Re-establishing a company was a bit of a hassle for Xia Shang. Since it was what Jiang Zhou wanted, Xia Shang simply spent 50 million to acquire a medium-sized game company. She took over all the existing employees as well, effectively handing Jiang Zhou a ready-made team.
Of that 50 million, 40 million came from Xia Shang’s personal funds, while the remaining 10 million was considered the corporation’s investment in the game project.
“Jiang…” Xia Shang started to speak out of habit, but when she looked up and saw the empty workstation, she realized late that Jiang Zhou had already moved to the office in the building next door.
“President Xia, the meeting starts in five minutes,” her assistant reported after knocking and entering.
“I know.” Xia Shang leaned back in her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose with her right hand. “Who was notified for this meeting?”
“According to company policy, all senior management are required to attend.” The assistant, who had been on the job for over six months, had heard some rumors about the CEO and Jiang Zhou. “Although President Jiang has taken up the position of CEO at Shangzhou Games, she is still officially listed at headquarters and remains within the scope of the meeting notifications. I’ve arranged her seat to your immediate left.”
“Good.” Xia Shang’s brow relaxed slightly. “Notify finance to increase your monthly salary by 10%.”
“Thank you, President Xia!” The assistant’s mouth curled up uncontrollably. Getting on the HR Director’s good side was definitely the right move—Director Liu’s intel was spot on! President Xia and President Jiang are totally a thing!!!
…
By the time Xia Shang arrived at the conference room, almost everyone was present. As soon as she entered, the whispering stopped.
Jiang Zhou was sitting in the first seat to Xia Shang’s left. Seeing her arrive, she stood up and pulled out Xia Shang’s chair.
Xia Shang didn’t say “thank you,” but if one looked closely, her expression had softened significantly, and the corners of her mouth twitched with a hint of a smile.
“President Xia, I have no objection to establishing a game company, but why does the headquarters hold such a small stake?” After the basic reports were finished, Lu Shen began his monthly routine of opposing Xia Shang.
“Is a 20% stake considered small?” Xia Shang countered. “Director Lu, your own stake in this company is only 7%, isn’t it?”
Lu Shen choked for a moment but quickly recovered. “Compared to the resources our headquarters provides, it is small. Other subsidiaries usually give us over half the shares, and Shangzhou Games enjoys the same benefits as headquarters.”
“What resources has the headquarters provided?” Xia Shang took a small sip of her coffee.
Lu Shen smiled with absolute certainty. “The value of the office space alone is worth far more than 10 million, isn’t it?”
“The office building next door is already a fixed asset of Shangzhou Games,” Xia Shang stated matter-of-factly.
“The whole building?” Lu Shen’s tone sharpened. He stood up, looking down at Xia Shang to exert a sense of pressure. “President Xia, buying a whole building would cost at least 200 million. Is a 20% stake really worth 200 million?”
“Even if you own 40% of this company, you can’t just act recklessly. As a shareholder, I question you—you are using company funds for personal gain!”
As Lu Shen finished speaking, he noticed the conference room was eerily quiet. The looks some of the attendees were giving him were… strange.
“Oh? Is that so?” Xia Shang’s expression became nonchalant. “Does anyone else share Director Lu’s view?”
“President Xia, perhaps we could increase the headquarters’ holding in Shangzhou Games slightly.” When it came to potential hits to their own interests, some people couldn’t stay silent. Three or four executives with small shares voiced their opinions diplomatically.
Xia Shang nodded, acknowledging them. “And according to Director Lu’s logic?”
“If President Xia’s actions are allowed, then I would like to apply to use 200 million to exchange for a 40% stake in Kyushu Games,” Lu Shen proposed directly with a smirk. “Compared to the newly restructured Shangzhou Games, Kyushu Games has better prospects. Its monthly profit has already exceeded 10 million. Based on our share ratio, we could recover the cost within two years.”
Kyushu Games… isn’t that the company Bai Xiaorou invested in? Is Lu Shen trying to embezzle company funds?
Pfft. Jiang Zhou couldn’t help but laugh out loud, her face filled with undisguised mockery. “Director Lu, are you still dreaming?”
“Jiang Zhou, this is no place for you to speak.” Lu Shen looked at her with disdain. “You are just a manager in name only. I suggest you remember your place.”
“Lu Shen.” As soon as the topic shifted to Jiang Zhou, Xia Shang interrupted him. “I used to think you were merely mediocre, but it turns out you are an absolute fool.”
“Xia Shang, don’t think you can be this insolent just because you’re the CEO!” Lu Shen detested the way she looked at him—as if she weren’t looking at a human being, but a piece of trash.
“The building for Shangzhou Games cost a total of 230 million,” Xia Shang said unhurriedly. Even with her calm tone, she completely overwhelmed Lu Shen’s aggression. “The headquarters’ investment in Shangzhou Games is 10 million. That money, along with my personal investment of 40 million, is being used as working capital.”
