Chapter 296 - 294: Meeting the Investors

Xu Yue’s gaze narrowed slightly. She had indeed thought about this; the health department’s investigation had concluded much faster than expected. It seemed someone was helping them behind the scenes. However, she didn’t dwell on it. The most important thing right now was to get the promotion for Ninghua Cream off the ground.

"Regardless of which benefactor lent us a hand, we will slowly repay this favor in the future."

A short while later, over a dozen people sat around a long table in the company’s conference room. Sitting at the head of the table, Xu Yue looked as picturesque as a painting, yet her gaze was remarkably calm, exuding the commanding aura of a leader.

"The health department’s test report is out. All batches of Ninghua Cream have passed the inspection without any issues." Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an undeniable certainty that immediately lifted everyone’s spirits. "Since it’s been confirmed that we were framed, what we need to do now is strike while the iron is hot and rebuild Ninghua Cream’s reputation.

"I’ve decided to release an initial batch of ten thousand trial samples. They’ll be available for free across various platforms, limited to one per person. We will also include a follow-up questionnaire to collect genuine consumer feedback. The user whose review generates the most traffic will receive a full-sized bottle for free."

The conference room fell silent for two seconds after Xu Yue finished speaking.

Then, a middle-aged man sitting on the left spoke up, his voice tinged with disapproval. "President Xu, ten thousand trial samples will cost nearly a hundred thousand in packaging and logistics alone, and that’s not even counting the production cost of the cream itself.

"You’re well aware of the company’s current financial situation. We’ve already lost a lot these past few days since the new product was taken off the shelves. If we spend another large sum on this and the results are poor, wouldn’t it just be adding insult to injury?"

The speaker was the company’s financial director, Sun Baoguo, a veteran who had worked for the Xu Family for many years. Several department heads beside him nodded in agreement, clearly sharing the same concerns.

Xu Yue’s gaze fell on Sun Baoguo. She didn’t rush to refute him; instead, she waited for him to finish before saying, "I understand your concerns, but this is not the time to be stingy.

"Consumers have lost trust in our product. If we’re reluctant to invest money in rebuilding our reputation now, the cost of salvaging our brand image in the future will only be much higher."

"Why don’t we try running some ads?" someone suggested.

Xu Yue shook her head. "We all know exactly how effective Ninghua Cream is. If these ten thousand people try it and find it excellent, the word-of-mouth effect will far exceed any million-dollar ad campaign we could run."

The crowd fell silent. Deep down, they still didn’t want to take the risk, but they couldn’t convince her otherwise.

"President Xu, what you’re saying makes sense, but the company’s funds are currently tight. If we give out ten thousand free samples, even if the word-of-mouth is great, we won’t have the money to sustain the company’s operations," Sun Baoguo spoke up again, and the others nodded in agreement. "Ten thousand is too much. Why don’t we just give away a thousand instead?"

Xu Yue frowned. Money was indeed an issue. If push came to shove, she would have no choice but to sell off her personal assets.

"No. It must be ten thousand. Not one less," Xu Yue said, her tone resolute.

This time, Sun Baoguo softened his tone. "President Xu, an investor contacted me. He said he’s very interested in our company’s new product, is willing to inject capital, and wants to speak with you in person."

Xu Yue paused slightly and asked, "Which investor?"

"Chen Junhao, Mr. Chen."

Xu Yue pondered for a moment and recalled who he was. She had heard the name Chen Junhao a few times in business circles. It was said that he had built his fortune in investments and had ample capital on hand, though his reputation wasn’t exactly stellar. However, the company was in dire need of funds right now. If he was sincere about collaborating, there was no harm in having a chat.

"Alright. Set up an appointment for me."

"Mr. Chen said he’s free tonight and has arranged to meet at the Emperor Club." There was a trace of barely perceptible urgency in Sun Baoguo’s voice.

Xu Yue checked the schedule on her phone. "Okay. Reply to him and tell him I’ll meet him at the Emperor Club at six o’clock."

After the meeting, Xu Yue returned to her office and sent a message to Yang Xun: "I have an investor to meet this afternoon. I’ll be home late."

Yang Xun quickly replied, "Take care of your health. You’re taking medication right now, so no drinking."

Xu Yue looked at his words, the corners of her mouth curling up involuntarily. She texted back a simple "Okay" and began organizing the documents she would need for the evening meeting.

That evening, the Emperor Club was brightly lit. The crystal chandeliers refracted fragmented beams of light, illuminating the lobby as brightly as daytime. By the time Xu Yue walked into the private room with her secretary, Zhou Miao, Chen Junhao was already waiting inside.

He looked to be in his early thirties. Dressed in a dark gray custom suit with an expensive watch on his wrist, he certainly gave off the impression of a proper gentleman. Seeing Xu Yue enter, he stood up, a warm smile plastered on his face. "President Xu, I’ve heard so much about you. I didn’t expect you to be so young and beautiful."

Xu Yue shook his hand politely and took a seat nearby. "I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Chen." After sitting down, she cut straight to the chase, asking with a smile, "I hear you’re interested in our new product?"

"Of course." Chen Junhao nodded, his gaze fixed hotly on Xu Yue. "Although there was a little hiccup with Ninghua Cream, the fact that the health department issued a clean report proves that the product itself is perfectly fine.

"I have a lot of confidence in your company, President Xu." As he spoke, he picked up the wine bottle in front of him and poured Xu Yue a glass. "Come, President Xu. Since it’s our first time meeting, let me propose a toast."

Xu Yue looked at the wine glass in front of her, a troubled expression on her face. "Mr. Chen, I’m so sorry. I haven’t been feeling well lately and I’m currently taking herbal medicine, so I can’t drink alcohol."

Chen Junhao’s face immediately showed a hint of impatience, and he set his glass down heavily.

Seeing this, Sun Baoguo, who was sitting to the side, smiled obsequiously. "Mr. Chen, let me drink to you on President Xu’s behalf."

Chen Junhao didn’t even glance at him, clearly unwilling to give him any face.

Sun Baoguo continuously shot pointed looks at Xu Yue. If she wanted his investment, she naturally couldn’t put on airs; she had to adopt the attitude of someone asking for a favor. Thinking of the company’s current predicament, Xu Yue hesitated repeatedly before finally picking up her glass.

"Mr. Chen, here’s to you."

"Now that’s more like it!" Chen Junhao picked up his glass and clinked it against hers, and the two of them tipped their heads back and downed their drinks.

As the liquid slid down her throat, it carried a rich, spicy bite—it was a vintage red wine of excellent quality.

Chen Junhao proceeded to offer several more toasts in succession, and the few associates accompanying him chimed in. Glasses clinked back and forth. Xu Yue tried to decline a few times, but Chen Junhao always managed to find a new excuse to coax her into drinking.

Seeing that things were taking a wrong turn, Secretary Zhou Miao quickly stood up and volunteered to drink on her boss’s behalf, but Chen Junhao clearly wasn’t having it.

"President Xu is the guest of honor today. Why don’t you sit this one out, Miss Secretary?" Chen Junhao said with a chuckle, filling Xu Yue’s glass to the brim once again. "It’s truly remarkable for President Xu to be running such a large company at such a young age. Let me toast you again."

Xu Yue felt her vision swim. The intoxication hit her fast and hard, going to her head far quicker than it normally would after just a couple of glasses of red wine.