C13 I Have to Call the Security Guards

"Boss, do I strike you as the joking type? Sure, the company's been hit with some dirty tricks, but our transportation and sales networks are solid. And when it comes to suppliers, as long as we've got the cash, there'll be a line of them ready to do business with us." Chen Zhixuan pondered before speaking.

"Xiaochen, you've got a point, but have you considered the cost? We're talking about a staggering sum here. I never imagined those people would play so dirty," the boss said with a wry smile.

"What if I'm not concerned about the cost? The suppliers are just looking to make an extra buck. If that's the game, I'll play along. Whatever they're asking, I'll pay," Chen Zhixuan declared.

"Ah?"

"Xiaochen, are you looking to buy the company?" The boss was initially taken aback, now eyeing Chen Zhixuan with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"Exactly. I'm curious, would you be open to selling?" Chen Zhixuan snuffed out his cigarette as he spoke.

"I..." The boss was at a loss for words.

"Boss, I understand this company is your life's work, and you're not eager to let it go. But rest assured, even if it changes hands, I'd still need your expertise. I'm clueless when it comes to management," Chen Zhixuan quipped.

The boss remained silent, rhythmically tapping his finger on the coffee table.

After a thoughtful pause, he looked up at Chen Zhixuan with a serious gaze. "How much are you willing to put in?"

"One billion," Chen Zhixuan indicated with his fingers.

"That's a lot."

"Not at all. I'll continue to invest. If possible, I want Starlight to burst beyond this city, beyond China, and onto the world stage," Chen Zhixuan confidently shared his vision.

"Beyond China, to the world?" The boss was visibly moved by Chen Zhixuan's ambition. He had spent his life building a reputation in his hometown, but beyond that, entrepreneurs like him were a dime a dozen.

"Alright, I'm in. But I won't sell Starlight, especially not the name—it's a title I've earned through a lifetime of struggle. You can make your investment, take full control, but I'll keep ten percent of the shares," the boss decided on the spot.

"Ah." Chen Zhixuan was taken aback this time.

"I've been thinking, the starlight in my grasp may be fading, but you're young. I'm willing to take a gamble with you. Having nothing is still better than watching the starlight vanish from the world," the boss said, his demeanor rejuvenated, eyes sparkling with vitality.

"Thirty percent, no less, or my conscience won't let me sleep at night," Chen Zhixuan said with a chuckle.

"I'll take your word for it. My life's work, Yan Kuan's legacy, is now in your hands. Don't let me down," Yan Kuan declared.

"Manager Yan."

"Chairman Chen."

The two exchanged a glance and burst into laughter.

Transferring the shares would take some time, but this was a promising beginning.

There's a saying: with a true friend, even a thousand drinks aren't enough. They were deep in discussion about the company's path forward when suddenly, the door was slammed open. Indeed, slammed.

The shrewish manager glared at Chen Zhixuan and Yan Kuan, who were sharing a jovial moment. Her scowl deepened into a purplish hue.

"Director Yan, Chen Zhixuan has assaulted someone in the company. I've called the police; they're waiting outside," she announced.

"What? Who asked you to do that?" Yan Kuan's composure slipped, his voice tinged with frustration.

"Director Yan, how can you protect an outsider? This will chill the hearts of all our staff," she said, her tone laced with veiled threats.

"Chill the hearts? Zhu Yu, it's you who have chilled mine. Don't think I'm unaware. You oversee our suppliers. Who betrayed the company's interests, plunging us into this mess? Who steered our suppliers to other firms? Did you think your actions were invisible? If not for the sake of your late sister, do you think I'd let you wreak havoc here unpunished?" Yan Kuan retorted icily.

"Yan Kuan, what are you implying? Are you belittling me?" Zhu Yu's voice rose, shrill and defiant.

"You're well aware of what you've done. Now, go settle your accounts with finance. We have no place for you here," Yan Kuan concluded firmly.

"Yan Kuan, remember, my sister and I started this company together. She holds shares too. If you're so keen on pushing me out, we can just split and see who ends up worse off," Zhu Yu said with a cold laugh.

"You!" Yan Kuan was visibly frustrated.

"Hold on, I'd like to ask a few questions," Chen Zhixuan interjected, breaking their stare-down.

"Do you really think you have a say in this? Just wait and see how the police handle you once you step outside," Zhu Yu snapped at him.

In the midst of their exchange, the door swung open, and three police officers entered, a crowd of company employees trailing behind them.

"May I ask, who here is Chen Zhixuan?" inquired the striking policewoman at the front.

"That would be me," Chen Zhixuan acknowledged.

"Great. Ms. Zhu Yu here is accusing you of intentional bodily harm. Please come with us," the policewoman directed at Chen Zhixuan.

"Intentional harm? Did I really do that much damage to that little beast with just a light kick?" Chen Zhixuan was utterly bewildered.

"Alright, but could you give me a moment?" he responded.

"Yes, but we can't wait long," the officers said, stepping aside to wait.

"You're quite the tyrant, squeezing that little beast day in and day out. Now it can't even withstand a slight touch. Impressive," Chen Zhixuan taunted Zhu Yu.

"Chen Zhixuan, just resign yourself to jail time, you're nothing but scum," Zhu Yu retorted, seething with anger.

"Really? I'm actually quite eager to see how this plays out. But tell me, Director Yan, did you ever formalize a share transfer with your wife?" Chen Zhixuan asked, turning to Yan Kuan.

"No, it was only a verbal agreement. Then she left," Yan Kuan admitted.

"Well then, that works out for me. The company is now mine, and I'd kindly ask Ms. Zhu Yu to leave my premises. Would that be alright?" Chen Zhixuan said with a smile.

"Absolutely."

"Let's make it crystal clear, Zhu Yu. The company is mine now—I've purchased it. As for your claims about your sister's shares, they're baseless and won't hold up legally. Don't even think about squatting here, or I'll have to call security," Chen Zhixuan said, his gaze fixed on Zhu Yu with a playful edge.

"You, Yan Kuan, how could you do this? How can you justify your actions to my sister?" Zhu Yu never anticipated the situation escalating to this extent and had no choice but to confront Yan Kuan.

"Miss Zhu Yu, regardless of your accusations, they merely point to a moral failing on Director Yan's part. As for your belongings, you won't be able to take a single penny with you. Security," Chen Zhixuan said, unyielding as he signaled for the guards.

"Zhu Yu, I must ask you to leave," Old Sun cautioned firmly.