Chapter 188 The Acquisition Plan for Starry Sky Media is Launched
Chapter 188 The Acquisition Plan for Starry Sky Media is Launched
The once vibrant atmosphere of the Starry Sky Media headquarters building was now replaced by an almost suffocating sense of panic.
Su Qingge pushed open the door to the president's office, her high heels clicking hurriedly on the wooden floor. Before she could even put down her bag, the finance director, Lao Chen, rushed in, his face ashen, clutching several printed official documents, his fingers trembling slightly.
"President Su, something terrible has happened!"
Old Chen's voice was terribly hoarse, as if it had just been roasted over a fire.
"Huashang Bank has officially sent a letter. They not only rejected our extension application, but also demanded that we repay the 300 million yuan credit loan within 48 hours, citing 'unsatisfactory risk assessment'!"
Su Qingge's brow twitched suddenly, and her face instantly darkened.
"Three hundred million? Didn't the contract stipulate a three-year term? Only a year has passed, what right do they have to take it back early?"
"They said it was because our financial situation was abnormal, triggering the protection clause."
Old Chen wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his tone filled with despair.
"But this is just the beginning. I just received news that the investors in those S-level projects that were originally agreed upon all sent out withdrawal letters just five minutes ago! Not only that, the venues for several of our national tour events that we are currently preparing for have also unilaterally canceled their contracts with the lame excuse of 'circuit maintenance'!"
Su Qingge took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Although she has seen many ups and downs in the entertainment industry, this kind of violent attack from the perspective of capital has indeed touched a blind spot in her knowledge.
This is not just a simple competition; it's about cutting off the lifeline of the starry sky.
"Banks cut off loans, projects withdrew investment, site defaults..."
Su Qingge sneered, a cold glint flashing in her peach blossom eyes.
"Those movements are quite synchronized. It seems that the young master of the Imperial Dynasty has really gone to great lengths to deal with me."
Just then, the office internal phone started ringing incessantly.
Hongjie's voice came through the microphone, carrying an undisguised anxiety.
"Qingge! Check Weibo! Check the financial news!"
"There are rumors circulating outside that our Starry Sky Media's funding chain has dried up, that Lin Zhou is going to go solo after winning the singing competition, and some people are even spreading rumors that we are suspected of financial fraud and are under investigation by relevant departments!"
"The area downstairs is swarming with reporters, and several agents of second-tier celebrities are demanding to terminate their contracts!"
Su Qingge walked to the window and looked down.
Downstairs, the area was packed with media personnel with their long lenses and microphones, and there were even a few suppliers with agitated expressions shoving each other at the security gate.
This feeling of being pushed around like a wall falling down made Su Qingge feel a deep sense of powerlessness.
The game of capital never considers emotions; it only focuses on devouring.
Although she has money and resources, her cash flow is simply a drop in the bucket when faced with a bank withdrawing loans of this size.
Just then, the office door was pushed open again.
Lin Zhou strolled in leisurely, carrying an exquisite insulated lunchbox. His nonchalant demeanor seemed completely out of place with the tense atmosphere at the moment.
"Honey, take a break first, and try the chicken soup I made for you."
Lin Zhou walked to his desk, skillfully opened the lunchbox, and a delicious aroma instantly dispelled the oppressive smell in the room.
Su Qingge rubbed her temples, feeling a bit of a headache, and sighed.
"Honey, why did you come at this hour? The company is in complete chaos right now, I'm afraid I'm not in the mood for soup."
Lin Zhou, however, seemed not to notice Old Chen's deadpan expression, and ladled out a bowl of soup for Su Qingge, offering it to her lips.
"So what if things are chaotic? Even if the sky falls, your husband will hold it up. Drink your soup first. Food is essential for life. I'll be heartbroken if you starve yourself."
Looking into Lin Zhou's deep and calm eyes, Su Qingge's previously anxious mood miraculously calmed down.
She took the bowl, took a small sip, and smiled bitterly.
"Lin Zhou, this time it might really be collapsing. Zhou Lixing has used financial means; our loans have been stopped, and all our partners have run away."
Lin Zhou smiled and reached out to tidy up the stray hairs on her forehead.
"If he's playing the capital game, then let him play it. Let's see what tricks he can pull."
No sooner had he finished speaking than arrogant footsteps came from outside the door.
"Bang!"
The office door was violently pushed open from the outside.
A man wearing a gray bespoke suit, gold-rimmed glasses, and carrying a briefcase walked in.
He was followed by two stern-looking assistants. Judging from their demeanor, they didn't seem like uninvited guests, but rather landlords who had come to collect their property.
"President Su, how have you been?"
The man pushed up his glasses, his eyes full of disdain.
He is the chief legal counsel of Dynasty Entertainment and Zhou Lixing's agent. He is known in the industry as "Ghoul" Lawyer Qian.
Su Qingge put down her bowl and looked at him coldly.
"Attorney Qian, it seems Starry Sky Media didn't invite you, did they?"
