Jade City, Paramount Restaurant.
"Miss Lu Nanzhi, your father, Mr. Lu Jingnan, was one of Chairman Lu's legitimate sons. Chairman Lu recently passed away and left a will stating he would pass 15% of the Synergy Company shares to Mr. Lu Jingnan."
The lawyer's gaze lingered on the young woman seated across from him.
Withdrawing his stare, he slid a stack of papers across the table—copies of the will—before continuing.
"Since you are Mr. Lu Jingnan's sole surviving descendant, you are the rightful heir to the inheritance."
"My client, Mrs. Lu Meiying, your father's half-sister, is kind enough to offer help. She has heard of your family's debt and is willing to buy the shares for 500 million yuan."
The lawyer placed a black-and-gold debit card and a pen beside the documents. "Sign these papers, and this card, loaded with 500 million yuan, is yours."
Slender frame, slightly weathered skin, calloused hands from overwork, a face bare of makeup, and faded clothes.
Yet, nothing could hide her inherent charm—especially her pair of clear, piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through him.
He knew about her circumstances. To repay debts from her mother's hospital bills, she had juggled several jobs, her main one barely sufficient to cover basic needs.
500 million yuan was more than enough to clear her debt of 3 million and live comfortably for the rest of her life.
However, to the lawyer's surprise, Lu Nanzhi wasn't moved.
Instead, she smiled coldly, her gaze flickering to the name tag on his chest.
"Mr. Cheng, Synergy Company is valued at no less than 70 billion yuan. Its annual profit is around 4 billion. Since this will was drafted three months ago, the accrued income of 15% profit I'm entitled to should also be included. Don't you think 500 million is too small?"
A mere 500 million for 15% shares?
What a joke.
These people clearly thought her a naive country girl.
Mr. Cheng frowned. "Miss Lu, after Chairman Lu's death, the management shift caused the stock prices to drop, and profits have—"
"No need for excuses, Mr. Cheng. Five billion yuan, and I'll sign."
She knew Lu Meiying wasn't as benevolent as portrayed. This was pure scheming.
Mr. Cheng stiffened. "Miss Lu Nanzhi, your demand is outrageous! Two billion, and that's final."
Lu Nanzhi responded with a faint smirk, pulling out a calling card. "Another lawyer from my uncle already contacted me yesterday. He offered the same."
A lie. Her uncle had only offered 700 million—payable in installments.
But Lu Nanzhi was no longer the naive girl from before. Her hardships had forged her into someone who wouldn't let the Lu family take advantage again.
Her sharp eyes glinted.
Mr. Cheng examined the card and paled. If the other side was moving, their position was precarious.
The next board meeting would decide the new chairman, and Mrs. Lu Meiying's shares fell short compared to her siblings. She needed these shares desperately.
Realizing Lu Nanzhi wouldn't relent, Mr. Cheng loosened his tie and called his client.
As the call connected, Lu Nanzhi could hear Lu Meiying's furious insults, labeling her as a "greedy b*tch."
But to her, the price she quoted was already a fraction of the true value. She was the one losing out.
Finally, after much haggling, Mr. Cheng relented. "Mrs. Lu Meiying has agreed but will only pay 4.3 billion yuan."
Lu Nanzhi's lips curled in satisfaction. "Fine. I accept... but she must pay in full, in cash."
"Miss Lu, 4.3 billion is a substantial amount. Liquidating assets will take time—"
"You have two days. Contact me once the money is ready."
She rose, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Wait! Miss Lu!" Mr. Cheng called after her, but she had already disappeared into the bustling city.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, beads of sweat forming.
This was one of the toughest negotiations he'd ever faced.
Relaying the details to his client, he could hear Mrs. Lu Meiying fuming on the other end.
But Lu Nanzhi?
She couldn't care less.
Standing outside, she hailed a cab and turned her attention to the glowing holographic screen before her.
Ding—
[Time Left Until Disaster: 59 Days: 12 Hours: 37 Minutes]
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