Following Ning Geās plan, they would register a company, which could even be named after Cheng Suās restaurant; the jam brand would then carry this name, which sounded both festive and auspicious. He would put in capital investment, while Cheng Su provided the recipe and technology. They would mutually decide on business strategiesāafter all, any suggestion that was beneficial to the company was worth discussing.
Of course, it was a bit early to talk about business strategies and such since the company hadnāt even been established yet.
If the company were to be established, Cheng Su could also become the legal representative, hold the majority shares with fifty-one percent, while he could take forty-nine percent, leaving the decision-making power in Cheng Suās hands.
It sounded as if the deal was entirely in Cheng Suās favor, almost as if someone was funding a company for her to run, just with a smaller share of the ownership. But the more she heard, the more something seemed off.
"You put in the capital, I supply the technology and the formula, and Iāll probably come up with the marketing strategies too. Iāll act as the legal representative, become the chairman, and it seems like you donāt have to do anything, just sit back and collect the money!" Cheng Su said to Ning Ge, raising an eyebrow.
Ning Ge offered a sheepish smile, "I simply lack experience, you see? Look how well you run your small restaurant, which obviously shows your genius in this field."
"To put it bluntly, you see me as a money-making machine. When it comes to cooperation, you just want to throw in the money and leave the rest to me. I wonāt do it!" Cheng Su turned her head away.
"Itās not like I wonāt be involved at all. I meant that you would be in charge, right? Iāll put in the money and also provide connections. My family is in Beijing, and we have quite a network there. Once our jam is launched, Iāll make sure it dominates the Beijing market, and it will become famous throughout Jiangnan and beyond. Everyone will only recognize our Joy Soon Loy jam, how about that?" Ning Ge hurriedly explained.
His eagerness only made Cheng Su more suspicious. Were such lucrative opportunities really jumping out onto the street?
She wasnāt the type to take advantage of small benefits.
Was there some kind of catch here?
With that thought in mind, she voiced her concerns, and upon hearing them, Ning Ge displayed a hurt expression, saying, "Sister-in-law, donāt you really know what kind of person I am?"
"Sorry, but we truly donāt know you that well. Whose child are you, after all? Just because you say so doesnāt prove anythingāyou could be lying for all we know!" Cheng Su replied with a sneer. "If you set up a shell company and run off with the money, Iād be left dealing with the creditors. Wouldnāt I just be digging my own grave?"
"Sister-in-law, youāre painting me in such an unworthy light. Iām not that kind of person. I belong to the Ning Family in Beijing, the fourth eldest, the baby of the house, as Iāve mentioned so many times!" Ning Ge protested, feeling wronged and even hurt by Cheng Suās distrust.
"We have no way to verify that." Qi Taiguo interjected from the side.
"Youāre just toying with me. If you had no confidence in me, you would have kicked me out long ago, wouldnāt you? Why let me run my mouth like this?" Ning Ge rolled his eyes and said, "Fine, fine, Iām just unlucky. If the company gets set up, Iāll do whatever you ask, Sister-in-law. Whatever you say, Iāll do. Howās that?"
"Oh, if you truly donāt trust me, then just call my family tomorrow to verify!" Ning Ge said with indignation.
Cheng Su agreed with a "Sure."
Ning Geās eyes widened in surprise, "Youāre really gonna call?"
"Who knows if your money is clean," Cheng Su muttered.
Ning Ge nearly choked on his own spit and pointed at her, speechless for a long moment.
"Fine, Iāll make a call tomorrow to verify with my family," Ning Ge said, calming down and grinding his teeth.
It was infuriating. These days, when someone comes offering money for investment and collaboration, you still have to investigate meticulously, even more cautious than him...