Counterattack starts with controlling probability

Having said that, Li Hao also felt a little uneasy about this fight.

He knew that the struggle among Huanyu's top brass might be far more complicated than they had expected, and Chen Qihang's ambition might have only just revealed the tip of the iceberg.

Chen Qiming patted Li Hao and Chen Kai on the shoulders, his eyes filled with gratitude as he said, "I'll need your continued attention on this matter, especially Li Hao. If there are any new developments, please inform me promptly. After all, we still have to be wary of what Baiyan Capital is doing."

Chen Kai nodded. "Okay, Old Chen, don't worry. We'll keep a close eye on it. Li Hao and Xu Lei will continue to investigate Baiyan Capital's movements and notify you as soon as we have any news."

Li Hao took a deep breath and then said calmly, "In that case, let's work together to resolve this hidden danger as soon as possible."

Just as they were leaving the office, a trace of worry flashed through Chen Qiming's mind.

For him, the relationship between brothers is always difficult to give up, but if it is really as Li Hao and Chen Kai guessed, Chen Qihang would have put this family affection aside long ago, and ambition has become his only driving force.

He couldn't help but sigh silently, feeling a bit helpless and reluctant in his heart.

……

Li Hao returned to the office and received the latest news.

Under the banner of "strategic cooperation", Baiyan Capital once again extended an olive branch to Noah Technology and New Star Investment.

On the surface, this was a generous cooperation proposal, but Li Hao knew in his heart that Baiyan Capital would not be so "kind".

Their history, background, intentions, and even the means of controlling industry and finance all indicate that they are not simply partners, but a behemoth with ulterior motives.

Li Hao sat in the conference room, holding the cooperation plan handed over by Baiyan Capital in his hand, reading each clause carefully.

On the surface, this is a generous agreement: Baiyan Capital promises to provide sufficient financial support to help Noah Technology and New Star Investment achieve further development.

Baiyan Capital even proposed that it was willing to inject a considerable amount of funds to help the two companies expand their business lines and gain greater advantages in market competition.

But Li Hao knows very well that capital is never simple.

Such a large-scale capital injection cannot be without additional conditions.

He quickly noted several clauses in the agreement, particularly those concerning equity and board seats.

In these terms, Baiyan Capital attempted to link its investment amount with future voting rights and management rights. It ostensibly promised not to interfere in the two companies, but it tried to quietly gain a voice in the form of equity.

If these terms are not carefully constrained, they may become a "stealth acquisition" in the future.

Li Hao was silent for a moment, then looked up at the representative of Baiyan Capital, still maintaining a polite smile on his face.

"Your proposal is indeed attractive," he began slowly, "but we have some questions about the details. Especially regarding the issues of management and control. I would prefer that both parties maintain autonomy."

The representative of Baiyan Capital responded with a smile and a calm expression.

"Mr. Li, we understand your concerns. We will strictly abide by the terms of the agreement, will not interfere with the company's management, and fully respect your autonomy."

Although these words were spoken sincerely, Li Hao knew very well that they were not sincere, especially the loopholes hidden in those subtle clauses, which were clearly minefields lurking in the future.

He decided to impose stricter conditions, particularly on shareholding increases and board authority.

"To ensure our respective interests, I will further revise some clauses, especially the restrictions on shareholding increase."

Li Hao said in his usual steady tone.

"The management structure of Noah and Nova will strictly follow the existing structure, and investors will not enjoy any management privileges. Increased holdings will be strictly limited to the agreement, and the company will maintain absolute control on the board of directors."

The other party frowned slightly, obviously somewhat unhappy with Li Hao's proposal, but had to pretend to accept it in good faith.

"Of course, Mr. Li's request is reasonable, and we will respect your opinion."

Under Li Hao's suggested terms, the representatives of Baiyan Capital had to make a slight compromise, but they secretly began to readjust their plans and try to "find another way out" among other terms.

They understood that if they wanted to truly enter Noah Technology and New Star Investment, they had to gradually erode Li Hao's control through some subtle means.

But Li Hao was already alert.

He knew that Baiyan Capital would not compromise easily, but was waiting for the right opportunity to infiltrate in a more covert way.

After returning to the company, Li Hao quickly convened a meeting of the core team to analyze the agreement in detail.

He explained the risks in the agreement to Xu Lei, Chen Kai and others, and pointed out the real intentions of Baiyan Capital.

"This capital institution is very powerful. If we let our guard down, I'm afraid the company will be gradually eroded by them."

Li Hao said seriously.

"So we must carefully consider the intentions behind these clauses and strictly limit the terms for increasing our holdings to ensure that our control over the company is not shaken."

Chen Kai nodded in understanding. "That's right. This agreement seems sincere, but it actually hides a lot of tricks. Old Chen said that Baiyan Capital is always good at this kind of cannibalistic acquisition. We can't take it lightly."

