Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 218 Merger and Acquisition Agency
The black Mercedes-Benz S600 (W221) stood silently under the Four Seasons Hotel entrance, like a composed shadow. Its body lines were smooth and its luster was understated.

The Lynk & Co minivan that followed also came to a smooth stop.

As the car door opened, Chen Mo and Lin Junfeng stepped out of the back seat of the Mercedes-Benz. Both of them stood tall and straight, exuding an aura of authority without needing to put on a show.

Zhou Yumeng quickly got out of the passenger seat, clutching a briefcase containing crucial documents tightly in her hand.

Bodyguard Xiao Zheng maintained a half-step vigilance distance, his eyes scanning the surroundings like a hawk.

At the same time, the door of the business vehicle slid open, and six members of the legal department's business team, dressed in uniformly tailored dark suits, filed out in single file, their steps composed, exuding an aura of well-trained elites.

As the group walked toward the revolving door, they immediately attracted attention in the hotel lobby.

The front desk staff stopped what they were doing, and several guests sitting in the lounge area also looked up curiously.

The experienced lobby manager quickly recognized this as an important customer, put on a perfectly warm smile, and hurried over.

"Welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel!" The lobby manager bowed slightly.

Zhou Yumeng, as the external contact person, stepped forward, speaking calmly and with dignified bearing: "Hello, we are from Orange Technology, and we have reserved meeting room number 8."

"Meeting room number 8 is ready for you. Please follow me!"

The lobby manager quickly stepped aside to lead the way, taking everyone to Elevator No. 1, which was reserved for important meetings, directly to the conference center on the 18th floor.

When the glass door of meeting room number 8 was gently pushed open, the morning sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows that connected to the outdoor garden, casting dappled light and shadow on the large U-shaped conference table.

The hotel staff had just finished setting up: on either side of the U-shaped table stood a striking orange "CZ" sign from Orange Technology and a deep blue "MS" sign from Morgan Stanley.

The electronic nameplates in front of each seat clearly display the attendee's name and position.

On the huge projection screen, the logos of the two companies slowly rotated against a light blue background.

Simultaneous interpretation headsets were neatly arranged, and high-definition cameras were already in place.

The entire space is simple and professional, with details showcasing the standards of a top-tier business meeting.

In the outdoor garden, the rest area under the parasols is well-arranged, and the bar is stocked with champagne, soft drinks and delicate snacks. The plates decorated with flower petals add a touch of elegance to the formal business atmosphere.

The meeting officially began as representatives from both sides entered the room.

Chen Mo sat down on the left side of the U-shaped table, near the main seat with the projection whiteboard.

Today he wore a light apricot linen-blend suit with a matching dark patterned shirt underneath. He didn't wear a tie, and the top two buttons were casually undone. The "Valentina cz" logo was subtly visible on the cuffs.

It maintains the appropriateness for business occasions while exuding the casualness and vitality unique to tech elites.

Beside Chen Mo were Lin Junfeng, dressed in a composed dark gray suit; Zhou Yumeng, the chief secretary holding a file bag; and six elites from the legal department's business team, all dressed in navy blue suits.

The orange "Orange Technology" standees were lined up in front of them, a neat and orderly display.

On the right, in the area opposite the main entrance, Morgan Stanley's team is equally impressive.

Sun Wei, the Asia-Pacific Vice President, was the leader, dressed in a sharp black suit skirt, with a simple pearl necklace around her neck adding a touch of softness.

Senior Executive Director Lu Qingyue opted for a beige knit sweater paired with a camel-colored suit, exuding an elegant and intellectual charm.

The general assistant Yan Jun, the board assistant Chen Min, and the four members of the acquisition team beside them were all dressed in dark formal attire.

The blue "MS" signboard echoes the orange "CZ" signboard on the left, and the information on the electronic table sign is clear at a glance.

After taking their seats, Chen Mo noticed that the members of the Morgan Stanley team almost simultaneously opened their identical laptops, their movements standardized, ready to take notes at any time.

This made him feel a slight sense of admiration: as expected of a top international investment bank, their professionalism is evident in every detail.

However, the business team members of Orange's legal department were not intimidated at all.

