Chen Guangwei said, "Yes, I really didn't feel anything before I saw her, but whenever I think of her, even though she always makes me so angry that my stomach swells up, I still miss her when I think about her."
Chen Shuxian smiled happily. If a father doesn't care about his child, then he's in danger.
Zhao Qiang was helping Zhao Ling turn over the sausages on the balcony to dry. These were made by Guo Huiqin a few days ago. Originally, she hadn't planned to make this kind of meat-heavy food, but the family was better off now, and with more people coming for the New Year, they had to prepare a lot of New Year's goods again. The not-so-spacious downstairs storage room was already piled high with chicken, duck, fish, and meat. Guo Huiqin was a typical housewife and a great cook. These days, Chen Xinxin had gained more than two pounds from all the food she ate, and she kept asking Zhao Qiang to buy her some slimming tea.
While busy, Zhao Ling said, "Zhao Qiang, my younger brother has recently become addicted to staying at He Shan's house. My mom wants me to go and bring him back for the New Year in the next couple of days."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I'll go with you."
Zhao Ling said, "But where will we stay if my brother goes home?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Either a hotel or go to Aunt Chen's place."
Zhao Ling said, "Xin Xin definitely won't want to go. If it really doesn't work out, let's go to a hotel."
Zhao Qiang's phone rang. He put down what he was doing and answered it. "Hello, Uncle Chen, it's me."
Chen Guangwei said, "Qiang, come over for lunch. The analysis results for the sample you gave me last time are ready. I think it's time to discuss this further."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I'll be there in a bit."
Chen Guangwei said, "Take Xin Xin with you."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, but she still has a prejudice against you right now, so please don't get angry."
Chen Guangwei said, "I owe them, mother and daughter. Even if she scolds or hits me on the spot, it's only right, and I won't be angry."
Since it involved the Chen family's affairs, Zhao Qiang couldn't discuss it in detail. He hung up the phone and went to the bedroom to call Chen Xinxin. This time, because it was a family dinner party invited by Chen Guangwei, Zhao Ling voluntarily stayed and didn't go.
Chen Guangwei had a chef at his temporary residence who prepared extremely delicious food. Zhao Qiang and Chen Xinxin smelled the aroma as soon as they entered the living room. Chen Xinxin sniffed; she was a gluttonous girl, and thinking of the delicious food, she no longer harbored much resentment towards Chen Guangwei.
Chen Shuxian came out first and pulled her daughter, saying, "Xinxin, Mom bought you some clothes. Come in and try them on."
This time, Chen Xinxin didn't resist. To be honest, she missed her mother a lot during this time. The mother and daughter went into the bedroom, while Chen Guangwei and Zhao Qiang went to the study. The kitchen was already cooking, but it would take some time before the food was served.
"The analysis data has been retrieved. Do you need to take a look?" Chen Guangwei asked, taking out the documents.
Zhao Qiang said, "No need, Uncle Chen, just get to the point. I have a lot of confidence in it, so there's no need to look at the analysis results again."
Chen Guangwei said, "Alright, let's be frank. Qiang, I want to cooperate with you, and you can choose the method."
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle Chen, you should know about my situation in Yihai. There is a universal repair shop, but that is not my ultimate goal. Doing real business is the only way out and the best way to expand and protect myself. Our cooperation is exactly what I want, but the method may be a bit harsh."
Chen Guangwei said, "You provide the technology, and I'll provide the funding. There shouldn't be any objections to that, right?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "However, I require 70% of the shares. If Uncle Chen thinks that's acceptable, we can continue to discuss it. If you think my request is too much, then we can stop here and pretend nothing happened."
Chen Guangwei's expression changed. In his opinion, Zhao Qiang's request was indeed excessive. Seventy percent of the shares was not an absolute controlling stake of fifty-one percent. If Zhao Qiang really took seventy percent of the shares, what status would he have in this joint venture? And how could he let his father know that he had the strength to return to the Chen family?
Chen Guangwei remained silent, and Zhao Qiang did not press him. After a long silence, a servant knocked on the study door and said, "Mr. Chen, the food is ready. You can eat now." Chen Guangwei broke the silence and stood up, saying, "Let's eat first. We can talk about this this afternoon."
Chen Xinxin came out of her mother's room, now dressed in an expensive designer outfit. She proudly asked Zhao Qiang for his opinion, and Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "Very beautiful."
Chen Xinxin asked, "So, how did your talks go?"
