Ethan nodded internally—Diana really was sharp when it came to business.
Diana looked at him with surprise again and asked:
"You just said the negotiated price is $500K, but the listing shows $500K—regardless of whether you're really buying or not, you HAVE to negotiate!"
Ethan explained:
"I need to keep their entire original core team intact—not a single person let go. When a company changes hands, morale gets shaky, especially for a small but elite team like this. Stabilizing the team is way more important than saving a hundred grand or two. Sometimes, team cohesion and loyalty can't be bought at any price."
When Diana heard this, her eyes widened instantly, revealing surprise and immediate understanding:
"I see! You're buying it FOR the team! If the team really has potential, then this condition becomes a major asset, and the deal's value needs complete reevaluation."
She instantly grasped Ethan's strategic intent, and her eyes held even more admiration.
Not fixating on saving pennies upfront, but focusing on team integration value and future potential—this vision and generosity made her feel once again how exceptional the man beside her was.
Arrived at the hotel.
After a quick rest and checking the time, it was almost time for the scheduled meeting.
Ethan took Diana and caught a cab straight to ShareNow's office location.
Marcus had suggested they meet at an upscale hotel.
Ethan refused.
No need for that.
He set the acquisition venue directly at their company office.
....
The taxi stopped in front of an office building with a distinctly aged feel.
Ethan and Diana took an elevator that ran with a slight grinding sound up to the fifth floor.
The elevator doors opened, and the sign for "ShareNow Social Media LLC" came into view.
Right then, a guy in his thirties standing behind the glass door saw them and immediately hurried over.
"Mr. Miller?"
Marcus's gaze paused for a moment on Ethan, who was unbelievably young, with obvious hesitation.
But when his eyes fell on Diana—with her capable presence and powerful aura—he immediately confirmed it, and rushed forward, squeezing out an enthusiastic but nervous smile:
"Mr. Miller! Welcome, welcome!"
Ethan extended his hand:
"Ethan Miller. Good to meet you, Mr. Chen."
Marcus quickly shook hands with Ethan and gestured inside:
"Please, come in! Let's talk in my office."
Ethan nodded slightly and walked into the company.
The space wasn't large—the open area was compactly arranged with nearly twenty desks, with only one small independent office separated in the corner, which was obviously Marcus's office.
Right now, the usual sound of keyboards clicking had completely stopped.
All the employees' eyes focused on these two unexpected visitors—with curiosity, apprehension, and a hint of unease.
They were the company "veterans," had followed Marcus since the beginning, and the company was like their second home.
Although they knew selling was a necessary move, in this moment, reluctance and worry still flooded their hearts.
But what they cared about most now was whether the company could actually sell, and if so, for how much—and whether it would be enough to cover the debts Marcus had personally taken on to keep the company afloat until now.
When Marcus led Ethan and Diana into the small office and closed the door, the air outside seemed to freeze.
A few bold employees quietly moved closer to the door, listening intently to what was happening inside.
Inside the office, the atmosphere was tense.
Marcus rubbed his hands together, took a deep breath, and spoke seriously again:
"Mr. Miller, I still only have one requirement—after you take over the company, if you decide to terminate any employees, you need to provide at least three months' severance pay."
His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly penetrated the not-very-soundproof door.
Outside, all the employees with ears pressed close felt a "buzz" in their heads, instantly stunned, and an indescribable warmth and emotion rushed to their eyes...
Although Ethan had already told him on the phone, Marcus still wasn't at ease, so he repeated this condition in person.
Ethan sat on the slightly worn office chair, looking at the visibly anxious Marcus with a calm expression, his tone steady and affirming:
"Mr. Chen, please don't worry. I clearly promised you this condition on the phone, it's still valid, and it'll be written in black and white in the contract. What I'm acquiring isn't just the shell of 'ShareNow'—it's the team, including everyone here. Talent is the asset I value most."
Marcus's tense shoulders instantly relaxed, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he nodded heavily:
"Good! Perfect! With your word, Mr. Miller, I'm completely at ease! I have no other concerns!"
No need to repeat what had already been discussed on the phone.
Ethan:
"Mr. Chen, give me an account number, and after we sign the contract, I'll have our finance department wire you the payment."
Yesterday, Diana had already recruited a few finance people for Red Bean Capital, and they'd started working at the cleaned-up office building.
As for the contract, Diana had drafted it at the hotel just earlier.
Right now, Ethan was treating Diana as both the company's chief operating officer and legal counsel.
She needed to quickly recruit all the staff they needed.
Diana pulled out the pre-printed contract. The lawyer Marcus had hired carefully reviewed all the terms, and after confirming everything was correct, both parties solemnly signed their names.
Marcus looked around this small office that had been with him through countless days and nights, filled with code drafts and design sketches, his eyes complex—relief, nostalgia, and a hint of indescribable loss.
This place no longer belonged to him.
He sighed deeply, silently, with a bit of resignation, stood up and opened the office door.
Outside, all the employees stood up silently, their eyes focused on Marcus in unison, expressions full of concern, anxiety, and silent questions.
Someone called out in a low voice first:
"Marcus!"
"Marcus!"
"Marcus!"
...
Looking at this group of teammates who'd fought alongside him for years, Marcus tried to suppress the sorrow in his heart, raised his voice, and tried to lighten the mood:
"Why's everyone looking so sad? One by one, like we're at a funeral or something?"
"The company being sold is a GOOD thing! Mr. Miller is a straight shooter—he's paying full price, not a penny less! Your jobs are saved, and you're gonna work hard for the new boss from now on! This should make you HAPPY! This is cause for celebration!"
"Marcus..."
A young programmer's voice was slightly choked.
"Marcus, thank you!"
Others echoed.
Right then.
Ethan's calm voice came from behind Marcus:
"Thank you for what? Your Marcus didn't say he was leaving."
He walked out of the office with a smile and stood before everyone.
Everyone, including Marcus, was stunned and looked at the young new boss in confusion.
Ethan's eyes fell on Marcus, with a sincere invitation:
"Mr. Chen, I'm setting up a new core development department to handle a very important new project. This team needs someone who understands tech, understands product, and can unite people to lead it. I'd like to ask you to be the Technical Director of this department. Would you be willing to take on that role?"
"Wait—WHAT?"
Marcus was completely stunned, the massive surprise making his brain go blank, then enormous joy surged through him, and he said almost without thinking:
"Yes! Absolutely! Mr. Miller, thank you for your trust! I'll give it everything I've got!"
"As for your previous salary, we'll discuss proper compensation. We won't shortchange anyone, don't worry."
There are 70 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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