Although they don't have the rigid, formulaic style of the Morgan Stanley team, they have developed confidence and composure by working with Lin Junfeng in various acquisition and investment cases over the past two years. In terms of presence alone, they are completely on par with him.

If we say that the marketing department led by Zhao Tiezhu has a corporate subculture that is "a brotherhood among men, like a group of daring and adventurous 'outlaws'".

Lin Junfeng's legal department is a perfect example of "Silicon Valley elites"—rigorous, professional, and exuding sophistication and competence.

The background screen switches to a silent corporate promotional video, followed by brief opening remarks from the main representatives of both parties.

Chen Mo spoke first, his tone resolute.

Orange Technology plans to strategically position itself in the future smart home and light luxury consumer goods sectors.

The core objective of this engagement with Morgan Stanley is to acquire North American SEG Microtechnology and Italian's low- and mid-range Valentina apparel and bag brand, aiming to obtain key core technologies and valuable brand resources.

As soon as she finished speaking, Sun Wei calmly replied, her speech steady yet full of confidence.

Morgan Stanley has over 20 years of experience in cross-border M&A in China, with particularly outstanding achievements in the integration of the technology and consumer goods industries.

This year we successfully assisted domestic companies in completing two acquisitions spanning Europe and the United States. We are fully capable and confident in helping Orange achieve its strategic goals!

Lin Junfeng then stood up and elaborated on the key points of the acquisition plan.

"For SEG North America, we prefer to acquire it outright or obtain an absolute controlling stake of 66.7%."

After the acquisition, its production line will be moved back to China, and the R&D team can remain in North America temporarily, but all core technology patents must be transferred within the agreed time.

For Italie's Valentina brand, the low-end line is planned to be fully acquired.

For mid-range brands, a cross-shareholding model is being considered with the future independently operated Valentina Orange, with clearly defined regional markets for operation.

The Morgan Stanley team members immediately bent down and quickly took notes, the sound of their keyboards clicking clearly in the quiet meeting room.

After the presentation of the plan, we will now move on to the Q&A session.

The head of Morgan Stanley's acquisition team asked the first question: "Regarding the SEG Micro's R&D team remaining in North America, how will subsequent technical communication and collaboration be guaranteed? Is there a clear timetable and guarantee mechanism for patent transfer?"

Lin Junfeng handled the other party's questions with ease.

"We plan to set up a temporary technical liaison office in North America, staffed with dedicated technical and legal personnel."

The patent transfer will commence within 30 days of the completion of the equity transfer; the specific timing and liability for breach of contract will be clearly stipulated in the contract.

Both parties discussed in detail the financial arrangements, sources of funds, and overseas legal compliance risks. After confirming that Orange Technology had complete qualifications, the meeting proceeded to a tea break.

The group moved to the outdoor garden, where the rich aroma of hand-drip coffee mingled with the sweet scent of French desserts.

The executive chef's customized tea break featured exquisite plating, with macarons and opera cakes adorned with fresh berries. Attendees enjoyed the tea while conversing in hushed tones, creating a much more relaxed atmosphere than indoors.

After the tea break, the Morgan Stanley team presented three highly targeted draft acquisition strategies.

SEG Microelectronics: We recommend holding shares through an offshore company structure to reduce the risk of CFIUS review. The estimated funding requirement is US$1000 million, and the commission fee will be charged at 2.5% of the target amount.

Low-end Valentina brand: Due to the small size of the target, direct negotiation is recommended, estimated at US$800 million, with a commission fee of 2%.

For the mid-range Valentina brand: Given the complexity of cross-shareholdings, it is recommended to engage a top local law firm for assistance, estimated at $3800 million, with a commission of 2.2%.

Lin Junfeng raised questions on key points such as "potential tax risks of offshore companies" and "market division and decision-making mechanisms after cross-shareholding," and the Morgan Stanley team provided professional and detailed answers.

Ultimately, both parties finalized the core terms, signed the meeting minutes to confirm them, and exchanged the initial draft of the entrusted acquisition agreement.

As the meeting came to a close, the setting sun had painted the horizon a warm orange hue.