Chen Shuxian also looked at Chen Guangwei, whose face was somewhat displeased. Zhao Qiang's conditions were far beyond his expectations; seventy percent was simply unacceptable to him. Chen Shuxian naturally noticed Chen Guangwei's predicament, so before Zhao Qiang could answer, Chen Xinxin said, "Dinner is ready. Today's meal is extremely sumptuous, so please don't waste any food."
Chen Guangwei opened the bottle. There was no label, and he didn't know what kind of wine it was, but the room was filled with fragrance after the cork was removed. Even Chen Xinxin sniffed and said, "I'll have some to try. It smells so good."
Chen Guangwei didn't say anything about girls not being able to drink, but instead refilled Chen Xinxin's glass. Chen Xinxin took a small sip, grinned, and said, "Wow, it smells good, but it's still a bit spicy." It was a big improvement for Chen Xinxin that she didn't give Chen Guangwei a hard time, and Chen Shuxian and the other woman were quite pleased.
Chen Guangwei said, "It's high-proof liquor. It's not right if it doesn't have a spicy flavor. That's the point of drinking it. It's strong. Drink a couple more glasses. You can't find this kind of liquor anywhere else."
Zhao Qiang took a small sip, and the taste was indeed quite good. It must have been specially produced for the Chen family by the winemaker. This kind of wine was probably very healthy to drink. However, Zhao Qiang dared not drink too much. He was not sure if he would get drunk. Given that Chen Guangwei had been attacked before, his residence was not necessarily 100% safe at the moment.
Chen Xinxin was preoccupied with eating, while Chen Shuxian seemed preoccupied. She quietly asked Chen Guangwei, "Did the deal fall through?"
Chen Guangwei made a seven gesture under the table and said, "I haven't responded to the demand for 70% of the company's shares."
Chen Shuxian also gasped, "Zhao Qiang isn't that greedy, is he?"
Chen Guangwei sighed and said nothing. That was the truth. Although Chen Guangwei didn't care about the money and shares, it was related to whether he could be approved by the old man, so he couldn't easily hand over the new company to Zhao Qiang.
Soon everyone had finished their meal and drinks, and Zhao Qiang stood up and said, "Uncle Chen, Aunt Chen, thank you for your hospitality. We're going back now."
Chen Xinxin asked, "Before dinner, I asked you how the talks went, why didn't you say? Was it because someone was reluctant to part with that little bit of money? Fine, Zhao Qiang, let's go. Is money still that important to us? With your talent, making money is just a blink of an eye for you. We can do it ourselves, we don't need to beg anyone, let alone him."
Chen Xinxin angrily pointed at Chen Guangwei and stomped her foot, then pulled Zhao Qiang and headed away. Chen Shuxian was anxious. If her daughter left like this, all the work she had done before dinner would be wasted. She had finally managed to persuade her daughter to be a little interested. If Chen Guangwei hesitated any longer, everything might fall apart.
"Guangwei," Chen Shuxian called out to Chen Guangwei, her voice tinged with resentment. What difference would it make if the entire company were given to Zhao Qiang? Did the Chen family lack that little bit of money? The most important thing was that the family was reunited and happy. Why was Chen Guangwei still hesitating? Did he still not want to let go of those riches and possessions?
Chen Xinxin pouted, sulking, and pulled Zhao Qiang towards the door. Chen Guangwei finally spoke up, "Wait."
Volume 2 [494] Losing Money Until He Bleeds
[494] Lost so much money he was spitting blood.
Chen Xinxin said, "Let's go, let's not waste time arguing with him. We can do it ourselves without him. It's pointless to be controlled by someone else when we cooperate."
Chen Guangwei said with some difficulty, "Qiang, I promise you."
Zhao Qiang turned around and said, "Uncle Chen, I'm not forcing you. This is entirely voluntary for us. Don't regret it later."
Chen Guangwei glanced at his daughter and said, "I don't regret it. I wouldn't regret it even if I gave you the whole company, but the premise is that you have to take good care of Xinxin."
Chen Xinxin said angrily, "I don't need you to tell me what to do. I can take care of myself."
Zhao Qiang said, "Since Uncle Chen has agreed, let's sign a preliminary agreement and then immediately begin the infrastructure construction phase. It's better to do this sooner rather than later. Human life is finite, so we can't waste it."
Chen Guangwei said, "Alright, come into the study with me. I have the contract sample; you just need to modify some data clauses."
