The Tycoon's Daring Wife 283 Candidate

"Why?" Zhao Lifei decided to indulge him, but in the end, she would never relent.

"It's rising exceedingly fast. The value will shoot off the roof soon, a discount would be nice."

"You speak like I am going to sell it." She teased, placing down the cup of coffee handed to her by Li Xuan. Though he was an expert in getting coffee for her grandfather, it seemed he did not know her preferences. She did not mind it though. Her taste would constantly change based on the weather.

"You do not need to fret yourself over a company when your bank accounts already have sufficient amount of zeroes." Zhao Moyao countered her, watching as her lips pulled into a smile.

"One can never have enough money." She said, tilting her head to study him. "What's your offer?" She asked out of curiosity.

"Ten billion."

"So low." She commented, her words causing him to raise a brow.

"What makes it higher?"

"The proposal I've signed with Yang Enterprise, as well as the ones I've recently signed. The money has not come in yet, but when calculated, it boosts our net worth. Also, many investors and stock buyers have come forward. We have also signed partnerships with other companies and sold out a small number of shares." She lazily drawled out.

With her in the office, she was able to regulate every single proposal that came through. In just a week leading up to her Wai-po's birthday, she had single-handedly raised the company's value. She calculated that if she wholly dedicated herself to the company, the same way that she had done to Zheng Corporation, it would not take long for history to be made.

"Fifteen billion then."

"Hm…" Zhao Lifei placed a finger to her chin, thinking over the number before shaking her head.

"Twenty billion, it's my final offer." Zhao Moyao chuckled when he saw her eyes light up at the number. He turned to Li Xuan, "Get the paperwork for wire transfers."

Zhao Lifei watched in amusement as Li Xuan pulled out the checkbook. She was suddenly reminded of the days when Yang Feng's silly brain thought he could get her to do things for his money. The good ole' days... She wondered if he still carried blank checks in his pockets. That would be quite an interesting idea.

"Now, now, grandfather, who said I am willing to sell Feili?" Zhao Lifei chuckled when her grandfather sent her a scathing glare.

"You've wasted my time."

"Yes, but it did benefit me. I can see what number I should go up from when others propose the same idea. But of course, I will continue to not sell Feili for a very long time." Zhao Lifei cheekily said, a small laugh leaving her lips. She rested her chin on her hand and stared out towards the window behind her grandfather. So many skyscrapers… So many buildings she will soon have major stocks in.

"You plan on starting your own legacy?" Zhao Moyao questioned her with intrigue, watching as those calculative hazel eyes lit up at the idea.

"Yes." Her lips quipped upwards, brightening her entire face. The idea of starting her own legacy, one that she could pass down to her future children, would be a dream to her. She preferred to have her own money and company rather than inheriting one.

"And what about Zhao Corporation? You are one of the leading candidates." Zhao Moyao studied her carefully. He did not know what he was searching for in her, but taking in her appearance, there was a sense of satisfaction that passed through him. Finally, all his years spent teaching her had paid off so greatly.

Feili was skyrocketing through the markets at an incredible and unbelievable speed, catching the eyes of many people in the business world. It will not be long before she's launched into the competitive world where she would surely come out victorious, leaving a pile of defeated ventures behind her.

He believed she would forge her throne as viciously as he had done in the past.

In the past, Zhao Moyao was very cruel to his competitors and every one of them was now bankrupted or was suffering in a struggling company. He used every method he knew to push everyone down. Using them as stepping ladders, he would individually kick them all down to climb higher and higher, earning his current position. So many companies had fallen before him, onto their knees, begging for mercy - something he never gave.

Zhao Lifei's silent eyes shifted to Wu Yuntai stationed on the couch, going through paperwork. Her eyes then moved to Li Xuan who stood beside Zhao Moyao, arms tucked to the side, just like an obedient soldier. "You have a lot more candidates other than me, grandfather."

"It is not like you to be selfless. When you were a little girl, you'd tell me you'd like to sit in the chair I always occupied. What made you change your mind?"

"It was the simple whim of a child." Zhao Lifei easily lied.

Truthfully, she did not want to go through the messy troubles of a family feud. It was too tiring to argue with family about inheritances and she had seen first-hand accounts about how tough it could be. She used to relish in the scheming life, but that took a toll on her mentally. Everyone in her family was vicious and they all hid it behind their perfectly charming faces with smiles that resembled a fox's.

"You're giving up on the starting line? That's a very cowardly move."

"If you want me to become the CEO, just say so." Zhao Lifei chuckled, wholly amused by his childish tricks. What was his purpose here? Why was he so keen on changing her mind? She was pretty sure many people would willingly fight to the death for such a respectful and highly sought-after position. But she was not one of them. She had her own company to worry and care for.

She made a promise to her employees. She was not the type to break them.

Zhao Moyao did not want to lie to himself or anyone. He truly considered Zhao Lifei as his strongest candidate, for he was the one who taught her everything there was to know.

Her method of ruling was similar to his, except hers was a bit more gentle than he liked. He knew she had a change of mindset from the therapy.

He did not like how soft-hearted she had become. He disliked the fact that she treated everyone equally. Perhaps he was too old-fashioned, like Yang Mujian, but he believed there should always be an unbreakable hierarchy in the company.

Treating the janitor the same way you treated the CEO was a foolish idea. Sure, you would gain the public's support, but in the eyes of a competitor, they would deem you weak-minded, badly raised, and an easy opponent.

"I never said I wanted you as my CEO."

"But you heavily implied it, grandfather." Zhao Lifei mused.

"More like you over-thought my words. Do not get so far ahead of yourself." He grunted, disliking how cheeky and smug his little granddaughter was. Even though his brain said he did not like this side of her, his heart most certainly did.

"Your treatment towards your staff is not good for your image." He decided to change the topic since she was very close to treading on the line of truth. He was always a biased man since birth. This much was evident when he refused to hand his position to any of his sons and even dared to hand the valuable position of the Vice President to Wu Yuntai, who did not share any of his blood or lineage.

"In the eyes of your competitors, you are an easy target. Weak and too kind-hearted."

"What's wrong with letting them think that?" Zhao Lifei mischievously smirked. "It's going to be very amusing to see them underestimate me and then realize their wrongdoings later on."

Zhao Moyao was proud of her with each passing second. Indeed, he had never thought about it that way. "Until it bites you in the ass later."

"How so?"

"It takes one person to reveal the truth. Once word gets out you're not as weak as they have predicted, their approach towards you will be harsher, more cunning, and filled with schemes to pull Feili down. No one likes a newbie company rising faster than they did in their glory days."

"Well, they're going to have to get used to it. Feili is here to stay whether they like it or not." Zhao Lifei let out a tiny giggle. "Besides, grandfather, do you think I'm that easy to take down? I welcome every scheme that comes my way." The laughter left her eyes, turning it deadly and cold. The shimmering tides of amber swirled into a whirlpool, sucking everything into her mesmerizing pupils. "For every strike they deliver, I will give back ten times the pain." Then she revealed a smile, wicked and sickly-sweet.

Chapter end