At this moment, Yu Zhou turned his gaze to Song Qing.
Although he didn't say a word, his attitude was evident.
Clearly, he was asking for Song Qing's stance, as she was, in a true sense, the empress of Jiangbei.
Compared to the Su family, the Song family's operations in Jiangbei were arguably more terrifying. The Tai Long Light Industry alone was a testament to this.
It was worth remembering that Tai Long Light Industry was once one of the pillar industries of the entire Jiangbei region.
The fact that the Song family was able to acquire the rights to its reform was sufficient proof of their formidable capabilities.
Yu Zhou did not know the extent of the effort involved, but it was an undisputed fact that if Song Qing spoke, her words carried more weight than those of the Su family members.
If this were not the case, why would the Su family have appointed Song Qing as the mediator?
Seeing Yu Zhou looking at her, Song Qing smiled charmingly.
Without favoring either side at this juncture, she stated directly, "I will only be responsible for bringing you together, and then you can discuss it yourselves."
"Whatever the outcome, whether it's successful or not, I will not interfere. You are both my friends, so I will not take sides with anyone."
Her words were straightforward, and it was precisely this directness that moved Su Yang somewhat.
After all, Song Qing, regardless of anything else, was still a member of the aristocratic families.
By birthright, her stance should have been with the Su family, yet she chose neutrality this time. Was this not a favor being extended?
However, even so, Yu Zhou did not intend to push his luck excessively.
Having someone come to de-escalate the situation and present themselves as a problem-solver was, in itself, a positive development.
If possible, Yu Zhou would not be the one to push things to the brink.
Therefore, after a period of silence, he eventually smiled and said, "If it's possible, I also don't wish to escalate matters."
"However, a resolution must be provided."
"I cannot simply accept defeat without hesitation just because the Su family is powerful, can I?"
"If I did, the dried fruit factory would certainly not be peaceful in the future, and I would constantly face trouble."
Yu Zhou did not directly state what kind of resolution he required, leaving that to the sincerity of the Su family.
However, his words were exceedingly clear.
If you do not provide me with a satisfactory resolution, then I will not uphold the Su family's reputation for you.
At worst, I'll give up the factory. But with the Su family's vast resources, can they afford to lose such face?
You want me to show you leniency? No problem. We all operate in Jiangbei and will encounter each other again. But if you don't give me a satisfactory resolution.
Then how this matter proceeds from here on will be decided by me.
Su Muyun certainly understood this principle. Therefore, before coming, she had already decided against employing the Su family's usual tactics.
Was this person truly so easy to deal with? If he were, then Su Tongchuan would not have acted as he did, and yet the issue would still not be resolved.
"Since I am here, a resolution will naturally be provided. However, I wonder what kind of resolution, Boss Yu, would deem satisfactory?"
Su Muyun employed a tactic of retreating to advance. Although her brow furrowed slightly.
Indicating her displeasure at the moment, at least her attitude was quite clear.
Regardless, she was a prominent figure among the third generation of the Su family.
Even though she was assigned by her family to discuss this matter with Yu Zhou, her inherent pride remained.
Under these circumstances, the fact that she did not display more outward emotion was already indicative of her high level of composure.
Of course, the most significant reason was Song Qing's presence.
If Song Qing were not there, even if the Su family needed to compromise, Su Muyun would absolutely not have appeared so at ease.
She would have at least shown Yu Zhou some adversity before discussing these matters.
Yu Zhou was well aware of her inner thoughts, but at this moment, he paid them no mind.
He had won, and even if he had only gained the upper hand, securing even a small concession from the Su family would be a significant gain.
Therefore, he was not in a hurry. After a moment of silence, he still did not speak.
It wasn't until Su Muyun began to lose her patience that she directly stated, "State your demands. As long as they are within a reasonable scope, I can make the decisions."
"Consider it compensation. This matter, let's resolve it?"
Her tone had begun to show displeasure. She had never expected Yu Zhou to be so difficult to handle.
One truly couldn't underestimate the entrepreneurs of this era.
Perhaps they lacked the capital of their established families, and their beginnings might not have been smooth sailing, unlike those who achieved immense success from the outset of their ventures.
However, this did not mean that individuals like Yu Zhou were not formidable.
Using coercion or inducement to extract concessions from him would undoubtedly be a difficult undertaking.
"You want me to state my compensation? Aren't you afraid I'll make an exorbitant demand?"
Yu Zhou was somewhat amused by this. Should the party offering compensation or engaging in a transaction not be the one to make the initial offer?
Once she set a price, Yu Zhou would have ample room to maneuver.
Under such circumstances, having him proactively state his demands was almost akin to placing the initiative in her hands.
Yu Zhou did not consider this a good thing, as his opponent was not an ordinary businessman, but the entire Su family.
Whether he left a good impression was not the priority. The crucial point was at least not to thoroughly offend the Su family.
He still had to operate in Jiangbei. He would naturally uphold what he deemed important.
However, if, when both parties were prepared for concessions, he continued to be relentless, then he would have irrevocably crossed the Su family.
"We fear you won't speak."
Su Muyun showed no concern, as if she had Yu Zhou cornered.
But at this point, Yu Zhou no longer displayed his assertiveness. He simply smiled, saying nothing, which caused even the usually composed Su Muyun to become exasperated.
"Are you going to speak or not? If not, don't blame me for speaking first!"
Finally, unable to restrain herself, Su Muyun glared at Yu Zhou. Her expression was no longer one of certainty and composure, causing the nearby Song Qing to chuckle involuntarily.
Good heavens, at this point, why was Yu Zhou still so confident? Shouldn't he have directly asked for benefits?
However, Yu Zhou paid these thoughts no mind. He smiled and looked at the woman.
He said directly, "Then you should speak. As long as it's not excessive and shows me your sincerity, I won't make things difficult!"
With those words, even Su Muyun had nothing to refute.
This fellow was truly as slippery as a loach!