56: The first company

Liu Ming brought his team to meet with Tang You's family and some of the company's senior executives in the Fu Bao Ling conference room.

Chen Li did not show up in person; he left professional matters to professional people, only needing to listen to the results and make decisions at the end.

In the conference room, the two sides quickly got down to business after a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Liu Ming was a senior capital management consultant, and as soon as he spoke, he demonstrated a high level of professionalism.

He first handed a detailed market analysis report to Tang Yifeng, clearly pointing out the main difficulties currently facing Fu Bao Ling—brand aging, shrinking channels, and weak marketing.

But he also fully affirmed its core values: a solid formula foundation, good user reputation, and a group of loyal old customers.

"President Tang, we don't doubt Fu Bao Ling's product strength,"

Liu Ming's tone was sincere, "What it lacks isn't quality, but an opportunity to be seen by the market again."

Tang Yifeng nodded repeatedly and exchanged materials such as the company's financial data from the past three years, production qualifications, and formula patents with Liu Ming's team.

Subsequently, he brought out a preliminary cooperation plan.

Over the next few hours, the meeting entered a professional and arduous negotiation phase.

The two sides repeatedly scrutinized core terms such as valuation, shareholding ratios, and the use of funds.

The legal and financial experts brought by Liu Ming kept raising questions, and Tang You, along with relevant company personnel, responded to them one by one on the Tang family's side.

Although Tang You was young, she possessed a keenness for products and the market that exceeded her age.

It wasn't until evening that the two sides reached a preliminary agreement on two plans. Liu Ming immediately reported to Chen Li by phone:

"President Chen, we've tentatively discussed two plans: the first is an investment of 65 million for a 51% stake; the second is an investment of 82 million for a 58% stake.

Both plans stipulate that we will not participate in specific operations or formula research and development, acting only as financial investors and providing strategic support."

Chen Li was quiet for a few seconds on the other end of the line; through the receiver, Liu Ming waited patiently for his decision.

The two plans flashed through his mind. Plan two required an additional 17 million but would yield an extra 7% equity.

Money wasn't an issue—he didn't lack that 17 million at all. Rather than potential incremental investments later, it was better to provide enough ammunition all at once.

Since he had set his sights on this team and this brand, he should let them go for it.

With this extra 17 million, they might be able to make a splash in the market six months earlier or seize a few more key channels.

But he didn't make the call immediately. Instead, he asked Liu Ming:

"You're the one negotiating on-site and a professional. From your perspective, which plan is more worth investing in?"

"President Chen, I personally lean towards plan two."

Liu Ming answered without hesitation, "Through this in-depth contact, I have great confidence in the Fu Bao Ling brand and President Tang's family's way of doing things.

President Tang is a rare entrepreneur who stays true to his heart and isn't impetuous; the product foundation is very solid.

If we invest more now, what we gain in the future will likely be more than just financial returns—

If we can use this money to help them open up the market and establish the brand, it's very likely to become the next benchmark for domestic skincare products."

These words spoke right to Chen Li's heart.

He thought of Tang You, whom he had seen that day, her upbringing and composure in her speech, and the light that sparkled in her eyes when she introduced the products.

She seemed born to inherit Fu Bao Ling, possessing both a young person's vision and the steadiness of the older generation.

"Alright, let's go with plan two."

Chen Li made his decision, "Arrange the follow-up matters as quickly as possible; don't delay their market plans."

"Understood, President Chen. I'll arrange for your signature immediately."

..."President Tang, I just confirmed with President Chen. We will proceed according to the second plan. President Chen will invest 82 million."

Liu Ming hung up the phone and turned to announce to Tang Yifeng and the team waiting in the conference room.

These words were like a ray of dawn shining into the long-oppressed room.

Tang Yifeng's tense shoulders visibly relaxed. He took a deep breath, his eyes shining with uncontrollable excitement.

Several company veterans also looked at each other and smiled; someone even clapped lightly—the company was saved!

This injection of funds, which far exceeded expectations, meant they no longer had to struggle just to survive.

Instead, they could drastically restart production lines, lay out channels, and even hire celebrity endorsements to truly bring Fu Bao Ling back to the market.

"That's wonderful, Manager Liu. Thank you so much."

Tang Yifeng stepped forward and gripped Liu Ming's hand tightly. "Then... when will it be convenient for President Chen to come for the formal signing?"

"President Tang, you're too kind. I'm just executing President Chen's decision."

Liu Ming responded with a smile, "Once we have the equity agreement and investment contract ready. After President Chen signs, the funds will be immediately transferred to your company's account."

"Great! We'll cooperate fully. We'll finalize all the texts by tomorrow noon and invite President Chen to come and sign. What do you think?"

"No problem. We'll prepare separately to ensure a smooth signing tomorrow."

Neither team dawdled, and all details were pushed forward efficiently. At noon the next day, Chen Li appeared at the entrance of the Fu Bao Ling company on time.

As soon as he got out of the car, Tang You and Liu Ming, who had been waiting at the entrance, came forward to meet him.

"President Chen, you're here." Liu Ming was as professional and capable as ever.

"President Chen." Tang You also greeted him with a smile. She was wearing a proper business suit today, looking exceptionally spirited.

"Manager Liu, thank you for your hard work."

"It's my duty. Everything is going very smoothly."

Chen Li turned to Tang You and said gently, "Tang You, you should just call me Chen Li. Hearing you call me President Chen feels a bit unnatural."

Tang You chuckled, "Alright, Chen Li, as long as you don't think I'm being improper."

"How could I? I still prefer you calling me Chen Li."

The three of them walked toward the conference room one after another. Pushing open the glass door, a solemn and formal signing scene presented itself.

On either side of the long conference table sat the due diligence and legal team led by Liu Ming, and the core management of Fu Bao Ling.

The middle-aged man sitting at the head of the long table looked up at the sound. Although there were traces of fatigue from days of hard work between his brows,

his back remained straight. In those eyes that had seen decades of storms in the Shopping Mall, there was still a brilliance that could not be ignored.

His face was kind yet naturally majestic. Even in this difficult situation, his calm demeanor from years in a high position was still fully evident.

Without needing an introduction, Chen Li guessed that this was Tang You's father, the helmsman of Fu Bao Ling, Tang Yifeng.

"President Chen, we finally meet. At this critical moment, you are willing to believe in us and invest in us. This kindness is something I, Tang Yifeng, and everyone at Fu Bao Ling will never forget!"

"Uncle Tang, you're too kind."

Chen Li responded modestly, "Tang You and I are classmates. You can just call me Chen Li."

"In a corporate setting, proper rules must be observed. President Chen, please take the seat of honor."

Chen Li no longer declined and took his seat at the head of the table.

Liu Ming gently placed a stack of neatly bound contracts in front of him and said in a low voice, "President Chen, all terms have been reviewed; there are no issues."

Chen Li nodded, his gaze sweeping over the key equity ratios, investment amounts, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Then, he picked up the pen,

and solemnly signed his name on the last page. The entire movement was crisp and neat, without the slightest hesitation.

Without any unnecessary plot twists, at this moment, the 82 million in funding was finalized, and he officially became the new owner of this veteran domestic brand.

At this time, Tang You looked at Chen Li, and there seemed to be something more in her eyes..."}],