"What?" Mo Qingchen hissed.

  "A hundred thousand is too little. I would consider it if you pay one hundred and seventy thousand dollars."

  Yun Qian Meng burst into laughter. She turned to Mo Qingchen and gave him a meaningful look.

  'What do you think of this trick?' her eyes asked.

  He silently applauded her. He didn't know what she wanted to do but he had to give her pointers. Turning every investor off his proposal and then rushing in to insult him and offering him money to buy his company. A complete psychological war had transpired in front of him.

  "Do you think this is a fish market? You want to bargain with me?"

  Jiang Da nodded. "It's basic etiquette in business deals, right?" he challenged. If he was going to shamelessly sell his company, he might as well try to get the highest price possible. And he didn't believe a rich heiress could bargain like commoners in a market. They didn't have the same concept of money as others. Didn't know how precious every dollar was.

  "Of course. But do you want to do it in front of everyone?" she asked. She could see that he underestimated her in his expression. She wasn't infuriated. Her pretty outer shell and innocent face usually made people underestimate her. It was good for her because they didn't expect it when she struck hard. How did they think she became a multi-billionaire at such a young age?

  "Yes." And that's why over-confidence ended people.

  Qian Meng ignored him. She turned to Mo Qingchen. "I need your cooperation," she said in a low voice.

  "My cooperation?" Mo Qingchen could only mimic her.

  "The forecasted revenue for online dating in China alone is forecasted to be seven point three billion dollars. The revenue grows when you look at it worldwide." She started to present her side.

  "It's a saturated industry which doesn't like people entering. There is nothing unique that you can propose to the people," he claimed.

  Qian Meng pressed her lips together and continued. "Dating websites focus on hookup culture more often than not or only think about serious relationships. They are no better than solicitation or marriage websites. In such an industry, presenting a renewed platform which is worth building several types of relationships over is an undeniable selling point." She paused when she saw his skepticism. "Trust me, I know my numbers. And my gut never lies. There is great profit in this if I have my hands in it."

  "I can't see how I can help in your grand scheme to change the online dating industry," he whined.

  "I can handle reputation management, branding, and marketing all on my own but the main focus should be the website and app. And for that, I know that you are the best. You know what sells and what doesn't."

  'Fall for it,' she chanted over and over in her head.

  "Just hire some web developers and you are done." Mo Qingchen didn't want to budge.

  She revealed her final weapon. "Estimated evaluation of the company will be at four billion dollars in 5 years. I can promise you that. With that in mind, you will receive fifty percent share, making your slice of the pie worth two billion dollars."

  'Still want to refuse?'

  "And why are you sharing it with me?" he brooded.

  "I know my limits and I acknowledge your strengths. The best way to succeed would be to cooperate with you. I can't convince you otherwise than to tell you how much money you will make." She lowered her head and looked at her feet. "Didn't you say you are only interested when extraordinary returns make an appearance?"

  "True. But if I make the website and app, shouldn't I get sixty percent shares instead? It was you who said the main focus is that. That is the least you can do."

  Yun Qian Meng had dropped the axe on her own feet.

  "I manage everything else. Don't make your work too important," she replied cheerlessly.

  "But it is more important. What are you going to market without the interface?" He grinned. She would say yes, he could see it.

  "Fifty-five percent."

  "Fifty-seven," he offered.

  "Fifty-five percent and contracts with your gaming company in the future." The last part was said too quietly. Even the people closest to them couldn't hear. Mo Qingchen's ears perked up and he stared at her.

  She had a vivid plan. She had a plan for him. Intrigued, he nodded.

  "Deal. I'll take that."

  According to her calculations, she would make enough money not to cry over spilled milk. She just wouldn't have complete control over the company. Why did it feel like she hadn't lost? Because she knew he wouldn't stop her from doing what she thought was best. He probably only wanted business briefings.

  "We'll put it on paper at the end of today's program." She turned to Jiang Da. "Sorry. I had something to discuss. Shall we begin?"

  "Lower the price until it hurts him," Mo Qingchen interjected, his voice filled with ill-intention.

  "Don't worry, I plan to make him cry."

  Whispers permeated through the air as people talked. An actual business deal was happening in front of them. This was a rare sight. Usually, companies and investors didn't want their numbers out in the open but here Yun Qian Meng was, airing her business and investment plans in front of everyone.

  "One seventy thousand dollars for hundred percent shares of the company including IP rights."

  "Hundred thousand dollars for hundred percent shares of the company including IP rights."

  The banter went back and forth for a solid few minutes until Jiang Da finally realized that Yun Qian Meng wouldn't budge over one twenty thousand dollars. He looked around the room and finally realized that he had been played.