129: You didn't understand who was cheating whom.

Lu Qingyu: "President Meng, go on. How exactly does this bet work?"

Meng Wei thought Lu Qingyu was tempted by the condition of acquiring all of Xiangwan Entertainment.

"If the party to the bet is President Lu, we, Xiangwan Entertainment, are willing to use the company's 1.6 billion in assets as the stake. If President Lu can earn 1.6 billion within three years, then you can take away all 1.6 billion of Xiangwan Entertainment's assets. But if President Lu fails to earn 1.6 billion, then you must pay our company 1.6 billion as well as 30% of those 1.6 billion in assets."

Everyone's eyes widened when they heard the stakes; this was playing for far too much. But just as President Meng had said, they didn't dare to get involved.

The last person who made a bet like this lost everything, even their underwear.

Lu Qingyu's eyes lit up after hearing this. Was there anything more cost-effective than this?

"This way of playing is great; it's exciting."

Wang Ning and Chen Ting became even more nervous when they heard Lu Qingyu say that.

"Boss, stay calm. You can't bet with him."

"Little brother, betting is too dangerous. We can't take such a risk."

Lu Qingyu: "How can there be no risk in doing business? Besides, President Meng said that if they lose, the 1.6 billion in assets of Xiangwan Entertainment will all be mine."

The people around them shook their heads silently as they saw Lu Qingyu so excited. This kid was too ignorant of the world's heights and depths.

But they didn't dare say much because the person he was betting against was Meng Wei, someone they couldn't afford to offend.

Lu Qingyu: "President Meng, this bet is interesting. How about we give it a try?"

Meng Wei was afraid Lu Qingyu wouldn't take the bait, but he hadn't expected him to fall for it so easily.

"President Lu has such courage. However, as President Wang and President Chen said, betting does involve risks. You're young; do you want to discuss it with them?"

President Meng's tone made it sound like Lu Qingyu was still a child who needed to consult adults for everything.

He said this on purpose to provoke Lu Qingyu.

And Lu Qingyu's performance satisfied Meng Wei greatly.

Lu Qingyu: "The company is mine; I can make my own decisions."

President Meng: "President Lu, this matter concerns Xiangwan Entertainment and your future. It can't just be words. We have to put it in writing. Why don't you think about it again?"

Lu Qingyu: "What's there to think about? 1.6 billion in assets for free—I'm too happy for words."

Meng Wei gave Lu Qingyu a thumbs up: "Young people are so decisive. I'll have someone prepare the contract then."

Just as Meng Wei finished speaking, his assistant had already delivered the contract.

"President Lu, you can take a look at the contract. With so many people here as witnesses, I won't deceive you."

Lu Qingyu took the contract and flipped through it seemingly at random, but he actually read every page:

"I still trust President Meng on this point."

Saying that, Lu Qingyu was about to sign.

The people present looked at Lu Qingyu with pity. Such a fine young man, but unfortunately too greedy. He thought he could win against Xiangwan Entertainment and get 1.6 billion to become its boss, not knowing that once he signed this contract, he would not only lose 1.6 billion but likely have to work hard for the rest of his life as a laborer to pay back the debt to Xiangwan Entertainment.

After all, among the artists they knew who had signed betting contracts with Xiangwan Entertainment, not one had won.

There was even a highly respected veteran artist who, now in their 70s, still had to participate in shows to earn money and pay off debts.

Capital is just that cruel.

As Lu Qingyu was about to sign, Chen Ting broke into a cold sweat. He wanted to stop him but was suddenly pulled back by Wang Ning.

Originally, Wang Ning thought the same as Chen Ting. He felt Lu Qingyu was too young and feared he was being tricked by Meng Wei.

But in all the time Wang Ning had been with Lu Qingyu, every decision Lu Qingyu made had been very mature and well-thought-out.

Even when it involved himself, he wouldn't be this impulsive. Moreover, although 1.6 billion was a lot, Lu Qingyu was so good at making money that he probably didn't even care about it.

So Wang Ning guessed that Lu Qingyu was doing it on purpose.

Being held back by Wang Ning, Chen Ting became even more anxious.

"Why are you pulling me? Didn't you see he's about to sign? We absolutely can't let him sign; betting is no joke."

Wang Ning whispered in Chen Ting's ear, "Don't you think he's acting a bit unusual tonight?"

Chen Ting: "You noticed it too, so why aren't you stopping him?"

Wang Ning: ... "Since you've noticed he's acting unusual, is it possible he's doing it on purpose?"

Chen Ting was stunned: "On purpose?"

Wang Ning signaled Chen Ting not to worry and to keep watching.

Sure enough, Lu Qingyu suddenly stopped before signing. This pause seemed to hang right on Meng Wei's heartstrings.

Meng Wei was terrified that Lu Qingyu wouldn't sign.

"What is it? Does President Lu still have any questions?"

Lu Qingyu took a step back, looking somewhat hesitant.

"I suddenly feel this bet is a bit unfair to me."

Meng Wei: "Oh? Where is it unfair?"

Lu Qingyu: "President Meng, isn't it obvious? If you lose, you give me 1.6 billion in assets from Xiangwan Entertainment. But if I lose, besides giving you 1.6 billion, I also have to give you 30% of that 1.6 billion."

"30% of 1.6 billion is 480 million. Why should my stake be 480 million more?"

Meng Wei was taken aback, as this had always been the way capital operated. They were high and mighty, thinking it was your honor to bet with them, so you should pay more.

Lu Qingyu: "I'm usually not one to sweat the small stuff, but if I feel I'm being treated unfairly, then that's a different story."

Meng Wei: "Then what do you want?"

Lu Qingyu: "Naturally, it's better if the stakes are the same on both sides. Since my side has an extra 480 million, Xiangwan Entertainment should also put up an extra 480 million."

Meng Wei: "The assets I have in Xiangwan Entertainment are only 1.6 billion. I can't provide another 480 million."

Lu Qingyu: "If that's the case, then there's no other way."

"It seems this bet won't happen."

Meng Wei panicked. How could he let the duck already in his mouth fly away?

Lu Qingqingyu turned to leave, and Meng Wei immediately stopped him.

"President Lu, wait a moment. My wife also has stock assets under Xiangwan Entertainment. Give me half an hour to discuss it with her."

Lu Qingyu was ecstatic. As far as he knew, Meng Wei held a 28% stake in Xiangwan Entertainment, and another director held 31%.

Strictly speaking, that director was the true controlling shareholder of Xiangwan Entertainment. However, because Meng Wei's wife held a 7% stake, Meng Wei was able to hold his position.

Originally, Lu Qingqingyu meant for Meng Wei to use his own funds to fill the 480 million gap. He didn't expect him to bring his wife into it. If he could win both of their shares in one go, he would truly be the undisputed boss of Xiangwan Entertainment.