"I would like ZX Capital to be appointed as the M&A manager to ensure transparency and to protect the best interests of CK Group," Meiling stated firmly.
Chairman Li Ming's lips curled into a faint, chilling smile. His icy gaze pierced through her, searching for the hidden truth behind her request.
"Is there an ulterior motive here?" He interlaced his fingers on the desk. "Why specifically ZX Capital?" The old dragon pressed the executive standing before him.
"Because ZX Capital was granted an audience with you just before this afternoon's press conference," Meiling replied calmly. "If this group weren't of paramount importance, they wouldn't have been granted your 'golden hour'... would they?"
The Chairman let out a short laugh, seemingly satisfied with her sharp intuition.
"So, you want ZX to lead the merger," Li Ming mused. Meiling maintained eye contact before bowing her head slightly.
"I believe the Chairman has the decisive judgment and the keen vision to select the right people for this consolidation." Her clever flattery earned a genuine laugh of satisfaction from Li Ming.
"Since it is your proposal, I will take it into consideration. I'll bring this to the board meeting tomorrow."
"Thank you, Chairman."
Meiling bowed respectfully and exited. Li Ming watched the door close, then shifted his gaze toward the window, his eyes turning deep and unreadable.
"CK Group China Partners with Wonder Package for Hydrogen Project; Gawin Ascends as Project Director."
Adisorn smiled at the headline as he drew back the curtains. Outside, the lights of Shanghai shimmered like a sea of diamonds.
This minor victory was only the beginning a prelude to a war of wits for power and revenge. He would now move his next piece, using Meiling as his vanguard to sow chaos within the heart of CK Group.
In the executive boardroom, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The directors sat with grim faces; they were gathered to negotiate debt repayment with VCC, a deadline only days away. Chen Ming, the VCC representative, entered last. Clad in a sharp navy suit, he exchanged a fleeting glance with Lu Rong before taking his seat near the Chairman.
Li Ming scanned the room, noting that every board member was present. He opened the session immediately. "Let us begin. As you are aware, the $350 million loan from VCC is due in a few weeks. The contract stipulates conditions for a debt-to-equity swap..." He paused, eyeing Chen Ming, who gave a subtle, guarded nod.
"However... we have received a proposal from ZX Capital to buy out the entire debt and inject emergency cash, provided that..."
"Chairman!" Chen Ming interrupted abruptly. Every head turned toward the VCC representative, shocked by his sudden breach of etiquette. "Before we discuss a third party... VCC would like to submit a new proposal for your consideration."
The room fell silent as all eyes fixed on Chen Ming. Li Ming narrowed his eyes, waiting for the other man to speak with a gaze that demanded an explanation.