Chapter 162: Linhe Capital
Of course, the frustration lasted only a few seconds. He was a man after all, and he yearned to assume personal responsibility. He wasn’t going to give in to despair over this bit of setback.
Qi Yu roused his spirits and said, “Long Xian Foods and New Bird Medical Beauty, right? I know.”
Fu Yansheng added, “The headquarters of New Bird Medical and Beauty is in Yancheng. While Long Xian Foods is in Nanshi. Neither is in Haicheng. Now that you’re the one asking, you must be the one to go to them. Be sure to confirm if they have time to meet you before you go. Although the Si Yuan Group is in a difficult situation, you are the son of a dignified boss of a listed company. They might not think much of Shan Yu but they will recognize Mei Wei and Si Yuan. So let Chu Meng call first. If they show contempt on the phone, there is a high probability that it won’t work, so there won’t be any need to go.”
Qi Yu knew that Fu Yansheng said this in order to get him to keep his head up. He remembered that his father also once said that entrepreneurial spirit was very important; to be humble but not base, to be proud but not arrogant. Indeed, no matter how bad it was, Si Yuan was still a listed company. Keeping it running wasn’t difficult, what was difficult was maintaining its existing capital and status.
But now Mei Wei was still fighting against FIA. Since he had poached Su Jing over, he should bear this pressure. If there was hope of these two companies lending them a helping hand, even if they were to treat him without the proper respect for a while, could he give up so easily?
Qi Yu sighed lightly and said, “I’ll contact them tomorrow. Let’s see first and then we’ll talk.”
Hearing Chu Meng’s voice as she was coming back, he said to the phone. “I’ve got to go.”
Fu Yansheng gave an “en” and told him, “No matter how big the skies and the earth, your health is most important. Remember to eat.”
Qi Yu chuckled. “Alright, I’ll eat in a while.”
As soon as he hung up the phone, Chu Meng pushed open the door and entered. “I sent you a message, but you didn’t reply. I just chose for you and got you an eel and rice meal from ‘Chishang’.”
Qi Yu gave a perfunctory response, took the box and said, “Sorry for the trouble.”
Seeing that Chu Meng only bought low-fat yogurt and a salad for herself, he asked with a smile, “Are you really on a diet?”
“It’s not so much dieting as it is maintaining a healthy body. In this line of work, we still have to go out and meet people, right? And maintaining an image is very important,” Chu Meng peeled off the lid of the yogurt, scooped a spoonful and added, “I’m not like Chief Fu, He seems to be exercising all year round. I don’t like sports very much, so the only thing I can control is my mouth.”
Chu Meng glanced at Qi Yu. “Chief Qi, do you exercise too?”
Qi Yu smiled: “I've been fishing for three days and drying the net for two. I’m not as disciplined as he is.”
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Chu Meng: “Only about a year and a half. But although it was only a year and a half, he can be regarded as a famous figure within our Mingtai IBD.”
Qi Yu asked curiously, “Why is he famous?”
Naturally, Chu Meng was too embarrassed to bring up the old story about them in Skyline in front of Qi Yu. She simply said, “In terms of appearance, conversation style and work ability, he’s second to none. When he first came, there were so many ladies who wanted to chase after him, you wouldn’t be able to count them all. But unfortunately, he said that he had a partner within a few months.”
Qi Yu choked. “A-a partner?”
“En, it seems it was someone abroad. There was always a time difference between the two of them. In short, when he was in Mingtai, every day before 3 o’clock in the afternoon, you would never find him without his phone in his hand. He checked it every few minutes. Our entire department knew that he had a specially clingy partner…” Chu Meng said while looking at Qi Yu’s expression.
Qi Yu coughed lightly and quickly changed the topic, “In a bit, can you help me find information about Long Xian Foods and New Bird Medical and Beauty from our archives. Send me a summary of the information. It’s getting late today, so I’ll leave first after I finish eating. Later, let’s talk through phone.”
On the way home, Qi Yu sat in the car and thought back to Chu Meng’s words. He couldn’t help opening his phone to look at Fu Yansheng. He couldn’t help snorting. How could he have know that even as early as two years back Fu Yansheng was already regarding him as his partner?
The next day, Chu Meng, on his behalf, got in touch with the owners of Long Xian Foods and New Bird Medical and Beauty. As it happened, Yang Xiaoxue, the CEO of New Bird Medical and Beauty, was on a business trip in Haicheng. To save time, Chu Meng and Yang Xiaoxue directly arranged for a meeting at noon the next day.
When President Qu heard ‘Shan Yu’ and ‘Qi Yu’, he also gave them face and promised to make time to meet with them. However, she was in Nanshi, so Qi Yu would have to go there in person. Their meeting was set for the morning three days later.
