"Director Shi, RainCloud will be investing one billion Yuan in this project. Giving BaiYue a thirty percent share is already fair on our part. If your product flops in the market, RainCloud would be making a loss," Manager Ji stated.
"Manager Ji, BaiYue's current position in the market isn't long-term. As we speak, measures have been put in place to ensure that BaiYue revives and renews our customers' trust. With this, insisting that BaiYue takes thirty percent due to the current market conditions is unfair to us," Shi Nian enunciated clearly.
Before Manager Ji could reply, a voice cut in. "That's only on the premise that BaiYue can make a comeback. What if it doesn't?"
Shi Nian turned toward the speaker in surprise. With slight hesitation, she responded, "BaiYue's current situation can be easily managed. In a month, there will be at least twenty percent stability in sales returns."
"Is there any data to back your claim? BaiYue is no longer what it was."The calm voice of the chairman of the Bosi Group resounded through the quiet meeting room.
Seeing Director Shi still silent, and the familiar yet distant look in her eyes—as if she was looking at someone else through him—the chairman frowned. Tapping his fingers on the table, he said clearly, "Director Shi," he paused briefly, "RainCloud is no charity organization. If you want more than what RainCloud is proposing, then you need to do better than this."
His words managed to bring Shi Nian out of her reverie. She had been lost in memories again. This was the first conversation she had with him since they first met.
Countless times she had imagined how this moment would be, what they would talk about—and yet this first time, they were on opposite sides.
Shifting her focus back to the conversation, Shi Nian said with no hint of fragility or weakness, "On page nineteen of the document we shared, there's a brief overview of BaiYue's plans for the coming months before Product XG1's release. It includes two vital pieces of information: one, the enhanced version of the product BaiYue currently has in the market; and two, an overview of our marketing strategy and how we plan to regain our customers."
"All I see are plans that haven't been put into proper action. They're just words. To RainCloud, that means nothing."
The chairman pressed on, "At best, an additional clause could be added to the contract. If BaiYue fails to meet the condition proposed earlier—the one about your first step to revive BaiYue—then RainCloud takes eighty percent and BaiYue twenty."
"RainCloud has quite a large appetite," Shi Nian remarked. "I think you'd rather purchase the rights to produce Product XG1," she added sarcastically.
The chairman went silent briefly, as if actually considering the idea. "Director Shi, your suggestion is very intriguing. RainCloud wouldn't mind this offer," he said.
Bei Chuan's eyes widened at the confrontation between them. He looked at Shi Nian pleadingly, trying to signal her: Director Shi, we're here to discuss an investment, not to sell out our product.
But she ignored him. Bei Chuan grew even more exasperated. Director Shi, didn't you easily understand me?
Shi Nian was far more invested in talking to her man—
Ahem, discussing with the chairman of the Bosi Group about the contract.
"I'll agree to that clause, but with another additional clause that retains BaiYue's rights to the product, no matter what variable," Shi Nian said.
The RainCloud team of auditors were dumbfounded by the exchange between Shi Nian and their chairman.
Their chairman—the chairman of the Bosi Group—was known as a man who treasured his words like gold, and here he was, casually exchanging words with a director from a small company like BaiYue.
They thought BaiYue's Director Shi was too bold. Even the CEO of RainCloud didn't dare speak too loudly in the presence of the Demon King.
That was the title they had secretly given him. He was more than a demon king, but that title felt just fitting.
No matter what each person in the room thought, the atmosphere remained tense.
The two people involved were locked in a silent standoff until the chairman finally broke eye contact.
"Director Shi, RainCloud still stands by taking seventy percent of the product proceeds. If BaiYue insists on any less, we'll have to rethink this deal," Chairman Si said firmly, giving no room for further negotiation.
Hearing this, Shi Nian decided to go all in. "What if BaiYue offers an even better deal?" she said, pushing a slip of paper toward him.
Chairman Si gestured to his assistant. "Bo."
Assistant Bo walked forward, collected the slip of paper from Shi Nian, and handed it to the chairman. Without looking at its content, the assistant stepped back.
After seeing the content, the chairman showed no reaction.
"BaiYue owning seventy percent doesn't take advantage of RainCloud. For RainCloud, it's purely profit; for us, it's filling the gaps within our company. Not to mention, formula XD is the first of its kind in the industry. RainCloud gains more traction and visibility if we succeed—more than any immediate profit," Shi Nian explained carefully.
"Director Shi, I'd rather not prolong this issue. BaiYue takes sixty percent and RainCloud forty. If you still disapprove, then you'll have to take your proposal elsewhere."
After finishing, Chairman Si signaled to his assistant and was wheeled out of the meeting.
Seeing him leave, Shi Nian hurriedly stood. "W… wait," she muttered.
Assistant Bo paused, turned, and walked toward her, handing her a business card.
Seeing the words inscribed on it, Shi Nian's heart, which had fallen out of place, instantly settled again.
"Thank you," she whispered under her breath.
With Shi Nian agreeing to the new terms, the contract was quickly finalized. Without needing her lawyer present, she signed the agreement.
"It's been a pleasure, Manager Ji," she said with a warm smile.