237 A Clear Conscience
“No problem, President Shan.” Cheng Yue gradually regained his composure. Realizing that he had lost his composure just now, he sat back in his seat. “No matter what the final outcome is, I’m very grateful to you tonight. Please take care of me in the future, President Shan. If there’s anything you need my help with, feel free to ask. I’ll definitely do my best.”
“Understood, Mr. Cheng. We’ll take care of each other.”
Gradually, Zhou Xuan became free, and the guests in the venue also entered their own play segment. After Shan Yue finished her conversation with Cheng Yue, she came to a relatively quiet place with Zhou Xuan.
“It’s my turn to thank President Zhou for today’s scene.” Shan Yue’s brows relaxed, and her body slowly relaxed. “After spending so much effort to invite everyone from all walks of life, you even specially asked me to show my face in front of the stage. You’ve paved the way and are just waiting for me to walk it. How can I not thank you for such a considerate service?”
Zhou Xuan’s eyes only darkened. “President Shan, there’s actually no need to think too much. I’m not doing this for you, but more for myself. We all know your ability. Since you’ve already decided to enter the business circle, I definitely hope to be on good terms with you. It’s beneficial to both sides to cooperate more. Moreover, if it’s really as you say, and you can crush the Tang Corporation, I naturally don’t mind a leading corporation that’s on good terms with me.”
“So President Zhou is waiting for me here.” Shan Yue’s eyes revealed a mocking expression as she casually fiddled with the wine glass beside her. “In that case, it’s a little unreasonable for me, a newly established company that hasn’t even completely stabilized my foundation, to take a huge risk to fight head-on with the Tang Corporation while President Zhou enjoys the benefits of being the third party behind the scenes.”
A trace of coldness quickly returned to Zhou Xuan’s eyes, and he clearly felt vigilant. “Then according to President Shan, what should we do? Don’t tell me you’re going to burn the bridge after crossing it.”
“President Zhou, don’t be nervous. Of course not. I can’t burn the bridge after crossing it.” Shan Yue’s tone became very brisk, as if there was no competitive pressure on her. “We’re just making a more reasonable distribution. I can’t just risk my life in front and let President Zhou sit behind and enjoy the fruits of our labor.”
“President Shan, there’s no need to beat around the bush anymore.” Zhou Xuan’s coldness climbed to his eyebrows. “We’re all smart people. Just say what you want.”
Shan Yue swirled the glass of red wine in her hand a few times and took a sip. “President Zhou understands my thoughts better. I’m not 100% confident that I can take down the Tang Corporation. After all, Tang Xia’s background and qualifications are there. I can’t fall out with him completely. At the final critical moment, as long as President Zhou can stand up and help me, even if it’s just financial assistance, I’ll repay you double the help President Zhou has given me. What do you think, President Zhou?”
“Then according to what President Shan said.” Zhou Xuan placed one leg on the other and looked at her coldly. “If I personally came to help you when you competed with the Tang Corporation in the end, but you didn’t take down the Tang Corporation in the end, wouldn’t I lose more than I gain? Not only would I get nothing, but I would also offend Tang Xia for nothing.”
Shan Yue’s eyebrows were delicate, and a teasing smile lit up between her lips. “President Zhou, don’t you know that the bold will die from overeating and the timid will starve to death? I understand President Zhou’s concerns, but if you’re completely afraid of doing things, you can choose not to continue working with me. Perhaps if I take another step back, President Zhou only needs to help me secretly. You don’t have to show your face at all. But if you can’t even accept this, then we shouldn’t continue discussing our cooperation.”
Zhou Xuan did not answer immediately. There was only struggle and thought in his heart. His choice meant that he needed to participate in a huge gamble to bet on who the final winner between Shan Yue and Tang Li was. If he made the right bet, it would bring endless benefits to the Zhou Corporation, but if he made the wrong bet, the Zhou Corporation would also suffer a blow.
The silent atmosphere lasted for about a minute. Shan Yue was not anxious. Instead, she gave Zhou Xuan enough time to think and make a choice with a clear conscience.