The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era-Chapter 847 - 846 Resignation and Withdrawal of Shares

"I’m already ten, not three. Do they really think I’m as easy to fool as a three-year-old?"

"I definitely won’t agree if they decide to have a third child!"

Watching his little sister puff up like a pufferfish, still a young girl but trying to act all grown-up, was so cute that it made Pei Ziheng want to cherish the moment.

With a gentle voice, he coaxed, "Guoguo, don’t be angry. I feel the same as you, I also don’t want any more brothers or sisters."

Hearing that her brother was also on her side made Pei Tang happy, but she still couldn’t help feeling worried.

"What if Dad and Mom really want to have another one?"

"They won’t."

"How do you know?"

Pei Ziheng explained patiently, "If Mom wanted to have another baby, Dad wouldn’t have asked you for help."

Pei Tang had an epiphany, "Oh, right! Look at how silly I am!"

Her adorable innocence made Pei Ziheng laugh uncontrollably.

Only in front of his sister and mother would he show such a radiant smile.

...

On Monday, after the morning meeting had ended, Du Juan actively approached Shen Mingzhu.

"Got a minute? I’d like to talk to you."

"Sure."

This time, the two went to Shen Mingzhu’s office.

Seeing the rose tea in front of her, Du Juan smiled, "After all these years, you still have the same taste."

"Tastes aren’t so easily changed."

"Yes, making changes isn’t easy in itself."

Sensing the double meaning in her words, Shen Mingzhu smiled lightly, "Let’s talk business. What did you want to discuss?"

"Two things, let’s start with personal matters. Dandan was rude to you at Guoguo’s birthday party, I didn’t discipline him well as a mother, and I want to apologize on his behalf."

Shen Mingzhu nodded, "I accept."

Du Juan looked at her, "I won’t hide it from you, I still find it hard to understand your decision to reject Luo Sen’s investment, but what’s done is done, there’s not much to say. I may have complained to Dandan’s father in private, but please believe me, I have no ill will towards you."

"I believe you, sister-in-law."

"The other matter is about work."

Du Juan put down her tea and handed over a few documents she had brought with her.

"Take a look at these."

As Shen Mingzhu began to review the documents, Du Juan briefly described the recent situation at the food factory: "Compared to last year, employee turnover has exceeded 100%, and the number of distributors has also decreased by over 70%, with performance being terribly poor, not even one-tenth of last year’s."

"Up to now, the loss this year has already exceeded three million, and the company’s account funds are even struggling to pay last month’s wages."

While speaking, Du Juan carefully watched Shen Mingzhu’s expression.

She was curious to know how the founder and major shareholder would react after learning about the dire state of the food factory.

To her disappointment, Shen Mingzhu did not show any signs of anxiety or unrest.

Three million was merely the cost of half a car for her.

Du Juan self-deprecatingly lowered her head and took a sip of her rose tea.

A few minutes later, Shen Mingzhu closed the document she was holding and reassured Du Juan, "I will find a way to solve the financial difficulties."

"Of course, I believe in your ability, including the current predicament of the food factory, you will find ways to cope and get through."

Du Juan looked at her, her expression showing a firm determination and relief.

"The food factory turned into what it is now during my management, and in the end, it’s because of my incompetence as the general manager, so..."

Du Juan handed over the last folder beside her to Shen Mingzhu, "This is my resignation. I’ve decided to resign from the position of general manager."

Shen Mingzhu took the document but did not open it. "Sister-in-law, I can empathize and understand your pressure, and you indeed worked hard these past years. Take some time off, go out and see the world, relax a little."

Du Juan shook her head, "This is a well-considered decision. I hope you will approve it."

"Sister-in-law, the food factory has grown from a small workshop to its current scale under your efforts and contributions, not less than mine. Do you really want to give it up?"

Du Juan took a deep breath and seriously said, "Yes, I’ve made up my mind. I know with you here, the food factory will not collapse, but I’m tired."

"I don’t want to live under your wings all my life. I have my own dreams, aspirations, and ambitions. Besides resigning, I also want to transfer my shares. It’s best if you agree. I don’t want the food factory’s shares to fall into the hands of others."

The last sentence clearly showed Du Juan’s determination to separate herself from the food factory.

Shen Mingzhu picked up the somewhat cold cup of rose tea, her fingertips gently caressing the bottom of the cup, "If that’s the case, let’s talk business. Sister-in-law, how much are you planning to sell your shares for?"

"My asking price is ten million."

When the food factory was founded, Shen Mingzhu gave Du Juan and Shen Chaobei a 20% share, including an additional 5% dry share.

Later, when Shen Chaobei wanted to exit, Du Juan’s share was reduced to 15%, plus a 5% dry share.

Afterward, Pei Wenping invested in the food factory, and Du Juan’s share became 13% plus a 5% dry share.

After Du Juan took over as general manager, under Shen Mingzhu’s manipulation, her 5% dry share was converted into actual shares.

Currently, Du Juan held 18% of the shares, making her the second-largest shareholder next to Shen Mingzhu.

If it were the peak period of the food factory’s profitability, 18% of the shares would indeed be worth ten million.

However, with the food factory’s declining profits, those 18% shares were not truly worth ten million now.

"Sister-in-law, may I ask what do you plan to do with this ten million?"

"Fu Wang Food is preparing to enter the mainland market, and they need a person in charge for China. I plan to partner with Fu Wang to set up a factory."

Shen Mingzhu smiled knowingly, "No wonder."

Fu Wang is a well-known brand in Ao City with nearly a hundred years of history, specializing in products like egg rolls, almond cookies, meat floss cakes, and steamed egg cakes.

"I agree to acquire your shares for ten million, but I need some time to arrange the funds. Can we complete the transaction after a week?"

Du Juan nodded, "Okay, are you going to find someone to take over my job, or will you take over yourself?"

Shen Mingzhu laughed, "Given the current state of the factory, I doubt anyone else would want to take over, so I’ll handle it myself."

"I’ll go back and organize everything, and hand over the work to you as soon as possible."

"Mm."

Watching Du Juan leave, Shen Mingzhu sat motionless for a long time.

Finally, the day had come.

She was not unaware of Liang Xian from Fangda International contacting Du Juan.

Fangda International is a well-known headhunting firm specializing in sourcing high-level talents for outstanding enterprises.

As a friend, Du Juan had better opportunities and prospects ahead, and she ought to be happy for her.

But as a partner, after a decade of facing trials and tribulations together, facing the moment of parting, she inevitably felt reluctance and melancholy.