Chapter 313: Chapter 310: A Big Payday
Su Qing rested, Shen Yi was recovering, but most people still persisted in their posts, like Li Zijun at the police station and others, who had now begun to narrow down the range and conduct visits and investigations.
After continuous visits, someone finally reported to the police that their daughter was out of contact and was of a similar age to the deceased. This undoubtedly delighted everyone, prompting them to quickly proceed with a DNA match for the reporter.
If the match were successful, it would confirm the identity of the deceased, a huge breakthrough for the case, significantly narrowing the scope for the killer.
Meanwhile, Xu Feng was not idle. His parents rushed over, pulling strings and contacting friends, and finally managed to bail Xu Feng out.
Of course, the purpose of getting him out was so that he could personally raise funds to cover the tax and fines. If he couldnât make up for it, naturally, his company and factory would cover the deficit.
For someone with tangible assets, thereâs no fear of debt, especially not with official entities, unlike some who might flee the country, leaving no trace.
Moreover, Xu Fengâs companyâs assets have been frozen, making any transfer impossible, forcing him to raise funds honestly.
After several futile attempts to find a new business channel, he had no choice but to contact Shen Yi again.
Being both smart individuals, he now realized he was being targeted, and in such a situation, finding the right person was essential.
Among everyone he contacted, only Shen Yi didnât outright reject him, which was a signal.
Also, considering the handful of channels for his products, tracking them was straightforward.
The next day at noon, inside a cafe, the weary Xu Feng sat across from Shen Yi, who had just recovered from a fever.
This time, Xu Feng no longer had the spirit he had before. Instead, he was at the end of his rope. All he could do now was minimize his losses.
As for penalty fees and product losses, he couldnât worry about them now. But he couldnât neglect taxes, fines, bank loans and interest, and employee wages.
Thereâs no reason why, because if he doesnât make these payments, he would face prison. As for other aspects, he could always declare bankruptcy for his company.
If a company goes bankrupt, he would end up with nothing, becoming a blacklisted individual. Those who cooperated with him wouldnât be able to imprison him, and they would just have to accept their losses.
The two had last met half a month ago. At that time, he thought he had victory in his grasp and could at least tear a piece of "fat" off Shen Yi. But in just half a month, the situation completely reversed, and even before Shen Yiâs company pulled anything, he was already facing prison.
"Mr. Shen... Shen, whatever conditions you have, just say them. I admit, this time you have won!" said Xu Feng in a hoarse voice.
His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse, and even his usually meticulous hair was now a mess.
In response, the now confident Shen Yi picked up her coffee, took a sip, and chuckled lightly, "Mr. Xu, what are you talking about? Didnât you ask me to come here? Why does it feel like Iâm the one pressing you now? If youâre really unwilling, I could just leave."
She was now in the driverâs seat, speaking confidently. Looking back half a month ago, if it werenât for Su Qingâs intervention, she might have had to swallow her anger and suffer in silence.
Thinking of Xu Fengâs various actions since she came to Jiang City made her feel a bit frightened, but mostly disgusted.
She had noticed Xu Fengâs advances back then, but she felt indifferent, given the multiple men who tried pursuing her over the years with the same tactics she was already bored of. She naturally paid it no mind.
Reflecting on it now, Xu Fengâs pursuit wasnât likely for her as a person but rather for her company and wallet.
After all, Xu Feng even proposed exchanging company shares back then to achieve a close company collaboration.
If she had agreed or accepted Xu Fengâs pursuit, she was sure that her losses would be unimaginable this time.
Take Wang Shanshan as an example, a rich second generation with neither a company nor savings, yet she was cheated out of ten million.
Though she wouldnât be that foolish, if they were together or exchanged company shares, thereâs plenty Xu Feng could have done.
Just as she was about to leave, Xu Feng spoke again, "Since Ms. Shen is here, there must be terms. Just say them. Iâm in this situation now, but youâre also struggling with the penalty fees, arenât you?
Others donât work with me because of your influence, and it doesnât hurt them. But you have orders and simply want to lower the price, just say it; Iâm willing to accept it."
Xu Feng was smart. Shen Yiâs willingness to meet him meant there was potential for cooperation. Otherwise, she wouldnât have bothered meeting but just rejected him over the phone.
Moreover, with Shen Yiâs orders, she also had to bear penalty fees, something they both knew well, which fueled his confidence that Shen Yi was his only way out.
"Since you put it that way, letâs be straightforward. Thereâs no need to dissect things between us. I can take over your goods, but the price Iâll offer is only 30% of the original," Shen Yi said, sitting down with a chuckle, as if she wasnât about to leave just moments ago.
Normally, she wouldnât do this. Business is about maintaining relationships, even if a particular deal falls through, future opportunities might arise.
Most business discussions involve heated debates, but personal feelings rarely come into playâitâs all about profit.
But this time was different. First, she was clearly in the advantageous position. She held the scalpel, and Xu Feng was like meat on the cutting board, no need for courtesy. Second, after this incident, there would unlikely be another chance for cooperation. After the last incident, their relationship had already taken a turn for the worse. Thereâs no need to preserve appearances when theyâre already at odds.
She knew if she had been defeated, Xu Feng wouldnât have spared her. Similarly, their meeting now was merely out of necessity.
"30%? Shen Yi, donât push me too far. Even if this batch gets confiscated, it could at least be worth this price, and you should know that," Xu Fengâs eyes flared at the price, knowing fully well it was a tease.
Of course, neither took it seriously. Even Shen Yi, who made the offer, was aware. In business, one always starts high and negotiates downwards, back and forth, until a mutually satisfactory agreement is reached.
"Why donât you make an offer?" Shen Yi queried, tossing the ball back to him.
"How about 90%... 80% of the original price?"
Xu Feng was aware of his predicament, so he didnât dare to propose the original price like he would have days ago.
"80%? Xu Feng, are you still dreaming? Without me taking your goods, how much can they cover? Do you still want to profit off me? 50%, thatâs my final offer."
"At 50%, I canât repay the bank loan and will still face jail. If Iâll end up imprisoned, whatâs the difference? I have costs involved, so Iâm willing to lose a bit. 70%. If you disagree, I have no options left, and Iâll end up in jail. You pay the penalty, and donât think you can acquire the goods through official means. I dare say I can delay it for three months, ensuring you pay the penalty, as weâre on the same sinking ship."
Xu Feng had his difficulties, and so did Shen Yi. Each day meant more penalty fees, though handleable. But tangling with someone cornered wasnât wise.
Moreover, conceding 30% was sufficient to offset her penalty fees while still leaving room for profit.
"You may be unscrupulous, but I canât be unfair. Fine, 70% it is. But I need to see the goods today. Rest assured, youâll receive every cent."
"Fine!"
Once they agreed, Xu Feng looked drained.
"Alright, since thatâs settled, I wonât stay any longer! Iâll take my leave!" Shen Yi said, ready to depart, unwilling to linger around him as he disgusted her.
"Wait!" Xu Feng suddenly interjected.
Shen Yi turned, "Is there something else, Mr. Xu?"
"I thought I had everything covered perfectly. How did you notice, even understanding my companyâs details? Since our last meeting, what role did you play in this plan? And is that Su Qing involved in Wang Shanshanâs situation?"
Though he had been detained, Xu Feng managed to piece together some critical points, but some remained unclear.
Yet, Shen Yi wasnât about to leave him âdying with clarityâ as she chuckled lightly:
"Does it really matter anymore?"
...