After Rebirth, Married to a Deadly Enemy - Chapter 13

Bai Xiangxing spent three days sorting out the current situation of The New Shi. During these three days, The New Shi’s dire condition left a deep impression on him day by day. He had thought that even if The New Shi was on the verge of collapse, there would still be some assets left, but the reality was that The New Shi had even mortgaged its last penny. The only somewhat redeeming factor was the loyalty of The New Shi’s employees. Despite the company’s dire financial straits, the employees continued to work diligently, receiving their guaranteed salaries for years without a hint of dissatisfaction. “At least the medical insurance wasn’t in vain,” Bai Xiangxing sighed, rubbing his forehead in exhaustion. Just then, someone knocked on the door. “Come in,” Bai Xiangxing adjusted his expression and looked towards the door. “Bai General,” it was Zhang Hongming, the Finance Department Manager. “What’s the matter?” Zhang Hongming looked at Bai Xiangxing, appearing hesitant, as if debating whether to speak up. Finally, he bit the bullet and handed over a document, saying, “This is the bank’s loan interest.” “We have to pay interest?” Bai Xiangxing opened the document and glanced at it, and his eyelids twitched. “30 million in interest?!” If he remembered correctly, The New Shi currently only had a total deposit of 3 million star coins. “Yes, it is. What should we do next?” Zhang Hongming asked. What to do? They definitely had to repay the bank’s interest, or else the bank would resort to legal action. “How did you manage to pay this interest in the past?” Bai Xiangxing checked the recent financial reports and knew that The New Shi’s only business now was supplying information suppressants to the Storm Legion, with an annual turnover ranging from 5 to 7 million. Even if they used all of that to pay the bank interest, it wouldn’t be enough. “The rent from the company’s headquarters building can cover some of it, and also, the company had a small asteroid in the Scorpio Galaxy that used to produce the aqua crystals needed for manufacturing mechs. A quarter’s profit from that is just enough to cover the bank interest,” Zhang Hongming explained. Scorpio Galaxy, the small asteroid—why did those names sound so familiar? “The asteroid under Shi Zhen’s name?” “Yes, but that asteroid has already…” “I understand.” It had been used as collateral for him. Realizing his “value” once again, Bai Xiangxing didn’t know whether to be happy or worried. He only knew that if he were given another chance… Well, he didn’t want to have a sudden death again. “Sell the company building.” The New Shi Group’s headquarters building was located in the most prosperous commercial district of the capital planet. Selling it wouldn’t be difficult, but given The New Shi’s current situation, outsiders would surely be suspicious, and the price wouldn’t be high. “That building is a symbol of The New Shi,” Zhang Hongming reminded. “You’re all preparing for bankruptcy, and you’re still concerned about symbols?” Bai Xiangxing was at a loss for words. Zhang Hongming fell silent immediately. Ever since The New Shi was deceived by the externally hired professional manager, it had been in decline. Those talented and knowledgeable executives had left for better opportunities once they realized The New Shi’s hopeless situation, leaving behind only the employees who had a deep emotional connection to The New Shi. These loyal employees had remained devoted, but when it came to talent, looking at how they had run the company into the ground, their abilities were apparent. “Do you know how to sell it?” Bai Xiangxing asked, not feeling confident. “Yes, I can have someone post the information on the trading website right away.” “How much should we sell it for?” Bai Xiangxing asked again. “How much?” Zhang Hongming was uncertain. “… Forget it, don’t worry about it. Give me the contact information for the bank’s manager.” “Alright, I’ll get it for you right now,” Zhang Hongming said, relieved, and immediately forwarded the bank manager’s contact information to Bai Xiangxing. “Go out and, by the way, call the head of the production department for me,” Bai Xiangxing waved his hand, feeling mentally exhausted. In a short while, Zhou Qirong, the head of the production department, arrived at the office. Holding the production department’s cost sheet, Bai Xiangxing asked, “Why does our company’s production of information suppressants have a 20% higher cost compared to the ones available in the market?” Information suppressants are common medicines, and the Bai family also had this business, so he had an idea of the approximate cost. Zhou Qirong replied, “The reason our costs are higher is that our production equipment hasn’t been upgraded, and the machines’ purification efficiency is insufficient. To meet the Alliance’s requirements for information suppressants, we have to use more medicinal ingredients.” Bai Xiangxing was puzzled, “Even if the equipment hasn’t been upgraded, the cost shouldn’t be this much higher.” Zhou Qirong hesitated and said, “We haven’t upgraded our equipment in seven years.” Bai Xiangxing:…” “I can’t believe it. No wonder the military doesn’t want The New Shi’s suppressants anymore. Seven years without upgrading equipment, even without the previous professional manager’s dubious