After confirming the meetings, Qi Yu took some time to learn more about New Bird Medical and Beauty and its CEO. He remembered that Su Jing had said that he wanted to do high-tech medical treatments in the future. Qi Yu felt that even if he were unable to get the investment, there was still the possibility for long-term cooperation between this company and Mei Wei – Blooming Lotus. Consequently, he called Wu Shuang and asked him to immediately summarize and sent to him information regarding Mei Wei – Blooming Lotus. He’ll bring it along with him just in case.
It was time to meet Yang Xiaoxue. Qi Yu’s side had been the ones to reserve the restaurant; it was at the Howard Johnson Hotel.
Qi Yu and Chu Meng arrived early. They waited for Yang Xiaoxue for another half an hour before the other party arrived, late.
According to the information they had, this woman was in her forties but she looked practically the same as the 30-year-old Chu Meng. Her delicate and beautiful face was a mobile signboard for her business.
“Chief Qi, Chief Chu, there was a bit of traffic on the road. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” Yang Xiaoxue said with a smile.
Chu Meng said, “It’s no problem. It’s well known that the road conditions in Haicheng are terrible. We’re already very fortunate that you could find time in your busy schedule to meet with us.”
“Of course, even if it wasn’t out of respect for the Si Yuan Group, I would have definitely met with you for the sake of Shanyu Investmetn’s former President Xu.”
After Yang Xiaoxue sat down, she stared straight at Qi Yu. “Chief Qi looks really handsome. Back then when President Xu invested in us, I told him that if he ever wanted some beauty treatments, he could just look for me. He said he didn’t need it. So I said, if he didn’t need it then the people close to him can also avail of it. He joked to me that the person behind Shanyu Investment needed it even less. I didn’t understand what he meant at the time. Now that I’ve seen you, I think I understand.”
Hearing her talk on and on about “President Xu”, Qi Yu’s heart sank. Outwardly though, he still smiled and said, “President Yang gives me undeserved praise.”
Yang Xiaoxue: “Of course not. I’m telling the truth, I think you look even better than those popular celebrities on TV.”
The two parties exchanged niceties. Even when the dishes were served, they continued talking about nothing of import. Every time Qi Yu signaled to Chu Meng with his eyes to bring up proper business, President Yang would talk about something else. Half of the meal was over and they still hadn’t gotten to the point.
Qi Yu himself knew that the current situation was different from the past. If he wanted to take money from other people’s pockets, he had to coax them first. Just like when Yu Lian met with them, he was humbled himself, was modest and gave out compliments. That was as it should be. However, Qi Yu wasn’t someone who was going to endure humiliation to carry out an important mission. Furthermore, he had no time to waste playing Tai Chi with Yang Xiaoxue.
After three courses, Qi Yu couldn’t help it and said, “President Yang, you must know our intentions for inviting you out today. Shanyu and New Bird could be considered as having some sort of connection from our early years. Although the person who executed the investment was not me, he had been my aide. In May, anticipating that we may have to face some potential risks, we had no choice but to withdraw our investment. Now the Si Yuan Group is facing some difficulties. I specially invited you to meet because I would like to venture to ask if, looking kindly upon Shanyu’s investment during your early years, you could now help us. But your help this time will not be for free. Mei Wei – Blooming Lotus is currently in competition with FIA – HZ and medical treatments for beauty is also a popular topic among the users of our platform. If New Bird is willing to invest in Si Yuan, there is a great possibility for long term cooperation with Mei Wei – Blooming Lotus.”
Qi Yu wanted to signal Chu Meng to take out the information on Mei Wei – Blooming Lotus but Yang Xiaoxue raised her hand to stop them. “Chief Qi, I’m here only to share a meal with you.”
Both of them felt a “clump” in their hearts. Then Yang Xiaoxue looked at Qi Yu and said, “I am very grateful for Shanyu’s investment in New Bird. After your investment withdrawal in May, President Xu found another investor for me. Even now, I still maintain a very good cooperative relationship with Mr. Xu. This possibility for cooperation that you mentioned truly is tempting but you and I are both businessmen. Think about it from my standpoint. What Mei Wei – Blooming Lotus has, FIA – HZ has as well. From the way we see things, these two companies are on a par. Wouldn’t it be less risky for us to cooperate with the group with the stable stock prices and abundant capital?”
Qi Yu was taken aback. “Mr. Xu found another investor for you?”
“Yes, I know Xu Jing has already left Shanyu. I shouldn’t be telling you this,” Yang Xiaoxue looked at him and said, words filled with meaning, “But meeting you today, I really like you. We belong in the same circle, I think you’ll find out sooner or later, Xu Jing is now in Linhe Capital and the funds withdrawn by Shanyu, he made Linhe Capital give double to me. Linhe Capital is Lin Huan’s private investment company. Also, Lin Huan owns 40% of the shares of FIA – HZ with whom you’re currently competing with. An upright person must speak conscientiously. If I help you now, wouldn’t I be opposing Lin Huan?”
