Chapter 4
The next day, at eight in the morning.
Feng Jin and Jiang Suliu had just reached the hotel entrance when the driver sent by Manager Chen was already waiting.
Jiang Suliu naturally opened the rear door, his hand resting lightly on the edge of the car frame. After Feng Jin was seated, he withdrew his hand and gently closed the door for her. This time, Jiang Suliu did not sit beside Feng Jin but took the passenger seat.
Through the rearview mirror, Jiang Suliu noticed that she seemed to be holding the cooperation agreement drafted by the lawyer with Concaise Group, occasionally massaging her brow, looking troubled. Based on his understanding and analysis of Liu Ze'an, Jiang Suliu believed that if nothing unexpected happened, this cooperation could completely change Sheng'an's current predicament.
When they arrived at Jiyunzhai Tea House, there were still thirty minutes before the formal meeting.
The tea house was located at a street corner, facing the sun, open to all directions, with a spacious lot. On the curb, bluestone slabs formed a large triangular courtyard in front of the building, where three or four glossy green phoenix trees were planted. When the wind blew, the leaves rustled softly, and occasionally, a leaf would drift down slowly, landing in the pond and creating gentle ripples.
Passing through the corridor, they were led by the waiter to the reserved room. The room's overall tone was retro, with a perfect blend of modern and classical décor, giving a unique and very comfortable feeling.
Jiang Suliu pulled out a chair, and less than ten minutes after Feng Jin sat down, several people entered.
At once, Feng Jin stood up and extended her hand. "President Liu, it's a pleasure to see you again. I hope you've been well."
The newcomers were handsome and well-dressed in tailored suits, with carefully chosen ties and shirts that perfectly matched their temperament, easily inspiring goodwill. Perhaps due to good maintenance, the man appeared just over thirty, wearing a confident and calm smile, showing an elegant and gentle demeanor. He looked at Feng Jin with an appreciative gaze, politely shook her hand, and said with a smile, "Sorry to keep you waiting this time, President Feng. I should be the one apologizing."
After some polite exchanges, both sides started to get down to business.
During the meeting, Feng Jin noticed a man about her age behind Liu Ze'an whose gaze seemed to be fixed on her since entering. That look was easy to understand—curiosity mixed with interest and a bit of intrigue. Feng Jin had strong composure and was used to such occasions, so she was completely unfazed.
Jiang Suliu, standing behind Feng Jin, kept a smile on his face, but his slightly upturned peach blossom eyes cast a warning glance toward Liu Wenbo.
Liu Wenbo smiled lightly, his eyes showing his good mood.
Liu Ze'an, who took in everything before him, thought the bespectacled male secretary seemed familiar but was certain they had never met. So, despite some doubt, Liu Ze'an put it aside and focused on Feng Jin.
Today, Feng Jin looked as refined as ever, with exquisite makeup and her long hair neatly pinned up, appearing competent yet gentle. She looked up directly at Liu Ze'an, her black eyes warm, with no hint of aggression.
"It is Sheng'an's honor to gain your company's favor. To be honest, I'm surprised and impressed that you chose jewelry trade as your expansion field. Recently, our country's relevant policies have relaxed quite a bit, showing promising prospects." At this, Feng Jin smiled slightly. "I believe President Liu also saw this, choosing trade to open up the domestic market, right?" Speaking like friends chatting, she quickly closed the distance. "Sheng'an also approaches this with utmost sincerity to cooperate with your company to expand the northern domestic jewelry trade market, achieving a win-win situation. We've done some research on your company and can assure you of its reliability. However, some of your requirements are a bit demanding, so I hope we can reach a consensus. What do you think, President Liu?"
Before coming, Feng Jin had prepared multiple negotiation plans. This negotiation with Concaise was crucial for Sheng'an. The results would heavily impact Sheng'an's future. So from the start, Feng Jin held a friendly and cooperative attitude. If they could reach a long-term cooperation agreement with Concaise Group and achieve a win-win, it would undoubtedly reverse Sheng'an's current unfavorable situation.
Feng Jin intended to list Sheng'an in the U.S. within two years, which could bring huge benefits but also enormous risks, so she had to be cautious. If they could use the cooperation with Concaise to enter the U.S. market and jointly develop new markets, expanding regional coverage, then today's cooperation would truly meet expectations.
After hearing Feng Jin, Liu Ze'an still wore a gentlemanly smile but replied without yielding: "The domestic jewelry market is not yet saturated. I don't think my requirements are difficult for your company to meet." Although he was responsible for domestic market development this time, he had to deliver good results; otherwise, the board's old-timers would mock him. Sheng'an was in a tough spot and could not refuse this opportunity. And the woman before him had caught his attention long ago—he had seen Sheng'an grow to its current scale under her hand. That was the reason he chose Sheng'an: its potential. But what he liked most was making opponents recognize his position and comply strictly with his terms.
Though he admired this woman, he never mixed personal feelings with business.
Liu Ze'an's words implied many enterprises could cooperate with Concaise, not just Sheng'an. Feng Jin, calm and composed, said, "I am honored that your company chose Sheng'an to cooperate with. However, interests are mutual. Your presence here to negotiate the contract means your company has conducted thorough research and carefully chosen Sheng'an."
The relationship between Concaise and Sheng'an was both cooperative and competitive. Sheng'an's industrial chain was vast, especially in the jewelry market, and under Feng Jin's leadership, they had expanded into software, trade, real estate, and shopping malls, generating huge profits. Concaise's choice to cooperate likely also valued Sheng'an's prospects.
