Chapter 121: Heaven-Sent

Song Qingyou had staked everything on a single throw. This maneuver was a last resort, but it was clear she had underestimated Qin Tian.

He had seen through her strategy. Since Song Qingyou had been blunt with him, he had laid his own cards on the table as well. The two of them were locked in a tug-of-war, waiting to see who would emerge victorious from this game of strategy.

However, Song Qingyou was at a disadvantage. Her original plan had been to slowly close the net after the New Year, which would have given her ample time to consolidate the shares. But Song Chen’s assault on Fu Wenzhou had sparked a desire in her to ensure that family wouldn't enjoy the upcoming holidays. That choice had led to this current predicament.

The Song Corporation still had forty-five percent of its shares in Song Yuan’s hands, which could only be recovered after his sentencing, while she held only fifteen percent herself.

If she chose to buy out the other directors at a premium to regain control of the Song Group, it would mean sacrificing the interests of Dingsheng and Shiyu; otherwise, her current capital would be insufficient. If she refused to buy them out, she would be unable to negotiate financing with SY and would have no choice but to drag everyone down with her, watching the Song Corporation go bankrupt.

Qin Tian had counted on exactly this, which was why he could negotiate with such composure.

Song Qingyou took a slow breath. She had been too hasty. She should have waited longer.

Seeing that the situation favored his side, Zhang Kai sneered, "Miss Song, are you going to say something? What's the matter, would you like to step down from that chair?"

Qin Tian, wearing the expression of a man who had already secured victory, sipped his tea and said with a smile, "I have a suggestion for you, Miss Song. After all, the Song Corporation was your grandfather's legacy. Why not just buy our shares? That way, the director’s seat remains yours, and your grandfather’s business stays in your hands. Wouldn't that be a win-win for everyone?"

Song Qingyou’s expression was cold and distant as she glanced at him. "And how much, may I ask, does President Qin intend to sell your shares for?"

Qin Tian held up a number. "Miss Song, we are all your elders, so we naturally wouldn't want to make things too difficult for you. But the chairman’s seat isn't something just anyone can sit in. How about this: let's set the price at fifty percent above the market rate. What do you think?"

"Fifty percent?" Yang Fugang exclaimed, "Isn't that a daylight robbery!"

Qin Tian chuckled. "Oh, President Yang, you can’t put it like that. It’s a matter of willing buyer and willing seller; I’m just making a suggestion."

After a few seconds of silence, Yang Fugang spoke up. "Qingyou, Li and I are willing to sell our shares to you at twenty percent below the market rate. Once the news of the Song Corporation’s broken capital chain gets out, the stock value will plummet anyway."

Song Qingyou looked at Yang Fugang and Li Yan with a hint of gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle Yang and Uncle Li."

"Don't stand on ceremony with us, child." Yang Fugang sighed. They only held five percent each, and they no longer had any real say in the Song Corporation. This was the most they could do to help the old man’s granddaughter.

Zhang Kai mocked, "How noble of you, Presidents Yang and Li. Truly, the old man’s most loyal dogs."

"You!" Yang Fugang, nearly sixty and with a history of heart trouble, was so incensed he nearly suffered an attack on the spot.

Song Qingyou lifted her eyes, her face expressionless. "Fifty percent. President Qin, you really have the nerve to ask for that."

Qin Tian was in no rush. "It doesn't matter. We have plenty of time. Miss Song, you can take your time to think it over. In the end, it’s all about whether we all go down together. We can afford to lose, but you, Miss Song—you might not be able to."

Song Qingyou’s gaze turned icy as she swept her eyes over Qin Tian’s pitted face. From start to finish, her tone and expression had remained perfectly calm; she hadn't shown the slightest lapse in composure, nor had she even furrowed her brow.

After a long silence, she lifted her head with a look of indifference, as if she had reached a decision.

"I..."

"Well, this is quite a lively gathering."

Song Qingyou was interrupted by a cold, flippant voice. She spun around to see Fu Wenzhou leaning against the doorframe, radiating an air of insouciance, his raised brows carrying a sharp, thin smile.

A man followed behind him, his forehead beaded with sweat. "I apologize, President Qin, I... I couldn't stop him."

When Qin Tian saw Fu Wenzhou, his expression turned frigid. He had secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he hadn't seen this madman arrive earlier—he hadn't expected him to show up after all!

Fu Wenzhou acted as if nothing were amiss. With his hands in his pockets, he sauntered over, pulled up a chair, and sat directly beside Song Qingyou. His gaze swept across the room with a reckless, disdainful swagger. "Go on, repeat your suggestion from just a moment ago."

The people in the room grew grim-faced; it was clear that the arrival of this uninvited guest had ruined their mood. Everyone in the capital knew of Fu Wenzhou’s temperament. When this man grew ruthless, he could destroy someone without even breaking a sweat. In most arguments, people just exchanged words, but he was different—he played for keeps. Who the hell dared to provoke this lunatic?

Qin Tian knew he couldn't lose his nerve now. He steadied himself and said, "Young Master Fu, this is a matter concerning the Song Group. I don't think it's appropriate for you to intervene."

Fu Wenzhou crossed his legs, draping an arm casually over the back of Song Qingyou’s chair. At these words, he let out a low laugh—part teasing, part dissatisfaction, and tinged with an inexplicable laziness. "Song Qingyou is my wife. I’ll intervene if I want to. What’s it to you?"

As he spoke, he didn't forget to observe Song Qingyou’s reaction. She happened to glance sideways at him, and their gazes locked in mid-air.

Fu Wenzhou felt a twinge of guilt, but upon seeing no signs of anger from her, he felt entirely satisfied.

Song Qingyou pursed her lips. She had no doubt that if Fu Wenzhou had a tail, it would be wagging in the air right now. She covered her mouth with a light cough, the corners of her lips curling upward.

Zhang Kai said coldly, "Young Master Fu, Miss Song wants to buy our shares, so naturally, we set the price. We believe fifty percent above the market rate is a reasonable and fair demand."

"Is that so?" Fu Wenzhou’s voice was languid, his lips curled in a mocking smile. "What was your name again?"

Zhang Kai frowned. Though he found it bizarre, he answered, "Zhang Kai, a director of the group."

Fu Wenzhou nodded thoughtfully, then said offhandedly, "How about this: I’ll take the money I would have used to buy your shares and use it to bankrupt your son’s company instead. How does that sound for an idea?"