As soon as Qi Yu heard this, he knew that it was absolutely impossible to ask New Bird for help. He nodded and said, “I understand. Thank you, President Yang, for being frank with me.”
Yang Xiaoxue said, “As I should. I came to see you today, not to intentionally embarrass you but to leave a line for us in the future. They say a cart will find its way round the hill when it gets there; a village lies among dark willows and blooming flowers. Things in business world is ever changing. An enemy today, may be a friend tomorrow. Although the Si Yuan Group is facing difficulties now, I believe that with your strength, you will overcome this difficulty. If in the future, we are no longer on opposite sides of each other, I will definitely consider cooperating with you.”
Qi Yu smiled and said, “Then allow me to borrow your auspicious words.”
After exchanging some more polite words, Yang Xiaoxue put down her chopsticks and took her leave, saying that she had something to attend to.
Qi Yu and Chu Meng both got up to see her off. Once she had left, Chu Meng couldn’t help but complain, “That woman was really something. She just had to tell all her good points and bad points herself!”
Qi Yu sighed. “A forty-year-old woman wouldn’t have gotten where she is today if she didn’t have any skills.”
Chu Meng remembered the look in Yang Xiaoxue’s eyes when she sized up Qi Yu just now. A feeling of protectiveness over her master rose in her heart. “Didn’t you see how she looked at you just now? She’s over forty years old. Good gods… how can you still keep that kind of attitude with her?”
Qi Yu wondered, “How did she look at me?”
“…Like, like a tiger looking at prey?” Especially when the other party had said ‘I really like you’, Chu Meng felt goosebumps on her skin.
But with Qi Yu’s looks, he had long developed a defense against all kinds of looks. He said indifferently, “It’s fine, I’m used to it.”
Chu Meng wanted to make a few more complaints, but thinking about how she herself, this “old woman”, had also been interested in Qi Yu back in Skyline all those years ago, she was afraid she wasn’t all that much different from Yang Xiaoxue and she grew too embarrassed to say anything else.
After settling their bill, Chu Meng said again, “Sigh, we treated her to a meal and got nothing.”
Qi Yu said in a low voice, “Not nothing. She at least told me where Xu Jing went.”
——————
【Little Theater】
Mingtai gossip team——
Chu Meng: Sisters, it’s been confirmed! President Fu’s “online friend” was the little gold owner of the Si Yuan Group!
Lin Han: Oh my God! The one he kissed at Skyline? It’s been over three years already!
Crowd: This is true love!
Chu Meng: Today I heard the little gold master question President Fu if he just wanted to sleep with him!
Crowd: aaaaahhhhh…
Translator’s note: I kinda hate President Yang, not because she refused to help (I get where she’s coming from), what I hate is that she wasted time. I feel that if I were in her position, I would no.1 not be late (knowing I’m about to refuse someone because I really can’t help, I would be there extra early) and no. 2 get right to the point. If they still want to have lunch after my refusal, all well and good. If they’ve got places to be because I couldn’t help, well, I get it, no offence taken.
yeah i didn’t like her too for these reasons and i think she was too condescending.
as xu jing i really don’t like how childish his motivations are and the way he leaved made him a jerk to me.
ahhh thank you for the chapter 🙏
Fully agree, she really only had herself in mind despite losing her fty when she rds about the future. Xu Jing is acting like a 5 year old. Good riddance.
Despite lofty promises about the future* bloody predictive text
yesssss i think for me being late is sometimes out of our control but for her to keep on diverting the topic instead of immediately getting to the point is annoying
Thanks for the chapter <3
thanks for the chapter!
what XJ did is not inherently “wrong” given he’s already moved on and he has full rights to treat himself well… BUT this is still annoying me. Holy Fuck!
I have a feeling that the tables will be turned on her eventually, and when she comes back to our baby to request for an investment – we’re gonna face slap her. This better come true.
Also, what is the investigation team doing? Quickly bring down this background character who doesn’t appear but keeps causing troubles.
Couldn’t agree more with translator-nim.. 🙁
//and im still sour with Xu Jing that damn bro.. you can go anywhere but you have to go to the direct enemy huh
To be honest I hope Lin Huan goes broke just like Si Ze and Xu Jing will sink alongside him. Like the author said only Qi Yu and Fu Yansheng present justice in this story and they are also extremely lovable. Moreover Xu Jiang called Su Jing ungrateful then what exactly is he?
Exactly!!!!! My blood is boiling when reading your last line and realizing how hypocrite XJ is!!!
I feel so bad for little fish. Gosh the betrayal is not surprising but disappointing. Maybe they’ll be some redemption where he helps? Why do I still have hope? 😭😭
This woman is so annoying for wasting too much time. And I will never be able to understand people like Xu Jing, although I know he gave up on Qi Yu because of the difference in principles between them, but still you should not be the enemy of people you already consider like your own brother, it’s too much.