Chapter 231 - 135: A Common Man’s Rage, Blood Splashes Five Paces

He was feeling very smug right now.

That’s right, smug!

He, Lu Jinshan, and Xu De had all come from Jinmao Law Firm.

After Xu De left the firm, he founded his own, earning a great reputation and becoming a bona fide rising star.

Lu Jinshan was still a senior lawyer, someone he used to have to bow and scrape to. But in the end, Lu Jinshan had joined Houde Law Firm.

’And what about me? I went to Lanhua Law Firm, thinking it would be a smooth ride to the top.’

’I never expected the competition at a big firm to be even more brutal. I was nothing but cannon fodder!’

But things were different now.

He didn’t know why.

But Sun Jianshan had suddenly been tasked with discussing the acquisition of a law firm with Xu De!

’Acquire Houde?’

Xu De froze. Suddenly, something he couldn’t figure out last night clicked into place.

A surge of anger rose within him... an uncontrollable rage!

’Large firms devouring smaller ones, reaping the rewards to fuel their own growth, even pulling strings at the evaluation conference.’

’And now they send someone... is it because the No. 18 Middle School case was shot down, and they think I’ll grasp at this last straw?’

"Just a moment."

Xu De looked at the ’young man’ before him. His eyes flickered as he suppressed his fury. He glanced around and realized they were in a private space.

"Let’s go talk in the lobby’s guest area. My room is a bit of a mess, please excuse me."

’A mess?’

Sun Jianshan didn’t catch the underlying meaning. In fact, he was pleasantly surprised.

’Talk?’

’As long as he’s willing to talk, that’s great!’

’If we can talk, we can make progress. Once I complete this mission, a promotion and a raise are a sure thing. Becoming a mid-level manager will be just around the corner!’

"Yes, yes, of course. Let’s go to the lobby."

Sun Jianshan quickly cleared a path and led the way to the lobby.

「The hotel lobby.」

It was quiet here. Although morning was typically a busy time for check-outs, the internet hadn’t developed yet, so hotels didn’t have as many guests as they would in later years. Consequently, fewer people were checking out.

Besides Sun Jianshan and Xu De, there wasn’t a third person in the guest area.

Sun Jianshan wanted to imitate how others negotiated, but after a moment’s thought, he realized he didn’t know how. He had absolutely no negotiation experience.

After thinking for a moment, he decided to be direct:

"Let’s get straight to the point."

"Lawyer Xu."

"Our firm wants to acquire your Houde Law Firm. Of course, we won’t be completely dismantling it. Houde Law Firm will continue to operate in Lusen as a branch office."

"Lanhua Law Firm will just be sending some of its senior lawyers over to Houde Law Firm."

A smile spread across Sun Jianshan’s face.

"In a way, you’re the one who profits from this."

"Lawyer Xu, you could choose to come to Lanhua Law Firm for better opportunities, or, of course, you could continue to practice in Lusen City."

It was possible for law firms to acquire one another.

However, it was different from acquiring a regular company.

A law firm acquisition had to include its people and its business, unless it was a situation like this where a ’branch office’ was being established.

They would install their core personnel, turn the firm into a ’subsidiary,’ and expand Lanhua’s influence.

"And what if I say no?"

Xu De said suddenly, probing his opponent’s psyche.

’No?’

Sun Jianshan paused. After a moment of thought, he decided to threaten him.

"Lawyer Xu, I heard you came to the provincial capital for the evaluation conference."

"You should know that the Provincial Lawyers Association holds a great deal of power. And as it happens, our director... is the president of the association. If you’re unwilling... it might lead to some... ’unexpected’ results in the evaluation."

’Is he being that blunt?’

Xu De frowned but said nothing, glancing at the security camera in the corner.

Then, he suddenly asked:

"Are you threatening me?"

Sun Jianshan quickly shook his head. "No, how could this be a threat? This should be a win-win partnership."

"On the 20th, yesterday, during the evaluation conference, you must have felt the association’s influence, right, Lawyer Xu?"

It was on the 20th, precisely because of Feng Ji from the Lawyers Association meddling, that the No. 18 Middle School case was rejected...

Although there was no official notice, this was common knowledge within the circle.

"The Lawyers Association did that?" Xu De pressed.

"The association has that ability, and Lanhua has that influence."

Sun Jianshan quickly reiterated the power of Lanhua Law Firm.

Then, he changed the subject and suddenly added:

"Of course, Lawyer Xu, on the 23rd... you have another case up for evaluation, don’t you?"

"Just think, if the same thing that happened on the 20th were to happen to this case..."

Sun Jianshan’s words were a mix of carrot and stick.

"That would be a real shame. But, of course, what if the opposite were to happen? Perhaps it could be selected..."

"Do you understand what I’m saying?"

"Lawyer Xu, think it over carefully."

Sun Jianshan’s voice was full of temptation as he said:

"There aren’t many chances in life to have a case selected as a classic. A person might only get two shots at it, and if you don’t seize them, you’ll likely never get another."

"But if you manage to grab just one of them..."

"...you’ll never have to worry about your career again for the rest of your life!"

"And Houde Law Firm won’t disappear. You’ll still be the director, and you’ll even get a team of capable experts and a huge amount of funding!"

"There’s no downside... to joining Lanhua Law Firm!"

’A forced sale, is it...?’

Xu De was silent for a long moment, a hint of struggle in his eyes. Seeing this, Sun Jianshan was inwardly delighted but didn’t rush him.

After a long while.

Xu De finally spoke:

"I want money!"

"I need a deposit!" Xu De said.

’A deposit?’

Sun Jianshan’s expression turned a bit awkward. He had only been sent to persuade the man; his superior had told him to just hint at the acquisition and secure a verbal agreement.

So where was he supposed to get the funds for a deposit?

"I... on my end..." Sun Jianshan stammered.