Unexpectedly, Wen Shulin turned back with a smile, her eyes filled with anticipation as she said:
"Once this is all over, I will change into that nightgown, put on your favorite high heels, wait for you, and let you press me against the chairman’s desk of Beijing CGG."
Having left East Mountain Villa, it was just a minute past midnight.
[Today’s interest settlement has been completed]
[You have earned 245,895,810 yuan]
[Current fund balance: 655,722,161 yuan]
[Current daily interest rate: 60%]
[Spending: 78,831/1,000,000]
[Items: Require 300 billion to unlock]
As the settlement panel surfaced in his mind, Chen Cheng couldn’t help feeling somewhat sentimental.
It had taken him about thirty days to go from the initial 6,000 yuan to 3 billion.
And now, to return to the scale of the 30-billion-yuan fund pool from the day before yesterday, he only had to wait for the chime at dawn three days later.
It seemed money was no longer the sole objective of Chen Cheng’s endeavors.
He looked at the quiet villa area, as if everything was just beginning.
The passenger door opened, and Wen Shulin, who stepped out later, was still tidying up her clothes.
Chen Cheng started the car, and Wen Shulin asked, "What do you think? You can’t tell, right?"
She put down the makeup mirror and checked again to make sure the hickey on her neck had been covered with foundation.
Chen Cheng glanced at it, "It’s fine, your skills are almost on par with a professional makeup artist."
Wen Shulin playfully smacked Chen Cheng’s arm, "Stop teasing, drive."
Chen Cheng slowly pulled away, and the villa in the rearview mirror grew distant behind them.
It was as if this place was just their cozy little nest, undisturbed and concealed from the world.
Wen Shulin’s phone rang.
She took a look and saw that it was a message from Alina.
Just comforted by Chen Cheng, her frown returned upon reading the message.
"What’s wrong?" Chen Cheng noticed the change in her.
"Alina, she says I have two more days."
Chen Cheng glanced at the screen, and although his words were brief, they carried an undeniable pressure.
"It seems she can’t wait any longer." He spoke calmly.
Two days might be brief for the average person, but for Chen Cheng, it was enough to change many things.
"Don’t worry, everything is going according to plan."
Chen Cheng took Wen Shulin’s hand, reassuring her with a look.
He knew that Alina’s relentless pressure was an invisible burden for Wen Shulin.
Wen Shulin clasped Chen Cheng’s hand, feeling the warmth of his palm, and her initially agitated emotions began to calm down.
"I believe in you, husband."
She also knew that Chen Cheng wouldn’t stage this play with her unless he was confident.
The car merged unto the main road, city neon lights intertwining across their faces, reflecting the trust in each other’s eyes, and the unspoken understanding between them.
The following day, 10 a.m.
CGG building, first conference room.
Chen Cheng, in a fitted black suit with the Daytona gifted by Wen Shulin, sat at the long conference table, calmly sipping tea.
Wen Shulin was as usual.
Wearing a sharp business suit that suited her temperament.
She sat opposite Chen Cheng, facing him from afar.
Her eyes carried a clear chill, a stark contrast to the warmth and charm she displayed the previous night.
"Mr. Chen, welcome to CGG."
David’s interpreter conveyed David’s words,
"I am CGG’s president of the Pan-Asia Pacific region, David Marcias."
"The individuals beside me are members of the team evaluating the equity of Xingye Products in your hands."
David paused, introducing his team members:
"Steve in charge of financial analysis, Catherine handling legal affairs, and John overseeing market evaluation."
As he introduced each person, the corresponding team member nodded slightly, each wearing a professional smile, yet their eyes were sharp and astute, clearly experienced negotiators.
"It’s an honor to have you at our company today for the equity transaction." Finally, David turned to Wen Shulin, "And it’s also an honor for Chairman Wen to lead this negotiation."
David emphasized the title "Chairman Wen" as if it was intentional.
Wen Shulin caught the underlying message without showing a reaction.
She had anticipated that the advance equity transaction would make Alina anxious, and this negotiation was both an opportunity and a challenge for her.
Her task was to accompany Chen Cheng perfectly in this act without revealing her true intentions.
Wen Shulin nodded slightly, and in fluent English, she said, "Beijing CGG has spent a considerable time researching the Xingye Products project."
"We hope this transaction will be successful and present a perfect report to the headquarters."
Her tone was calm but asserted a sense of indubitable confidence, responding to David’s insinuation while supporting Chen Cheng.
David felt a sinking feeling as he detected the undertone in Wen Shulin’s words, but he couldn’t retort.
After all, Wen Shulin was a veteran at CGG and held a significant position in Beijing CGG.
Moreover, as Wen Shulin pointed out, the acquisition plan for Xingye Products had been in the works for a long time, and it would be a serious mistake if his underestimation led to its failure.
Thinking this, David decided to first test Chen Cheng’s bottom line.
"Mr. Chen, we are all aware of the potential of Xingye Products, but as you know, all investments come with risks."