Chapter 982 - 947: Full of Schemes

Xu Chunliang winning this lawsuit will undoubtedly raise the price for trademark rights, and it might even lead to him not allowing its use anymore. If Xu Chunliang loses, based on his current tactics, he certainly won’t let me off easily. President Cao worries that the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration will aggressively pursue the Shennong Chinese Herbal Medicine Group. In their line of business, the worst thing is being targeted, and finding faults is all too easy.

Xiahou Mulan saw President Cao looking depressed and chuckled to herself. Knowing this would happen, why act rashly initially? This proves Xu Chunliang indeed hurt him.

Xiahou Mulan said, "Usually, acting with the mentality of getting cheap deals ends up causing trouble for yourself. I understand your situation, and I can only express my sympathy."

President Cao recognized that Xiahou Mulan seemed indifferent, so he bluntly said, "Could you help me talk to Xu Chunliang? I’m willing to agree on a five million annual trademark usage fee."

Xiahou Mulan really could not believe it; President Cao’s face was truly thick-skinned. Initially, when he reached out, you didn’t agree. Now, feeling the pain, you want to accept. Things don’t come that easy in this world.

"President Cao, you’re trying to bet on both sides."

President Cao chuckled bitterly: "I’m attempting to minimize risk, I’m just an honest businessman and truly don’t want to get embroiled in others’ disputes."

Xiahou Mulan said bluntly: "From when you acquired the Zhou Brothers’ shares, you’ve been sucked into this dispute. The opportunity won’t come again. I don’t think five million, even if you add a zero, would convince him to let you use the Renhe Hall trademark."

President Cao’s attitude started to become humble, and he respectfully said, "I hope you can show me a clear path."

Xiahou Mulan said: "You’ve been in the business world for so many years, don’t you know what to do and what not to do? Actually, deep down, you understand this well; Xu Chunliang might not lose this lawsuit. If he wins, fighting him over the trademark doesn’t cause much damage. The Zhou Brothers successfully transferred shares to you, so they’re not at a loss. As for lawyers, they earn fees regardless of win or loss. Only you are the biggest loser; if Xu Chunliang doesn’t allow you to continue using Renhe Hall’s trademark, the shares you acquired cheaply are worthless."

President Cao said: "He also holds thirty percent of the shares; does he want Renhe Hall to die?"

Xiahou Mulan said: "From what I know of him, he certainly won’t let Renhe Hall die, but he’ll let the assets you acquired die."

President Cao took a sharp breath; if Xu Chunliang wins and doesn’t show leniency, then he’ll suffer huge losses.

Xiahou Mulan said: "Now you have two paths left to take. One is to continue betting, betting that Xu Chunliang will lose, allowing you to gain trademark rights for Renhe Hall, while also gaining an adversary. The second is to go to Xu Chunliang, admit your mistakes, seek forgiveness, and pay a substantial trademark fee annually to collaborate with him long-term. The third is to quickly transfer the shares you acquired, jump out of this quagmire, or else you’ll only sink deeper."

President Cao secretly thought, the first path is evidently not feasible, the second path would mean admitting mistakes to Xu Chunliang? Long-term being milked by him? I didn’t acquire shares cheaply to work for him long-term. Only the third path is most viable, but in this situation, Renhe Hall’s shares have become a hot potato, who would be willing to take over them now?

Looking at Xiahou Mulan, President Cao realized Xiahou Mulan wasn’t saying this without reason; the only one capable and willing to take over these shares is Xiahou Mulan. If she takes over, given her relationship with Xu Chunliang, there won’t be any problem, and I’d escape this trouble.

But transferring shares to Xiahou Mulan means no profit. Getting it out at the original price would be lucky.

President Cao said: "Miss Mulan, are you interested in Renhe Hall’s shares?"

Xiahou Mulan sneered: "I give you advice, and you think of throwing trouble my way? President Cao, your manner of doing business is somewhat unprincipled."

President Cao quickly explained: "I don’t mean passing the buck; Miss Mulan, no, Sect Leader, if you take over Renhe Hall, I don’t think Xu Chunliang would have any objection. Consider it lending me a hand; I truly don’t want to be part of this mess anymore. You’re right; I thought it was an easy gain; who would’ve thought it was a big trouble." He even called her Sect Leader.

Xiahou Mulan said: "So you want to give me the trouble."

"A trouble for me, not for you."

Xiahou Mulan said: "It won’t do; if I take over now, would people think I’m taking advantage of the situation?"

President Cao said: "Who would say that? The business is between us. I believe you’d be helping me out, Sect Leader, what do you think? I truly acquired these shares from the Zhou Brothers at a good price, but it’s a pity I’m not destined to make money from it. How about this: I’ll transfer them to you as is."

Xiahou Mulan laughed: "You really are sincere."

President Cao’s face heated. Actually, he had already pressed the price to the lowest with the Zhou Brothers, and Xiahou Mulan was cutting him another deal, wasn’t this taking advantage during my crisis? After some internal struggle, President Cao painfully said: "Sect Leader, it’s just you; I’ll give you a ninety-five percent discount."

