She took out the share transfer proportion table again and handed it to Chen Cheng with both hands.
Chen Cheng’s eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, "That’s really great, Miss Meixiang. This means our cooperation can take a big step forward."
He took it and glanced directly at the last column, and his smile froze on his face.
"7.6%?" Chen Cheng looked up at Meixiang.
Meixiang pursed her lips, "According to the share transfer, this is the maximum percentage that can be offered by the seven positions listed on the table, including those shares I represent on behalf of my father."
Chen Cheng placed the table on the desk, interlocking his fingers and resting them against his chin, not saying anything.
He had thought that Meixiang’s visit would only involve some price disagreement, but unexpectedly, even the shareholding proportion was not settled.
Seeing Chen Cheng silent, Meixiang felt uneasy.
She clenched her teeth and said, "Mr. Chen, I know this is still somewhat short of your expectations. But this is already the limit we can reach. If you are not satisfied, I..."
"No, Miss Meixiang, don’t misunderstand me."
Chen Cheng raised his hand and interrupted Meixiang, "I don’t mean that, I was just wondering where this 0.4% discrepancy occurred."
Meixiang was taken aback and explained, "Actually, this missing 0.4% is in the hands of my stepmother."
Chen Cheng slightly frowned.
"She has 1.1% which my father gave her after they married," Meixiang said truthfully, "Now she’s unwilling to transfer her share, thinking it will dilute her interests."
Meixiang looked up, "So, Mr. Chen, what do you think..."
Chen Cheng’s objective for this trip was clear: to bring the money and acquire 8%, thereby gaining speaking rights in Xingye Products.
Now, a shortage of 0.4% felt suffocating, like being stuck halfway, which made him very uncomfortable.
"Is there any room for negotiation with your stepmother?" he asked.
Meixiang replied awkwardly, "Although we live under the same roof, I’ve never been on good terms with her..."
She lowered her head, "You know, she isn’t my mother."
Chen Cheng heard this and did not press on.
"I suspect she wants to wait for a better price," Chen Cheng set down his coffee, resting his interlocked fingers on the table, "If she wants a better price, she’ll need a satisfactory premium."
"This...Mr. Chen, I’m afraid she will be very demanding, and then..."
Chen Cheng pondered silently for a while.
The 1.1% of shares, considering a 30% premium, that would be 440,000.
If he could take it all, along with the negotiated 7.6% by Meixiang, Chen Cheng could secure a total of 8.7% shares.
This would entirely exceed his, Shulin’s, and Baogen’s expectations.
He stayed silent for a moment, not in a hurry, but first said, "Do you need the money for the supplier now?"
Meixiang was a bit surprised, but still nodded.
Chen Cheng relaxed and said, "Then, let me give you this money first, go handle the supplier."
"But..." Meixiang pursed her lips, "I haven’t met the requirements you set, Mr. Chen."
Chen Cheng smiled, "Meixiang, let’s solve the pressing issues first. Then we can focus on the remaining 0.4%, right?"
Meixiang felt relieved upon hearing this.
Chen Cheng was giving her a calming pill, easing her pressure.
"I understand, Mr. Chen, rest assured, I will try to persuade my stepmother as soon as possible!" Meixiang said firmly.
"Good, I believe you."
Chen Cheng nodded, "Wait a moment, my secretary will be here shortly."
After another seven or eight minutes, Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu, who had finished shopping, also arrived at this Starbucks.
Chen Cheng introduced, "Meixiang, this is my assistant, Xia Yubing, and my secretary, Tong Jialu."
Their sudden new titles caught them off guard, but they quickly reacted and smiled while greeting Meixiang.
"Hello, Miss Meixiang."
Meixiang responded politely, "Hello."
Yet her gaze noticed the shopping bags in their hands. Any discerning eye could tell that these two beauties had an extraordinary relationship with Chen Cheng.
Recalling the intimate way Shulin and Chen Cheng interacted, Meixiang also finally understood the meaning of "Mr. Chen can charm people."
Chen Cheng turned to Tong Jialu, "Xiao Lu, transfer 150 million to Miss Meixiang."
Tong Jialu nodded, "Miss Meixiang, please provide an account number."
Meixiang, taken aback, asked, "One...one hundred and fifty million?"
"Mr. Chen, only 137 million is needed for the goods," she hurriedly said.
Chen Cheng replied with a smile, "I know, the excess should be included in the fee for share transfer, and we’ll settle it later."
Meixiang then understood Chen Cheng’s intent; she took out the account for Xingye Products and handed it to Tong Jialu.
"Mr. Chen, I’ll write you an IOU."
Saying this, she took out a small book from her bag and neatly wrote down the debt note.
"This matter is nearly settled," Chen Cheng said with a smile, "Meixiang, after you return, have a good talk with your stepmother. If there’s a chance, I can also talk to her in person."
Meixiang nodded heavily, "Then I’ll arrange it as soon as possible."
She stood up and bowed to take her leave, "Mr. Chen, I’ll head back now."
"Good, I’ll wait for your news."
After Meixiang left, the two women sat down.
Chen Cheng told Xia Yubing, "Bing Bing, prepare a set of formal attire. You’ll accompany me when I meet with Meixiang’s stepmother."
Xia Yubing nodded, "Okay, husband."
Tong Jialu was already preparing the transfer, and upon hearing Chen Cheng’s arrangements, asked, "Brother Cheng, won’t I come along too?"
Chen Cheng pinched her cheek, "You just stay in front of the tablet, ready to make payment on my command."