“Then doesn’t that mean you hold 80% of the shares?” Lu Shen, not knowing where Xia Shang got her confidence, sneered. “Using 40 million to get 230 million worth of fixed assets—that’s quite a deal you’ve made for yourself, President Xia.”
“Lu Shen, who told you the building was bought with company money?” Xia Shang asked.
Hearing this, Lu Shen looked as if he had been strangled; his voice vanished instantly.
What did she mean? Didn’t Shangzhou Games only receive investment from her and the company?
“As a manager of this company, I do not seek personal gain through my position. I always act in the interest of the company.” Xia Shang’s cold gaze swept the room. The executives who had supported Lu Shen moments ago lowered their heads, afraid to meet her eyes.
“The 230 million came from my personal funds.” Her voice wasn’t loud, but to Lu Shen, every word felt like a sharp blade.
“If Director Lu wants a 200 million investment, fine.” Xia Shang smiled. “By that same logic, just ensure Kyushu Games has over a billion in fixed assets under its name. I would have no objection at all.”
Lu Shen was completely silenced. The arrogant posture from earlier was gone as he slunk back into his seat.
Xia Shang had indeed spent over 200 million on the building, but since 80% of it belonged to her—and she already owned 40% of the parent company—she was essentially just dropping tens of millions to give the game company a solid foundation.
But it was different for him. Most of his wealth was tied up in fixed assets; he couldn’t just pull out that much cash whenever he wanted.
“I misunderstood just now,” Lu Shen managed to say, trying to save face. “However, it is undeniable that Kyushu Games is developing better than Shangzhou Games. Investing in a company with mature technology is better than investing in one that is just starting out.”
“So, according to Director Lu, if we invest 200 million in Kyushu Games, we’ll see a return within two years?” Jiang Zhou asked.
Lu Shen gave her a perfunctory “Mhm.”
Jiang Zhou smiled. “In that case, we might as well keep investing in Shangzhou Games. It’ll return the investment in one year.”
“Tsk, how can you guarantee Shangzhou Games will be profitable?” Lu Shen curled his lip, though he didn’t dare act too superior after his recent embarrassment.
“Why don’t we make a bet, Director Lu?” Jiang Zhou’s mischievous side was itching to act. “A one-year timeframe, betting on Shangzhou Games’ profitability.”
“The conditions?” Lu Shen asked.
Jiang Zhou began spinning a pen in her right hand. “If the profit reaches 200 million, you sell me your 7% stake in the company at market price.”
“And if you lose?” Lu Shen narrowed his eyes. Is Jiang Zhou after my shares?
“If I lose, the same applies.” Jiang Zhou met his gaze, her aura completely overshadowing his.
“Where would you get the shares to give me?” Lu Shen countered.
“From me,” Xia Shang interjected, glancing at Lu Shen. “If Shangzhou fails to profit 200 million, I will sell 10% of my shares to you.”
Lu Shen frowned. He felt like he was walking into a trap. He had confidence against Jiang Zhou, but if Xia Shang interfered, the outcome was uncertain.
“President Xia cannot interfere in Shangzhou Games’ operations, nor can she provide any private help.” Even knowing there was a catch, Lu Shen didn’t want to let this opportunity slip.
If he got those shares, he’d have 17%. Against Xia Shang’s remaining 30%, his chances of winning would increase significantly.
“I am the major shareholder of Shangzhou Games.” Xia Shang’s eyes held a hint of mockery. “As a shareholder, shouldn’t I look after my own company?”
Lu Shen was speechless for a moment. “I mean, President Xia cannot use the parent company’s name to do anything for the Shangzhou Games.”
“Fine.”
The agreement was made in front of all the executives. To prevent either side from backing out, they drafted and signed a formal gambling agreement (betting on performance) immediately after the meeting.
…
“Aren’t you afraid I’m just bluffing?” After the meeting, Jiang Zhou didn’t go back to her own office but instead lingered in Xia Shang’s.
“I trust you.” They hadn’t discussed the bet beforehand; it was entirely spontaneous.
“What if I lose?” Jiang Zhou was very satisfied with that answer.
“Then we lose.” Xia Shang pulled Jiang Zhou into her arms, letting her lean against her, greedily taking in Jiang Zhou’s scent. “It’s only 10% of the shares.”
“They don’t compare to you,” Xia Shang added.
Listen to that—her mouth is like it’s been dipped in honey.
Jiang Zhou leaned in and gave her a deep kiss, her tongue skillfully parting Xia Shang’s teeth, only letting go when their breaths became ragged.
“As I thought. It’s sweet,” Jiang Zhou remarked, leaning against Xia Shang’s shoulder.