After several days of rest, Lu Fan's condition gradually recovered. In the Outer Realm battlefield, skirmishes were frequent, and even within the stronghold, the sense of killing could be felt.
However, after being here for a while, everyone had grown accustomed to it, even feeling a strange urge towards the bloodshed outside the stronghold.
At the same time, within the Dragon Capital of the Dragon Kingdom, Lin Ke and Lin Aotian arrived at Shengshi Group, appearing somewhat anxious.
Qingyun Group wished to transform and enter the Dragon Capital market, which required finding suitable partners for collaboration. Only then could they successfully penetrate the Dragon Capital market.
They understood this very clearly and came to Shengshi Group to discuss cooperation.
If their endeavor was successful, Qingyun Group would surely soar upon entering the Dragon Capital.
"Whether we can successfully enter the Dragon Capital hinges on today's cooperation," Lin Aotian remarked, "Once this contract is signed, Qingyun Group can undergo its transformation and enter the Dragon Capital. This will likely put considerable pressure on you."
"Your daughter is not one to fear pressure!" Lin Ke smiled. "This transformation is crucial. I hope nothing goes awry."
"The Lin family has already merged with Qingyun Group. Now, Qingyun Group's influence spans across Chuzhou and Jiangnan, making it a significant player," Lin Aotian smiled. "However, all of this is thanks to Lu Fan. Without the foundation and reputation he laid, Qingyun Group wouldn't have developed so rapidly."
"Indeed!" Lin Ke nodded solemnly. "I wonder how he is doing on the Outer Realm battlefield."
"Little Ke, do you truly regret it?" Lin Aotian suddenly asked. "I hear the Outer Realm battlefield is extremely perilous. What if something were to happen to him!"
"I have never regretted it!" Lin Ke shook her head. "His urgent departure to the Outer Realm battlefield was for a righteous cause. I believe I should be proud!"
Lin Aotian and Lin Ke exchanged a smile as the conference room gradually fell silent.
Shortly after, a man in glasses entered, smiling at them. "If I'm not mistaken, you two are the general representatives of Qingyun Group!"
"Hello, Manager Yang!" Lin Ke rose first, smiling. "I've heard of your great reputation, Manager Yang. It's truly fortunate to meet you today!"
"Despite your youth, you speak so well. It's no wonder you've spread Qingyun Group's influence to so many other cities!" Manager Yang smiled. "I am specifically in charge of external affairs. Please state your needs directly!"
"Qingyun Group wishes to develop in the Dragon Capital!" Lin Ke said with a smile. "If we can cooperate with Shengshi Group, we will surely establish a firm foothold in the Dragon Capital in the future!"
"Miss Lin certainly has keen insight. What you say is indeed correct. Foreign powers need a backer to stand firm in the Dragon Capital," Manager Yang smiled. "However, I must say, countless forces desire to enter the Dragon Capital, and they lack this very opportunity!"
"Manager Yang, please state your conditions!" Lin Aotian smiled. "If they can be met, Qingyun Group will not be stingy."
"Boss Lin is indeed a straightforward person!" Manager Yang nodded slightly. "Since that's the case, I'll get straight to the point. According to company regulations, for you to cooperate with Shengshi Group, you must first demonstrate sincerity!"
"May I ask how much sincerity is expected?" Lin Ke's expression shifted slightly as she asked. "Qingyun Group will certainly do its utmost."
"At least one hundred million!" Manager Yang said, after taking a sip of water, before smiling. "And a future profit split of three-seven! These are Shengshi Group's conditions."
"Three-seven?" Lin Ke frowned. "Isn't that too unfair? As for the hundred million in cash, it's not unreasonable, but this three-seven split..."
"To be frank with you," Manager Yang stated directly, "that one hundred million is for my operational expenses. As for the three-seven split, that's Shengshi Group's rule."
Lin Ke's face turned ashen, and Lin Aotian also frowned. He had never expected Shengshi Group to make such an exorbitant demand without any restraint. Especially this Manager Yang, who looked presentable, but was demanding a hundred million in kickbacks. If this were truly the case, then the executives of Shengshi Group would be dripping with wealth.
"Manager Yang, we are sincerely seeking cooperation!" Lin Ke's face was livid. "Aren't you afraid that others in Shengshi Group will find out about your actions?"
"Miss Lin, you jest. I represent Shengshi Group. Besides me, you won't be able to contact anyone else from Shengshi Group," Manager Yang said with a faint smile. "If you don't believe me, you can try. After all, I am solely in charge of Shengshi Group's external affairs."
"You..." Lin Ke's expression changed. "The cooperation between two companies is meant to be a win-win. I don't believe Shengshi Group's investors would abandon this opportunity!"
"You are too naive!" Manager Yang glanced at her. "As I said earlier, there are countless companies eager to cooperate with Shengshi Group, and you are merely one of them."
Just as Lin Ke was about to argue, Lin Aotian held her back. Lin Aotian then said with a smile, "Manager Yang is right. Shengshi Group is powerful, and there are likely many people who want to cooperate with them. However, this matter involves many considerations. I hope Manager Yang can give us some time to think."
"That is certainly no problem!" Manager Yang nodded slightly. "However, you need to provide a reply quickly, as there are still many other enterprises in line."
"Naturally!" Lin Aotian quickly nodded, leading Lin Ke out of Shengshi Group, their expressions unreadable.
"A three-seven split would fatally suppress Qingyun Group," Lin Aotian stated. "Someone is likely manipulating this to extract profits!"
"I will personally go to the Xia family in the Dragon Capital," Lin Ke said solemnly. "Shengshi Group is managed by the Xia family of the Dragon Capital. It's better to negotiate directly with the investors than to let him exploit us."
"I'm afraid things are not that simple!" Lin Aotian shook his head. "Perhaps we should try other groups."
"Shengshi Group holds considerable authority within the Dragon Capital," Lin Ke said seriously. "Approaching other groups might not be effective either."
"How did it go? Did the negotiation not go well?" Old Master Han walked over. He had been waiting for a long time. Lu Fan had gone to the Outer Realm battlefield and personally instructed Old Master Han to protect Lin Ke's safety. He dared not slacken in the slightest.
Lu Fan had been kind to the Han family, and Han Qiushui had grown up alongside Lu Fan. Old Master Han naturally felt it was his duty to help.
"Indeed, it did not go well!" Lin Aotian said with a wry smile. "This matter is not as simple as it seems. We will have to plan for the long term."
"It's alright. You've only just arrived in the Dragon Capital and are unfamiliar with the place. It's normal for negotiations not to go smoothly," Old Master Han consoled. "Let's find a place to stay first, and then we can discuss it!"
"That's the only way," Lin Ke nodded slightly, then instructed a few escorts to book a hotel. They would not be leaving the Dragon Capital just like this.