Chapter 841: He Has a Date with a Man

Finished lunch.

Xu Shaochen took a nap for a while in Jenny’s lounge.

Originally, he was worried about his little aunt being tired from work and invited her to nap together.

However, for some reason, not only was his little aunt ungrateful, but she also scolded him harshly.

Sigh, some people just don’t appreciate kindness.

While getting dressed, Xu Shaochen thought to himself.

Women, truly incomprehensible.

“Aunt, I’m heading out.”

After washing up in the restroom, Xu Shaochen pushed open the door and greeted Jenny, who was sitting behind her desk.

“Get lost, as far as possible.”

Jenny didn’t even lift her head as she responded.

“Got it.”

Xu Shaochen answered, closed the door, and left.

He had a date to go to.

Don’t get the wrong idea, he’s meeting a man.

Wait! That explanation seems to make things worse.

To be precise, he’s meeting Mike.

The meeting place was a private room in a café, which Jenny had helped reserve.

Barely five minutes after Xu Shaochen arrived, Mike showed up.

Honestly, Xu Shaochen suspected that this guy had been here earlier, secretly watching him.

Only after confirming that there was nothing suspicious did Mike come out to meet him.

“Mike, my friend, long time no see.”

As soon as Mike entered, Xu Shaochen warmly greeted him with his exaggerated ‘translator’s accent’ and gave him a big hug.

Mike was left stunned. Big brother, are we really that close? Plus, we literally just saw each other this morning.

“Come, sit down, feel free to order whatever you like; this time, it’s on me.”

Xu Shaochen handed Mike the menu and called the waiter in.

“Sir, may I help you with anything?”

The waiter smiled politely.

“I’ll have this.”

Mike pointed at something on the menu.

“Very well, sir. Please wait a moment.”

The waiter left and returned a few minutes later, bringing in a cup of coffee.

“Xu, tell me, why did you want to see me?”

Mike sat comfortably, stirring his coffee with a small spoon, and took a light sip.

“I want to stir up trouble.” Xu Shaochen said.

Mike was stunned. He knew Xu Shaochen wanted to cause trouble, but he didn’t expect him to admit it so bluntly.

This unconventional approach left Mike momentarily speechless.

After a while, he finally reacted and smiled while shaking his head: “Well, if that’s your intention, I can already tell you that it won’t work. It’s completely impossible.”

“If it were impossible, you wouldn’t have come to this meeting. The fact that you’re here means you’re at least willing to hear what I have to offer. You’re curious if I can make a proposal that would tempt you, am I right?”

With a smile on his face, Xu Shaochen laid everything bare, making his intentions clear.

Mike felt a bit embarrassed. Talking with Xu Shaochen was exhausting.

He felt as if he had been stripped bare. This way of conversing made him very uncomfortable.

Aren’t we supposed to be gentlemen? How can you openly talk about such things? Can’t you be a bit more subtle?

Oh well, damn it, I almost forgot that this guy from China isn’t exactly a gentleman.

“To be honest, each of your three families is asking for 10% of the shares. 10% may not sound like much for one family, but combined, it’s way too much. It would seriously hurt my company, so there’s no way I can agree to it.”

Xu Shaochen looked at Mike as he spoke.

Mike asked, “So, what are you proposing? How much can you offer?”

“5%.” Xu Shaochen held up five fingers: “5% for each of your three families.”

“No way! That’s too little!” Mike firmly refused.

Xu Shaochen smiled: “No need to rush. If you’re not satisfied with this offer, I’ve got another one.”

“Go ahead.” Mike knew the main negotiation was about to start.

But Xu Shaochen didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he took a sip of his coffee, smacked his lips, and said, “To be honest, the taste is pretty average. I prefer our Chinese tea. If you ever come to China, I can treat you.”

Mike wanted to throw his coffee in his face. Damn bastard. Can’t you see how anxious I am right now? Even though that’s how he felt, Mike maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, forcing a smile.

Not only could he not curse, but he also had to feign interest: “Really? I’ve tried tea before, but I didn’t particularly like it. Maybe the tea in our Mg Country isn’t authentic.”

“Exactly! Let me tell you, the tea culture in China…”

Oh god, crap, shit, I shouldn’t have said anything! Watching Xu Shaochen gearing up to give a long speech on Chinese tea culture, Mike could only imagine a thousand wild horses trampling through his mind.

Damn it, I don’t care about this ridiculous tea culture! I’m only interested in your other proposal!

God, please, let’s get back to the main topic!

After a 10-minute crash course in tea culture, Xu Shaochen seemed to suddenly remember the main issue: “Ah yes, I mentioned earlier that I have another proposal, right?”

“Yes, Xu.” Mike heaved a sigh of relief, barely restraining the urge to slap him, though his face still managed a stiff smile.

Xu Shaochen had done this on purpose. He aimed to wear down Mike’s patience, making him more anxious and irritable. Judging by Mike’s reaction, it looked like the tactic had worked.

“My other proposal is to give only your family the 10% stake.”

“Only us?” Mike asked.

Xu Shaochen nodded: “Yes, just your family, because 30% is too much. 10% is the maximum I can accept.”

Pausing here, Xu Shaochen gave a small smile: “Rather than saying I’m stirring up trouble, it’s more like I’m trying to gain an ally for the Xu Corporation, forming a two-versus-two scenario between us and the Johnson and Nick families. The outcome would be uncertain.”

“Of course, you can refuse, but then I’ll stick to my offer of 5% for each of your three families. You all want a share in the Xu Corporation, don’t you?”

“Worst-case scenario, if you decline, it’ll turn into a mutually destructive game. But trust me, the Xu Corporation has the strength for that.”

First, present the temptation. Then, analyze the pros and cons. Finally, issue a threat. The classic three-step method to stir up trouble.

Mike’s expression shifted unpredictably. He couldn’t find any fault in what Xu Shaochen was saying. It all seemed like the truth.

If his Karen Family allied with the Xu Corporation, they could monopolize 10% of the shares, forming a two-versus-two situation. They wouldn’t need to fear the Nick and Johnson families.

Moreover, in the long run, the Karen Family could use that 10% stake as a leverage point, gradually pushing to gain control over the entire Xu Corporation.

Looking at it this way… It didn’t seem like a bad deal.