Tianyi looked at him. If it weren't for his help with Mengqi, Tianyi wouldn't have advanced by retreating.
It was rare to encounter an equally matched opponent. How could he confront him head-on without thorough preparation?
"I understand your concerns. But you need to have a solution to this crisis. I won't act rashly," Tianyi said without beating around the bush. "If the crisis at Huangfu Group affects us at Aoxiang, I will have no choice but to acquire Huangfu Group. This is also for self-preservation."
Yao Feili smiled meaningfully and said, "I don't plan to help Huangfu Group resolve the crisis anymore. You can proceed with the acquisition plan. If you lack funds, I can help you, and I'll take a stake then."
Tianyi was surprised and astonished, unsure if he was deliberately testing him or setting a trap. He didn't respond, staring at him inquisitively.
"You don't believe me?" Yao Feili had anticipated this reaction.
"Why?" Tianyi asked. "You're not helping your own wife, but helping me deal with your wife? Don't you love her very much?"
Yao Feili said, "I'm not asking you to deal with Mengqi. I just hope you can acquire Huangfu Group and become the largest shareholder. However, my wife Mengqi must not be harmed in this process."
Tianyi understood what he meant and asked, "You don't want her to manage Huangfu Group?"
Yao Feili nodded. At this moment, the waiter brought two plates of grilled steak and poured them the aerated red wine.
"Please," Yao Feili gestured for him to try the steak.
Tianyi picked up his knife and fork, casually cut a piece of steak, tasted it, and then took a sip of red wine, wondering if he should believe his words.
Yao Feili ate his steak with sophistication and said, "I'll take her back abroad, where my group is located. But Mengqi always feels she has an undeniable responsibility towards Huangfu Group. She won't give up Huangfu Group to go abroad and settle with me, which means we'll have to live a long-distance marriage. I don't want that. My wife should be by my side, and I don't want her to carry this burden forever."
Tianyi said with a chuckle, "You call Huangfu Group a burden. Do you know its market value?"
"Of course, I do. But Huangfu Group is in its twilight years. No matter how beautiful the sunset is, it will eventually sink below the horizon," Yao Feili said with great insight. "In fact, President Qin, you also know that Huangfu Group is not what it used to be. It's only a matter of time before it's acquired by other groups. It doesn't make much difference whether Mengqi accepts this reality sooner or later. Didn't you agree to cooperate with Huangfu Group on that project precisely because you wanted to drag Huangfu Group down?"
Tianyi did not deny it and said calmly, "But I still can't trust you. Once I start the acquisition, what if Mengqi seeks your help and you soften your stance and change your mind?"
"I've already made all the preparations to take Mengqi abroad to settle down," Yao Feili said, spreading his hands. "Believe it or not, if you miss this opportunity, you might face other strong competitors when you try to acquire Huangfu Group again."
"If you truly hope that I am the one who acquires Huangfu Group and becomes the major shareholder, then transfer one hundred million to Aoxiang's account first as a deposit for your stake," Tianyi wanted to see his sincerity.
In fact, once the acquisition plan for Huangfu Group was launched, one hundred million would definitely not be enough. It would require Aoxiang to stake its entire fortune, which was why he had been hesitant to confront Huangfu Group directly.
Yao Feili certainly knew that acquiring a large stake in Huangfu Group required enormous capital. He readily agreed, "No problem. You'll see my sincerity by 5 PM tomorrow afternoon."
After speaking, he raised his wine glass. As Tianyi was about to clink glasses with him, he said, "I have one condition."
"Speak," Tianyi's hand holding the wine glass froze.
"Everything we discussed tonight, and the fact that I'm investing in your acquisition plan, cannot be known by anyone other than us, and especially not by Mengqi."
"No problem," Tianyi clinked glasses with him and drank all the wine in his glass.
Yao Feili also took a sip and said, "I'll transfer the one hundred million under the name of a group that has business dealings with you. You just need to know the details of this money."
"Understood."
"If you leak even half a word, you will become my enemy. Even if I go abroad, I won't let you and Aoxiang Group off."
Tianyi poured himself more wine, simply smiled at him, and continued to enjoy the fine wine and steak. Sometimes, promises didn't need to be said too much.
Since it was a done deal, he would be considerate and know what to do.
After Tianyi left the bar and parted ways with Yao Feili, he immediately called An Jing.
"Hello, Tianyi, what is it?" An Jing was accompanying Lan Yu in reading a book on prenatal care. He answered his call and walked away from the sofa to the balcony.
Tianyi said, "Start our acquisition plan."
An Jing couldn't be sure and asked again, "Have you thought it through? Are you going to bet everything on it?"
"Yes, we can only win, not lose," Tianyi had made up his mind. "Once my grandfather's last wish is fulfilled, I don't want to fight like this anymore."
"Great!" An Jing said excitedly, "Finally, I can do something for the Xiao family. I have no regrets."
"Convene a meeting with the finance department tomorrow morning."
Before An Jing could say "understood," Tianyi had already hung up the phone.
He let out a long sigh, feeling as if the financial tower was within reach.
...
The car had stopped at the entrance of the villa. Tianyi let Xiao Lin get out first.
He was still sitting in the car, thinking about the comprehensive acquisition plan about to begin, which would be incomprehensible to Susu.
She would not approve of his actions. In Susu's eyes, this was cold-blooded betrayal.
Even if he didn't tell her, Mengqi would definitely find Susu and ask for her help.
How to keep Yao Feili's secret while making Susu understand that his acquisition plan, once started, could not be stopped, as it concerned the survival of Aoxiang Group. He hoped she wouldn't hold a grudge against him over this matter.
Tianyi finally opened the car door and returned to the villa.
It was past ten o'clock, and the children were already asleep. He didn't want to go to the study anymore; he just wanted to go back to his room to rest early.
Walking into the bedroom, he saw Susu still awake, wearing pajamas and working on design drafts on her laptop.
Susu heard footsteps, turned around, and smiled at him, "You're back. You smell of alcohol. Who were you with tonight?"
"A business magnate. We discussed a major project at the home winery," Tianyi walked towards her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "What are you still busy with? Why does the boss always have to do the designs herself?"
Susu wasn't interested in his group's business. She looked back at the laptop screen and said, "Some old clients specifically request my designs. Plus, Shishi is going on maternity leave, so I don't dare give her too much work. Otherwise, that Huo Zheng will come to harass me every day."
Tianyi smiled and said, "How dare he! I know you protect your wife, but if he bullies you, I'm not to be trifled with either."