This time, it wasn't just the people from [San Pi Ma] who were stunned.
Even Jia Xinmin looked utterly incredulous.
In his mind, Chen Aiguo had always been known for his immense wealth. How could he possibly offer less than himself in such a situation?
The primary reason he had brought this up was to squeeze more money out of Chen Aiguo, which would also save him face.
After all, if Chen Aiguo stood by his side in this matter, it would be nearly impossible for him to target Yu Zhou.
Given this context, his restraint from an outright outburst could be considered a display of considerable composure.
Who could have predicted that Chen Aiguo would deviate from the expected script?
With Chen Aiguo saying so much, what else could he possibly say?
"Are you kidding me?"
Jia Xinmin, his face contorted with displeasure, felt that if things continued this way, he would not only lose face but also everything he possessed.
If that were to happen, how could he continue to operate in Jin Province?
To be in such a predicament, anyone's heart would be in turmoil.
Yet, Chen Aiguo and Yu Zhou both seemed to have anticipated this, as if they were unconcerned about money.
It was no wonder he appeared utterly bewildered at this moment; even the high-ranking officials of the [San Pi Ma] company were equally confused.
They had no idea what this coal boss named Chen Aiguo was trying to achieve.
However, Chen Aiguo's subsequent words left everyone present utterly shocked.
"My ten million yuan isn't as greedy as yours, demanding 35% of the shares right off the bat. For this ten million yuan, 5% of the shares is enough."
In an instant, everyone in the reception hall turned their gaze towards Chen Aiguo.
Clearly, no one could have believed these words beforehand.
It was simply an impossible scenario, wasn't it?
Did 5% truly warrant such a sum? Wouldn't anyone in this situation be called a sucker?
It wasn't that these people found it unbelievable; rather, the valuation far exceeded the actual worth of the [San Pi Ma] company at present.
Ten million yuan for 5% meant he believed Yu Zhou's company was currently worth two hundred million?
This was utter nonsense, wasn't it?
Even Yu Zhou himself began to show a hint of surprise at this point.
The shares and price discussed with Chen Aiguo earlier were not this. With a slight premium, 5% of the shares would be around two to three million yuan.
Even that was slightly higher than the valuation of the [San Pi Ma] company.
Let alone significantly exceeding its actual worth.
According to Yu Zhou's calculations, without any premium, based purely on its actual value, the [San Pi Ma] company was currently worth just under thirty million, but it was a comparable figure.
Yet, the figure Chen Aiguo had just stated, even if not a tenfold premium, was not far off.
In this era, business wasn't like the subsequent internet boom, where exorbitant premiums made money seem insignificant.
At this juncture, did Chen Aiguo have any reason to deceive Jia Xinmin?
Even Yu Zhou found this maneuver somewhat incomprehensible.
"You're something else!"
"Everyone used to say you had more money than me, and I used to resent it."
"Now, there's no need to say it. You truly have more money than me."
As he spoke these words, a hint of mockery played on Jia Xinmin's face.
He was practically calling the man a fool in front of everyone, someone with too much money and nowhere to put it.
This wasn't an investment; it was clearly throwing money away, a reckless act no sensible person would undertake, yet he did it with apparent pleasure. Was this not foolishness?
Annoyed, Jia Xinmin ultimately did not linger any longer. He understood clearly that he had lost today, and utterly so.
However, thanks to the matter of ten million yuan for 5%, his reputation hadn't been completely ruined.
This was, arguably, the only piece of good news for Jia Xinmin today.
Even though he remained profoundly dejected.
"Why did you suddenly decide to quote such a price? If Jia Xinmin takes it seriously and spreads it around, it could pose a potential threat to us."
Yu Zhou felt that this situation shouldn't have unfolded this way. However, since Chen Aiguo had come to his aid, he was grateful to him even if he hadn't appeared.
Therefore, despite Yu Zhou's helpless expression, there was little blame in his heart.
What Yu Zhou hadn't anticipated was that Chen Aiguo, seated in his office, seemed completely unfazed.
As if he had already known what Yu Zhou's reaction would be to his actions.
This made Yu Zhou quite awkward, to the point where he struggled to find words.
Seeing Yu Zhou's expression, Chen Aiguo found it amusing and finally decided to stop withholding.
He stated directly, "How do you know I'm not serious about taking ten million yuan to acquire 5% of your shares?"
Yu Zhou was clearly taken aback by these words, and his expression turned one of disbelief.
Truly, even after Chen Aiguo had said it, Yu Zhou still considered such a thing impossible.
Who would go to such lengths for no reason? Anyone with a modicum of common sense wouldn't conduct business like this, would they?
Setting aside the fact that the [San Pi Ma] company's current valuation was far from that, even if it were, the likelihood of directly purchasing shares at such a price was slim.
Yu Zhou had a clear understanding of his company and himself, and he knew that such a scenario was improbable.
However, Chen Aiguo's current demeanor, devoid of any hint of jest, made Yu Zhou suspect that the man might have truly lost his mind.
It wasn't unreasonable for him to appear speechless at this moment. This kind of development, without even a prior discussion, made him wonder why Chen Aiguo would act this way.
Could it really be just a joke?
Yu Zhou was utterly perplexed, unable to comprehend what was going on.
"We don't need to joke about this anymore, do we?"
Yu Zhou smiled. At this moment, his only thought was that the other party was joking.
However, Chen Aiguo's demeanor suddenly turned serious.
He stated, "I'm not joking..."