That's right.

Xu Jia understood this wasn't entirely realistic.

But no matter how unrealistic, he had to try.

Because the signs of crisis for Hengda Group were already emerging.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have grown so many gray hairs in just a few months, nor would he look so weary and aged.

In fact, he hadn't appeared in front of the media for months.

Right now, he was overwhelmed, as if standing under the dark clouds pressing down on a crumbling tower.

To the outside world, Hengda still appeared glamorous.

But only he knew what lay behind that façade.

At the moment, the storm was only brewing. When it arrived, it would be an unprecedented crisis!

And he had already sensed the storm's approach.

That's why he needed to find a way out of the crisis.

Yiren Ruxue was undoubtedly the best way out. If Hengda could secure shares in Yiren Ruxue and complete its IPO within three years, with Yiren Ruxue as a strong backing, Hengda Group could likely weather the coming storm.

For this reason, Xu Jia decided to make one more attempt, even if it seemed far-fetched.

Little did he expect Ye Chen's firm stance to leave him feeling nothing but bitter.

Still, despite the bitterness, he wasn't willing to give up.

"Mr. Ye, I know you don't want to share the Yiren Ruxue pie with anyone. But have you thought about this—conquering territory is easier than defending it. Do you really think you can hold onto Yiren Ruxue forever?

Surely you understand that Yiren Ruxue's success as a money-printing machine hinges on keeping the formula exclusive. If that formula leaks and Yiren Ruxue is no longer unique in the market, have you considered what might happen?"

"I'm not exaggerating. If competitors emerge for your flawless cream, to be honest—I don't believe you can defend this empire on your own. In this era of capital competition, no matter how talented you are, you can't survive against overwhelming financial pressure.

Look at the business world today—small fish eat shrimp, big fish eat small fish, and sharks devour the big fish.

In the end, whether you're a small fish or a big fish, you'll eventually end up in the belly of a shark. If the market was diverse and competitive, perhaps no sharks would appear. But now, your flawless cream is breaking that balance and showing signs of monopoly. Under such circumstances, capital will soon descend like sharks sensing blood.

Hengda may be the first interested in Yiren Ruxue, but it won't be the last.

Soon, capital will flood in to connect with you. If they can't succeed, they'll find ways to create competing products. When that day comes, Yiren Ruxue will face its downfall. The power of capital is beyond imagination—always."

"Take the online rumors about you as an example. I know it's just petty tricks from your competitors, which can't shake your foundation. But those are insignificant tactics. The real battle is yet to come, and your opponents won't be these minor players."

"Full ownership... everyone wants the whole cake to themselves. Like the saying goes, 'How can one sleep soundly while others stir beside the bed?' But you need to realize that it's not always possible to keep it all to yourself.

Over the years, countless promising companies and products have bowed to capital. Did they not see their bright future? They did! But in the end, no one can fight the system alone.

Yes, there are tough ones who resist, but they all exit the stage in regret. No exceptions.

It may sound harsh and dark, but that's the reality.

With your potential, Mr. Ye, I believe you'll eventually break into the real capital circle. But that's in the future. Until then, if you don't choose to let Yiren Ruxue align with capital, if you insist on keeping it all to yourself, you won't be able to hold onto it."

There was no condescending arrogance.

Xu Jia's words carried the weight of experience, spoken with sincerity.

He sounded like an elder sharing his lessons with a younger generation.

However, Ye Chen remained unmoved.

He didn't deny Xu Jia's words were true.

But that truth depended on the existence of competitors.

If flawless cream truly faced competition, it might be challenging for Ye Chen at this stage.

But for decades to come, no competitors would emerge.

Should he worry?

Only if Pang Jun betrayed him.

But that seemed highly unlikely.

"Mr. Ye, name your terms. Hengda only seeks 49% equity. I guarantee your 51% control will never be compromised. Even if dilution is necessary in the future, I promise it will come from Hengda's 49%, not yours.

As for conditions—name anything you want! Shares in Hengda Motors, suburban development projects, land and talent for real estate ventures—whatever you need, I can provide!"

Gazing into Ye Chen's seemingly unreadable eyes, Xu Jia pressed on.

He had shown utmost sincerity.

He wasn't after explosive profits from Yiren Ruxue.

He just wanted Yiren Ruxue to help Hengda through the brewing crisis.

"Chairman Xu, I appreciate your sincerity. But as I said, I won't sell Yiren Ruxue's equity.

I understand everything you said, and you're absolutely right about the future.

But to be frank, I believe I can handle it.

So, no matter what, I won't give up Yiren Ruxue's equity!"

Out of respect for Xu Jia, Ye Chen added,

"Of course, no one knows what the future holds. If I ever need to bring in capital, Hengda and you, Chairman Xu, will be my first choice."

Ye Chen smiled slightly.

From start to finish, Xu Jia's tempting offers hadn't swayed him.

Sure, he wanted the land Hengda owned.

Yes, the suburban development projects intrigued him.

But they weren't worth trading Yiren Ruxue's equity.

Besides, he could acquire those assets without touching Yiren Ruxue.

Yiren Ruxue was a money-printing machine unlike any other.

Even for a billion dollars, he wouldn't trade 49% of its equity—let alone for Hengda's land, projects, or auto industry.