The commotion outside the conference room was audible, and the secretary's attempts to stop her were futile as Lawyer Ma barged in.
Lawyer Ma paid no mind to the meeting in progress. She had rushed from AtL to Xi'Ou, determined to teach Ou Yunchen a lesson.
Lawyer Ma: "Ou Yunchen, who gave you the audacity to sell AtL shares to Yan Shizong!"
At this, Liu Jinhua, and especially Zhou Man, widened their eyes and quickly turned to look at Ou Yunchen.
Ou Yunchen: "You two can leave now."
Liu Jinhua tugged on Zhou Man's arm, as if the news had rendered her immobile from shock.
Secretary: "Mr. Ou, I told Lawyer Ma that you were in a meeting, but she insisted on coming in..."
Ou Yunchen: "It's fine, you can go too."
Secretary: "Understood, Mr. Ou."
Lawyer Ma slammed her bag onto the table and sat down indignantly. It was clear she wouldn't leave Xi'Ou today without a satisfactory explanation.
Ou Yunchen: "What brings you here?"
Lawyer Ma: "What? If you can come, can't I? Xi'Ou is a subsidiary of AtL, isn't it!"
Ou Yunchen: "Of course, you can come. What is it you need?"
Lawyer Ma: "Stop playing dumb! Do I need to point at your nose and curse you before you realize the disgusting thing you've done!"
Ou Yunchen: "What have I done?"
Lawyer Ma: "Why did you sell AtL's shares to Yan Shizong?"
Ou Yunchen truly felt wronged. If he had sold them, he would have profited. Unfortunately, to save someone, he not only received nothing but also got himself into a mess.
Ou Yunchen: "I have no obligation to explain this to you, and it was with Su Hui's permission."
Lawyer Ma: "Bullshit! You're so cunning! She said she was transferring the shares to you, she had no idea you were going to sell them!"
Ou Yunchen: "Since they were given to me, they became my assets, free to be disposed of as I see fit. I can give them to whomever I please. Lawyer Ma, surely you understand?"
Lawyer Ma: "Don't play word games with me. I'm asking you, what do you want! Did you get our permission to bring in an outsider?"
Ou Yunchen let out a soft chuckle. He gazed at Lawyer Ma calmly, then leaned back in his chair, relaxing. The pen in his hand spun once.
Lawyer Ma was momentarily distracted. Even the most resolute woman would find it hard to resist Ou Yunchen's charm.
Ou Yunchen: "They've already been given away. What do you expect me to do?"
Lawyer Ma: "Fine! So you're resorting to acting like a scoundrel!"
Ou Yunchen: "Why do you always obstruct my plans? Why do you always regret your actions only after making grave mistakes by not listening to me?"
Lawyer Ma: "I'm doing my job! I'm the one who supervises you!"
Ou Yunchen: "Supervisory board? Fine, I accept. Tell me directly what punishment I deserve."
Lawyer Ma paused, surprised by Ou Yunchen's unusually cooperative attitude.
Lawyer Ma: "Take the shares back!"
Ou Yunchen's pen stopped instantly, and he grasped it tightly. His expression lost its playfulness, and his unfathomably deep pupils fixed on Lawyer Ma.
Lawyer Ma repeated her demand with increased emphasis.
Ou Yunchen: "I can give you back ten percent of the shares, but I have a condition..."
Ou Yunchen's voice deepened as the negotiation officially began.
Lawyer Ma: "What right do you have to make demands of me?"
Ou Yunchen: "Do you want an opportunity to own AtL shares?"
This piqued the interest of the usually arrogant Lawyer Ma.
Ou Yunchen: "AtL has raised funds from me. I personally own ten percent of the shares. As soon as I declare it, these shares will be mine."
Lawyer Ma recalled their arguments last year about whether to seek external or internal financing. It seemed the shares Ou Yunchen mentioned were the price for internal financing.
However, thinking about it only deepened her confusion.
If Ou Yunchen already owned ten percent of the shares, why would he have threatened Mrs. Su to get another ten percent only to give it to an outsider!
Damn him!
He's too devious!
This man is a fox!
Ou Yunchen: "Remember now? You've always been afraid of me owning AtL shares, haven't you? I can willingly give them to you."
Lawyer Ma: "What is your condition?"
Ou Yunchen: "Give me Xi'Ou."
Lawyer Ma: "Xi'Ou was founded by you. Mrs. Su and I have never interfered with your work at Xi'Ou..."
As she spoke, Lawyer Ma began to understand.
Lawyer Ma: "Oh no..."
Lawyer Ma: "You're using the AtL shares just to divest Xi'Ou?"
Ou Yunchen: "You won't be at a loss."
Lawyer Ma had reviewed Xi'Ou's reports. She had to admit that the artists Xi'Ou had cultivated in the past two years were indeed profitable. However, entertainment companies also had larger expenses.
This year, the pursuit of Zhou Man had pushed Xi'Ou into a deficit.
Even though Zhou Man brought a wealth of resources, most of it ended up in her own pockets. Furthermore, Xi'Ou lacked any breakout hit productions, making it difficult to be optimistic about a company primarily focused on burning cash.
Now, even though Lawyer Ma was fully aware of Xi'Ou's precarious situation, she remained cautious. Ou Yunchen surely knew Xi'Ou's financial status. So, why would he use the hard-won AtL shares to trade for Xi'Ou?!
Lawyer Ma: "How could I possibly make such a decision? At the very least, I should notify Su Hui and discuss it?"
Ou Yunchen: "Then let's notify her now. Because I want to settle the AtL shares quickly today. Otherwise, by tomorrow, the declaration will officially take effect, and the shares cannot be secretly transferred to you."
Lawyer Ma clenched her fists. Ou Yunchen was truly adept at picking his moments! However, owning AtL shares – wasn't that the most enticing offer?
Just then, the conference room door was knocked on again.