Chapter 133: A Pleasant Cooperation

This response was somewhat unexpected for Zhang Tianfeng. To be honest, he had already forgotten about this person. The man had shown no significant connections and no particular talent. After their meeting that day, he had never appeared again, leaving no impression whatsoever. However, since Qin Lin had introduced him, he surely had some merit.

"Fine. Since Boss Qin is acting as the intermediary, I won't avoid it. Where is he? Tell him to come out."

"I'm here, Little Boss Zhang."

As the voice faded, Tang Tianxiong emerged from the small bamboo grove on the other side. He was wearing a blue shirt, shorts, and a pair of red leather shoes. What kind of outfit was that? Was he trying too hard to be trendy?

"Hello. I haven't really gotten to know you yet. Could you introduce yourself?" Zhang Tianfeng asked.

"Tang Tianxiong, male, 36, married. Currently, I manage three department stores and two investment companies, with assets totaling ten million. May I sit down now?"

"Anyone introduced by Boss Qin is welcome to sit, even an ordinary person."

The implication was clear: he didn't care how impressive Tang was; he only cared about who had introduced him. Tang Tianxiong’s face stiffened, and a bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. In the past, he would have flipped the table and walked out, but he couldn't do that now.

Who was sitting in front of him? An eighteen-year-old already valued at one billion by the country’s business titans. Tang was still struggling to push his assets past twenty million, while this kid had already surpassed a billion. Although that valuation was based on a single advertising contract, that was precisely the boy’s talent. Moreover, his capability was immense; when faced with Xu Kuangdao's provocations, he had remained silent while launching a counterattack. Every move he made struck at the enemy's jugular, leaving Xu Kuangdao caught off guard and defenseless.

Tang Tianxiong had specifically analyzed Zhang Tianfeng’s counter-tactics and was horrified to discover the young man’s terrifying depth of strategy. You could provoke him all you wanted; he would remain unmoved while quietly gathering information, formulating a plan, and then striking a fatal blow. This was not the behavior of a typical young man. For this reason, Tang Tianxiong respected Zhang Tianfeng and wanted to be his friend.

He sat at the table and took the tea handed to him by Qin Lin with a polite "thank you."

"Little Boss Zhang, your battle with Xu Kuangdao has stunned every businessman in the country. A masterful 'crossing the river in the dark,' indeed."

Zhang Tianfeng shook his head. "It wasn't a 'crossing the river in the dark.' I played my cards openly; it’s just that you lot didn't have the ability to handle it." Establishing branches and pouring money into advertising were all public moves, which even Xu Kuangdao had mistakenly thought were intended to benefit him. Where was the deception in that?

"Little Boss Zhang, after we met that day, I sensed that Xu Kuangdao was no match for you, so I didn't help him."

"Then what is your purpose for being here today?" Zhang Tianfeng pondered for a moment before adding, "You aren't here to buy my toy factory, are you?"

"I couldn't afford it. I'm here to give Little Boss Zhang a heads-up."

"A heads-up? Please, Boss Tang, elaborate."

"Your toy factory has a fatal flaw: the origin of your raw materials is not legitimate. As far as I know, many people are already planning to use this to corner you."

Tang Tianxiong was right; the material issue was indeed a trap. But it was a trap Zhang Tianfeng had dug himself. First, the materials were obtained through Ding Yan, who sourced them from Japan. They hadn't gone through official domestic channels because the approval process took too long. Zhang Tianfeng needed the factory to survive first, so he used those materials while simultaneously having his people work on the formal approval paperwork. Through his relentless efforts, the approval would be issued within three days. He had intended to keep it quiet and let his rivals gloat, never expecting it would lure Tang Tianxiong out.

"What do you mean by that, Boss Tang?" Zhang Tianfeng countered.

Tang Tianxiong paused. "In the advertisement you had the championship team film, there is a line stating that Blue Square Toy Factory uses high-end raw materials. If your rivals use this information, you know how much damage it could cause. Furthermore, I know a secret: your materials are imported from Japan. You should be well aware of the public's attitude toward Japan, and the kind of public outcry that will ensue."

