If you had to choose an identity to go undercover, you'd choose a gynecologist.

Mingjing sat upright like a pine tree, not speaking first, exuding the aura of a domineering female CEO. She looked down at Chen Qing with a superior gaze, as if setting the tone for this negotiation that had not yet begun, indicating that she was the one in control.

Chen Qing smiled slightly, calmly poured a cup of tea for the three of them, and casually sat down in front of her.

Mingjing's gaze finally settled on his face, a mocking smile playing on her lips: "So you're Chen Qing, the one who had a scandal with that slut Wang Manchun."

As soon as she finished speaking, a hint of harshness filled the air. She paused, but her expression remained disdainful: "She's quite pretty, how come she ended up with a woman like Wang Manchun?"

These words were deliberately insulting, clearly intended to deflate the other party's spirit.

Mingjing knew perfectly well that in negotiations, the key was to first overwhelm the other party with your presence, making them feel inferior. Then, when it came to setting conditions, they would naturally lose the confidence to make exorbitant demands and would have no choice but to obediently follow your lead.

But who is Chen Qing?

Having navigated the dating scene for two lifetimes, what kind of tricks haven't I seen?

As soon as Mingjing finished speaking, he saw through this trick of suppressing self-esteem.

But there was no anger on his face. Instead, a misty melancholy quickly filled his eyes, which were brimming with sincerity.

"I don't know if Miss Ming has ever had a love that is unforgettable. I don't think so. Feelings are hard to explain. You meet, you fall in love, and then you hurt each other. Who owes whom? Who was deceived by love? Who is more heartbroken than whom? I have always been sincere to her. Even though she hurt me all over in order to climb up to the Ming family, and even tried to kill me several times, I never blamed her, and I don't think she is a piece of trash."

That look in his eyes was so pure, with a touch of innocence and a hint of persistence, that it made Mingjing's words seem like poisoned needles, pricking him and making him feel uncomfortable.

Mingjing felt a sudden tightness in her chest. She realized that the man in front of her was so loyal and righteous, which made her look like a mean and malicious female supporting character. How could she so easily reopen someone else's wounds?

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment. Mingtai, who was sitting to the side, quickly tried to smooth things over, saying with a smile, "Sister, Dr. Chen, we're here today to discuss cooperation, so let's not talk about those unpleasant things."

Chen Qing smiled nonchalantly: "The Thirty-Six Strategies of Love are like a game, don't take them seriously. I suppose Miss Ming has come to visit today because of penicillin? I'm sure you've already done a detailed evaluation. I wonder how you plan to cooperate? I'm all ears."

Mingjing snapped out of her daze and, to cover up her actions, picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

She put down her teacup, her expression returning to normal: "Dr. Chen is so straightforward, so I'll get straight to the point. I want to buy the penicillin formula. Name your price."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing smiled slightly; the fish had taken the bait.

"This recipe is not for sale."

"Not selling?" Mingjing frowned, his tone instantly turning cold. "Dr. Chen, have you thought this through? This penicillin might bring you temporary wealth, but it's more likely to bring you death. How long do you think you can keep this a secret? Once it gets out, how many people in Shanghai will be envious? If those big shots get wind of it and understand the value of penicillin, they can crush someone like you like an ant at any time."

"The formula isn't for sale!" Chen Qing smiled slightly, then changed the subject, "However, I'd like to use this formula as an investment."

"Investment?" Mingjing frowned.

Chen Qing nodded: "The Ming family has ready-made factories and the capacity for mass production, but they don't have the formula. All of this is nonsense. Besides, if I really wanted to find another partner, I only needed to spread the word, and how many people in Shanghai would be waving their money and coming to my door? The Wang family's businesses would probably be willing to pay a high price, but they are selling out their country for personal gain, and I, Chen Qing, disdain to associate with them."

He stared intently at Mingjing: "I'm seeking cooperation with the Ming family because I respect their national integrity, and also because I'm committed to revitalizing national enterprises. I also hope that this anti-inflammatory medicine can help the soldiers fighting against the Japanese on the front lines as soon as possible."

Mingjing paused slightly, her gaze towards Chen Qing completely changing, and her tone softening considerably: "I underestimated Mr. Chen. May I ask how Mr. Chen plans to cooperate?"

Even the way he addressed her changed from Dr. Chen to Mr. Chen.

"Let's establish a joint venture company specializing in the production and sale of penicillin. I'll contribute my technology, holding a 50% stake. The Ming family will handle production and sales, also holding a 50% stake. What do you think?"

At the start of negotiations, it's natural to ask for an exorbitant price, then try to negotiate a lower one – that's standard practice.

Mingjing immediately shook her head: "Mr. Chen only provides a formula, yet he wants 50%? The Ming family has to provide the factory, manpower, and sales channels, and also smooth things over with all parties involved. The risks they bear are far beyond your imagination. Taking only 50% is too unfair. I'll give 20%, which is my bottom line and a sign of sincerity."

"Chairman Ming, you are mistaken. Once the new drug is mass-produced and launched, the Ming family's stock will increase more than tenfold. This formula is not an ordinary item; it is a life-saving drug. Forty percent—that's my bottom line, no less."

