In reality, Yu Zhou understood the mindset of these coal bosses all too well.
In their eyes, there was nothing in this world that money couldn't solve. If it couldn't, it simply meant they hadn't offered enough.
The fact that Jia Xinmin offered two million for a 35% stake wasn't because he lacked funds.
Rather, he purely wanted to provoke Yu Zhou, thereby making an example of him.
Did Yu Zhou not see through his plan? Of course he did. If he hadn't contacted his old friends beforehand, while this matter might not have struck at his roots, he would have definitely needed to take it seriously, even to the point of utmost vigilance.
No one wants to face a competitor who can throw money around like crazy.
Similarly, no one wants to engage in a battle of wits and strategy with such an opponent.
"I find you to be quite agreeable. How about this!"
"Just as I said before, I'll acquire your 35% stake at market price, and you simply won't be involved in the company's operations later on."
It was unclear what had gotten into Jia Xinmin, but after seeing Yu Zhou's resolute demeanor, he pondered for a moment before continuing.
However, his arrogance had not diminished one bit, as if making such a concession was already showing Yu Zhou immense favor.
"Boss Jia, you're going too far. This is utterly insufferable!"
It was Liang Xiaohai who spoke these words. He had remained silent until now.
But at this point, he could no longer stand by and watch his boss be wronged. This coal boss, who made his money by mining coal, was actually looking down on their [Three Horses] company so much?
It was as if, in his eyes, [Three Horses] was just a small ant he could crush at will.
Anyone, absolutely anyone, would find this unacceptable.
After all, Liang Xiaohai was one of the earliest veterans who had followed Yu Zhou to build their empire. In his eyes, Yu Zhou's ability to develop Three Horses to this extent in just half a year was nothing short of miraculous.
The company's current scale owed a great deal to Yu Zhou.
To deny Three Horses, to deny Yu Zhou, was tantamount to denying their efforts over the past half-year. This was something Liang Xiaohai absolutely could not permit.
Jia Xinmin seemed not to recognize Liang Xiaohai, merely glancing at him dismissively before sneering, "Who are you? Are you qualified to speak to me?"
In truth, he knew full well that anyone who could enter the reception hall must be a high-ranking executive of the Three Horses company.
However, at this moment, he had not forgotten his purpose for being there.
He was here to stir up trouble, and preferably, to defeat Yu Zhou without shedding a drop of blood.
Making an example of someone wasn't an easy feat, but since he had decided to do it, he wouldn't regret it.
The reason he still offered Yu Zhou an option, to acquire his shares at market price, was simply because the current Jia Xinmin didn't want to be too bothered.
If he could acquire Yu Zhou's shares at market price, the deterrent effect would be even stronger. Of course, Jia Xinmin's ideal scenario was excellent, so excellent that even Yu Zhou couldn't help but marvel at how such an idealistic person could exist in this world.
It was no wonder that later on, coal bosses all had a bad reputation.
Apart from a few clever individuals like Chen Aiguo, most had simply followed the right people and been lucky enough to secure mining rights. The overall caliber of these bosses was indeed uneven.
However, what Yu Zhou hadn't expected was that Jia Xinmin, a prominent figure in the coal industry of Jin Province, would be so naive in business.
In terms of true business acumen and methods, this man was far inferior to Chen Aiguo, whom he had encountered previously.
They were not even in the same league.
"It seems Boss Jia truly believes he has me cornered."
"On what grounds? Is it simply because Boss Jia is rich?"
Yu Zhou's expression gradually became calmer. While the matter might have had some impact on him, he showed no signs of panic.
If others had the confidence to ruin his company, did Yu Zhou not have the confidence to handle this coal boss?
If possible, Yu Zhou would certainly not want to offend such a boss, someone who was not lacking in money at all.
But now, it was no longer a matter of whether he offended him or not. The issue was that he had to resist; only through resistance could he survive.
"Heh heh! I don't have that much confidence yet when it comes to dealing with the Song family."
"But as for dealing with a small company like yours, I, Jia, can handle it with ease."
"Since you're unwilling, then let's just wait and see."
Ultimately, after delivering his threat, Jia Xinmin did not linger any longer.
Business transactions required mutual consent. While this wasn't Jia Xinmin's usual practice, they were, after all, not in Jin Province.
If they were in Jin Province, it would have been simple. He could just find a few people to escort Yu Zhou to sign the contract.
If he refused, then from that moment on, there would be no such person as Yu Zhou in this world. How simple, how direct?
His actions today were already considered quite restrained.
"Want to leave? Explain yourself first!"
"Which company are you targeting?"
Suddenly, just as Yu Zhou was preparing to counter, a familiar voice emerged from within the reception room.
Before anyone present could react, a man in a trench coat, with a cigarette dangling from his hand, walked into the reception room step by step.
His expression was much like Jia Xinmin's when he first arrived, as if they were two overlords on the same street.
He strolled into the reception room so nonchalantly that those who didn't recognize him immediately widened their eyes.
What was going on? First, Jia Xinmin had arrived, leaving everyone flustered. Now, was another one here?
If that were the case, even they would no longer be able to confidently claim they weren't afraid.
After all, one Jia Xinmin was already enough to make the [Three Horses] company apprehensive.
If another coal boss, similar to Jia Xinmin, were to target their company, then even with all of Yu Zhou's abilities, he would likely have to concede and withdraw.
No one could have predicted that the small Three Horses company would attract the attention of two such coal bosses simultaneously. This level of attention was something even ordinary large corporations wouldn't typically command.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned peculiar, and even Jia Xinmin looked incredulous.
"Chen Aiguo, what are you doing here?"
Clearly, he had never dreamed of encountering a peer while engaged in such a matter.
What was he here for? Could it be that Yu Zhou had also offended him?