Chapter 9: (A partnership of deceit)
That afternoon at Lei Zhang's office, the skyline of Shanghai glowed through the tall glass windows. Yang Zhi was seated opposite Lei Zhang smiling. They both had a cup of coffee in front of them.
"Lei Zhang, your studio has captured the market's imagination. Creativity like yours deserves a wider stage. Together, we could dominate not just Shanghai but all of China's gaming sector"
Yang Zhi said and Lei Zhang exhaled. He could see the malice reading in Yang Zhi's eyes.
"I've heard the same from others, your distribution channels and investment power are unmatched. If we merge our strength, the numbers could indeed be extraordinary"
Lei Zhang said and Yang Zhi smiled even wider, glad that Lei Zhang was flowing with his plan.
"Exactly, my company handles the infrastructure - servers, marketing, global investors while yours focus on design and innovation. No distractions, no risk", Yang Zhi said.
"And revenue?",
Lei Zhang asked and Yang Zhi slid a paper to him.
"A standard 60 - 40 split. You maintain full rights to your current titles. But for new projects, we co-own the intellectual property. That way we share both reward and responsibility",
Yang Zhi said and there was a short silence as Lei Zhang scrutinized him. Yang Zhi felt offended at Lei Zhang's arrogant attitude as if he was in charge but he had to endure for now, when his plan works, he could pour out all his hatred to Lei Zhang.
"Co-ownership is a delicate matter",
Lei Zhang said and Yang Zhi forced a smile.
"Delicate yes, but also fair. Don't worry, my legal team will ensure the terms are crystal clear. I want you protected Mr Lei ",
Yang Zhi said even going as far as putting Mr when calling Lei Zhang even though he was far older than Lei Zhang and even had a son his age.
"Alright then, you have my approval for this partnership ",
Lei Zhang said and Yang Zhi smiled feeling victorious.
"Very well. Let's toast to a bold future "
Yang zhi said and they clinked cups.
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Yang Zhi walked into the passageway of his company, 'Black Mesa Games' with a victorious smile on his face. His employees couldn't help wondering what had their Boss in a good mood that evening knowing he had been in a bad mood for weeks.
But truly he had to be happy cause phase one of his plan had been completed. He had indeed gone through a lot of stress just for this one step. He first had to promise Lei Zhang's sister, 'Lei Xue' to marry his son if she could help him out in clues and her knowledge of Lei Zhang in getting Lei Zhang to agree to a partnership with him. Even having to sign a contract with her before she finally revealed methods, she and Nalan Yu, Lei Zhang's mother, and it was indeed successful.
He had to have that industry event and even had it take place at Shanghai instead of there in Beijing where his company was in other to reduce the risks of Lei Zhang not attending the event. He tried to impress Lei Zhang as much as he could with the event before suggesting the partnership.
It was indeed funny how he, who wasn't only far older than Lei Zhang, but even far experienced in running a gaming company had to try so much to impress him. But he was willing to play along for now, he could be the dog serving it's master until his goals were achieved then the tables won't only be turned, he would be far from being the master, he'd be like a god and Lei Zhang the slave.
This trump cards and tricks of his has been what kept his company at the top of the food chain for years now, he would crush any company who dared to try rise above his.
Walking into his office, Lei Xue was seated arrogantly on a sofa, clearly not guilty or ashamed for turning on her brother.
"Father in-law, how was your flight back from Shanghai?",
she asked with a sweet voice and Yang Zhi grinned walking up to her, taking her hands like a gentleman and helping her up.
"It was great, your brother accepted the partnership", Yang Zhi said.
"I told you didn't I. I know Lei Zhang like the back of my bones. He's a bossy and proud type. He pretends to be the one doing you a favour but deep down he's actually really glad you're partnering with him" Lei Xue said.
"Of cause, I no longer doubt your words",
Yang Zhi said walking to the huge glass walls and looking at the city of Beijing, the city lights reflecting in his eyes as his smile turned calculative remembering how Lei Zhang had scrutinized him and a flashback played in his head, back at the meeting with Lei Zhang.
"Co-ownership is a delicate matter", Lei Zhang had said.
"Delicate yes, but also fair. Don't worry, my legal team will ensure the terms are crystal clear. I want you protected Mr Lei",
Yang Zhi had said and he returned from his flashback back to reality as his eyes went again to the city of Beijing.
"Co-ownership. Such a simple word, within a year his studio will depend on my funding. He'll need more capital, more servers, more reach and I'll provide it all at a cost"
he said and Lei Xue poured tea in two cups walking up to him and giving him a cup.
"Partnerships are the sharpest knives and Lei Zhang has just handed you the handle",
Lei xue said and they clinked their cups siping tea.
Back at Shanghai, Lei Zhang was still seated alone at his desk, the signed partnership documents beside him. The office was quieter than usual, only the hum of the city outside.
He leaned back in his chair, furrowing his brow then his door suddenly opened and Xu Jin walked in but didn't seat opposite him as usual standing beside him instead.
"How was the meeting?",
Xu Jin asked and Lei Zhang exhaled.
"Yang Zhi's smooth words and polished smile are too suspicious, he offers Co-ownership so easily but nothing in this industry comes without a hidden hook",
Lei Zhang said flipping through the contract again, his eyes scanning the fine print then his expression darkened as he noticed certain clauses and he read aloud.
"Joint ownership of future IP, operational costs to be borne equally", Lei Zhang said.
"Clever, if his company controls the funding streams, he controls the life line",
Xu Jin said and Lei Zhang nodded leaning back on his chair as he tapped the desk rhythmically.
"He thinks I'll be blinded by promises of reach and investors but I've seen partnerships end in one side collapse, I won't be his pawn", Lei Zhang said.
"I'll have a shadow audit on Yang Zhi's company, every investor, every debt, every acquisition and prepare alternate funding. If he tries to squeeze you, you'll have a way out before he makes his move ",
Xu Jin said and a light smile appeared on Lei Zhang's face, him and Xu Jin were indeed thinking on the same pace. He stood up now face to face with Xu Jin.
"Yang Zhi has indeed underestimated us, he plays with contracts but we play with foresight ",
Lei Zhang said then exhaled.
"This partnership will not be our downfall, it may just be his "
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin smirked.
"That's good, but put this aside for now, I'm still restless to handle that paparazzi"
Xu Jin said and it was Lei Zhang's turn to smirk.
"We can settle that tonight"
Lei Zhang said and they both walked out of the office like two company CEOs. T.B.C