Steal the enemy's base at the start and build a technological empire.

Chapter 121 Stealing Half a Day of Leisure

The phone rang. It was Qiu Bojun.

"Mr. Ling, it's settled." His voice was a little tired, but clear. "All seven shareholders have agreed to withdraw in cash. We can sign now."

"Are all the conditions met?" Ling Yun asked.

"That's satisfactory. For the cash withdrawal, the premium is 30% based on the total price of 20 million you gave us," Qiu Bojun said. "The legal department is drafting the agreement, and it should be signed as early as tomorrow."

"Okay," Ling Yun said. "I'll have Zhao Weiguo go to Beijing to sign on behalf of Xinghuo Technology. He'll bring the company seal and authorization letter. After the acquisition, Kingsoft needs to integrate quickly. He'll assist you with the initial procedures."

"Understood."

"In addition, the first payment of five million will arrive within three working days after signing the contract," Ling Yun said. "The remaining fifteen million will be paid in two installments, in June and December."

"Can."

After hanging up the phone, Ling Yun called Zhao Weiguo over.

"Go to Beijing tomorrow to sign the acquisition agreement with Kingsoft." He handed over a letter of authorization. "You have full authority to represent us. After signing, coordinate with President Qiu to hold an employee meeting to announce the acquisition and subsequent plans."

Zhao Weiguo took the document: "What am I supposed to say?"

"Three points." Ling Yun held up one finger. "First, all employees will be retained with unchanged salaries. Second, immediately begin development of WPS Star Edition, aiming to release a beta version before National Day this year. Third, Spark Technology will invest at least three million yuan in research and development annually."

"Someone asked what to do about competition from Microsoft?"

"Take our differentiated market approach for example. Microsoft targets the global market, we target the local market; Microsoft focuses on general applications, we offer deep customization," Ling Yun said. "Our main battleground is especially in sectors like government, state-owned enterprises, and education, where data security and localization are paramount."

Zhao Weiguo wrote it down: "Understood. I'll fly to Beijing this afternoon."

"Go."

After Zhao Weiguo left, Ling Yun checked her watch; it was 9:30.

He dialed An Shiyu's number.

"Are you free today?" he asked.

"Yes. What's wrong?"

"I'll go shopping and have dinner with you."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone. "Are you free today?"

"Yes, but I can cancel," Lingyun said. "I'll pick you up at the school gate at ten o'clock."

An Shiyu was wearing a beige coat and the same red scarf she wore last time. She got into the car and sat in the passenger seat.

"Really going shopping?" She was still a little skeptical.

"Really?" Ling Yun started the car. "Should we go to the department store first, or have dinner first?"

"It's only ten o'clock, why are we having dinner?" An Shiyu laughed. "Let's go shopping first. I want to buy a sweater."

The department store wasn't crowded. An Shiyu was browsing in the women's clothing section, while Ling Yun waited beside her. She tried on a light gray turtleneck sweater and turned around in front of the mirror.

"Is it pretty?" she asked.

"nice."

"Too perfunctory."

"It's really beautiful," Lingyun said. "Let's buy it."

After buying the sweater, she spotted a skirt she liked. It was dark blue and made of wool, so she bought that too.

I bought Lingyun another jacket, black, with a simple design.

"What are we having for lunch?" he asked.

"You decide."

"Then let's go eat hot pot with lamb, it'll warm us up."

The hot pot restaurant was steaming. The two found a seat by the window. Lingyun ordered lamb, cabbage, tofu, and glass noodles. The broth was clear, with scallions, ginger, and goji berries added.

"You seem to be in a good mood today," An Shiyu said.

"Things are progressing smoothly." Ling Yun put mutton into the pot. "The acquisition of Kingsoft is finalized, there's progress on Dell, and we've signed our first order for the internet cafe system."

"So, I'm treating myself to a day off?"

"It's also to keep you company," Lingyun said. "I owe you too much time."

The mutton was cooked, and he put it in her bowl.

"Regarding the house, Sun Peng said the contract is ready and we'll sign it tomorrow," he said.

"Um."

What are your thoughts on the renovation?

"Keep it simple," An Shiyu said. "White walls, light-colored wood grain flooring. Furniture... not too much, just enough."

"it is good."

"What's the budget? Don't spend too much money."

"It's alright," Ling Yun said. "We should spend what needs to be spent."

After lunch, it was 1:30 PM.

"I have to go to the securities brokerage this afternoon," Lingyun said. "Why don't you go back to school first?"

"I'll go with you," An Shiyu said.

The hall was quite crowded. The stock market was rising, and retail investors were staring at the screens, discussing the situation.

Zhou Shiming was looking at reports behind the counter when he saw Ling Yun and immediately came out to greet her.

"Mr. Ling! Long time no see!" He shook hands. "And this is?"

"My girlfriend, An Shiyu," Ling Yun introduced.

"Hello, Miss An." Zhou Shiming led the two into the VIP room. "The reason we're here today is..."

"Let me check the account and also tell you something." Ling Yun sat down and turned on the computer.

Lingyun said, "I plan to start clearing out my positions after the New Year. I'm letting you know in advance because I might need your cooperation to break up large orders and prevent a market crash."

"Clearance sale?" Zhou Shiming was shocked. "The stock is rising so well right now..."

"The price has risen enough." Ling Yun closed the page. "I'll let you know the exact time later. You arrange for traders to operate according to my instructions."

"Okay, okay." Zhou Shiming was still in shock. "This scale... I need to report it to headquarters."

"Reporting is fine, but the information must be kept confidential," Ling Yun said. "If word gets out, I'll switch brokerages."

"Understood, absolutely confidential," Zhou Shiming assured him.

As Ling Yun stepped out of the main room, someone in the hall recognized him.

"Mr. Ling!" A middle-aged man ran over. It was Wang Degui, the one who had previously bought Shenzhen Technology with Ling Yun.

"Mr. Wang," Ling Yun nodded.

"You've come today to...?" Wang Degui rubbed his hands together. "Any new news?"

"No new information," Ling Yun said. "However, I'll be adjusting my positions after the New Year, so please be mindful of the risks."

"Clearance sale?" Wang Degui's expression changed. "Weren't you still optimistic about the market?"

"I think it's about right," Ling Yun said. "You decide for yourself."

"Then...then I'll pay too," Wang Degui said immediately. "I'll go with you."

"Don't blindly follow," Lingyun said. "I have my reasons for clearing out my positions, which may not apply to you."

"I believe you," Wang Degui said firmly. "Let me know when you're clearing things up, and I'll follow you."

Ling Yun looked at him: "I'll have Manager Zhou inform you when the time comes. But you're responsible for your own profits and losses."

"Understood, understood."

Leaving the sales center, An Shiyu asked, "The clearance sale you mentioned earlier, it must be a large sum of money, right?"

"Um."

She paused for a moment, then asked, "And then what? Where do you put the money?"

"Part of it will be used for other investments, and part of it will be used back in China," Ling Yun said. "Spark Technology needs funds, and buying and renovating a house also requires money."

"It feels like a dream," An Shiyu said. "At this time last year, you were still worrying about the computers in internet cafes."

"A year can bring about a lot of changes."

Will it get even bigger?

"Yes," Ling Yun said. "By this time next year, you probably won't recognize Xinghuo Technology anymore."

The car drove back to Shandong University. At the school gate, before getting out of the car, An Shiyu turned back and said, "I'll go with you to sign the contract tomorrow."

"it is good."

"Also, don't overwork yourself."

"Um."