potbelly and puffy eye bags, clearly showing signs of excessive indulgence and lack of sleep. He wore a designer suit, but his collar was slightly crooked, revealing an undisguisable anxiety.

The other was the founder and current President of Renhetang, President Qin Xia. Although she was over fifty, she was well-maintained, wearing a sharp, light gray professional suit, her gaze sharp, and she held a briefcase tightly in her hand.

At this moment, Administrative Director Tang Xingmian walked up with a smile. She was wearing a creamy white professional skirt suit, looking exceptionally crisp and fresh.

"Chairman Li Jie, President Qin Xia, thank you for the journey. I am Administrative Director Tang Xingmian of Junlin Capital, and President Wang Ya has been waiting for you upstairs for some time."

...

Small conference room.

In front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, President Wang Ya stood with her back to the door, overlooking the city below. Hearing the door open, she slowly turned around.

Today, President Wang Ya was wearing a pure black deep-V suit, without a shirt underneath, instead pairing it directly with a black silk camisole, appearing both sexy and full of aggression. Her gaze behind her gold-rimmed glasses swept over Chairman Li Jie and President Qin Xia like a predator eyeing its prey.

"Chairman Li Jie, President Qin Xia, welcome to Junlin Capital." President Wang Ya's voice was not loud, but it carried a sense of coercion.

"President Wang Ya, I've heard so much about you!" Chairman Li Jie smiled broadly and reached out to shake hands. "I've long heard that Junlin Capital is a legend in the industry. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to its reputation! This entire office building, this view, tsk tsk..."

President Wang Ya did not reach out, only nodding indifferently: "Please sit."

Chairman Li Jie's hand froze in mid-air. He awkwardly retracted it and sat down sheepishly on the right side of the conference table. President Qin Xia sat next to him with a composed expression, her gaze fixed intently on President Wang Ya.

"Administrative Director Tang Xingmian, please bring two cups of coffee." President Wang Ya ordered.

Administrative Director Tang Xingmian brought two cups of coffee, placed them gently on the table, and then moved to President Wang Ya's left side, sitting down next to Vice President Liu Qingyan and Investment Director Shen Ruoyao.

"Chairman Li Jie, President Qin Xia." President Wang Ya got straight to the point as she sat in the main seat. "Our company is very interested in Renhetang. However, before discussing cooperation, I want to confirm one thing first."

She pointed to two documents on the table: "These are Chairman Li Jie's transaction records at the 'Grand Lisboa' in Macau, and the tuition payment demand notice for President Qin Xia's son studying in the United States. I assume you two don't mind if I verify the authenticity of this information, right?"

Chairman Li Jie was taken aback, then his face turned pale instantly, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead: "Pre... President Wang Ya, this... this is private..."

"In front of capital, there is no privacy." President Wang Ya interrupted him coldly. "Chairman Li Jie, you have pledged 90% of your equity and owe 300 million in usury. If the stock price falls another 5% next week, your shares will be forcibly liquidated by the bank. By then, you will not only lose control of Renhetang, but also be ruined, and even... go to prison."

"How... how did you know..." Chairman Li Jie's lips trembled, his whole body looking as if he had been drained of all strength.

"As for President Qin Xia." President Wang Ya turned to look at President Qin Xia, her tone softening slightly. "You are a meritorious official of Renhetang and a talented manager. But your son caused trouble in the United States, and it requires five million USD to settle. You've been selling off stocks recently for this money, right?"

President Qin Xia's expression changed, and she clenched her fists: "President Wang Ya, what are you trying to say?"

"What I'm saying is that Junlin Capital can help you solve all your problems."

President Wang Ya stood up, walked to the whiteboard, picked up a marker, and wrote down three numbers: 3 billion.

"Three billion." President Wang Ya turned around, her gaze like a torch. "Junlin Capital is willing to invest 3 billion to take control of Renhetang."

Chairman Li Jie's eyes lit up: "3 billion? How will you enter?"