Zhao Qiang and Chen Guangwei entered the study again. Chen Guangwei was quite helpless this time, but fortunately he still had the power of a 30% stake. In any case, he still had a place in the company. Thinking about the future applications of this new type of synthetic rubber, Chen Guangwei's vision became bright. Rain boots, doctor's gloves, IV tubes, even condoms, various tires, conveyor belts, transport belts, highly corrosion-resistant gloves, seals for scientific experiments, shockproof equipment, aircraft, cannons, and gas masks used in national defense; even high-precision scientific and technological products such as rockets, satellites, and spacecraft cannot do without natural rubber. Mastering this technology is equivalent to mastering the lifeline of downstream industries. Not to mention making money, his position in the Chen family will also be consolidated.
Chen Guangwei took out a draft contract, modified a few data points, and showed it to Zhao Qiang. He said, "Since you don't want to disclose the final reaction procedure and catalyst, then you have an obligation to do the final processing step."
Zhao Qiang said, "Of course, but I will write down the process of the reaction procedure for Uncle Chen. You just need to keep it strictly confidential. However, I will produce the catalyst myself. You can report the quantity to pick it up later. This way, you and I will each control a process, which can effectively prevent commercial spies from stealing secrets."
Chen Guangwei said, "Don't worry about the confidentiality, but Qiang, you have to promise me that you won't give this technology to anyone else."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay." Then he began to examine the document page by page. There were no problems; this contract was absolutely in his favor. Zhao Qiang took the contract and left the study. Chen Guangwei asked, puzzled, "You can just sign it, where are you going?"
Zhao Qiang didn't answer. He returned to the living room, placed the document in front of Chen Xinxin, and said, "Sign your name here."
Without asking any questions, Chen Xinxin picked up a pen and wrote down the three characters "Chen Xinxin". Although she was very beautiful, her handwriting was not very neat.
Zhao Qiang returned to his study, gave Chen Guangwei a copy of the document, and then took his leave, leaving the villa with Chen Xinxin. Chen Guangwei looked at the three words "not listed at the end of the contract," somewhat confused, and his resentment towards Zhao Qiang vanished.
Chen Shuxian came in and asked, "What's wrong? What are you guys up to?"
Chen Guangwei said, "I misunderstood Zhao Qiang." As he spoke, Chen Guangwei handed the document to Chen Shuxian. Chen Shuxian glanced at it and recognized the three large characters that were her daughter's name. "What? Seventy percent of the shares were given to Xinxin?"
Chen Guangwei said, "Yes, I was just judging Zhao Qiang by my own standards. He really isn't greedy for this little bit of money. He's really willing to invest in Xin Xin."
Chen Shuxian chuckled sweetly, "This guy, no wonder all those girls are throwing themselves at him. You couldn't do something like that, could you?"
Chen Guangwei clenched his fist and said, "No, I'm willing to give up everything for you."
Chen Shuxian lowered her head shyly: "And our daughter, I don't want you to only have me in your heart."
In the afternoon, Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling went to He Shan's house. Zhao Mingming has become addicted to staying at his mother-in-law's house, just like Zhao Qiang now. He doesn't even plan to go home for the New Year. How could Zhao Shan and Guo Huiqin agree to that? So, as the older sister, she had to go and make the trip herself.
As soon as Zhao Ling came downstairs, she saw Li Xiangxiang. She and Tang Ziliang were standing on the snow, whispering to each other. When they saw Zhao Ling and Zhao Qiang, they looked a little flustered. They wanted to hide but couldn't, so they could only go up and greet them.
"Lingling, where are you going? Ziliang and I were just about to come upstairs to look for you." Li Xiangxiang's face was flushed from the cold.
Zhao Ling said, "Go find my brother."
Tang Ziliang asked, "What? Have you fled again to avoid punishment?"
Li Xiangxiang kicked Tang Ziliang, who quickly changed his tune: "Where did you go to play?"
Zhao Ling said, "He's at his girlfriend's house. Did you need something from me?"
Li Xiangxiang said awkwardly, "It's like this, Lingling, we didn't know your boyfriend was so capable. He could even subdue the mayor and the leaders of our machinery factory. Please don't be angry if he has offended us. After all, we grew up together. Please don't hold it against us, okay?"
Zhao Ling asked curiously, "Xiangxiang, I don't understand what you mean. When have I ever argued with you?"
Li Xiangxiang said, "I'm the one who spread the word about you being a 'sister' in Yihai. Don't you hate me? If we don't apologize, you'll definitely take revenge on me behind my back."
