Kentarou looked at Chen Cheng with a significant gaze, listening to i Xiang’s translation. He beca deeply interested in this Chinese rchant whom he was eting for the first ti.
Chen Cheng spoke slowly without rushing:
"2.7% as a swap ratio is indeed higher than the average level in the current situation."
After i Xiang translated this sentence, there was a noticeable pause.
"But we believe it is not unreasonable," Chen Cheng continued.
"Firstly, Xingye Products has strong competitiveness in its niche markets, which can complent the diversified developnt strategy of Sanyo Group."
"Secondly, Xingye Products has a good reputation and brand image in Japan, which is also a valuable intangible asset for Sanyo Group."
He held up two fingers, looking earnestly at Kentarou who was not far away, "Lastly, and most importantly, i Xiang hopes to start a new life through this stock swap."
"For her, this is significant and a rebirth. We believe that, as a socially responsible corporation, Sanyo Group would also be willing to extend a helping hand to assist a friend in need."
He and i Xiang finished translating at the sa ti, both exchanging a glance that spoke of mutual trust.
Sanji Kintaro was silent for a mont, then laughed heartily, "Hahaha..."
He clapped his hands, "Mr. Chen Cheng is indeed eloquent!"
Kentarou leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting towards the bustling city outside the window, but his thoughts floated to decades ago.
Back then, he and Osuke were both young, vibrant, and ready to take over their respective family businesses.
He vaguely rembered the tis he and Osuke discussed business layouts, solutions, and tackled challenges together.
In Kentarou’s eyes, Osuke was a respectable businessman and a trustworthy friend.
Regrettably, heaven envies the talented; Osuke suddenly passed away in his pri, leaving only i Xiang to support Xingye Products.
Reminded of this, Kentarou couldn’t help feeling both sad and reflective.
He collected his thoughts, turning to look at i Xiang and Chen Cheng, his eyes showing a hint of warmth.
"i Xiang, your father was a respectable person, and Xingye Products is an excellent company. I understand your desire to start anew and am willing to help as much as I can."
He paused, his tone becoming serious, "A ratio of 2.7% is indeed high, but I am willing to make so concessions."
i Xiang nodded solemnly, waiting for more details.
"Xingye Products’ 74.6% of the shares can be swapped for 2.1% of Sanyo Group’s shares."
This response was 0.6% less than expected, which was indeed a significant concession.
Before i Xiang could speak, Kentarou continued, "But I can agree to the conditions you conveyed through Xiao Nai."
He leaned forward, counting off on his fingers like Chen Cheng,
"First, Sanyo Group promises to retain Xingye Products’ current managent team and staff in Japan."
"Second, you will still receive dividends from Xingye Products, decreasing annually from 100% over a five-year period."
Kentarou held up a third finger, "Third, Sanyo Group will make additional investnts over the next three years to further develop and enhance Xingye Products’ business in Japan, giving priority to Xingye Products’ existing suppliers and partners."
i Xiang was delighted with these three conditions.
Despite the swap ratio being slightly lower than expected, these additional terms were highly valuable.
She looked at Chen Cheng, who nodded slightly, signaling that she could accept.
He knew this was the greatest concession Sanji Kintaro could offer.
"Uncle, thank you," i Xiang stood and bowed.
Kentarou waved his hand, "Do you have any other requests?"
i Xiang glanced at Chen Cheng again before speaking, "I hope to retain the honorary president position of Xingye Products after the stock swap is completed."
Kentarou readily agreed, "Of course, not only is the position yours, but the Xingye family na will also remain unchanged."
"Additionally..." i Xiang pursed her lips, hesitating as if the next request was difficult to articulate.
Kentarou smiled warmly, "Please speak."
"I hope to have a seat as an observer on the board of directors of Sanyo Group."
Upon hearing this request, Kentarou slightly furrowed his brow.
This was not a minor request. Granting i Xiang an observer seat ant she would attend the board etings of Sanyo Group and be inford about the group’s strategic directions and decision-making processes.