actions, The New Shi could have doomed itself. Moreover, they dared to use these suppressants produced with outdated equipment on the Storm Legion soldiers. They’re really trusting The New Shi with their lives. As mentioned earlier, information suppressants are commonly used drugs, with precise calculations for dosage and effectiveness. When administered, the duration of suppression, its effects, and any potential side effects are all clearly documented. However, the stability of drugs produced by old and outdated equipment cannot be guaranteed. For ordinary people, unstable drugs can be managed by going to the hospital quickly. But soldiers are different; they need to go on missions. If the drug’s effects prematurely wear off during a mission or if side effects occur, it could cost them their lives. Bai Xiangxing held back and couldn’t help but ask, “You dared to give these kinds of drugs to the Storm Legion?” Zhou Qirong replied seriously, “Although our equipment is old, we never cut corners when making the drugs. Additionally, we thoroughly test every batch of drugs before they leave the factory. We would never play with the lives of soldiers. Furthermore, our drugs are only used by soldiers for routine purposes, and they don’t carry them during missions.” Bai Xiangxing:… Bai Xiangxing: “How much money do you need for equipment upgrades?” Zhou Qirong: “We don’t have the money.” Bai Xiangxing: “I’ll take care of the money. Just tell me how much is needed to upgrade the equipment.” Zhou Qirong: “To what extent should we upgrade?” Bai Xiangxing: “Of course, to the best extent.” Zhou Qirong immediately responded, “Then we’ll need to replace all the equipment in the factory.” Bai Xiangxing: “How much?” Zhou Qirong seemed to realize at this moment that his trusting general manager might not be joking. He hesitated, excited, and cautiously asked, “Is this… really happening? Are we really upgrading?” Bai Xiangxing rolled his eyes in frustration, “Don’t make me repeat myself for the third time. How much?!” Zhou Qirong suddenly brightened up, and he reported the price with enthusiasm, “26 million star coins.” Having spent his entire life in the pharmaceutical factory, Zhou Qirong had always wished for equipment upgrades. Even though he knew that The New Shi didn’t have the money, he couldn’t help but pay attention whenever there was talk of new equipment. Hearing Bai Xiangxing mention it like this, he immediately blurted out the cost. Equipment upgrades for 26 million, bank interest of 30 million, and a bank account balance of 3 million, on his third day in office, he was already in debt by 43 million. He was worse off than starting from scratch. Bai Xiangxing suppressed the discomfort building in his chest and realized he needed to leave work early today. “I understand now. Is there still some suppressant being produced on the production line right now?” Zhou Qirong replied, “Yes, we are currently producing the suppressant for the Storm Legion next quarter.” Bai Xiangxing thought back to the suppressant he had seen in the elevator with the incorrect color. At the time, he found it strange, and now he suspected that it might be due to inadequate purification from the equipment. “Starting from now, halt the production line and preserve the raw materials for the suppressant. We’ll resume production after the equipment is upgraded,” Bai Xiangxing instructed. These were pharmaceuticals, and they were meant for frontline soldiers. Regardless of how much the Storm Legion trusted The New Shi, Bai Xiangxing couldn’t allow potentially hazardous drugs to be distributed. Ensuring that the products he sold met the proper specifications and standards was a matter of basic integrity. If he had been half in doubt before, he was now completely sure. Zhou Qirong couldn’t contain his excitement, “Understood, I’ll stop production immediately. However, how long will it take for the equipment to be upgraded? I need to reschedule production quickly. I have a meeting with the Changsheng Corporation’s representative this afternoon, and if the contract is signed, production must start immediately.” Bai Xiangxing said, “Within half a month, I’ll get the new equipment.” “Okay, okay, I’ll go now, and I’ll make the arrangements,” Zhou Qirong said enthusiastically. He finally had the chance to own the latest production equipment, and he could finally provide the Storm Legion soldiers with the most stable suppressants! He immediately wanted to call his son, who worked in the Storm Legion, and share the good news. Bai Xiangxing took a sip of water and spent a few minutes calming himself down. Then, he sent a message to his former assistant. “At 1:00 PM, wait for me at the entrance of the Huahai Hotel.” This assistant was someone he had hired when he was still with the Bai Group. Originally, he had planned to bring the person over in a few days, but there was no one capable within The New Shi at the moment. If he didn’t find someone to assist him, he might end up exhausted. — 12:30 PM, Huahai Hotel rooftop restaurant. Ming Cheng’en, the CEO of the Changsheng Corporation, would always stay at this hotel whenever he visited the capital planet. Bai Xiangxing had arranged to meet him here. Two weeks ago, he had an incident at this very hotel. Fortunately, for him, this event had happened over a decade ago in his previous