Xu Lei also analyzed: "Their strategy is usually to gradually increase their holdings and gradually gain a say in the board of directors, thereby achieving the goal of controlling the company. I am afraid that Huanyu will also encounter a similar situation this time."

Li Hao nodded in agreement and redrafted several supplementary clauses with the team.

In particular, strict restrictions have been imposed on Baiyan Capital's share purchases, including that the share purchases may not exceed a certain proportion during the agreement period and that no positions may be arranged in the management team in the future.

Li Hao knew that these terms would become an obstacle for Baiyan Capital to achieve long-term control.

A few days later, Li Hao submitted the revised agreement to Baiyan Capital.

When the other representative saw the terms, he looked displeased, but he had to hide his dissatisfaction and reluctantly accepted Li Hao's request.

Baiyan Capital knew very well that this "cooperation" did not really go as they wished.

But on the surface, they still pretended to be sincere and polite: "Mr. Li, we will give your opinion due consideration. We believe that this kind of cooperation can help both parties develop together."

Li Hao responded with a smile, but he knew in his heart that cooperation was just a superficial appearance and Baiyan Capital's real intention had not changed.

……

Chen Qihang stood in the high-level conference room of the Universal Group headquarters, scanning the board members and executives present.

There was a thoughtful expression on his face and a hint of worry in his tone.

"Everyone, this time I have to offer some of my opinions," he began slowly, with a hint of cryptic warning in his words.

"We have recently invested a lot of resources in supporting Noah Technology and New Star Investment. It is undeniable that Li Hao's team has indeed performed well, but as the confrontation between his Tsinghua-Peking University Alliance and the International Alliance escalates, we cannot ignore the risks involved."

The board members looked at each other, some frowned slightly, and some seemed to be thinking about something.

Chen Qihang continued, "I'm concerned that our support may expose the group to unforeseen risks in the future. Noah Technology has a unique market position, especially in its collaboration with international capital. If something unexpected were to happen, the impact on the entire world could not be underestimated."

As soon as he finished speaking, the conference room fell silent.

Although the China Unicom Group has been firmly established in the business world for many years, there are also voices hoping to seize new opportunities.

However, Chen Qihang's words seemed to ignite the hidden doubts among some people about the recent development of the group, especially those directors who have always maintained a conservative stance on the company's risks.

One of the senior directors paused for a moment and then spoke, "Mr. Qihang, do you think supporting Noah Technology and New Star Investment is really that risky for us? Judging from their financial statements and actual market performance, these two companies are still very impressive."

Chen Qihang smiled slightly and answered as if he had prepared something: "Yes, on the surface, the performance is good. But don't forget, their business focuses on artificial intelligence and financial technology, and these industries are highly uncertain."

"Especially if we cooperate deeply with them, if we are not careful, we will be dragged into a protracted trouble."

Another director nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, especially in the international market, once sensitive technology and information security are involved, we may cross the regulatory red lines of certain countries. This risk cannot be ignored."

Seeing this, Chen Qihang continued, emphasizing, "That's right. We have always adhered to a strategy of steady development, which is why Universal Group has been able to gain a foothold in this ever-changing market."

"But if we hastily support Noah Technology's strategy with all our strength, especially by engaging in capital confrontation in the international market, we may lose our original market position and even fall into a vortex of risk."

His words gradually resonated in the conference room, and several senior executives began to discuss in low voices, obviously resonating with Chen Qihang's point of view.

Another young executive hesitated, "However, our cooperation with Noah has already entered a deep stage. If we raise questions at this time, will it affect our business reputation?"

Chen Qihang smiled deeply and glanced at the young executive. "Our cooperation has indeed deepened, but that doesn't mean we can't re-evaluate and adjust."

"What we need to do is ensure that the interests of the world are not harmed and prevent our resources from being over-invested in projects with uncontrollable risks. This is especially true for projects like this one that involve emerging technologies and international cooperation. The slightest mistake could have devastating consequences."

The members of the board of directors nodded one after another, and seemed to gradually accept Chen Qihang's argument.

In the past, the Universal Group was known for its stability. Although Chen Qiming's style was a bit risky, his past decisions had brought considerable profits to the company.

However, the current market environment is different from the past, and the intervention of international capital has indeed caused many people to have doubts.

Chen Qihang smiled slightly, secretly satisfied.

He knew that these words had impressed most of the board members.

This gradually implanted doubt will help him accumulate more voice in the future and allow those senior executives who originally supported Chen Qiming to gradually turn to him.

After the meeting, several directors gathered around Chen Qihang privately to discuss the future direction.

Chen Qihang realized that he had gradually begun to gain a say within the group.

If this trend continues, his influence in the world will become greater and greater in the future.

One day, he might even be able to surpass his brother Chen Qiming, who has always been in charge of the group's affairs!