221: Chapter 221 Bai Jingtian's Visit and Negotiations

After hanging up the phone with President Bai Jingtian, Chu Tianxiong placed his phone on the coffee table, his brow still furrowed.

Chu Qianlan, who was sitting to the side, set down his water glass and asked, "Is President Bai Jingtian the father of Bai Xiaowu?"

"Who else could it be?" Chu Tianxiong leaned back on the sofa, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "He sent the fire department and tax authorities to pressure us during the day, and now he is rushing to jump out and talk about an acquisition in the evening. He isn't even trying to hide his motives."

Chu Qianlan's eyes flickered. "They must think we won't be able to withstand the repeated inspections and want to complete the transaction while things are chaotic. There will undoubtedly be coercion and bribery when we meet tomorrow."

The two had already used the Nuwa System to check government planning documents and knew that the land value of Tianxiong Technology was about to rise.

However, in reality, those documents would not be made public until March or April of the following year. The land occupied by Tianxiong Technology was not currently priced very high.

Shengshi Real Estate was coming to purchase the land at this time precisely to exploit an information gap.

A cold glint flashed in Chu Tianxiong's eyes. "Hmph! I've been grinding in Huaqiangbei for so many years; what kind of tactics haven't I seen? I'd like to see what kind of terms President Bai Jingtian can offer tomorrow."

Chu Qianlan picked up his water glass, a flicker of interest crossing his eyes. "I'll go to the meeting tomorrow to see it for myself. I've started several companies, but I've never witnessed such a scene!"

The next morning, a black Mercedes-Benz from Shengshi Real Estate pulled up in front of the Tianxiong Technology office building right on time.

President Bai Jingtian was dressed in a custom suit with his hair slicked back into a shiny pompadour. Followed by two assistants in suits, he walked into the main entrance with an imposing aura.

Chu Tianxiong, accompanied by Chu Qianlan and a Legal Counsel, was already waiting in the reception room. Seeing President Bai Jingtian enter, he stood up, extended his hand, and spoke in a flat tone, "President Bai, it's a pleasure to meet you."

President Bai Jingtian shook his hand, but his gaze paused on Chu Qianlan for a moment, carrying a sense of scrutiny. "And who is this?"

"My son, Chu Qianlan. He happened to be free today, so he came to listen and learn," Chu Tianxiong introduced, turning to the side.

A flash of surprise crossed President Bai Jingtian's eyes, but he immediately smiled and sat down. "So this is your son. He is truly young and promising. My son is still out there causing trouble everywhere!"

Chu Qianlan nodded in acknowledgment without saying much, simply casting his gaze on the acquisition proposal handed over by President Bai Jingtian's assistant.

The first page of the proposal clearly read "Tianxiong Technology Land Acquisition Letter of Intent," with the price column marked as "180 million."

"CEO Chu," President Bai Jingtian picked up his teacup and took a sip, getting straight to the point. "Our Shengshi Real Estate is interested in developing this area, and we are prepared to acquire the entire Tianxiong Technology factory site for 180 million."

As soon as he finished speaking, one of President Bai Jingtian's assistants pushed the acquisition proposal in front of Chu Tianxiong.

Tianxiong Technology was not far from the city center and had convenient transportation. According to current market conditions, the price of the entire factory site should not be less than 230 million.

Of course, this was still because the government planning had not been announced; otherwise, the land value would definitely have multiplied several times over.

President Bai Jingtian had offered a price far below the market value right from the start; he was truly exceptionally greedy.

Chu Tianxiong picked up the proposal, flipped through two pages, and tapped his fingertips on the quoted figure. "President Bai, I'm afraid this price isn't enough. The transaction price for the neighboring plot last year was nearly 200 million, and our factory area is 30% larger than theirs. 180 million is hardly sincere."

President Bai Jingtian set down his teacup and tapped his fingertips against the edge of the table, his tone somewhat nonchalant. "CEO Chu, market conditions are one thing, but the current situation is different."

