Chapter 113: Without a Doubt, a One Hundred Percent Sure Bet!

“Muxue, how is the company doing lately? Would you like me to step in and pave the way for you? Heh heh…”

That evening at dinner, Chen Jianguo leisurely sipped his liquor and once again brought up the matter of his daughter’s company.

These days, he could be considered something of a well-known figure in Qingyang. Though he had not earned much money, the television and online coverage had given him more exposure than some minor internet celebrities.

Seeing how troubled his daughter had been these past few days over negotiating partnerships, he had been thinking of lending her a hand.

“It won’t help. People in different fields are worlds apart. Everyone you know is from the antiques trade, Dad. They’re of no use here. You’d better not incur a favor for nothing.”

Chen Muxue shook her head and refused.

“By the way, haven’t you been trying to find Cheng Hui these past couple of days? How did it go?”

Su Zheng suddenly joined in.

“Don’t mention it. I couldn’t even get a meeting with him. He’s the largest cosmetics distributor in Qingyang. I was the one who thought cooperation would be simple. Forget it—I’ll try negotiating with some smaller distributors tomorrow.”

Chen Muxue shook her head helplessly, a trace of dejection in her expression.

“How will you know unless you try? I still think you should speak with Cheng Hui. His distribution network is by far the most comprehensive and extensive in Qingyang.”

Su Zheng offered his advice.

“You had the same idea I did at first—you’re making the problem sound too simple. With a distributor as powerful as Cheng Hui, even if we actually managed to meet him, there’s a good chance he wouldn’t take us seriously. After all, our brand currently has no real competitive advantage…”

Chen Muxue’s spirits sank slightly as she spoke.

“I think Su Zheng is right. You should meet him and make an effort. How about this? Let your father find someone in his circle who can get in touch with Cheng Hui and arrange a meeting. When the time comes, give him some of the Youth-Restoring Cream and let him see the results for himself!”

To everyone’s surprise, Lü Hongmei agreed with Su Zheng. Without thinking, she touched her cheek.

Ever since she had begun using the Youth-Restoring Cream produced by her daughter’s company, the dull, lifeless complexion she had once possessed had undergone a remarkable transformation. She looked more than ten years younger, with firm and delicate skin.

“But I…I’m just afraid I’ll go there only to humiliate myself.”

Chen Muxue bit her lip, hesitation written across her face.

“Business isn’t about saving face. It’s about profit.”

Su Zheng sat beside her, his tone calm but his expression earnest.

“Mom is right. You should give it a try. If you can reach an agreement with Cheng Hui, then Qingcheng Technology’s influence throughout Qingyang will rise rapidly. We won’t even need to spend much effort on marketing. Put simply, it’ll be like picking money up off the ground! And as a way to strengthen our capabilities and increase the company’s reputation, it’s an excellent opportunity to borrow someone else’s momentum.”

His words stirred Chen Muxue. She turned to look at him.

“How much of a chance do you think we have?”

“Unless something unexpected happens, a hundred percent.”

Su Zheng encouraged her with complete seriousness.

Cheng Hui’s company was called Romantica, the largest high-end cosmetics distributor in Qingyang. It represented top brands from around the world, and its sales structure and distribution channels had long since become firmly established. If Qingcheng Technology could secure a partnership with it, the deal would be virtually guaranteed profit—a perfect opportunity to break into the market.

“Exactly. He’s right this time. This is practically free money. You have to seize the opportunity, sweetheart!”

Chen Jianguo took a sip of liquor and urged his daughter earnestly once again. At the same time, he was inwardly surprised. He could not understand when this boy, Su Zheng, had become so perceptive.

Chen Muxue pressed her lips tightly together, still retaining one last trace of hesitation.

Cheng Hui was the young president of one of Qingyang’s foremost corporations. He had reached such a position at an early age not because of any extraordinary ability, but because he had the backing of a distinguished family. The Cheng family was one of the city’s super-clans, second only to the Lis.

Given her status, she had never dealt with anyone from a family of that stature on her own. Naturally, she felt intimidated.

“I’ve heard that the eldest son of the Cheng family is domineering and aloof, with eyes raised high above his head…”

“I’ll go with you.”

Su Zheng understood, to some extent, the reason for her hesitation. Looking directly into her eyes, he said, “I’ll go with you.”

Chen Muxue froze. But when she saw the confidence and brightness in his gaze, her wavering heart instantly felt as though it had been given a powerful boost. Almost unconsciously, she nodded.

“All right…”

“Good! I’ll call my friend tomorrow and have him get in touch with Cheng Hui. I’ll let you know as soon as everything is arranged!”

When Chen Jianguo saw that his daughter had made up her mind, he was filled with relief. Smiling, he poured himself another glass of liquor.

Around noon the next day, the friend Chen Jianguo had contacted called Chen Muxue and told her that everything had been arranged. She only needed to go directly to the address he provided.

Throughout the journey, Chen Muxue remained tense. A fine layer of cold sweat formed on the tip of her nose as she repeatedly calculated how she should speak to Cheng Hui once they met.

She knew that heirs to powerful families were not easy to deal with. And her status was worlds apart from his—there was simply no comparison.

The address Chen Jianguo’s friend had provided was a star-rated hotel in Qingyang, elegant and tranquil in its surroundings. At that moment, the entrance was filled with luxury cars: Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, Porsches, Bentleys, and many others.

In truth, even at the most upscale hotel, the odds of so many luxury cars appearing at the same time were extremely low. Su Zheng therefore guessed that some event was taking place inside.

After getting out of the car, Chen Muxue prepared to call and make contact, but before she could get through, a man in a black suit hurried out of the hotel.

When he saw Chen Muxue, he quickly approached.

“You’re President Chen, correct? My name is Wang Tao, and I’m the hotel’s lobby manager. Your friend asked me to wait here for you.”

“Hello, hello!”

Chen Muxue hurriedly reached out and shook his hand, gratitude showing on her face.

“Thank you so much for this.”

She exchanged a glance with Su Zheng. They both understood that Wang Tao was someone her father’s friend knew, and that he had come especially to wait for them before their meeting with Cheng Hui.

“No need to thank me, President Chen. It’s only my duty. Besides, if the young master of the Cheng family hadn’t come to our hotel today, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to help you.”

As he spoke, Wang Tao led the two of them toward the hotel lobby. He did not forget to caution Chen Muxue that Cheng Hui had a terrible temper and liked to do whatever he pleased. She should choose her words carefully when speaking to him. If she angered him, Wang Tao’s own life would become difficult afterward.

His warning only made Chen Muxue more nervous. Out of habit, she clenched her delicate hands.

“Don’t worry. I’m here.”

Su Zheng naturally noticed her anxiety and spoke softly.

Chen Muxue was touched, but she also felt a trace of disdain.

This wasn’t a meeting with the Li family. What use could you possibly be here?

Did you really think Cheng Hui would show you any consideration?