Zhao Ling said angrily, "Li Xiangxiang, you're capable of taking revenge, but don't think of me as so despicable, okay? Also, I want to solemnly remind you that I've never worked as a 'sister' in Yihai. I work as a massage girl. I've never slept with a man... except for my boyfriend, of course. Please include this message next time you spread the word."
Li Xiangxiang waved her hands repeatedly: "I wouldn't dare, I won't, I promise I won't talk about you behind your back anymore."
Zhao Ling said, "That's fine then. We'll be going now if there's nothing else."
Li Xiangxiang seemed afraid that Zhao Ling hadn't forgiven her yet. Although she was a prominent figure in the machinery factory area, compared to the factory director and the party secretary, what was she? The factory director and the party secretary had both been brought down; what right did she have to be arrogant? Even though Tang Ziliang was a formal police officer in the public security system, Wang Yifan, the director of the municipal bureau, had to obsequiously smile in front of Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling. He was nothing.
Li Xiangxiang and Tang Ziliang got into Zhao Ling's car one after the other. Zhao Ling asked, "What are you doing getting in the car?"
Li Xiangxiang said, "I'll help you find your brother."
Zhao Ling said with dissatisfaction, "Don't you have cars? You can drive yourselves."
Tang Ziliang was pale, and Li Xiangxiang also looked gloomy. She said, "Lingling, you must save me this time."
Zhao Ling said, "What's wrong with you now? I don't have the ability to save you. Get out of the car now, don't delay our business."
Li Xiangxiang said, "No, if you don't save me this time, I'll die in your car."
Zhao Qiang really wanted to drag those two scoundrels down and beat them up, but he didn't want to pin it on Zhao Ling.
Zhao Ling could only get into the car and start it as it drove towards He Shan's house, asking, "Tell me, what happened? I don't carry dead people in this car, so please don't die on it."
Li Xiangxiang said, "Tang Ziliang and I have always invested in the stock market."
Zhao Ling said, "What, you've made some money? Planning to treat us to dinner?"
Tang Ziliang said, "What wealth? We lost so much money we were spitting blood. We even sold our car to pay off our debts."
Zhao Qiang chuckled. It would be a real injustice if these two didn't pay. All they did was show off. They were just like Su Su's sister and brother-in-law. People with some low-ranking official positions probably had this mentality: bowing and scraping in front of real leaders, but acting like big shots in front of ordinary people.
Zhao Ling said, "The stock market is risky, and you should be cautious when investing. You should have understood this when you entered the market. What's the use of saying this now?"
Li Xiangxiang cried and cursed, "How could we have known that tire stocks would plummet so quickly? We don't know which bastard researched a new type of synthetic rubber that supposedly can completely replace natural rubber. After this news was published and confirmed, tire stocks plummeted like they were on a rocket, hitting the daily limit down every day. We've really lost everything. The next step is to sell the house because part of the money we used to invest in stocks was borrowed, and another part was embezzled funds from the bureau by Tang Ziliang. If the branch office needs this money and he can't come up with it, we'll be in big trouble."
Zhao Qiang thought to himself that Su Su and Yang Wei would also embezzle public funds. How come all these civil servants know this business? It seems that there are too many cases of undermining socialism. Everyone wants to fleece the big fat sheep of socialism.
Zhao Ling said, "I'm penniless myself, so I really can't help you."
Li Xiangxiang and Tang Ziliang looked at Zhao Qiang, then at the million-dollar BMW X5, as if to say, "The car is worth a million, but you don't even have a little money to help? You're kidding me."
He Shan's home wasn't far from the machinery factory area, and Zhao Ling's driving skills were getting better and better, so they arrived in no time. It was Zhao Ling's first time there too, but she knew the building number, so she drove straight downstairs, and then got out of the car with Zhao Qiang. Li Xiangxiang and Tang Ziliang followed like little shadows, planning to use their sticky tactics to get on Zhao Ling's good side if she wouldn't lend them money.
Zhao Mingming couldn't be happier right now. He Shan's family only had her as a child; her parents were teachers with a decent income. Although He Shan's parents used to look down on Zhao Mingming, recently, Zhao Mingming had been driving a BMW to and from He Shan's house, which made He Shan's parents think that Zhao Mingming had made something of himself. In addition, their daughter was completely devoted to him, so they accepted their fate and tacitly approved of Zhao Mingming spending the night in their daughter's room. These days, parents are already grateful if young people don't get pregnant before marriage; expecting them to spend their first night together on their wedding night? Dream on.