$300 million is a staggering sum for a company established less than three months ago.
Luke excitedly paced the room, like a child receiving his first Christmas gift.
Robert internally sneered but maintained a composed demeanor. "Mr. Sidney is very satisfied with ShowMe's performance and hopes to sign the contract as soon as possible."
"How soon does he want to do it?"
"Two days!"
Luke frowned, utterly confused. "Two days isn't enough. We have a mountain of issues to discuss, like equity division and operational management, not to mention everything else."
Robert said gravely, "Boss, you may not know Mr. Sidney well. He is a pure investor. He won't interfere with the company's operational rights or decision-making power."
"There's good news like that?"
Luke didn't believe in pie falling from the sky. An investor who is a rich banker, doesn't interfere with operations, doesn't participate in management, and only wants equity is something that only happens in the movies.
Robert smiled and explained,
"Mr. Sidney is betting on the rapidly growing user base. ShowMe has nearly six million users. That number could multiply several times over in a few months. No one can ignore that. It's a long-term benefit."
Luke still shook his head. "Even so, the process is too casual. Isn't he worried I'll abscond with the money? That's $300 million—enough to last a lifetime!"
"Would you?"
"Of course not!"
"There you have it." Robert spread his hands. "Boss, I think you're overthinking it. The company's goal is financing. As long as we get the money and don't lose the management rights, nothing else is a problem. Of course..." He changed his tone and continued,
"If you feel uneasy, we still have Redwood Group and the Wayne Family. Redwood Group is demanding over 67% of the shares. Mr. Alfred from the Wayne Family is demanding 51%. The money aspect is negotiable with both."
67% is absolute control! 51% is relative control!
The intentions of those two companies were clearly not innocent. Redwood Group was out—they had proposed multiple acquisition plans that Luke had rejected, and their boss was definitely unhappy. As for Wayne...
Luke propped up his chin, shaking his head resignedly.
"It turns out we only had one choice all along!"
Robert nodded slightly, offering no response.
"When does Mr. Sidney want to sign the contract?"
"They have already prepared the relevant materials and legal documents. We can start anytime."
Luke nodded. "Since the other party is eager to give us money, we shouldn't play hard to get. Let's do it this afternoon. Set a time and get it done."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements now!"
Robert gathered the documents and left the office. Once out the door, he let out a long breath, as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart.
He raised his hand and wiped his forehead, finding a layer of fine sweat.
Robert shook his head, wondering why he was suddenly so nervous.
Concerns and the Trap
Cindy soon learned about the financing deal and immediately put down her work to rush to Luke's office.
"Boss, are you really going to partner with Central Bank?"
"They offered the highest price and have the lowest demands. Who else should I choose?"
Cindy said with a serious expression, "I've investigated Central Bank's background. It's very complex. There is information indicating that Central Bank has been linked to multiple international money-laundering cases in recent years. Choosing them as a partner could drag ShowMe under."
"Do you have evidence?"
"No, but..."
"Everything requires evidence. Without evidence, we can't take it seriously."
Cindy was about to press the point, but Luke raised his hand. While tidying documents, he said,
"The decision has been made, and it won't change. Also, Rowan has been complaining about being understaffed. Put your current work aside and go help the marketing department. And you don't need to attend this afternoon's negotiation. Will, Charlie, Robert, and I are enough."
"I really think this is inappropriate."
Cindy became agitated. "ShowMe's current market value is $80 million, yet they offered $300 million for only 30% of the shares. That's a premium of over twelve times the valuation. There must be something wrong!"
"Investment concerns the future of the company. We can't ignore everything just because they offered the highest price. Even if we choose Central Bank, we must thoroughly investigate their background. How can we make a hasty decision? Also, Robert—I feel like he's hiding something from us. He's definitely keeping secrets."
This foolish girl!
Luke inwardly shook his head. She's a Stanford-educated business elite; why is she so dense?
"That's enough. Go back to work. You don't need to worry about this matter!"
Cindy's pleas were unsuccessful. Furious, she slammed the door on her way out. She vowed to use all her contacts to uncover Central Bank's background, determined not to let ShowMe be ruined by them.
If Luke knew her thoughts, he would sigh up to the heavens: Why are the people I trust all blockheads!
The Negotiation Begins
After multiple communications arranged by Robert, the two parties decided to hold the negotiation at the Fox Hotel in Metropolis's West End.
At 2:00 PM, the ShowMe representatives—owner and legal representative Luke Shaw, lawyer Will, assistant Charlie, and head of financing Robert Downs—arrived at the hotel precisely on time.
When they arrived, Central Bank General Manager Dominic Sidney was already in the lobby.
He was a white man about fifty years old, short and somewhat plump, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, giving off a very shrewd impression.
As the junior party, Luke greeted him first. "Hello, Mr. Sidney. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Sidney's gaze lingered on Luke's overly young face for a few seconds. A flash of contempt crossed his mind, but his expression was outwardly warm.
"Mr. Shaw is truly young and promising. To achieve what takes others a lifetime at the age of seventeen, that's remarkable, truly remarkable!"
Luke laughed heartily. "Mr. Sidney, you flatter me. It's just luck."
"This way, please!"
"Please!"
The two walked side-by-side out of the lobby and toward the second-floor conference room.
Robert deliberately lagged behind, using the excuse of needing the restroom to sneak to Room 203.
Alexander Rhodes was sitting on the sofa, a submachine gun resting next to him and a large cigarette dangling from his mouth.
Robert approached him, lowering his head, and whispered,
"It's all ready."
Alexander impatiently waved him off, signaling Robert to leave. Robert dared not linger, but before exiting the door, he turned and said,
"Boss Rhodes, please be careful during the negotiation later. You mustn't..."
"Relax!"
Alexander smirked, not bothering to hide the mockery in his expression. "No one will know you're the traitor!"
Robert offered an awkward smile, turned, and left.
In the second-floor conference room, a long table separated the two teams. The ShowMe delegation sat on the east side, and Central Bank sat on the west.
Without much small talk, the parties formally introduced themselves and exchanged documents.
The contract provided by Central Bank was surprisingly simple, not typical of a large corporation, but it contained all the necessary clauses.
The two main sections on Operations and Management were clearly marked, stating that the investor (Party A) would not interfere with the operational management or personnel changes of the investee (Party B). However, there were significant discrepancies regarding the funds and equity.
After seeing the numbers on the contract, Charlie and Will's faces changed instantly. Robert, fighting down a wave of anxiety, spoke up,
"Mr. Sidney, I think you've picked up the wrong document."
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