Meanwhile, Mu Yin Yin and Lu Sijin had arrived at their private room. Both had settled in, and the dishes were already served.
Mu Yin Yin looked at Lu Sijin apologetically, "I'm sorry, I kept you waiting for a bit just now."
A smile played on Lu Sijin's lips, "It's alright. I just didn't expect President Fu to be here as well."
A flicker of sarcasm crossed Mu Yin Yin's eyes, but she said nothing, instead picking up her chopsticks. After all, if they were out for a meal, they should eat.
Lu Sijin raised an eyebrow and followed suit, not rushing into discussing the collaboration. They appeared like normal friends dining out, not like businessmen sealing a deal.
After they had eaten for a while, the man smiled at Mu Yin Yin, "How is it? Are you getting used to the taste of this place?"
Mu Yin Yin raised her eyebrows and nodded, "Since President Lu personally chose the venue, it's naturally excellent." She knew this place, but she had never dined here. During previous collaborations, Xiao Qi had always handled everything, and after marrying Fu Si Ye, she rarely went out. This fact was truly... not only a waste of her prime youth but also a dissipation of the life she should have had. However, now... it was still alright, it wasn't too late. She could pick up what she had discarded and discard the useless things she shouldn't have possessed.
"I'm glad you like it. If possible, we can come here often in the future," Lu Sijin spoke casually, without exerting any pressure or giving the impression of ulterior motives. After all, Lu Sijin owned such a large company; he didn't need to curry favor with anyone. He was on par with Fu Si Ye, and no one could do anything to him, nor could anyone make him act subserviently.
Mu Yin Yin curved her lips but didn't say anything. However, as they were nearing the end of their meal, Mu Yin Yin slowly spoke, "I wonder what collaboration President Lu is looking for me for this time?"
"Eat first. After we finish, I'll show you. If you have no objections, we'll sign today."
Mu Yin Yin's gaze shifted. From Lu Sijin's tone, it was evident that he was casual about this collaboration, perhaps intending to help Fan Xing as a way of repaying the favor for her saving Old Master Lu. She remained silent and continued eating.
Ten minutes later, both finished their meal and put down their chopsticks. Lu Sijin handed her the documents, "Take a look."
Mu Yin Yin took them and opened the file. The moment she saw the first line of text, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "Are you participating in the national competition?"
Lu Sijin raised his eyebrows, "Yes. I was wondering if you would be free to join me then?"
Mu Yin Yin's expression grew somewhat complex. She had assumed Lu Sijin was merely offering a decent contract, a favor to the Mu Corporation. But now, it seemed this collaboration was also very important to Lu Corporation, yet he was willing to entrust it to their company. Although Fan Xing was a leader in this field, their capabilities were ultimately limited and perhaps not as strong as Lu Corporation's. Yet, he was willing to collaborate with Fan Xing on this. This made Mu Yin Yin somewhat surprised. She looked up at Lu Sijin, "You're signing this collaboration over to Fan Xing. Aren't you afraid it will be messed up?"
Lu Sijin chuckled softly, "Before I met you, I did have that concern, which is why I hadn't approached Fan Xing."
Mu Yin Yin's eyes widened slightly. She gazed at Lu Sijin, "Meet me? I'm not exactly an expert in this field either. How could you dare to approach me?" Mu Yin Yin was somewhat hesitant about accepting this collaboration. If it went wrong, it would look bad for both companies, and there might be some complications involved, which she wasn't ready to deal with extensively at the moment. Once they participated, it might just... Her gaze suddenly became somewhat complicated.
Seeing Mu Yin Yin lost in thought, Lu Sijin replied with a question instead, "Are there any difficulties?"
Mu Yin Yin's eyes flickered, and she shifted her gaze to him, "I'm afraid I might not be up to the task. With both companies collaborating on this, Fan Xing might seem like a burden."
"No, I believe Fan Xing is the main force in this. Lu Corporation can only leverage its inherent advantages, handling the subsequent branding and packaging. The initial design still relies on you, and I have always trusted your judgment."
Mu Yin Yin's gaze narrowed as she appraised Lu Sijin, "Did President Lu know me before?"
Lu Sijin chuckled softly, "I didn't know who the president of Fan Xing was before, but I inadvertently learned some things about the young lady of the Mu Corporation."
Mu Yin Yin's expression faltered slightly. She remained silent, merely looking at the person before her. Lu Sijin appeared to be a very amiable person, yet he seemed to know all her private details. She pursed her lips and said nothing.
Lu Sijin, however, smiled, "I've brought the contract too. Your share is seventy percent, mine is thirty. If there are no issues, we'll sign today." Mu Yin Yin's eyes moved slightly, but she didn't speak. Lu Sijin had already placed the contract before her and said with a soft smile, "If you feel the profit distribution is problematic, then I'll take twenty percent and you take eighty." In reality, given what Mu Yin Yin had done for his grandfather, Lu Sijin wouldn't mind giving her all the profits. However, doing so would seem too deliberate. The seventy-thirty split was also something he had carefully considered, as giving too much would only make Mu Yin Yin uneasy. As expected.
Mu Yin Yin directly stated calmly, "There's no need. Fifty-fifty is fine."
Lu Sijin's eyes held a hint of a smile, "It seems you agree to the collaboration."
"President Lu is helping Fan Xing so much, I am naturally willing. After the collaboration is finalized, it will bring countless benefits to Fan Xing, for which I am already very grateful. Therefore, President Lu doesn't need to give me an extra twenty percent profit. Let's make it fifty-fifty."
"It's three-seven as agreed. Ultimately, I am taking advantage of you in this matter. Without you, I wouldn't have found anyone to participate in this national competition. Consider it you contributing to Lu Corporation once more."
Mu Yin Yin's eyes widened slightly. He knew. But how did he know? At Old Madam Lu's birthday banquet, she had already sensed that Lu Sijin's gaze towards her was unusual. At the time, she had merely thought he was surprised that Lu Sijin knew she was President Mu of Fan Xing and was also skilled in medicine. But now... it made sense why Lu Sijin had directly proposed a collaboration in front of everyone. Mu Yin Yin's gaze shifted. She didn't speak.
Lu Sijin then smiled, "You should look at the contract first." Mu Yin Yin's gaze fell upon the contract. The room suddenly fell silent, with only the occasional sound of her turning pages. At this moment, they were seated on the sofa in the private room to discuss the collaboration, not at the dining table. The two were sitting opposite each other, with Mu Yin Yin examining the contract while Lu Sijin watched Mu Yin Yin.