Chapter 224: What Does That Woman Want from You?

Outside KFC.

A beautiful woman in her thirties stood with a young, vibrant girl.

They maintained a very formal handshake.

This odd pairing quickly drew the attention of many passersby.

But the two involved seemed utterly unconcerned.

“Manager Jiang, you truly broaden my horizons.”

“Age is evidently not a barrier.”

“Especially for someone as talented and capable as Manager Jiang.”

“Truly admirable.”

Miss Jiang always let such business platitudes go in one ear and out the other.

“You’re too kind.”

“President Shang is the one who commands respect from us juniors.”

“To be a key figure in a billion-dollar group at your age is no small feat.”

“That’s something I could never hope to match.”

Seeing Miss Jiang’s flawless response, even managing to turn the compliment back, Shang Jie’s smile grew even wider.

“Manager Jiang, you’re too modest.”

“I just think that with your capabilities, a small fried chicken shop might not fully showcase your talents.”

Hearing the underlying implications in her words, Miss Jiang’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

“So, what exactly are you suggesting, President Shang?”

“If Manager Jiang is willing, our Hongsheng Group can offer you a better platform,” Shang Jie said with confidence.

“It certainly wouldn’t be a step down from your current position.”

Ha.

The entire fried chicken shop is mine.

What could you possibly offer?

A Hongsheng Group?

Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn’t want it.

“President Shang, you’re too kind.”

“A platform built by oneself is different from one offered by others.”

“At least I don’t have to worry about anyone dictating terms to me.”

“Isn’t that right, Sister Shang?”

The word “dictating” wasn’t lost on Shang Jie; she understood the jab at her platform being one she married into.

Without marrying Luo Guosheng, where would she have the chance to compete with ‘Shi Ning Ji’?

For a moment, Shang Jie’s expression darkened.

Indeed.

Without the Hongsheng Group platform, she might not even have the chance to face this young woman.

But reality doesn’t entertain such “what ifs.”

Since this young girl is so determined, don’t blame her for showing no mercy.

However, just as Shang Jie smiled and prepared to leave, the young girl called out to her.

“Actually, Hongsheng Group isn’t a great place.”

“If President Shang is interested, come work for me. I can offer you the position of CEO of an independent company.”

…

Watching Madam Shang storm off in anger, Miss Jiang turned to Liu Ju, who had been watching the show, with a puzzled look.

“Why is she angry?”

“If she can poach me, why can’t I poach her?”

Hearing this, Liu Ju nearly burst out laughing.

“Manager Jiang, are you really clueless or just pretending?”

“Her husband’s group is already a hot topic for meddling in politics.”

“And you poached her in front of so many people.”

“Do you realize, if someone overheard, President Shang would be criticized by the board tomorrow?”

Yikes.

Even as a vice president, she gets criticized by a bunch of people.

Embarrassing.

Miss Jiang glanced in the direction Madam Shang had left, then turned her attention back to the young man beside her.

“Enjoyed the show?”

“Got any news to share with me?”

Catching the teasing tone, Liu Ju chuckled.

He gestured for Miss Jiang to follow him.

A moment later, they were at a street-side skewer stall.

Miss Jiang ordered some of her favorite skewers with familiarity, then sat by the flower bed on a small stool.

By this time, Liu Ju had also finished ordering and sat beside Miss Jiang.

“Young man, interesting choice, asking me to meet here.”

“Well, I figured you don’t like being alone with the opposite sex.”

Liu Ju’s words left Miss Jiang momentarily stunned.

She tilted her head, giving the young man wiping the table a good look.

“Wow, you have sharp eyes.”

“How did you figure that out?”

Hearing this, Liu Ju set aside the dirty napkin and extended a hand to Miss Jiang.

But she instinctively pulled back.

Noticing Liu Ju retract his hand and shrug, she relented.

“Let’s get down to business.”

Miss Jiang accepted a bowl of skewers from the vendor and took a bite of seaweed.

“What does that woman want from you?”

“You should have guessed.” Liu Ju thanked the vendor for the skewers and continued, “She wants to deal with you.”