life, but if not for that, he might have some reservations about returning here. “Sorry for the wait,” a dignified Alpha in his thirties approached Bai Xiangxing. “Mr. Ming,” this person was indeed Ming Cheng’en, the CEO of Changsheng Corporation. Bai Xiangxing extended his hand, taking the initiative. Ming Cheng’en didn’t shake Bai Xiangxing’s outstretched hand. Instead, he gazed at Bai Xiangxing with his attractive phoenix eyes, displaying a hint of amusement. “Ming CEO?” Bai Xiangxing frowned. He didn’t like the way Ming Cheng’en was looking at him, as if a hunter was sizing up his prey. “I apologize for my rudeness,” Ming Cheng’en withdrew his gaze and lightly touched Bai Xiangxing’s hand before pulling back. The two of them sat down, and the waiter, who had been waiting, immediately brought their lunch. Bai Xiangxing raised his glass and politely said, “First of all, thank you, Mr. Ming, for giving me this opportunity.” Changsheng Corporation primarily dealt in healthcare, with Changsheng Hospitals spread across over thirty planets within the Alliance. For any pharmaceutical factory, partnering with Changsheng  Corporation meant that their products would have no trouble finding a market. Three months ago, Bai Xiangxing had stumbled upon information that Changsheng  Corporation was looking to sign another pharmaceutical factory to produce information suppressants. He had spent a month preparing and another two months getting close to Ming Cheng’en’s assistant. As the Market Director of the Bai Group, he hadn’t had the opportunity to interact with top-tier figures like Ming Cheng’en. He had only been in contact with Ming Cheng’en’s personal assistant and had submitted his proposal. Changsheng  Corporation’s business was significant for a pharmaceutical factory, but for Longsheng Corporation, adding another pharmaceutical factory was a relatively small decision. In the end, his proposal stood out among many others, securing a chance for the Bai Group to cooperate with Changsheng . Ming Cheng’en and Bai Xiangxing lightly clinked their glasses, and Ming Cheng’en smiled faintly. “I’m just curious.” “Curious about what? How did an Alpha turn into an Omega in such a short time?” Bai Xiangxing had guessed Ming Cheng’en’s intentions from his earlier handshake gesture – that was the standard way Alphas shook hands with Omegas. This person was treating him as an Omega. Perhaps it was this curiosity that had given him the opportunity to meet now. In the past, if he knew someone was looking at him like this, treating it as a spectacle, he would have been infuriated. But now, with a debt of 43 million star coins hanging over him… Ah, poverty and desperation could indeed humble a person. Ming Cheng’en said, “Please don’t misunderstand. I’m just curious about someone who has experienced such events, has adjusted their emotions so quickly, and is even smartly launching a counterattack in such a short time. I like working with intelligent and outstanding individuals.” Bai Xiangxing’s eyes brightened. “So, our cooperation?” Ming Cheng’en replied, “I’ve reviewed the proposal you sent me. You now represent The New Shi Group?” Bai Xiangxing confirmed, “Yes, I am currently the CEO of The New Shi.” Ming Cheng’en continued, “I have investigated The New Shi. More than a decade ago, The New Shi supplied pharmaceuticals exclusively to the Alliance military, with impeccable quality and effectiveness. But now, The New Shi is likely on the brink of bankruptcy. I assume that even the troops under General Shi would hesitate to use the pharmaceuticals produced by The New Shi during missions. With this kind of pharmaceutical factory, how can I sign a contract with you?” Bai Xiangxing had prepared for this and had no intention of hiding the truth. He openly explained The New Shi’s current situation and his future plans. “So, my next step will be to sell The New Shi’s group headquarters, clear the bank’s loans, and shut down all of The New Shi’s business except the pharmaceutical factory. Simultaneously, I will upgrade The New Shi’s production equipment within two weeks, introducing state-of-the-art pharmaceutical instruments. I guarantee that the quality of the pharmaceuticals produced by The New Shi will meet Changsheng ‘s requirements.” Ming Cheng’en patiently listened and then asked in a subdued tone, “But why should I choose you? There are many other pharmaceutical factories out there with advanced equipment, and their prices might even be lower than yours.” Bai Xiangxing furrowed his brow. “If you’re looking for a lower price, you wouldn’t have chosen my proposal in the first place.” Ming Cheng’en acknowledged, “That’s true. However, when you were with the Bai Group, the pharmaceutical factory under Bai Group still had some reputation. But now it’s different. Choosing The New Shi, I must take a risk.” Bai Xiangxing remained composed. “What if I can offer you better pharmaceuticals?” Ming Cheng’en inquired, “Are you saying you have a new suppressant formula?” Bai Xiangxing confirmed, “Yes, I have an entirely new information suppressant formula. It can extend the duration of suppression by 20% compared to the previous formula while reducing side effects by half.” Finally, Ming Cheng’en’s gaze showed some interest. Changsheng  Corporation had been conducting research on information suppressants, and the latest research