Chapter 43: We Still Have to Play Roles?

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Lu Fan pressed the answer button, and immediately a heavily affected voice came through the line.
“Hello, Boss Lu? I’ve already done some mental work for Old Ding, but your offer is a bit low. I suggested he raise it to 600,000, just to calm his nerves.”
“However, don’t worry. When the time comes, you can negotiate hard and be firm. As long as you increase it a little above 400,000 and give him a way out, I estimate he’ll agree. Besides, there are a few of us backing you up.”
“Also, I haven’t mentioned the debt subcontracting issue to him yet. I think it’s better if the four of us main debt holders bring it up on site. Since Old Ding is bankrupt, who knows if he has other debts? It’s reasonable for us to ask you to pay us directly.”
Lu Fan smiled. “Boss Gu, you’ve thought this through thoroughly. This matter today has been a hassle.”
“No hassle at all. That’s settled then. I’m calling you now while I’m out for a quick break.”
After hanging up, Lu Fan began pacing the yard.
While relaxing his muscles, he contemplated the negotiation scene tomorrow.
Being firm was definitely the primary approach.
He aimed to corner Ding Maocai swiftly and get the contract signed that very day to avoid any complications later.
Lu Fan’s offer of 400,000 already left the other side plenty of room to bargain; their counter of 600,000 surprised him not at all.
Even if they settled at 600,000, it would still be an absolute bargain.
Those shirts were worthless in Ding Maocai's hands, but he could turn them into money.
Seventy-three thousand pieces.
If sold at 50 yuan each, the batch’s value would exceed three million.
Of course, he would never continue retailing the shirts himself, nor could the shirts be valued at retail price wholesale; profits naturally would be shared with sales channels, so returns would be smaller.
But conservatively, he expected to earn over a million yuan, not even counting the land’s value.
With this money, whatever business he pursued afterward, it would be more than enough as startup capital.
If the contract signed tomorrow, a natural person over eighteen years old would need to take over the company and assume the subcontracting debts.
He wouldn’t be eighteen for another two months, and Bailu was even younger.
So far, the most suitable person he could find was Liu Yue’e.
As for his parents, he had considered it, but if they joined the negotiation, he feared he wouldn’t appear strong enough. No matter how capable he was, a single glance from Xia Hongying or Lu Dawei could intimidate him.
Besides, he had already lied in front of Ding Maocai and others, saying it was his uncle’s business.

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In such an important situation, the absence of his uncle would seem unconvincing.
But there was another logical problem: Ding Maocai knew Liu Yue’e. How could he convince Ding Maocai that Liu Yue’e was fully empowered to act on behalf of his uncle?
Lu Fan repeatedly refined his plan in his mind, anticipating possible scenarios and countermeasures.
At that moment, Bailu’s voice came from inside, “Lu Fan, come see! Mom looks so beautiful in this outfit.”
When Lu Fan saw Liu Yue’e, his eyes lit up.
Her delicate curves, alluring figure, and long, straight, slender legs perfectly suited the image of an urban lady.
Although her face was plain and simple, it was still quite attractive. A little touch-up with light makeup and a new hairstyle—big waves would suit her well.
Lu Fan crossed his arms, still picturing the scene of leading Liu Yue’e into the negotiation tomorrow.
He felt there was still plenty of room to improve Liu Yue’e’s current appearance.
His gaze roamed shamelessly over her. Liu Yue’e felt a burning heat spreading across her body, as if his look carried a scorching effect. Who ever heard of a son-in-law staring so boldly at his mother-in-law?
Embarrassed, Liu Yue’e shyly hid behind Bailu.
Bailu noticed Lu Fan’s unusual behavior and teased, “Well? Does she look good?”
“Oh, of course… uh, if Auntie weren’t pretty, she wouldn’t have given birth to such a beautiful you.”
Lu Fan complimented them both before saying, “Auntie, I want you to help me act out a scene tomorrow.”
“Huh? What kind of scene?”
Both mother and daughter were a bit surprised.
Lu Fan smiled, “Sit down, let me explain slowly. Tomorrow’s scene will affect our entire family’s future. If it succeeds, we’ll take a huge step forward and say goodbye to poverty forever.”
His words were enticing. Bailu vaguely guessed the gist, but Liu Yue’e remained confused.
Then Lu Fan revealed his entire plan without reservation.
When Liu Yue’e learned that Lu Fan intended to take over a factory with nothing but empty hands, she was utterly shocked.
She had lived over thirty years, leading a simple and honest life. Even in poverty, she only sought to improve her life through hard work and had never thought of taking advantage of others.
Lu Fan’s words shattered her deeply held values, leaving her dizzy and bewildered.
“Lu Fan, I don’t understand much about big principles, but tell me, is this illegal?”

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Lu Fan was a bit surprised by her thought process but answered seriously, “Auntie, what does this have to do with being illegal? This is called business cooperation—everyone benefits.”
“The garment factory is no longer sustainable and is on the brink of bankruptcy, with many debts and unpaid wages. After we take over, the factory will continue operating, and many people won’t lose their jobs. This is something the government supports.”
“But isn’t this cheating? Is it fraud?”
Ning Yu smiled, “It’s not the same. Fraud is intending to illegally possess something by fabricating facts and hiding the truth…”
Hmm? You know, that actually sounds quite similar.
Lu Fan had to switch explanations again. “Auntie, let me put it this way: fraud is based on harming one party’s interests. But in our cooperation, multiple parties benefit. First, the garment factory owner Ding Maocai will completely overcome his financial crisis and resolve debts.”
“The creditors will gradually recover their money and settle their accounts.”
“Then there are the factory’s female workers, who will not only receive their wages but also keep their jobs. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Let me give you another example… blah blah blah…”
Lu Fan spoke continuously for over half an hour.
Liu Yue’e’s tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed; it seemed she was starting to understand.
Tomorrow’s performance would be as important for Liu Yue’e as it was for Lu Fan himself.
He had to win her wholehearted cooperation and completely dispel her doubts for this plan to move forward.
So, he spared no effort in persuading her until she accepted it fully.
“Auntie, I’ll explain your new role again. Tomorrow, you’ll be my step-aunt. I had an aunt who passed away, and you’re my uncle’s new wife.”
“Ah, so I have to act too?”

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