“What kind of move?” Jiang Ning placed her finished skewer aside.

“Forming a joint business association.”

A joint business association?

Hearing this term, Miss Jiang’s hand paused.

Images of several well-known associations from her past life flashed through her mind.

Each was a powerful entity.

This woman’s ambition is not small.

But then Miss Jiang realized something.

“Are foreign companies allowed to join?”

To this, Liu Ju shook his head.

“She invited me, not KFC.”

Wow, this woman is cunning.

By inviting people in, the companies behind them gain influence.

The names alone carry weight.

“Did you agree?”

“No.” Liu Ju smiled, picking up a skewer of seaweed.

“I, Liu Ju, don’t do short-sighted business.”

“When I say I believe in you, I mean it.”

With that, he took a bite of seaweed, commenting as he chewed:

“You’re just too stingy.”

“Won’t even let me buy shares.”

Jiang Ning rolled her eyes, ignoring the complaint.

“Nothing else?”

“What about Golden Arches’ joint venture this time?”

“What else could it be, but profit?” Liu Ju placed his finished skewer on the table, picked up a piece of fish tofu with chopsticks, blew on it, and said:

“The beauty offered more than you.”

“Old Chu is a bit pragmatic.”

“So you know.”

He took a bite of fish tofu and continued the conversation.

“But I must say, Old Chu lacks vision.”

“Your ‘Shi Ning Ji’ plan to expand across the province is quite good.”

“Even if Hongsheng Group is influential, it’s only locally in Jiangzhou.”

“When your franchises spread across the province, even nationwide, Hongsheng Group will lose the ability to compete with you.”

This plan was something Liu Ju could see.

Madam Shang could likely guess some of it too.

So, Miss Jiang thought.

If the opponent were to make a move, the next few months would be the best opportunity.

As for how they would strike.

The joint business association was likely just the first step.

The real target would be the foundation of ‘Shi Ning Ji.’

After all, at the end of the day.

‘Shi Ning Ji’ is just a restaurant.

Even with many branches.

So what?

Can it compare to a nearly billion-dollar group?

In the past.

Miss Jiang might not have been able to compete financially.

But now Miss Jiang had a money-printing ‘Mingsheng’ technology company.

Tsk tsk.

Thinking back.

It’s fortunate that the legal representative of ‘Mingsheng’ had already been changed to Lin Ke.

If it had been structured as before.

Hongsheng could easily find discrepancies between the two.

Then, with some precautions.

Certain tactics would be unusable.

With this thought.

Miss Jiang’s eyes sparkled.

“Brother Liu.”

“I might need your help with something…”

——————

After parting with Liu Ju.

With time still on her side.

Miss Jiang turned her car towards the company.

In the summer heat.

The sun shone brightly on Jiang Ning’s black hair, the temperature exceptionally high.

It felt like her scalp was being grilled.

When Miss Jiang arrived at the base of Tianwei Building.

She seemed to catch a whiff of a strange barbecue aroma.

Oh.

Sorry.

It was the smell of fried chicken skewers nearby.

Very fragrant.

So tempting that she couldn’t help but want a bite.

Wait…

Fragrant…?

A moment later.

Miss Jiang arrived at the company’s Food Research and Development Department.

Seeing the empty office, she frowned.

At this point.

Tian Wenhao appeared beside Jiang Ning.

Seeing his cousin standing there dazed, he asked curiously.

“What’s wrong?”

Hearing him,

Miss Jiang turned and pointed at the empty Food Research and Development Department, her tone somewhat displeased.

“Where is everyone?”

“Oh, we haven’t hired anyone yet.”

Not hired?

Miss Jiang paused, then her brows furrowed.

Seeing this.

As her older cousin, Tian Wenhao knew exactly why his cousin was unhappy.

He sighed and pointed at the brand-new calendar on the wall.

“The next Campus Recruitment at Jiangzhou University is on September 15th.”

“And today is September 13th.”

So the time hadn’t come yet.

Miss Jiang sheepishly scratched her head.

But when she looked at the calendar.

Her brows couldn’t help but raise.

The 15th…

Saturday?