had only managed to extend the duration by 5% with no reduction in side effects. Moreover, the drug was still unstable, and it was estimated that it wouldn’t be ready for production until a year later. Ming Cheng’en asked, “Is what you’re saying true?” Bai Xiangxing replied, “Can we include it in the contract?” Ming Cheng’en nodded, “Alright, if you can truly achieve this level of efficacy, I can sign the contract with The New Shi, and I’ll double the price.” A suppressant with reduced side effects held a value far greater than just twice the price. Bai Xiangxing shook his head, “The price can remain as originally proposed, but I need you to pay half of the payment in advance.” Ming Cheng’en squinted his eyes, “If I’m not mistaken, you intend to use this payment to upgrade your equipment, correct?” Bai Xiangxing responded frankly, “Yes.” Ming Cheng’en leaned back in his chair, “Mr. Bai, you’re quite shrewd. You want me to use my money to upgrade your equipment, and then you’ll produce the pharmaceuticals to sell back to me. In the end, you won’t spend a single coin, and I’ll be helping you save The New Shi?” Bai Xiangxing scratched his nose awkwardly; indeed, that had been his plan. Ming Cheng’en chuckled; it was the first time he had encountered someone who was so openly trying to take advantage of him. “I admire your resourcefulness and believe in your possession of this formula. However, I can’t agree to this condition.” Bai Xiangxing retorted, “Well, it’s just business. I ask for a high price, and you pay it on the spot.” Ming Cheng’en chuckled again, seeing that Bai Xiangxing was a promising businessman. “If you want me to invest in upgrading your equipment in advance and exchange it for equity, I’ll need 49% of The New Shi’s shares.” 49%!! That was even more than he had. He had worked hard and diligently for so many years, yet he only held 30% of the shares. Now, they wanted to take half of it in advance. Bai Xiangxing protested, “Mr. Ming, I’m asking for an advance payment, not an additional capital injection. This is a bit too much.” Ming Cheng’en countered, “But if I don’t provide the advance payment, The New Shi is on the verge of bankruptcy.” Bai Xiangxing didn’t want to argue further and straightforwardly rejected the proposal, “This condition is not acceptable; let’s discuss another one.” Ming Cheng’en proposed, “Sell me the pharmaceutical formula…” Bai Xiangxing interrupted, “No!” The formula was his capital for a fresh start; there was no way he would sell it. Ming Cheng’en didn’t seem surprised by the rejection; he simply said, “Then I have no choice. The contract will proceed as originally discussed, with 30% of the payment upfront and the rest upon delivery.” Bai Xiangxing gritted his teeth and pondered for a moment, then relented, “Alright.” Ming Cheng’en raised an eyebrow in surprise; Bai Xiangxing had agreed quite readily. After signing the contract, the two of them had lunch and then went to Ming Cheng’en’s suite. They discussed the terms further, and Bai Xiangxing suddenly remembered something, “Mr. Ming, are you interested in a bargain?” Ming Cheng’en inquired, “Do you have a business opportunity to offer?” Bai Xiangxing explained, “How about buying The New Shi’s group headquarters?” Ming Cheng’en hesitated… Bai Xiangxing continued, “Considering the current situation at The New Shi, I don’t want to list the property on the market, where it will likely be undervalued due to urgency. In the end, it would probably be taken over by the bank. The bank isn’t in a hurry like me; they’ll definitely sell it at the original price.” Ming Cheng’en asked, “So, how much are you selling it to me for?” Bai Xiangxing replied, “I won’t beat around the bush. The New Shi’s headquarters is worth around twenty billion star coins, but I need to sell it quickly, so I’m asking for just a bit more than the bank’s loan amount, plus the interest for this quarter.” In essence, it was selling it for just the additional interest of one quarter. It was a fire sale, and Bai Xiangxing wouldn’t have done it if he weren’t in desperate need of cash. Ming Cheng’en said, “It does seem like a good deal.” He would almost instantly profit by several billion star coins. Bai Xiangxing added a condition, “Within five years, please don’t sell The New Shi’s headquarters. After five years, The New Shi will have the first right of refusal, and I’ll repurchase it at the market price at that time.” Ming Cheng’en looked at Bai Xiangxing once more. Suddenly, he had more confidence in the contract he had just signed. He had taken the risk of signing a contract with a nearly bankrupt company only because losing a few million star coins wouldn’t matter to him. He found Bai Xiangxing interesting and confident, and he had signed the contract out of admiration. Even if Bai Xiangxing didn’t fulfill the contract in the end, the fact that he had a connection with the military made those few million coins worthwhile. However, looking at the exceptionally handsome young man before him, his firm and confident tone, he suddenly started to believe that this person might really be able to revive The New Shi and repurchase The New Shi’s headquarters five years later. Ming Cheng’en agreed, “Alright.” Bai Xiangxing smiled, “I’ll have the contract sent over tomorrow. Mr. Ming, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you!”