"There's no need for an invitation. I'm here today on behalf of Young Master Zhou to present President Su with a 'big gift'."
Attorney Qian chuckled, pulled a thick contract from his briefcase, and slammed it onto the desk, landing squarely on the lunchbox containing the chicken soup.
His movements were full of provocation, and his eyes were fixed on Su Qingge.
"Mr. Su, you've probably seen the news. The collection notice from Huasheng Bank should already be on your desk, right?"
"Starry Sky Media's valuation has already fallen below its IPO price. If you don't sign now, this office will no longer belong to the Su family after those 48 hours."
Su Qingge didn't even glance at the contract, and said coldly:
"Zhou Lixing wants to acquire Starry Sky? He's dreaming!"
"President Su, please don't be so quick to refuse."
Attorney Qian shrugged, his smile growing increasingly sinister.
"Young Master Zhou said he's a man who values old friendships. As long as you sign this equity transfer agreement, the Zhou Group will immediately inject capital to help Xingkong pay off all its debts. Moreover, President Su, you can still stay in the company as vice president. As for this Director Lin..."
Attorney Qian turned to look at Lin Zhou, who was leisurely packing up his lunchbox beside him, and a mocking smile appeared on his lips.
"Young Master Zhou said that, out of respect for you, he can offer Director Lin a long-term artist contract. As long as he's obedient, the Dynasty will continue to promote him. He's just a singer; anyone can become famous if the capital is willing."
These words were filled with a condescending sense of charity.
It's like giving a beggar off on the street.
"Say it again?"
Lin Zhou suddenly raised his head, the gentleness in his eyes vanished, replaced by a chilling ferocity.
Attorney Qian was so frightened by that look that he took a half step back, but then straightened his back again, thinking of the Zhou family behind him.
"What? Director Lin isn't satisfied? You need to know that right now, no one in the entire capital dares to lend money to Starry Sky. Apart from Young Master Zhou, no one can save you."
He looked at Su Qingge again, his tone carrying a hint of threat.
"Mr. Su, please sign it. Signing now will at least save you some face."
"If we initiate forced bankruptcy proceedings, you probably won't even be able to keep this outfit."
The atmosphere in the meeting room plummeted to freezing point.
Su Qingge trembled with anger, her knuckles turning slightly white from the excessive force.
She never expected the other party to be so despicable.
Lin Zhou suddenly smiled, a bright and cheerful smile.
He walked to his desk and picked up the heavy acquisition contract.
"Have you finished conveying everything Zhou Lixing asked you to say?"
Lin Zhou asked in a relaxed tone.
Attorney Qian snorted.
"That's all. Director Lin, understand the situation. We're here to save you."
"Save us?"
Lin Zhou raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, I'll accept the contract."
As he spoke, he slowly, bit by bit, revealed the transfer agreement worth hundreds of millions in front of everyone…
It was crumpled into a mushy ball.
Then, he casually tossed it, and the crumpled paper flew through the air in a perfect arc before landing precisely in the wastebasket in the corner.
"Go back and tell Zhou Lixing."
Lin Zhou put his arm around Su Qingge's shoulder, his eyes filled with malice.
"Let him wash his neck and wait. This play has only just begun."
Attorney Qian's face was ashen, and his finger pointing at Lin Zhou was trembling.
"You...you're insane! President Su, are you just going to let him run wild? Do you even know the consequences of refusing Young Master Zhou?"
Looking at Lin Zhou's profile, Su Qingge felt a complete disappearance of the helplessness she had just experienced.
She straightened her back, her voice clear and firm.
"My husband's words mean the same thing."
"Attorney Qian, no need to see me out."
"Good! Very good!"
Attorney Qian was so angry that he laughed and angrily flicked his sleeve.
"Since you want to die, then I'll grant your wish!"
"President Su, we'll see!"
After saying that, he slammed the door and left with his assistant.
The office returned to tranquility.
Old Chen was dumbfounded, his lips trembling.
"President Su... Director Lin... what, what do we do now? The bank really will freeze the accounts!"
Su Qingge also looked at Lin Zhou, her eyes filled with doubt and worry.
"Honey, were you really sure just now? That's a cash shortfall of 300 million."
Lin Zhou handed the bowl of chicken soup back to her, smiling gently.
"Three hundred million is nothing, what's so big about it?"
"Honey, have you forgotten what I do for a living?"
"Since they want to play the financial game, I'll play with them on a big scale."
Just then, Lin Zhou's phone suddenly vibrated.
He glanced at the screen; it was an encrypted message.
[The first tranche of funding, $1 billion, has arrived, giving Dynasty Entertainment a 4.5% stake. Is it time to launch a secondary market attack?]
Lin Zhou's fingertip tapped rapidly on the screen, uttering two words:
【start up.】
He looked up at Su Qingge, his smile radiant.
"Honey, let's not go home for dinner tonight. I'll take you somewhere to see a beautiful... fireworks display."
ocean-life