The executives from both sides moved to the garden, where the champagne reception officially began.

Chen Mo and Sun Wei jointly held the huge champagne bottle, and with a crisp sound and gushing foam, the two poured the crystal-clear liquid into the champagne glasses stacked in a tower shape, symbolizing the successful start of their cooperation.

During the brief business pleasantries, Sun Wei smiled and promised, "Next Monday, we will submit a detailed due diligence plan and strive to complete the initial negotiations with SEG Micro within three weeks."

After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Mo turned around and saw Lu Qingyue approaching with a champagne glass. She slightly raised her delicate chin, her gaze pointing towards the open-air viewing platform in the corner of the garden: "Mr. Chen, the view from there is excellent. Shall we go over and chat?"

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow and smiled in response: "Since President Lu has invited me, how could I refuse!"

The two walked side by side toward the observation deck. The other attendees seemed to tacitly keep their distance, either turning away to chat or focusing on their snacks, without anyone daring to disturb them.

The two spoke in low, soft voices, and the evening breeze carried the scent of gardenias over the railings of the observation deck.

The city skyline in the distance shimmered in the twilight.

Chen Mo leaned against the cold handrail, gazing at the scattered city lights in the distance, twirling a half-full champagne glass between his fingers.

Lu Qingyue stood half a step away from him, the cuffs of her beige knitted sweater billowing in the wind.

"Did you receive the oranges I asked Chen Min to forward in October?" Chen Mo asked gently, his brows relaxed. "There's been plenty of rain in the south this year, so they should be sweeter than in previous years!"

Lu Qingyue turned to look at him, her eyes filled with the soft light of twilight, no longer as cold as when they were negotiating.

"Received it, and I've been eating it in the office for half a month! It's really sweet, like the taste of sunshine. I didn't expect Mr. Chen to take the time to notice such small things in his busy schedule!"

"Aren't we friends?" Chen Mo chuckled softly, the ice cubes in his glass rattling gently. "It wasn't intentional, but it's better than flashy but impractical business gifts!"

Chen Mo raised his eyes tentatively: "You have no shortage of people trying to curry favor with you, so why are you willing to have more contact with me?"

Lu Qingyue turned his back to the railing, his long hair blowing in the wind and sticking to the side of his neck. His voice was so soft that only he could hear it.

"My circle looks big, but it's actually narrow. I'm surrounded by either old foxes or methodical elites, all of whom are more or less calculating."

You're different. Your eyes light up when you talk about technology, you frown when you calculate costs, and I even have to remind you to give me a gift. You're so genuine and relaxing!

Seeing Lu Qingyue brush a strand of hair behind her ear, Chen Mo's heart skipped a beat.

Does "honest" equal "simple" or "honest"?
Does making someone feel relaxed equal being easy to control?

Compared to Chen Mo's simple understanding, Lu Qingyue's understanding was far more sophisticated!

Reality = Predictable Unpredictability

Workplace research shows that among those who rate themselves as honest and straightforward, 73% deliberately retain 20% unpredictability. This controllable unpredictability is the true survival strategy of these honest and straightforward people.

Practical people have a natural sense of boundaries; they use seemingly clumsy direct rejections to filter their social circles.

Making people feel relaxed = creating a sense of security

Neuroscience research has confirmed that when a person is in a relaxed state, the activity of the prefrontal cortex decreases by 27%, and the decision-making error rate increases significantly.

Top salespeople deliberately slow down their speech and lower their stance during negotiations; this performative relaxation can induce their opponents to reveal their bottom line.

The two had completely opposite ideas, but for some reason, their brainwaves miraculously matched!
Chen Mo loosened his collar, suppressing the inexplicable flutter in his heart, and said in a tone that was a little self-deprecating but couldn't hide his pride: "Although I know you're mocking me, I have to say, you have good taste!"

I am just an honest, reliable, and loyal ordinary person!

Seeing that Chen Mo had already seen through her thoughts, she wasn't angry at all.

Lu Qingyue's lips curved slightly, and a faint smile appeared in the corner of her eyes: "My judgment has always been good!" Even the coldness in her eyes softened a bit, making her less aloof like an investment banking elite.

