Following Ning Ge’s plan, they would register a company, which could even be named after Cheng Su’s restaurant; the jam brand would then carry this name, which sounded both festive and auspicious. He would put in capital investment, while Cheng Su provided the recipe and technology. They would mutually decide on business strategies—after all, any suggestion that was beneficial to the company was worth discussing.
Of course, it was a bit early to talk about business strategies and such since the company hadn’t even been established yet.
If the company were to be established, Cheng Su could also become the legal representative, hold the majority shares with fifty-one percent, while he could take forty-nine percent, leaving the decision-making power in Cheng Su’s hands.
It sounded as if the deal was entirely in Cheng Su’s favor, almost as if someone was funding a company for her to run, just with a smaller share of the ownership. But the more she heard, the more something seemed off.
"You put in the capital, I supply the technology and the formula, and I’ll probably come up with the marketing strategies too. I’ll act as the legal representative, become the chairman, and it seems like you don’t have to do anything, just sit back and collect the money!" Cheng Su said to Ning Ge, raising an eyebrow.
Ning Ge offered a sheepish smile, "I simply lack experience, you see? Look how well you run your small restaurant, which obviously shows your genius in this field."
"To put it bluntly, you see me as a money-making machine. When it comes to cooperation, you just want to throw in the money and leave the rest to me. I won’t do it!" Cheng Su turned her head away.
"It’s not like I won’t be involved at all. I meant that you would be in charge, right? I’ll put in the money and also provide connections. My family is in Beijing, and we have quite a network there. Once our jam is launched, I’ll make sure it dominates the Beijing market, and it will become famous throughout Jiangnan and beyond. Everyone will only recognize our Joy Soon Loy jam, how about that?" Ning Ge hurriedly explained.
His eagerness only made Cheng Su more suspicious. Were such lucrative opportunities really jumping out onto the street?
She wasn’t the type to take advantage of small benefits.
Was there some kind of catch here?
With that thought in mind, she voiced her concerns, and upon hearing them, Ning Ge displayed a hurt expression, saying, "Sister-in-law, don’t you really know what kind of person I am?"
"Sorry, but we truly don’t know you that well. Whose child are you, after all? Just because you say so doesn’t prove anything—you could be lying for all we know!" Cheng Su replied with a sneer. "If you set up a shell company and run off with the money, I’d be left dealing with the creditors. Wouldn’t I just be digging my own grave?"
"Sister-in-law, you’re painting me in such an unworthy light. I’m not that kind of person. I belong to the Ning Family in Beijing, the fourth eldest, the baby of the house, as I’ve mentioned so many times!" Ning Ge protested, feeling wronged and even hurt by Cheng Su’s distrust.
"We have no way to verify that." Qi Taiguo interjected from the side.
"You’re just toying with me. If you had no confidence in me, you would have kicked me out long ago, wouldn’t you? Why let me run my mouth like this?" Ning Ge rolled his eyes and said, "Fine, fine, I’m just unlucky. If the company gets set up, I’ll do whatever you ask, Sister-in-law. Whatever you say, I’ll do. How’s that?"
"Oh, if you truly don’t trust me, then just call my family tomorrow to verify!" Ning Ge said with indignation.
Cheng Su agreed with a "Sure."
Ning Ge’s eyes widened in surprise, "You’re really gonna call?"
"Who knows if your money is clean," Cheng Su muttered.
Ning Ge nearly choked on his own spit and pointed at her, speechless for a long moment.
"Fine, I’ll make a call tomorrow to verify with my family," Ning Ge said, calming down and grinding his teeth.
It was infuriating. These days, when someone comes offering money for investment and collaboration, you still have to investigate meticulously, even more cautious than him...