"The plan is simple." President Wang Ya turned the whiteboard around, and clear terms were written on it:

1. Chairman Li Jie exits: Junlin Capital will invest 800 million to acquire 25% of the shares held by Chairman Li Jie. The remaining 10% of shares must be sold by Chairman Li Jie at market price within one year, and the proceeds will be used to pay off debts. In exchange, Chairman Li Jie must resign from the position of Chairman of Renhetang and promise never to enter the board of directors again.

2. President Qin Xia remains: Junlin Capital will invest 700 million to acquire 10% of the shares held by President Qin Xia. At the same time, Junlin Capital will make a private placement of 2 billion in new shares to Renhetang. President Qin Xia will continue to serve as President of Renhetang, responsible for daily operations. However, she must sign an 'Acting in Concert Agreement' to delegate voting rights to Junlin Capital.

3. Debt restructuring: Of the 2 billion in funds injected by Junlin Capital, 1.5 billion will be used to repay Renhetang's short-term high-interest debts, and 500 million will be used to supplement working capital.

"Chairman Li Jie, 800 million is enough for you to pay off all your debts and still have a large sum for retirement." President Wang Ya looked at Chairman Li Jie. "Do you choose to take the money and leave with dignity, or do you choose to face liquidation and prison?"

Chairman Li Jie's hand trembled as he picked up the coffee cup on the table, but he couldn't hold it steady, and coffee spilled all over himself.

"I... I choose dignity..." His voice was hoarse, and he looked at President Wang Ya with an almost pleading gaze. "President Wang Ya, please show mercy..."

"As for President Qin Xia." President Wang Ya looked at President Qin Xia. "700 million is enough to solve your son's problem and the future of Renhetang. You are a smart person and should know how to choose."

President Qin Xia was silent for a long time. She knew this was the only way out. Renhetang was already terminally ill and could not be saved by her own strength. Although Junlin Capital took control, at least her position was preserved, and the Renhetang brand could also be saved.

"I agree." President Qin Xia took a deep breath and looked up. "But I have one condition."

"Speak."

"I want to retain the brand independence of Renhetang, and Junlin Capital cannot interfere with store operations at will."

"No problem." President Wang Ya agreed readily. "We want the reputation. As long as the financial statements don't look too bad, you can decide how to operate."

"Fine, I'll sign!" President Qin Xia picked up the pen and signed her name on the agreement.

Seeing this, Chairman Li Jie dared not hesitate further and signed tremblingly.

"Welcome to the Junlin Capital family." President Wang Ya smiled and extended her hand. This time, Chairman Li Jie took the initiative to shake it, but it felt like holding a block of ice.

"Administrative Director Tang Xingmian, take them to Min Shi Wei Tian for a meal." President Wang Ya retracted her hand and said.

"Very well, President Wang Ya. Please, this way!" Administrative Director Tang Xingmian smiled and gestured for them to follow.

Watching the backs of Chairman Li Jie and President Qin Xia as they left, Vice President Liu Qingyan pushed up her glasses: "Sister Wang Ya, are we really not taking back that 10% of Chairman Li Jie's shares?"

"No hurry." President Wang Ya adjusted her collar, a flash of cunning appearing in her eyes. "He is eager to cash out now and will definitely sell at a low price. When that time comes, let Investment Director Shen Ruoyao slowly collect them on the secondary market; we can save even more."

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Investment Director Shen Ruoyao gave a thumbs up.

"Alright, meeting adjourned." President Wang Ya picked up her briefcase. "I have another meeting this afternoon. As for Xingyao Media, Vice President Liu Qingyan, prepare yourself; go to Quan City tomorrow and meet with General Manager Hu."

"Understood."

As she walked, President Wang Ya took out her phone and sent a WeChat message to Lin Yu: "Boss, Renhetang is done. 3 billion, 51% equity. Chairman Li Jie is out, President Qin Xia remains."

...

In the company group chat of Xingyao Media, a sense of anxiety and unease permeated.

"Have you heard? General Manager Zhao is in trouble, and the company might be acquired!"

"Acquired? What about us? My contract hasn't expired yet!"

"Tsk, with your small number of followers, do you think the new boss would even look at you? I heard that a big capital firm is coming this time, called Hongtu Capital."

"It's over, it's over. I have to quickly post on Weibo, hinting that I'm going solo to leave myself a way out."