Chapter 562 - 301: Can the Original and the Pirated Be the Same? (Part 2)

"Our group will work on expanding the influence of our existing brands and invest more in developing talent."

Shen Wan gave a very formulaic answer and, escorted by his bodyguards, dodged the throng of reporters trying to block his way.

For a major merger like this, the acquisition wasn’t just a matter of handing over money.

The merger of the two luxury groups involved realigning multiple brands.

The original senior executives were bound to be purged.

Fortunately, Shen Wan had the personnel Qi Sheng provided, so he easily completed the transition.

A new team of Asian executives took charge, signifying that Qi Sheng still maintained tight control over the newly merged Misha Group.

The merged Misha Group had a market capitalization of around 82 billion US Dollars. This placed it in the 100 billion to 1 trillion tier.

Under the system’s enhancement authority, it would receive a 60% revenue boost.

According to Shen Wan’s analysis, Misha’s projected annual revenue was 20 billion US Dollars, with a net profit of 2 billion US Dollars.

While this profit was already substantial, it wasn’t even enough to cover the interest payments on the acquisition loan.

But those were the figures from before Qi Sheng activated his cheat.

With the cheat active, Misha’s revenue should reach around 32 billion US Dollars.

The net profit would be at least 3.2 billion US Dollars.

While still not enough to cover the interest, it was at least significantly more than the initial projected profit.

With Misha’s profitability enhanced, Qi Sheng would have to pay less out of his own pocket.

After the merger, Misha would certainly be relisted.

’Otherwise, how could its market capitalization increase?’

The higher Misha’s market cap, the higher the revenue boost from the system.

This would create a feedback loop, driving its market value ever higher.

「...」

Returning to the country, Qi Sheng brought Reba and the other women to Fort Saint Louis.

Only after moving in did Reba realize Gu Pan hadn’t been exaggerating at all.

You could have any major world cuisine right at home.

And every chef was at a three-star Michelin level.

When head chef Lin Rong showed off his culinary skills, the food was so good Reba and the others nearly bit their own tongues off.

"Hubby, it’s so comfortable here. I don’t want to go back to filming."

It was Reba’s first time experiencing the bliss of being a tycoon’s wife.

Every day she woke up, a team of maids was there to wait on her.

The butler, Tang De, would thoughtfully plan her entire day.

Even when she went shopping, bodyguards were on hand to carry her bags.

As for luxury cars like Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis...

...the garage was full of them, and she could drive any one she pleased.

Most importantly, as a total foodie, it was impossible for Reba not to fall in love with the place.

The eight great culinary traditions of China, the major cuisines from abroad—they had everything.

For a fleeting moment, Reba wanted to just retire from acting.

’Spend my days shopping with my new sisters and raising kids at home? It would be pure bliss.’

"Are you sure?"

Qi Sheng knew, of course, that this impulse was just because Reba was overwhelmed by the transition from a modest life to one of such extravagance.

"Never mind. I’ll keep working for a while longer. I should save up some milk money for our future kids first."

Reba had spoken on a whim. Once she calmed down, she realized she couldn’t bear to leave the entertainment industry.

’Earning tens of millions net each year? Where else could I find a job this good?’

"You don’t have to worry about that. From now on, you and Sister Mi can be like Panpan—whether you’re filming or doing variety shows, just do whatever you enjoy."

Qi Sheng was very pleased with Reba’s sentiment.

’The little bit of money she earns is fine for her to keep as spending money.’

To Qi Sheng, the cost of raising children was a mere drop in the bucket.

"*Mwah!* Thanks, Hubby~"

Reba was just going with the flow, calling him "Hubby" like the other women did. The more she said it, the more natural it felt.

"I’ve already had President Lin start negotiations for both of your agency contracts. We should have results very soon."

The words had barely left Qi Sheng’s mouth when his phone rang.

It was none other than Lin Meishan, the person he had tasked with negotiating Reba and Yang Mi’s contracts.

"President Lin, what’s the word from Jiahang?"

Seeing Reba and Yang Mi both perk up their ears, Qi Sheng put the call on speaker.

"At first, Jiahang refused to release them. I told Zeng Min directly that I would arrange for a team of lawyers to sue them over the contract."

"I also told her I would use our company’s resources to blacklist all of Jiahang’s other artists. They folded pretty quickly after that."

"The only thing is, they’re dead set on a termination fee of 50 million for each of them. Otherwise, they’re prepared to fight us to the bitter end."

Lin Meishan’s tone held a hint of resignation.

After all, her own boss had gone a bit too far this time, poaching both of Jiahang’s main pillars.

With Yang Mi and Reba gone, Jiahang would be left with nothing but B-listers, and its valuation would plummet.

Zeng Min had realized this, which was why she decided to just ask for compensation and focus on developing new talent.

"Fine. Tell President Xue to arrange the payment."

Qi Sheng glanced at Reba and Yang Mi, then magnanimously agreed without hesitation.

’It’s only 100 million. Buying out the contracts for two of the hottest female stars isn’t a bad deal at all.’

’He had even spent 30 million to terminate Jiang Shuying’s contract.’

’And weren’t Reba and Yang Mi both far more famous than Jiang Shuying?’

"Okay, I understand."

On the other end of the line, Lin Meishan let out a long sigh of relief.

’I was just worried the big boss wouldn’t be satisfied and would insist on taking Jiahang to court.’

’Although that would save money, it could easily generate negative press for Yang Mi and Reba.’

’A peaceful split was the best possible outcome.’

Lin Meishan hung up, walked into the conference room, and spoke to an expectant Zeng Min.

"President Zeng, Chairman Qi has agreed to your company’s terms. We hope you will cooperate fully to ensure a smooth handover."

"Since Chairman Qi is being so straightforward, Jiahang certainly won’t stand in the way of Yang Mi and Reba moving on to a bigger platform. This is a win-win deal, isn’t it?"

Zeng Min had long seen Reba’s rebellious streak, and she’d had several unpleasant clashes with Yang Mi as well.

’Since I can’t keep them, I might as well get a handsome parting fee.’