26: Chapter 27: Slapping Yang Junyi in the Face.

Yang Junyi was very satisfied with the effect he had created. He leaned back in his chair, leisurely sweeping his gaze between Shen Nian and Yu Bo, as if enjoying the final struggles of his prey.

He knew that in business, higher prices and stronger endorsements held an irresistible attraction for entrepreneurs. He was certain that Shen Nian would waver, or at the very least, reconsider.

"I appreciate President Yang's good intentions," Shen Nian finally spoke. Her voice was lower than before, but clear and firm. "However, we have already reached a legally binding investment intention with Tinglan Capital, and most of the terms have been finalized. When it comes to commercial integrity, we cannot go back on our word."

She had refused. Although her phrasing was polite, her stance was clear.

The smile on Yang Junyi's face faded slightly, and his eyes sharpened. "It's just an intention, not a final agreement. Before the final signature and seal, everything can change. President Shen, in the business world, the highest bidder wins; that is only natural. To ensure the company's better development, choosing a stronger partner is something no one would fault you for. Chairman Yu, wouldn't you agree?" He finally directed his spearhead at Yu Bo, his tone laced with provocation.

Everyone's gaze converged on Yu Bo.

Yu Bo slowly raised his head, meeting Yang Junyi's gaze. There was no expression on his face, and his tone was as flat as if he were discussing the weather. "Young Master Yang is right. In the business world, the highest bidder does indeed win."

A smug smile tugged at the corner of Yang Junyi's mouth, thinking that Yu Bo had conceded.

But Yu Bo changed the subject, continuing, "However, investment is about the future, about value, not just comparing who has more money. The 20 million offered by 'Listening to the Waves' is a reasonable valuation and premium based on a comprehensive judgment of Wing Flight's technology, team, and President Shen herself. We believe in this value, and we are willing to take risks for it."

He paused, turning his gaze toward Shen Nian, his tone solemn. "President Shen, I respect any commercial decision you make. If you believe that Enlightenment's 30 million for 15% is more beneficial for Wing Flight's development, you can choose that. Tinglan Capital will not pester you, and we will respect the confidentiality agreement we previously reached. However..."

He looked back at Yang Junyi, his eyes suddenly becoming sharp as knives, his voice cooling by several degrees. "If President Shen insists on cooperating with us, then no external factor, including a higher bid, will change Tinglan Capital's determination and support. We invest in partners, not targets. If a partner chooses us, we will certainly not fail their trust."

Listening to Yu Bo's words and watching his calm, resolute profile, the slight wavering Shen Nian had felt due to Yang Junyi's high-price intervention vanished instantly. What she needed was not just a higher-bidding financier, but an ally who could stand firmly by her side, trust her, and support her when the storm hit. Yu Bo's performance at this moment proved exactly that.

Yang Junyi's expression sank completely. He hadn't expected Yu Bo to be so tough, and even less did he expect that in the face of a higher offer, Shen Nian still seemed to lean toward Yu Bo.

"Chairman Yu certainly has a good temperament," Yang Junyi sneered. "However, the business world is not a place to talk about temperament. President Shen, you had better think clearly. 30 million in cash, plus the full support of Enlightenment—this opportunity only comes once. Once this village is passed, there is no such shop. Some small institutions might be able to put up 20 million today, but it's hard to say if their capital chain will have problems tomorrow."

"That won't require President Yang's concern," Lawyer Wang replied this time. She pushed up her glasses, her tone professional and cold. "Tinglan Capital's funding sources are legal and compliant, and we have strong capital strength. As for President Shen's choice, it is based on a comprehensive judgment of all parties' conditions. We respect and trust President Shen's business wisdom. If President Yang has no other substantive business proposals, our meeting has not yet ended, and I am afraid it is inconvenient to continue hosting you."

She issued an order to leave directly, her attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

Yang Junyi stared at Lawyer Wang for a few seconds, then looked at the resolute Shen Nian and the perpetually calm Yu Bo, knowing that he had failed to disrupt this game today. Instead, he had made the alliance between Yu Bo and Shen Nian appear even more solid.

He suddenly laughed, a smile that was somewhat cold and somewhat ruthless.

"Fine, since President Shen has made up her mind, I won't force the issue." Yang Junyi stood up and straightened his suit. "However, Chairman Yu, President Shen, things in the business world are unpredictable. I hope your cooperation will truly go smoothly. We... will meet again."

After speaking, he took a deep look at Yu Bo, turned, and left the conference room with his assistant. The door was gently closed.

The conference room was quiet for a few more seconds, and then everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Wing Flight's CTO wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead, and FA President Li wore a complex expression. Lawyer Wang and Zhao Min looked at Yu Bo, their eyes filled with a bit more admiration.

Shen Nian also breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Yu Bo, her eyes filled with apology and gratitude. "Yu Bo, sorry, I've caused you trouble."

"It's nothing," Yu Bo shook his head. "It was expected. It's actually better this way; it makes him give up completely."

"He won't give up," Shen Nian smiled bitterly. "Yang Junyi is a man who seeks revenge for the smallest grievance. Since he didn't succeed today, I'm afraid that in the future..."

"We will meet force with force," Yu Bo interrupted her. His tone remained calm, yet carried a reassuring strength. "As long as we don't make mistakes on our end, there is nothing he can do to us. Let's continue and finish this last bit."

The meeting continued, but after Yang Junyi's interruption, the rift between the two teams seemed to have narrowed, and the finalization of the subsequent details went more smoothly. An hour later, all terms were finally confirmed, and they agreed to formally sign the investment agreement the next morning.

After the meeting adjourned, Shen Nian specifically stayed behind.

"Yu Bo, thank you for today." She looked at Yu Bo and said earnestly.

"No need to thank me; it was your own choice," Yu Bo looked at her. "However, you need to be more careful when dealing with Enlightenment and Yang Junyi in the future."

"I know." Shen Nian nodded. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "You said earlier that if I chose him, you wouldn't pester me... is that true?"

Yu Bo looked at her and said frankly, "It's true. Investment is a two-way selection. A forced melon is not sweet. But I believe you wouldn't choose him."

Shen Nian was stunned for a moment, then smiled. The smile was bright and relieved. "You are quite confident."

"It's not confidence," Yu Bo also smiled, "it's believing in your vision and judgment."

Shen Nian looked at him, her eyes flickering, finally turning into a soft sigh. "Yu Bo, meeting you is perhaps one of the luckiest things since I returned to the country."

"Likewise." Yu Bo extended his hand. "Happy cooperation, for real this time."

Shen Nian grasped his hand and nodded vigorously. "Happy cooperation! Together, let's make Wing Flight big and slap the faces of those who want to see us make a fool of ourselves!"