The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era-Chapter 815 - 814: Conflicting Ideas

"No worries, I’m free anyway. It’s a good opportunity to visit the factory, it’s been over half a year since my last visit, and there have been quite a few changes."

Hearing her say this, Du Juan smiled and took over the conversation, briefly reporting on the factory’s recent business situation.

When it came to liaising with the Luo Sen Group’s investment delegation, Du Juan couldn’t hide her excitement and pride, "Mr. Buvas himself is very optimistic about the future and development of our food factory. Now they’re just waiting to verify the actual operating conditions, accounts, and taxes of the food factory. As long as we clear this hurdle, we can move to the next step of negotiation for cooperation with Luo Sen."

"At that time, Miss Andy, the Vice President of Luo Sen Group Asia-Pacific, will personally come to Fengcheng. Mingzhu, you should also join the negotiation. With you there, we will definitely be able to reach an agreement with Luo Sen."

From Du Juan’s spirited eyes and visibly thrilled expression, it was clear she held great hopes and confidence in cooperating with Luo Sen.

Shen Mingzhu put down her slightly warm teacup and spoke calmly, "Actually, I came today also because of this joint venture with Luo Sen."

Hearing Shen Mingzhu say this, Du Juan quickly smiled, "I originally wanted to tell you after finalizing the deal as a surprise."

Shen Mingzhu looked at her, "I’m here to make my stance clear. I’m against the joint venture with Luo Sen. To put it precisely, I reject any foreign capital investment in the food factory and any form of cooperation."

As Shen Mingzhu’s words concluded, the smile on Du Juan’s face slowly faded.

"Mingzhu, I understand your concerns. If the food factory partners with Luo Sen, being the major shareholder, your stake will be significantly reduced. But looking at the long-term benefits, obtaining investment from Luo Sen will make you earn far more than what you are earning now."

"Once the food factory successfully goes public, your personal wealth could instantly increase tenfold, dozens of times, or even a hundredfold."

"So, are you planning to sign a public listing gambling agreement with Luo Sen?"

Du Juan admitted, "This is one of the cooperation methods proposed by Luo Sen. I am still considering it, but rest assured, even if we do sign the gamble, it will be with my own shares, and it won’t impact you."

Shen Mingzhu almost laughed in frustration, "Have you considered that if you lose the gamble, and Luo Sen becomes the largest shareholder with your shares, do you think the food factory will still be under our control?"

"I admit the gambling agreement is a bit risky, but we have five years. I believe I can get the food factory to go public smoothly before the millennium."

"Of course, if you don’t agree with gambling the shares, I can discuss other modes of cooperation with Luo Sen, such as joint management or collaborative operations."

Shen Mingzhu shook her head, "I’ll reiterate once more, I reject any foreign capital investment in the food factory and any form of cooperation."

"Why? Now, forming joint ventures with foreign capital, just like individual businesses did ten years ago, is a trend in economic development."

"Mingzhu, you can ask around, there isn’t a single factory that doesn’t want to ride the tailwind of foreign investment. Even the government has rolled out the ’two exemptions and three reductions’ policy to attract foreign funds. I really can’t understand your reasons for rejection."

Shen Mingzhu sipped her already cooled tea, "We opened our doors to foreign businesses to stimulate economic development, but do you think foreign capitalists are willing to help us grow out of goodwill?"

"It’s easy to understand. They need to tap into the Chinese market, and we need their capital support. Everyone has needs, it’s mutually beneficial, a win-win cooperation."

Shen Mingzhu sneered, "You’re wrong, Du Juan. That’s just your wishful thinking, and of course, what they hope you would believe."

"International capital is far more cruel, bloodthirsty, greedy, and ruthless than what you see or imagine. Aggression and absorption are their true natures, and their so-called investments are merely enticing baits they throw."

"And once we bite, we will either become their tools or gradually be devoured until there’s nothing left."

Du Juan found it incredible, "Mingzhu, aren’t you being too pessimistic? If these foreign investments are as terrifying as you say, why wouldn’t the country stop it?"

Du Juan clearly hinted that Shen Mingzhu was falling behind the times and national conditions.

Shen Mingzhu was unfazed.

She could see through the schemes and intentions of foreign capital, relying on her time-traveling advantage.

Du Juan, as an ordinary person of this era, couldn’t possibly comprehend the disastrous fate of those domestically-founded brands targeted by foreign capital in the future.

"Du Juan, I’ve made my stance clear, and there’s no room for negotiation. Of course, if you insist on cooperating with Luo Sen, then I can only exercise my rights as a majority shareholder to call a general meeting for a shareholder vote."

It was evident that after she said this, Du Juan was struggling with her emotions.

"Mingzhu, are you sure about this? If we miss this chance, we might not get another one."

"Yes, I am clear and firm in my stance."

Du Juan stood up and walked to the window, trying to calm her emotions before turning around and giving Shen Mingzhu a faint smile.

"Alright, we’ll do as you say."

It was clear that Du Juan was still very reluctant; Shen Mingzhu walked over, speaking sincerely:

"Although our decisions now diverge, like you, every decision I make aims for a better future for the food factory."

"A food industry giant like Luo Sen doesn’t lack good products; what they’re really interested in is our domestic market and distribution channels."

"Cooperating with Luo Sen is akin to seeking a tiger’s skin. Once they get what they want, the first thing they will do is deal with us."

After Shen Mingzhu left, Du Juan sat in her executive chair, deep in thought for a long time, until her assistant Mai Qiu came with documents:

"Director Du, here are the production statistics reports for the last two years..."

Looking at the box full of documents, Du Juan shook her head, "No need."

Mai Qiu was puzzled, "Didn’t you say Luo Sen’s people wanted to see it? The production department worked overtime for several nights to compile these."

"We’ve canceled the cooperation with Luo Sen."

"Ah? Why? Did Luo Sen change their mind about investing in us?"

Du Juan looked at her assistant, "You think it’s a pity, right?"

Mai Qiu nodded vigorously, "Of course, it was such a good opportunity. What’s the reason? Did Luo Sen find a better partner?"

Du Juan sneered, "It’s us who are not cooperating with Luo Sen anymore, to be precise, it’s Mingzhu’s decision."

She said we could call a shareholders’ meeting and let everyone vote, but with Shen Mingzhu as the largest shareholder, her opposing vote would render all other votes in favor useless.