He lifted his eyes to sweep over Chu Tianxiong, his words sharp. "With the Administrative Department visiting frequently lately, it's probably not easy for Tianxiong Technology to maintain normal production. This 180 million will at least allow you to pocket the money securely without having to deal with various inspections."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the reception room instantly cooled. Chu Tianxiong's fingers holding the proposal tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. "President Bai, the way you say that, it sounds as if those inspections were arranged by you."

President Bai Jingtian chuckled, neither admitting nor denying it, and simply continued, "I'm just speaking the truth. Tianxiong Technology's background in making knock-off phones in the early years means that if they really investigate thoroughly, there will be no shortage of trouble. It's better to take the opportunity now that there is a good buyer and cut your losses in time."

Chu Qianlan suddenly spoke up, his voice clear but forceful. "Is the 'good buyer' that President Bai mentioned just someone who takes advantage of others' distress with a bid 50 million below market value?"

The smile on President Bai Jingtian's face froze for a moment; he clearly hadn't expected the previously silent Chu Qianlan to suddenly speak up and go straight to the core of the issue.

He set down his teacup, his gaze darkening. "Young man, business is all about assessing the situation. Given Tianxiong Technology's current predicament, being able to get 180 million is already Shengshi Real Estate doing you a favor. If you wait for the subsequent departments to come knocking, let alone 180 million, it's hard to say if you'll even be able to keep the factory."

Chu Tianxiong leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingertips on the table. "President Bai, your words actually remind me of something. Since Tianxiong Technology will have 'no shortage of trouble,' why is Shengshi Real Estate still willing to spend 180 million to acquire it? Could it be that this land plot has some value we don't know about?"

These words struck a chord with President Bai Jingtian. His eyes flickered for a moment, but he immediately regained his composure. "We are interested in the regional development potential; it has nothing to do with anything else."

"CEO Chu, if you think the price is low, we can negotiate further, but we can only increase it to 200 million at most. Furthermore, your company must complete the relocation within three months. For every day overdue, there will be a penalty deduction of 1% of the total price."

"200 million?" Chu Tianxiong put down the proposal, his tone filled with sarcasm. "President Bai, this increase is as good as nothing. As for the relocation deadline, Tianxiong Technology is still doing contract manufacturing for Starry Sky Technology, so three months is simply not enough."

President Bai Jingtian's expression changed slightly, and his tone became a bit tougher. "CEO Chu, don't push your luck! If you really push us too far, the subsequent inspections will only become more frequent. When the factory shuts down then, let alone 200 million, you might even end up losing several hundred million!"

The Legal Counsel suddenly gave a light cough and spoke in a serious tone, "President Bai, do you mean to say that the frequent inspections of Tianxiong Technology by law enforcement departments are controlled by you?"

President Bai Jingtian's expression changed abruptly, and he suddenly raised his hand to interrupt. "You can't just say things like that! I was just discussing the facts; the law enforcement procedures of the Administrative Department have nothing to do with me."

His eyes flickered, and he subconsciously avoided the gaze of the Legal Counsel. There are some things you can do, but you must never say them out loud.

Chu Tianxiong sneered and pushed the acquisition proposal back. "President Bai, since there is no sincerity, there is no need to discuss this acquisition."

President Bai Jingtian looked at the proposal that had been pushed back, his face turning completely dark. He tapped his fingers heavily on the tabletop. "CEO Chu, you need to think this through! If you miss this opportunity, the next time someone is willing to take over, the price will only be lower."

Chu Tianxiong leaned back in his chair, crossed his hands in front of him, and spoke in a flat but unquestionable tone. "I know my own factory well. Whether I sell it or not, I will not accept being pressured into a lower price by people using 'inspections' as a bargaining chip."

Chu Qianlan added at the right moment, "If President Bai is truly sincere about cooperating, you might want to show some good faith. Although our family is not as well-connected as yours, we have also heard something about the government's plan for a 'Technology Industry Upgrading Demonstration Zone'!"