Lin Shishi gritted her teeth, feeling as though Lin Wanwan was mocking her. It had taken her so much effort to get in, while Lin Wanwan was a regular here, even having fine wines stored for guests.
Lin Wanwan hadn't thought that way at all. She only learned from Du Feiyang when she arrived that she was here to see Li Junhao, who Du Feiyang had investigated and confirmed was behind the plot against Xie Sui.
Li Junhao understood and smiled, "That's perfect. Try Mr. Xie's fine wines. I heard he spent a fortune, over two hundred million, on them. He's truly wealthy and extravagant; we are ashamed of our inferiority."
Lin Wanwan's expression darkened, "What a waste! He spends money as if it were nothing. He's always been so unrestrained. If I were here, I certainly wouldn't let him be so extravagant. Please, both of you. Shishi, you entertain the two gentlemen. If I've been neglectful, you can speak with her."
"Very well, Mrs. Xie. You are too kind."
The two exchanged glances, noting the not-so-good relationship between the Lin sisters.
In the reception hall, the fine wines were poured, and they all took a sip. Being connoisseurs, they nodded, "Indeed, excellent. This bottle of Lafite is out of production, and it's said only a hundred bottles remain globally."
Du Feiyang said, "My brother Xie bought them all back. I'll send you two bottles later. Come and taste them anytime you like."
"Really? Mr. Xie may be young, but his investment acumen is extraordinary. My think tank has studied Mr. Xie; his decisions have almost never failed."
Lin Wanwan's eyes flickered. They had actually studied Xie Sui. They were well-prepared.
"Mr. Li, since you've said so, I won't beat around the bush. Let's be frank. My husband, Xie Sui, is young and impetuous. Where did he offend you? Tell me, and I'll have him change. But sending him to jail is going too far. State your terms directly. I will do whatever I can. Can you release him first? The elders and the young ones at home are all very worried about him."
Lin Wanwan's eyes reddened, half acting, half genuine.
Li Junhao and Huo Zhengting exchanged a look. Li Junhao said, "Since Mrs. Xie has spoken, I'll share my thoughts. I greatly admire Mr. Xie's talent. Xie Group is solely owned by Mr. Xie, which is somewhat solitary. How about this: we'll invest some money, and Xie Group will split half its shares. We can all profit together. It's not about taking away Mr. Xie's control; we won't interfere with the group's decisions and will trust him completely."
Lin Wanwan asked, "How much money can you offer?"
"One hundred million."
Du Feiyang almost cursed. Brother Xie's group was worth over twenty billion. They wanted half the shares for a mere hundred million; even robbers wouldn't be this ruthless.
Lin Wanwan smiled, "You two truly have an insatiable appetite. One hundred million isn't even enough to cover the employees' salaries. Your extortion is beyond compare."
"Mrs. Xie, you can't say that. So many companies want our two families to invest. Have you inquired about the status of the Li and Huo families in Hong Kong? With our two families backing you, Mr. Xie will surely thrive here."
Lin Wanwan asked, "Can you represent the Li and Huo families? Don't be so greedy. How about this: I don't want your one hundred million. I want one percent of the Li and Huo families' shares, for half of Xie Group's shares. Exchanging half of Xie Group for one percent of your two families' shares, that's not too much, is it?"
It was indeed not much. A hundred billion. Even acquiring that amount would be possible, but the significance was different. Lin Wanwan wanted to establish a vested interest with the two families; that was true cooperation.
Their expressions turned grim. This Mrs. Xie was smarter than they had imagined, not easily fooled.
Du Feiyang let out a cold laugh, "Sister-in-law, you think too highly of them. They aren't core family members, just employees, to put it bluntly. They don't own shares in the two families; how can they give them to you?"
Lin Wanwan feigned understanding, "Is that so? I thought they could make decisions for the two families. Have I misunderstood?"
Her innocent expression made them even more embarrassed. Were they looking down on them?
"You're dreaming if you think you can get shares from the two families. With this condition, you'll have to agree whether you want to or not, or else wait to collect your husband's corpse."
This was clearly a breakdown in negotiations. Li Junhao, enraged, stood up to leave.
Huo Zhengting played the peacemaker, "Don't be angry. Let's talk calmly. Mrs. Xie, you're new here and don't understand the sinister nature of human relationships. We genuinely want to befriend Mr. Xie."
Lin Wanwan scoffed, "We can't afford friends like you two, who specialize in backstabbing. You're welcome to leave. I have today's conversation recorded. If anything happens to Xie Sui, you two will be the prime suspects."
Both were shocked, "You dare to record?"
"Why wouldn't I? I'm just a weak woman; I have to protect myself!"
Lin Wanwan produced a voice recorder, leaving them red-faced and sputtering. "Fine, you win. We'll see."
They left in anger, the meeting ending on a sour note.
Du Feiyang was furious, "Two bandits! They've truly disgraced the Li and Huo families. Sister-in-law, don't worry, Brother Xie will be fine."
Lin Wanwan's worry was palpable, "An open arrow is easy to dodge, but a hidden one is hard to defend against. If they hire assassins to kill him, can he escape?"
This wasn't an unheard-of scenario. Du Feiyang had already made arrangements, "I've also sent people to protect Brother Xie. Rest assured, Sister-in-law."
Lin Wanwan said, "Thank you. They are just collateral branches of the two families. Can they speak with the core members? They are using the families' names; aren't they afraid of repercussions from the main branches?"
Du Feiyang explained, "Sister-in-law, you don't understand. They get the benefits, and they'll definitely share them with the core branches. They'll bear the bad reputation, while the core branches get the profits. Do you think the core branches are benevolent?"
Lin Wanwan understood. The core branches were even more sinister, wanting both face and money.
"We still need to meet and gauge their intentions. What do you think?"
Du Feiyang replied, "Alright, I'll make arrangements. There's a business reception the day after tomorrow. Tang Ling and I will accompany you."
"That's fine. I'll ask Miss Guan to join us. It's my first time at such an event; I'll need Miss Guan to guide me."
"That would be best."
They discussed further details. Lin Shishi had been listening, her eyes darting around, an idea forming.
Lin Shishi didn't realize that Lin Wanwan had been watching her, and from her expression, knew she was up to something mischievous again.
Lin Wanwan had matters to attend to in the afternoon and left with Lin Shishi. Once they were alone in the car, Lin Shishi attempted her usual tactic, feigning innocence and apologizing. It was an old trick.
Lin Wanwan was no longer falling for it. She interrupted her, "I understand you want a better life, but it requires effort. I'm giving you an opportunity now. After this is done, I'll give you a million."
"What do you need me to do?"
Lin Shishi's interest immediately piqued. A million yuan! That was enough for her to buy her own apartment. Lin Wanwan had never lied to her since childhood, so Lin Shishi didn't think she would deceive her this time.