From what she knew, more than half of Concaise's board members were Chinese, and the ultimate controller had close ties with the Liu family. Since Liu Ze'an personally took charge of domestic market expansion, he must be cautious in choosing partners. Liu Ze'an had appeared at a prior business banquet where Feng Jin had met him and briefly talked. Though he seemed gentle and elegant outwardly, Feng Jin never judged by appearances. Liu Ze'an was not as soft as he looked.
Psychological warfare was about maximizing one's own interests. Once negotiations began, Liu Ze'an instantly transformed, still elegant but with a fierce wolf-like aura, guarding his territory, pressing forward step by step, leaving no room to retreat.
"Concaise is wealthy. Many excellent domestic companies exist. I believe this cooperation will bring Sheng'an Concaise's strong support, surely changing the current situation, right?" Liu Ze'an smiled confidently, his demeanor especially convincing and commanding. He had absolute advantage, and Sheng'an's predicament made them easy to pressure.
In business negotiations, knowing oneself and the opponent ensures victory. Although Feng Jin was willing to sacrifice some interests to secure cooperation, if her momentum faltered at the table, the subsequent plan wouldn't be what she wanted. Liu Ze'an was confident Sheng'an would cooperate, so he made high demands, fitting his style.
The interaction confirmed her thoughts: Liu Ze'an seemed elegant but was actually fiercely maximizing his benefit, with a commanding aura. But Feng Jin never lost face in negotiations.
She took a deep breath and said, "President Liu, looking at the domestic market, Sheng'an has sufficient influence in the jewelry industry chain. Although Sheng'an is currently troubled, I am confident in solving and overcoming difficulties to let Sheng'an grow faster in the storm. If your company abandons cooperation because of Sheng'an's current state, I would be very disappointed. After all, black horses appear often in the market." Pausing, she smiled at Liu Ze'an and continued, "Precisely because of this, Sheng'an needs sincere partners to work together and expand the domestic jewelry trade market for a win-win situation."
Upon hearing her words, Liu Ze'an's smile became more sincere. Their earlier probing was over; now the real negotiation of the contract content began.
"I have great confidence in Sheng'an," Liu Ze'an said. He had spent two months studying the domestic market, and Sheng'an was undoubtedly the best partner. Though he meant no disrespect to women, seeing was believing. The negotiation had deepened his understanding of Feng Jin and raised his expectations for future cooperation.
His admiration was obvious but not offensive. Time had given him unique elegance and charm. He smiled broadly, his voice deep and graceful: "President Feng is truly an outstanding figure among the younger generation. But even so, I will not relax the terms because of this."
Hearing this, Feng Jin knew the contract details were still negotiable and the other party was genuinely interested. She smiled warmly and said, "May I show you the contract we drafted?"
Liu Ze'an smiled gracefully and nodded, "Please."
Feng Jin handed the previously lawyer-drafted contract to Liu Ze'an sitting across from her and said, "This contract was adjusted based on previous discussions. If you find no issues, we can sign officially."
Liu Ze'an skimmed the contract. "Though it differs from what I expected, as President Feng said, the benefits are compelling." He looked up at Feng Jin, no longer aggressive, his handsome face showing a gentle and elegant smile: "I suddenly feel fortunate to have initially chosen Sheng'an."
"Looking forward to a pleasant cooperation," Feng Jin smiled back.
Liu Ze'an promptly signed his name at the bottom. Thus, the cooperation between Sheng'an and Concaise Group officially began.
When leaving the tea house, Liu Ze'an suddenly called out to Feng Jin, who was already getting into the car. The car window was half-open; he smiled at her inside and said, "Looking forward to our next meeting."
Before Feng Jin could reply, Liu Ze'an turned and got into his own car.
Jiang Suliu in the passenger seat's eyes darkened. He glanced up in the rearview mirror and saw Feng Jin's expression return to her usual cold, work-like demeanor, which made him feel somewhat relieved.
Feng Jin loosened her collar. She had caught a chill last night and felt drowsy all day, with a sore throat, but had forced herself through the negotiation. Thinking about Liu Ze'an's attitude just now, she lightly pressed her aching temple. Liu Ze'an wouldn't say such things without reason; though the words sounded like a casual farewell, they inexplicably brought trouble to her mind.
On the return flight, Feng Jin looked very tired and couldn't think about anything else. Jiang Suliu asked a flight attendant to bring a light blanket for her, and soon she fell into a deep sleep. After about half an hour, Feng Jin seemed uncomfortable, sweat beads covering her forehead.
"...Cold."
Jiang Suliu instinctively felt something was wrong, walked to her side, placed his hand on her forehead, found her temperature high, and hurriedly called a flight attendant to ask for an emergency medical kit. Feng Jin, suffering from headache, opened her eyes slightly, her gaze unfocused. The flight attendant wanted to ask if there was a doctor on board.
Jiang Suliu said calmly, "I'm a doctor."
The flight attendant seemed surprised but nodded and said, "Okay, sir, please wait a moment."
When the flight attendant brought the medical kit, Jiang Suliu skillfully took out a thermometer to check Feng Jin's temperature. Suddenly, their eyes met. Her gaze was somewhat scattered. Jiang Suliu paused, locking eyes with her for a moment, then reached to unbutton the second button of her shirt.
Feeling the coolness on her neck, Feng Jin's consciousness gradually returned.
The next second, Jiang Suliu's wrist was grabbed tightly, and her body leaned down slightly, meeting those black eyes.