"Forty percent is still too much." Mingjing refused to back down. "The Ming family's investment is real: raw materials, labor, transportation, and dealing with various forces. All of these are real financial expenditures."

Chen Qing smiled and said, "Chairman Ming, you might as well look at the long term. Once this penicillin is produced, it will be like flowing gold. The domestic market will be unable to meet the demand, and the world market will open up for you. At that time, the Ming family will not only be a wealthy family in Shanghai, but the markets in America, Europe, and other countries will also give you the green light."

The European war has begun, and the demand for penicillin from various countries is enormous. Orders will pile up like snow-capped mountains; it's an inexhaustible goldmine. The formula I have is the Midas touch, the magic touch that turns lead into gold. Tell me, how much is such a magic touch worth?

Mingjing fell silent. Chen Qing's words made perfect sense. She knew the enormous potential behind this penicillin and understood the core value of the formula.

After a long pause, she looked up and said, "The Ming family also needs to bear the corresponding risks, 30%. We can sign the contract now."

"I'll give up 35%. I'll give up half of it, and consider this money a donation to the soldiers fighting on the front lines. It's my small contribution."

Mingjing's expression was firm as he said, "One-third of the shares will be used to establish a new pharmaceutical company specializing in the production of penicillin. You will own one-third of the shares, and you won't need to worry about the subsequent production, sales, or operations. This is my bottom line."

Chen Qing pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Okay, it's settled then. Prepare the contract."

Mingjing suddenly changed the subject, her tone tinged with a hint of probing: "I'll have the contract prepared immediately. However, as far as I know, Mr. Chen hasn't applied for a patent for penicillin yet. Aren't you worried that I might renege on my decision after obtaining the formula?"

Chen Qing smiled calmly: "I trust the Ming family's reputation, and I believe even more that Chairman Ming would not break his promise for such a small amount of profit."

He trusted the Ming family's character. Besides, if the Ming family really went back on their word and swallowed his shares, they would be asking for trouble.

Seeing this, Mingtai quickly smoothed things over: "Now that the cooperation has been agreed upon, and it's getting late, why don't we go out for a celebratory meal? The food at the Old Shanghai Restaurant is quite good; I've been craving it for a while now."

Mingjing stood up and said, "There are still many things to discuss with Mr. Chen. Would Mr. Chen do me the honor of joining us?"

Chen Qing also stood up and said, "We're family now, so I'll accept your offer. Let's take this opportunity to discuss some details of our cooperation."

Mingtai drove the three of them to the Old Shanghai Restaurant. Mingtai asked for a private room, and the three of them ate together and discussed the follow-up details.

For example, patent applications, where the company is located, and so on.

Chen Qing suggested that Mingjing set up its new company in Hong Kong, and preferably register it in the United States as an American company. This would dispel many covetous eyes and prepare for entering the European and American markets later.

Of course, Mingjing was more professional in these matters. She had already thought it through and was preparing to acquire an American pharmaceutical company and go public through a reverse merger. After the penicillin was launched, there would be far fewer problems, and the patent would naturally belong to the new company. Chen Qing would still retain a portion of the patent ownership.

He could leave all of this to Mingjing; he didn't need to worry about it. He just needed to sign the contract and hand over the formula to Mingjing.

Of course, he won't reveal all his cards yet; he'll wait until everything has settled down before showing some key information.

The three chatted happily. Ming-ying was witty and humorous, and Chen-qing was also a veteran in the dating scene, knowing how to make women happy. Ming-jing, a novice in the dating scene, felt comfortable under their flattery and chatted happily. Her liking for Chen-qing also increased a lot.

A few days later, Chen Qing and Ming Jing officially signed the contract. Sun Qian helped find a senior lawyer to review the contract details one by one. After confirming that there were no problems, both parties signed the contract. Chen Qing breathed a sigh of relief and handed over a portion of the formula to Ming Jing as a token of his sincerity.

Let Mingjing handle the rest.

...............

The cooperation between Zhou Fuhai and the Chongqing government also progressed rapidly. Du Yuesheng contacted Huang Jinrong, the leader of the Shanghai Green Gang. Huang Jinrong personally visited Zhou Fuhai, explained the Chongqing government's intentions, and brought a personal letter from Boss Dai, urging him to abandon the darkness and join hands to save the country.

Through Du Yuesheng as intermediary, the two sides negotiated for a difficult month and finally clarified their intention to cooperate. Using the Green Gang's opium transportation channels, and under the name of Sanxin Company, they would transport large quantities of goods from Shanghai to Chongqing by land and water simultaneously. Zhou Fuhai was in charge of material scheduling and gave the green light. Of course, Zhou Fuhai and the Green Gang also profited a lot from this. After all, Zhou Fuhai also took a lot of risks. If the Japanese found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Two months later, Wang Tianfeng came to Shanghai and secretly visited Zhou Fuhai on behalf of the Chongqing government to discuss cooperation details. He also personally escorted the first batch of supplies to Chongqing.

After arriving in Shanghai, he did not go directly to see Zhou Fuhai, but instead went to Pinganli to see Chen Qing.

Accompanying him were not only his adjutant Guo Qiyun, but also a female student named Wang Jiazhi.