"So, what are you saying?" Zhang Tianfeng purposely narrowed his eyes, feigning anger.

Tang Tianxiong smiled. "I have a friend abroad who has vast connections and can acquire anything. From daily necessities to luxury cars and yachts, he can get all the raw materials needed for industrial production. For instance, he can even source the ISO-certified eco-friendly materials that are currently hard to find in China."

"We cooperate, and you won't have to worry about materials at all. At the same time, if anyone tries to sabotage you, I, Tang, still have some influence; I can step in to resolve it—whether it’s official business or the underhanded stuff."

"Will you handle all the troublemakers?"

"You handle the business competition; I'll handle the dirty work."

Tang Tianxiong believed in letting professionals do their jobs. He wouldn't interfere in areas outside his expertise. His keen intuition, honed from years of walking on the edge, told him that in this partnership, he must not seek power—just money. This person before him was no ordinary boss. His background hadn't been fully investigated yet, and the story about him being from a simple farming family was impossible to believe.

"Fine. How much does Boss Tang want?"

"Ten percent of the shares."

"Zero point one percent. Only dividend rights, no other rights. And if you ever sell, you must offer them to me first."

"Are you trying to brush me off like a beggar?" Tang Tianxiong’s face flushed red. The number was insulting. Had all his research and effort been in vain?

"I'm sorry, but in front of me, you are effectively a beggar." Zhang Tianfeng stood up, looking down at him. "The issue of the 'illegitimate' source of materials you mentioned? I’ve already resolved it. Furthermore, I am a friend of the Huo family; obtaining ISO-certified eco-friendly materials is effortless for me."

"As for those who like to play dirty, I admit I can't always stop them. But if you push me too far, I can relocate the factory to Hong Kong. You know better than I do who the boss is over there."

Even if the toy factory was worth one billion, 0.1% was still one million. If not for Tang Tianxiong’s background as a second-generation elite, he wouldn't have offered a cent.

Seeing the two clashing, Qin Lin’s eyelids twitched. He dared not intervene if either one turned hostile; he couldn't afford to offend either.

"Old Tang, Boss Zhang, we can discuss this slowly."

"There is nothing to discuss. If you want to do business with me, you must accept that I am in the lead. Without exceptional ability, you only deserve to beg here. Boss Tang, think it over. I'm leaving."

With that, Zhang Tianfeng turned and walked away. Ten paces later, Tang Tianxiong’s voice came from behind him.

"I agree. I hope we have a pleasant partnership."

Zhang Tianfeng turned back and grinned. "Brother Xiong, you’ve made a wise decision. The market value of Blue Square Toy Factory is worth far more than a billion. But let me be clear: if your performance isn't up to par, I can replace you at any time."

"Rest assured, I will show you what I'm capable of," Tang Tianxiong nodded firmly.

"Good. Give me a gesture of loyalty," Zhang Tianfeng mused for a moment. "Find me ten toy factories on the verge of bankruptcy. I want them to handle our production. It would be best if it could be finalized today."

"No problem. You'll have the results by this afternoon. Have the contracts ready; I'll come to sign them tonight."

Tang Tianxiong left quickly, and Zhang Tianfeng returned to the stone pavilion.

"Boss Qin, don't play the peacemaker next time. This is the last time." Zhang Tianfeng liked making friends, but he didn't like people foisting friends upon him.

"Understood. Don't worry, it won't happen again."

"Good. I'm off; I have other things to handle." Zhang Tianfeng walked away.

A moment later, Gao Ran arrived carrying a teapot. "Hey, where is everyone? Why did it break up?"

"He just left. Why?"

"That jerk! He didn't even say goodbye to me!" Gao Ran stomped her feet in frustration.

Qin Lin laughed heartily. "Don't you know his personality? He’s a maverick. He never keeps anyone in mind unless they are truly important."

Gao Ran blushed. "Who says I’m not important to him? A few days ago, we finally crossed that final barrier..."

Qin Lin froze, then stood up in a fit of rage. That son of a bitch—stealing my daughter was one thing, but how dare he lecture me! Little bastard, when I catch you, I’ll skin you alive!