For an outsider, this was nearly impossible.
The room fell silent again, even the three executives who were reviewing docunts stopped their motions.
i Xiang’s exchange involved shares, normally one wouldn’t request such a position.
Kentarou looked inquisitively at i Xiang, "Is this position very important to you?"
"I am a failure, not knowing how to manage such a company," i Xiang replied. "No one ever told how to do it, so I thought..."
i Xiang was speaking the truth, but such a statent could only touch Kentarou’s compassion, not his business intentions.
"I want to learn how to truly run a business, how to make the employees feel secure, just like you, just like my father."
Chen Cheng took over i Xiang’s words, "Lord Kentarou, what i Xiang ans is she hopes to maintain the connection between Xingye Products and Sanyo Group through this approach, allowing Miss i Xiang to continue contributing to the developnt of Xingye Products."
"Additionally, we understand the sensitivity of this request. We assure you, i Xiang will not interfere with the internal affairs of Sanyo Group, nor will she disclose any trade secrets."
Kentarou pondered for a mont, his gaze shifting back and forth between i Xiang and Chen Cheng.
He had to admit, i Xiang’s words and Chen Cheng’s supplentary explanation had moved him.
He saw i Xiang’s sincerity and determination, as well as Chen Cheng’s wisdom and foresight.
"i Xiang, you are very much like your father."
Kentarou paused, "But you must understand, this is a business deal, not like when you asked questions to your teachers in school."
i Xiang bowed her head.
"If you want a seat, in exchange, you have to give up the diminishing dividends of Xingye Products for the next five years, only retaining a 2.1% dividend right from the Sanyo Group."
This was essentially making i Xiang choose between future earnings and learning opportunities.
Without hesitation, i Xiang answered, "I am willing to give up the dividends."
Kentarou nodded, "Alright, since that is the case, we have reached a preliminary agreent. We will draft the contract as soon as possible and then submit it to the legal teams of both parties for review."
"Thank you very much, Lord Kentarou," i Xiang bowed again to express her gratitude.
"There is no need to be polite."
Kentarou smiled and asked, "How long do you plan to stay in China?"
i Xiang turned her head towards Chen Cheng, "I’ve already booked a ticket within this week."
"Then we must hasten."
Kentarou thought, from his perspective, this rger and acquisition was also a good opportunity for Sanyo Group.
"We need to arrange a banquet before disclosing the rger and acquisition publicly," he said. "Consider it a farewell party for you."
i Xiang nodded in agreent, "Thank you, uncle."
"That’s all part of the job," Kentarou responded. "While in China, also keep in contact with Xiao Nai."
"I will."
Kentarou looked again at Chen Cheng, "Mr. Chen Cheng, the ultimate dragon of Eastern finance, truly lives up to his reputation."
Chen Cheng realized upon hearing this sudden bit of Chinese that the man before him was indeed extraordinary.
He smiled slightly, "You flatter , sir. My modest achievents pale in comparison to the century-long legacy of the Sanyo Group."
Chen Cheng knew well that Kentarou’s comnt was not just simple flattery but also contained a probing intent.
Admiration flickered through Kentarou’s eyes before his usual composure returned.
"Mr. Chen Cheng, there is no need for false modesty, young and talented, with boundless prospects." He extended his hand to Chen Cheng, "I always have a premonition that we will et again."
Chen Cheng confidently grasped his hand back and smiled, "At the banquet?"
"Ha ha ha... Mr. Chen Cheng, you are witty!"
Kentarou laughed heartily, he said to i Xiang in Japanese, "i Xiang, you’ve found yourself an excellent boyfriend!"
i Xiang’s face flushed slightly, and her hand naturally linked arms with Chen Cheng.
She felt fortunate to have found the right person, and understood, the countdown to leaving Japan had begun.
i Xiang rested her head on Chen Cheng’s shoulder, smiling blissfully, "Yes, he is the best Mr. Chen Cheng in the world."
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