Xiahou Mulan said: "I’m not very interested in this kind of business. You’re not going to force me to buy, are you? How about this, I’ll contact Xu Chunliang and see if he’s interested in repurchasing."

President Cao knew it wouldn’t work without some sacrifice. He whispered: "Sect Leader, name your price?"

Xiahou Mulan said: "I’m not interested in taking over this trouble for you, but since you’re an old acquaintance, it would be remorseful not to help. The price doesn’t matter; if you insist on the original price, then it’s the original price. However, if Xu Chunliang finds trouble with you again, it’s none of my business."

President Cao panicked upon hearing this. I’m transferring the shares to spend money to avoid disaster; what do you mean by that? Taking my shares at the original price and ignoring my matters after, that won’t do. President Cao gritted his teeth: "Eighty-eight percent off!"

Xiahou Mulan sighed, "It seems like you really don’t want it anymore. You’re even stuttering. Fine, 20% off it is."

Cao Bingyi was stunned, "My goodness, I said 12% off, when did I stutter? How could this girl be so sly? She directly cut it down to 20% off; are you bullying me because I’m older?"

Cao Bingyi originally wanted to negotiate further, but the words swallowed back when they reached his lips. If he emphasized 12% off, would it anger Xiahou Mulan? Anyway, he’s already at a loss, but using this loss to ensure the safety of Shennong Chinese Herbal Medicine Group is worth it in the long run.

The chicken thief became penny-wise; Cao Bingyi picked up his teacup and gulped a few sips, "Alright, deal."

Xiahou Mulan said, "The transfer contract has been prepared. We can sign it now."

Cao Bingyi was once again stunned. Everything about him was within Xiahou Mulan’s calculations. My goodness, are you ruthless enough, treating me like a fool? At least I’m a tired veteran; don’t I deserve some respect?

Xiahou Mulan had her assistant bring the contract, and indeed it was prepared. Before Cao Bingyi came here, she had already communicated with Xu Chunliang; the two of them analyzed Cao Bingyi’s purpose for coming and conjectured that Cao Bingyi would end up transferring the shares to Xiahou Mulan, even calculating the price for him.

Looking at the pre-printed contract, Cao Bingyi’s head buzzed. Xiahou Mulan is merely a prospective Sect Leader, but he has shelled out such a hefty political donation. This girl has serious skills.

Xiahou Mulan reminded him calmly, "President Cao, you should still consider carefully. Once the signature is on the dotted line, there’s no backing out."

Cao Bingyi said, "The fat stays within the family, doesn’t it?"

Xiahou Mulan replied, "If you say it like that, better not to sign it. I didn’t mean to take advantage of you; let whoever you want grab this advantage."

Cao Bingyi quickly smiled apologetically, "Sect Leader, I’m just kidding. Please don’t take it seriously." He picked up the pen ready to sign his name but remembered something.

"By the way, still hope Sect Leader helps to handle the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration matter for me."

Xiahou Mulan replied indifferently, "As far as I know, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration will have another review soon. The review list is mainly for some enterprises that were excluded at the last minute. Allegedly, there are still three slots available."

Cao Bingyi looked at Xiahou Mulan. Xiahou Mulan didn’t actually know if this was true, but Xu Chunliang told her to say this to Cao Bingyi, so she did.

Cao Bingyi understood that it was impossible for Xiahou Mulan to make any promises. He swiftly signed his name on the contract.

Xiahou Mulan completed the procedure and calmly said, "President Cao, it’s probably best for you to visit Dongzhou personally. Some misunderstandings are best clarified face to face."

Xu Chunliang received Xiahou Mulan’s call.

Xiahou Mulan was a bit excited, telling him that the mission had been accomplished. She has now become a major shareholder of Renhe Hall.

Xu Chunliang joked, "Then from now on, you’ll be my chairperson."

Xiahou Mulan deliberately asked, "How much trademark usage fee do you plan to collect from me every year in the future?"

Xu Chunliang replied, "I have no concept of money. How about something more tangible?"

"What tangible thing?"

"Payment in kind!"

Xiahou Mulan scoffed, "I knew you were up to no good. Let me remind you, business is business." Her heart felt sweet, payment in kind, somehow she didn’t feel shortchanged at all; this method is acceptable to her.

Xu Chunliang said, "I don’t understand business, you become rich, and I just follow along to eat and drink; I’d be happy to give you billions if I’m satisfied and happy."

Xiahou Mulan didn’t react immediately, thinking where he would get so much money, but she quickly understood, blushing, and said bashfully, "Can you not speak unless it’s in a vulgar way? Let me tell you Xu Chunliang, I’m recording this, and I’ll sue you for harassment later."

Xu Chunliang replied, "I’m not afraid of lawsuits. Go ahead and sue me; I’ll just fight it along with the trademark case. Want me to provide you with some other evidence?"

Xiahou Mulan felt embarrassed, "No need..."

Listening to her sultry voice that seemed to drip with tenderness, Xu Chunliang’s chest puffed up; usually, the softer a woman is, the stronger a man feels.