My Perfect Female CEO

Chapter 820: Digging a Big Pit

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Zhang Wushan eagerly said, "President Chu’s grand arrival graces our humble abode, please come in quickly and rest in the hall."With a nod, Mengyao politely declined further courtesies and stepped forward with Ye Fan and Qiu Wen.

Zhang Wushan and the butler hesitated for a moment before quickly following behind.

After Mengyao and the others sat down in the hall, Zhang Wushan remained standing respectfully to the side, not daring to sit down hastily.

"President Zhang, please have a seat; as the host, there’s no reason for you to remain standing." Mengyao said calmly.

"Thank you, President Chu, for your consideration." Zhang Wushan expressed his gratitude sincerely before sitting down respectfully, his restrained demeanor fully on display. Although this was his home, the President Chu before him was a giant in the business world, and he dared not be arrogant, behaving like a small employee meeting a big boss.

At this time, Ma Huifang approached and served tea and water with a genuine and kind demeanor, devoid of any pretentiousness, exuding the straightforwardness and openness of a country girl.

Ma Huifang also understood that Zhang Wushan was entertaining important guests. Even though she wasn’t aware of the visitors’ identities, she could tell from the reception’s grand setup. Without much thought, she assumed the role of a server. Since moving into the Zhang Residence, she had never done such work, but she could manage the simple tasks.

Mengyao and Ye Fan, well-acquainted with the Zhang Family’s circumstances, recognized Ma Huifang. It must have been Zhang Wushan’s arrangement. They weren’t bothered by Zhang Wushan’s reserved demeanor but were keenly observing the unpretentious Ma Huifang. After all, their visit to the Zhang Residence was to closely observe Zhang Wushan and Ma Huifang.

Although Ye Fan and Mengyao recognized Ma Huifang’s identity, they didn’t bring it up. As long as Zhang Wushan didn’t mention it, they wouldn’t expose it.

Once Ma Huifang stood aside, Mengyao spoke directly, "President Zhang, you must have received the news that the Chu Group intends to support several small businesses to expand operations and develop new industries. After all, the Chu Group has no business involvement in the south. Taking this opportunity, we want to open a new business frontier, and your Zhang Family is one of the enterprises I’m interested in. I have investigated the reputation of the Zhang Family enterprise, and it is indeed well-trusted and supported by the public."

"Thank you, President Chu, for your trust. I will not disappoint the Chu Group." Zhang Wushan quickly promised.

"However, on the way here, my people uncovered some unfavorable factors, and I ask President Zhang to help dispel these doubts." Mengyao spoke calmly.

"Please, President Chu, enlighten me." Zhang Wushan replied respectfully, but his heart was in his throat. The ’however’ explained many issues. No matter how much praise came before it, ’however’ always signaled a pile of problems.

Mengyao glanced at Qiu Wen, who took over the conversation, "The first criterion for the enterprises the Chu Group wishes to cultivate is whether the cash flow is normal—whether there’s profit or loss. The Zhang Family enterprise has no issues here. The second criterion is whether the enterprise’s members are complex. As we all know, the Zhang Family enterprise is a family business. However, I have heard many rumors. The eldest son of the Zhang Family was expelled from the Zhang Residence, and President Zhang severed ties with his eldest son. Our concern is whether, if we cooperate with the Zhang Family enterprise, the issue of the Zhang Family enterprise’s heir may affect the interests of the Chu Group. It’s well-known that disputes over inheritance are not uncommon. Just as we heard such rumors, we had to ask."

Twisting the public matter into a personal one was part of Ye Fan and the others’ objective.

Zhang Wushan, his thoughts racing, understood that President Chu was giving him face and hadn’t exposed the scandal involving the rebellious son’s harassment of his stepmother—an incident that had caused quite a stir and was impossible for President Chu to be unaware of.

Indeed, President Chu’s concern was reasonable.

Clearing his throat, he spoke earnestly, "President Chu’s worries are entirely unnecessary. There will be no disputes over the heir of the Zhang Family enterprise. Since President Chu has conducted an investigation, you must know that besides the eldest son expelled from the Zhang Residence, I also have a younger son. Undoubtedly, the successor to the Zhang Family enterprise will be my second son."

"Since President Zhang says so, my concerns are alleviated." Mengyao nodded in satisfaction and signaled to Qiu Wen, who then presented a cooperation contract, seriously stating, "Please review this contract, President Zhang. If everything is in order, the cooperation agreement between the Zhang Family enterprise and our Chu Group will be officially reached."

"Butler, bring a pen." Zhang Wushan had no intention of meticulously reviewing the contract clauses. Eagerly, he asked the butler for a pen to sign, fearing President Chu might change her mind the next second.

Mengyao reminded, "President Zhang, shouldn’t you review the contract first?"

"No need, if I still don’t trust President Chu’s reputation, then I might as well give up in business. The prestigious Chu Group would never deceive a small enterprise like ours. I don’t even qualify. If I held onto suspicion, I would be a petty person." Zhang Wushan solemnly stated.

Indeed, how could the esteemed Chu Group ever care about such trivial interests from the Zhang Family enterprise? Therefore, any notion of deceit was impossible. In comparison to the vast ocean, the Zhang Family enterprise was no more than a drop of water to the Chu Group. Why would the Chu Group risk its reputation, with President Chu personally visiting, to engage in such disgraceful actions?

Consequently, based on his trust in the Chu Group, Zhang Wushan harbored no suspicion at all.

Zhang Wushan also understood why the Chu Group aimed to cultivate small businesses. The commercial arena in the south was dominated by the Tang Family and the Song Family. If the Chu Group wanted to penetrate southern markets, supporting the development and growth of small enterprises was the only choice.

With fervor, he vowed his allegiance to the Chu Group—so long as the Chu Group reaped substantial profits, then even a meager share for the Zhang Family enterprise would be incredibly beneficial.

Unperturbed, Mengyao and Ye Fan exchanged a subtle glance; things had progressed more smoothly than expected.

This contract, however, concealed issues—considerable ones at that.

The butler respectfully presented a pen, and Zhang Wushan swiftly signed and stamped it.

Then, Mengyao likewise signed and stamped it.

Thus, this contract was officially concluded.

"The cooperation matters have been finalized, so we’ll take our leave." Mengyao stood up.

"President Chu, as the host, may I request the honor of sharing a meal with you as a token of my appreciation?" Zhang Wushan implored.

"We have other matters to attend to; perhaps another time for the meal." Mengyao gracefully declined.

"In that case, I won’t insist." Zhang Wushan expressed noticeable disappointment.