"And you're more interesting than I thought. You're not just a tech-savvy entrepreneur, nor are you a penny-pinching businessman. You know how to take a step back to move forward, which is what makes people willing to work with you to achieve success and broaden your path!"

Forehead.
Chen Mo felt that Lu Qingyue was praising him in a veiled way while subtly criticizing him. Was he overthinking it?

The wind picked up, and he instinctively moved closer to her, but then restrained himself.

"I heard from Mr. Sun that you will be conducting inspections in Shenzhen for the next three days. Are you busy?"

Although Chen Mo tried his best to hide it, Lu Qingyue still heard a hint of expectation in his tone.

"Busy, but I can squeeze out a day!" Lu Qingyue raised her eyes with a hint of slyness: "You're the host, you can't expect me to just stare at the hotel ceiling, can you?"

Chen Mo's eyes lit up: "I don't like crowds. If you don't mind, how about I take you for a light hike on the mountain trails of Dongyong Village? You can see the sunrise over the beach and cliffs, and there's a strawberry farm along the way that's almost ripe!"

"Light hiking?"

Lu Qingyue nodded with a smile, her gaze warmer than the lamplight.

"Great choice, you know? I prefer a quiet place to a bustling one!"

The two stood side by side, watching the city in the twilight. The evening breeze gently brushed against their clothes, touching them lightly before separating, much like their restrained yet surging emotions. There was no direct confession, but every gesture conveyed the desire to "spend more time with you."

The noise of the party gradually subsided, and dusk draped the garden in a warm golden cloak.

Hotel staff had already adjusted the custom backdrop for Meeting Room 8 and the outdoor garden to the optimal position.

The orange "CZ" and blue "MS" logos complement each other under warm lighting, while the surrounding blue lisianthus and orange roses subtly echo the brand colors of the two companies.

Zhou Yumeng and Chen Min each held a camera and stood directly in front of the backdrop, ready to take a picture.

Zhou Yumeng adjusted the camera filters to achieve the best official promotional effect, while Chen Min turned on the professional mode of the Apple 4S provided to her to accumulate materials for Morgan Stanley's case library.

"Everyone, let's take a group photo!"

Sun Wei smiled and made the suggestion, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Chen Mo and Lu Qingyue.

She was originally standing slightly to the right of the center of the backdrop, but deliberately took half a step back to the right and gestured for Lu Qingyue to come forward.

"Qingyue, as the key liaisons between the two parties, you and President Chen should be in the center position; that's in line with the significance of this collaboration!"

This statement was reasonable and subtly created some space for the two of them.

A knowing smile flashed in Lu Qingyue's eyes. She did not refuse the other party's kindness and walked to the center of the backdrop as instructed.

Chen Mo understood and stepped to stand next to Lu Qingyue.

The first row of positions was quickly determined: from left to right, Lin Junfeng, Chen Mo, Lu Qingyue, and Sun Wei.

The second row consisted of team members from both sides standing alternately.

"Get ready, three, two, one!"

The sound of camera shutters clicking rang out one after another.

Zhou Yumeng recorded this historic moment on Orange's official website, with the caption "Orange Technology joins hands with Morgan Stanley to accelerate its overseas strategic layout".

Chen Min promoted Morgan Stanley's domestic and overseas M&A business, leaving behind high-quality materials.

After the group photo, the members from both sides shook hands and said goodbye.

When it was Chen Mo's turn to shake hands with Lu Qingyue, she lightly tapped his palm with her fingertips, her voice so low that only the two of them could hear: "President Chen, don't forget our agreement!"

Chen Mo's thumb unconsciously brushed against her knuckles, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Don't worry, how could I forget something so important!"

As soon as they finished speaking, the two let go of each other's hands, turned around nonchalantly, and followed their respective teams.

The lingering warmth on my fingertips quietly disappeared into the evening breeze and night in the garden.

This successful business meeting has come to a close, but some new stories seem to be just beginning.

Chen Mo glanced back one last time and met Lu Qingyue's gaze from afar. The two exchanged a knowing smile, concealing their promise to walk together in the night, a promise only they understood.

(End of this chapter)