Chapter 491 Ambition_2
"Director Xue, I think what you've said makes a lot of sense. Human April Company is, after all, just a small company, and the product line is indeed very limited. The single admirable product, the 'Fairy Water,' is not enough to support the comprehensive development of the entire company...!"
The faint words of Chu Mo echoed around, as if seeing hope, each bigwig in the field of cosmetics before him carried a hint of anticipation and excitement in their eyes, and among them, many harbored a touch of disdain in the depth of their gazes.
Perhaps in their hearts, seeing Chu Mo on the verge of throwing in the towel, they might think that the so-called Mr. Chu of the magic capital is just so-so.
Just as Xue Ling wore a proud expression on her face, Chu Mo's tone suddenly shifted, and he said with utmost seriousness,
"Therefore, I think Director Xue's proposal is necessary. Since our company's capabilities can't meet customers' demands, then why not acquire several more companies? Director Xue, are you interested in merging Heidi Group into our Human April Company?
Rest assured, Director Xue, just as you said, I definitely won't let you down. You'll become the second-largest antique in our company, and all you need to do is lie down and wait for the dividends each month! Are you interested?"
His mild words fell, and the atmosphere that had seemed relaxed turned ice-cold in an instant. The expressions of the dozen or so people who had gathered around all stiffened and turned awkward, and Xue Ling, who had been the center of everyone's attention and previously full of confidence, suddenly became cold as frost.
Chu Mo's proposal was like a slap in the face in plain view. Human April Company, with just over twenty billion in assets, aiming to acquire Heidi Group with its eighty-five billion, was akin to a fool's dream—something that couldn't be done under normal operations.
However, since Chu Mo had already said as much, it indicated that he had the thought of doing so.
Founded in '97, Heidi Group had been established for over two decades. In the field of cosmetics, it had deep qualifications and a well-balanced development. Its various brands were already well-known in Hua Country, and if it could successfully acquire Heidi Group, Human April would save a lot of development time, instantly becoming one of the world's top cosmetics companies.
As for the price required to acquire Heidi Group...
It might be difficult for an ordinary tycoon to bear, but for Chu Mo with his limitless credit card, it was just a matter of spending money. Any problem that could be solved with money was not a problem at all.
And more importantly, Chu Mo had already opened two fronts against the eight great families of Hua Country. If Heidi Group really had the support of the Yang family from Capital City, then Chu Mo wouldn't mind opening a third front against the eight families.
So, at this moment, Chu Mo's target seemed to be Heidi Group, but in fact, he still wanted to test how the eight great families would react.
Faced with Chu Mo's counterattack, Xue Ling, the leader of Hua Country's cosmetics field, became even more composed. This woman, capable of amassing eighty billion in assets and backed by the Yang family from Capital City, undoubtedly possessed exceptional qualities herself.
And staying calm in the face of danger was Xue Ling's most valuable trait.
So now, in the face of everyone's gaze, the cool Xue Ling merely said lightly,
"Director Chu has gone a bit too far with his joke. Heidi Group is the leader and pioneer in Hua Country's cosmetics field, and our next goal is the whole world. We only acquire others, the thought of being acquired has never crossed our mind!"
Chu Mo, of course, didn't care about a woman's thoughts. Since he intended to test the reaction of the eight great families, he wasn't concerned with how Xue Ling felt. So, without giving any face to the other party, just as she had been arrogantly assuming earlier, Chu Mo said just as nonchalantly,
"I'm not joking, Director Xue. You might not have considered the possibility of being acquired before, but it's not too late to think about it now. I can give you two options: one is to merge Heidi Group into our Human April Company, and then, Director Xue, you will be the second-largest antique!"
Another option is, I go ahead and make a move myself, but by the time I do, President Xue won't be receiving such favorable treatment. No need to rush your response, President Xue can go back and think this over carefully. After all, this is a decision that concerns the future of the entire Heidi Group, and I advise President Xue to consider it well."
If Chu Mo seemed gentlemanly just moments ago, he now appeared completely aggressive.
He gave no quarter for a third choice, and as Chu Mo's gaze swept over the assembly of magnates once more, these once arrogant CEOs suddenly lowered their heads, with no one daring to meet Chu Mo's eyes.
With a slight smirk, just as Chu Mo was about to turn and leave, the woman in front of him with a cold expression, Xue Ling, suddenly said:
"President Chu, there's no need to think it over. Our Heidi Group will not be easily acquired. I know you have ample funds, but our Heidi Group has weathered all sorts of storms from nothing to become a leader in our industry, and we won't be easily defeated."
The resolute and powerful voice came from the stunning woman before him, her expression grave, and the cheeks that were adorned with delicate makeup even bore a hint of ruthless decisiveness.
Looking at the woman before him, her face filled with a chilling determination, Chu Mo could see a different kind of charisma emanating from her.
His initial impression of this woman hadn't been very positive, finding her too proud and aloof, but at this moment, facing her unyielding demeanor, Chu Mo suddenly thought that this woman also had an admirable side.
Without further dispute with her, Chu Mo had no ill feelings toward this woman, but neither could he say he felt any fondness for her. Since the two stood on completely opposing sides, there was no room for compromise or clemency; they could only battle intensely to the end, to see who would have the last laugh.
Chu Mo turned and walked away. Behind him, the little group that had been led by Xue Ling instantly grew distant. They had been competitors all along, only uniting in fear of the formidable Chu from Capital City. But now, seeing the Heidi Group, their leader, become the target of suppression, none fostered thoughts of solidarity anymore.
On the contrary, if the Heidi Group were to decline, they might each grab a share of the spoils, which only further dissuaded them from offering support.
The leaders, each harboring their own cunning plans, made their leave with forced laughter, while at that moment, the 36-year-old strongwoman Gu Meng, chairwoman of the Oya Group, the second-ranked company in the cosmetics industry, hesitated before speaking:
"President Xue, that Mr. Chu from Capital City is not to be underestimated. Now he controls the entire Capital City, and even the major families there mostly submit to him. I've heard this young man's net worth has already surpassed that of the eight great families of Hua Country. Even the Long family in Xiangjiang treads carefully around him.
He has considerable power overseas too, and several kings and princes count themselves as his guests. Being targeted by President Chu... you must absolutely not take it lightly!"
The woman with flowing wavy hair, Xue Ling, narrowed her eyes slightly and lifted her wine glass to take a delicate sip, her tone colder than ice as she spoke:
"I, Xue Ling, am not one to be easily manipulated. They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and if really provoked, I will tear a piece from Mr. Chu from Capital City no matter what..."
"Besides, this battle hasn't even begun; it's too soon to say who will lose and who will win!"
At that moment, Xue Ling wore a look of unrelenting coldness. Beside her, the woman known as the most beautiful CEO of the ancient city, Gu Meng, slightly raised her eyebrows. She initially wanted to say something more, but in the end, she remained silent.
Gu Meng knew that President Xue had powerful support behind her.
At this moment, she felt a sudden surge of anticipation. One was Mr. Chu from Capital City, the other a cosmetics industry leader. The clash of their forces promised to be fascinating.