Jiang Mengxin reread the formula in her hand, her shock indescribable.
"Where did you get the formula for Rong Yan's latest product, Uncle? Is it reliable?" she asked.
Jiang Anzhi had his story ready.
He lied, "The product designer for Rong Yan suffered a sudden family misfortune and was in urgent need of money. I took advantage of the situation and bought the formula from him for two million!"
Uh…
The source was questionable.
Jiang Mengxin frowned slightly. "Is this really okay? Won't Rong Yan sue us?"
"What are you afraid of?" Jiang Anzhi said. "Business is like a battlefield, where's the morality? As long as we beat Rong Yan to the punch and produce the product first, we'll be the legitimate ones, and Rong Yan will be the infringer. Making money is nothing to be ashamed of."
Jiang Mengxin hesitated.
It was immoral.
But it was also a golden opportunity to make a fortune.
The Jiang family was currently in turmoil and desperately needed to recover funds. The Rong Yan formula in hand was a lucrative project, and there was no reason to give it up.
"Alright, convene a high-level meeting immediately and draft a plan!"
...
Late at night, all the senior executives of Jiang's Enterprise were present.
Lu Ming and Jiang Lan also arrived, curious as to why Jiang Mengxin had urgently summoned everyone.
Once everyone was seated, Jiang Mengxin stated directly, "I apologize for calling you all here so late, but it's for a project, a skincare project!"
The executives exchanged glances.
Had the Jiang family suddenly decided to enter the skincare market? They hadn't heard of any such plans before.
Jiang Mengxin produced the formula. "This is the skincare formula. Uncle went through great lengths and spent a fortune to have senior researchers develop it. If we create a product with this formula, it will surely be a bestseller, and we'll make a huge profit!"
Moreover, if the product sold well, a whole series could be launched.
The Jiang family would then have a new product line.
It was an exciting prospect.
But!
Jiang Lan, with a clear head, asked, "Our Jiang family has no experience in skincare. Are we sure it will sell well?"
Jiang Mengxin chuckled. She gently patted the formula. "As long as we have this formula, we can create the best product. With extensive promotion, it will definitely sell well."
Oh?
Was this formula that potent?
Jiang Lan asked curiously, "Sister, can I take a look at the formula?"
"Of course."
Jiang Mengxin handed the formula to Jiang Lan.
Jiang Lan studied it closely.
Jiang Lan had considerable expertise in skincare and cosmetics. After reviewing it, she frowned.
She said, "There seems to be no problem with the formula, but one thing is very strange: why is it so similar to Rong Yan's product line?"
Jiang Mengxin and Jiang Anzhi exchanged glances but remained silent.
At this moment, Lu Ming also leaned in curiously to take a look.
After a brief scan, Lu Ming's eyes showed a flicker of indignation.
He said sternly, "Mengxin, there's something wrong with this formula. We absolutely cannot produce a product based on it. It will lead to major problems!"
Jiang Mengxin frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Lu Ming explained, "This formula appears fine on the surface, but one of the ingredients is problematic! Plantain seed! It's not problematic on its own, but when combined with other herbs, it can have severe consequences – it's too potent and can cause burns to the skin!"
Lu Ming advised, "In other words, this is a formula with extremely serious side effects! If we produce it, it will definitely lead to customer dissatisfaction, and the Jiang family's reputation will be ruined."
Hearing this, Jiang Anzhi was completely stunned.
He never expected that the scheme he and Yuan Chengji had devised would be so easily seen through by Lu Ming.
Lu Ming had seen through a problem that even professional researchers couldn't identify.
Did this kid actually have expertise in women's skincare?
Jiang Anzhi glared at Lu Ming, contemplating his next move.
Jiang Mengxin clearly hesitated as well. If what Lu Ming said was true, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Suddenly, Jiang Anzhi let out a cold laugh. "Lu Ming, who do you think you are? A cemetery keeper, daring to criticize a skincare formula? Do you know that we've had over ten professional researchers examine this formula, and none of them found any issues? How is it that you find problems everywhere? Is it the formula that's problematic, or are you?"
Lu Ming replied with pride, "What I've said is from the heart."
"Heh, is that so?" Jiang Anzhi continued. "Don't think I don't know that you, Lu Ming, have always been someone who likes to show off and hog the spotlight. If this skincare project is a huge success, all the credit will go to Mengxin, and you'll be left in the shadows. So, you're trying to sabotage it at every turn, aren't you?"
It had to be said, his ability to smear mud was quite high.
Lu Ming retorted indignantly, "Don't spout nonsense! Jiang Anzhi, I'd like to ask you, why are you giving Mengxin a flawed formula and letting her mass-produce substandard products with it? What are your intentions?"
The two clashed.
The others looked at each other, unsure who was telling the truth.
Jiang Lan said, "Sister, I think Lu Ming has a point. We should be cautious with this project and not rush it."
Jiang Anzhi let out a cold laugh.
He looked at Jiang Mengxin. "Good niece, do you trust me, your uncle, or your show-off cemetery keeper husband?"
Jiang Mengxin narrowed her eyes.
She did not believe Lu Ming.
The reason was simple: Lu Ming was a man who never used skincare products, so how could he offer professional advice?
It was most likely envy and jealousy, spreading malicious rumors.
The formula had been reviewed by over ten professionals without issues. Jiang Mengxin saw no reason to believe Lu Ming, a cemetery keeper, over those professionals.
Therefore…
Jiang Mengxin stated firmly, "Uncle is right. Lu Ming, as an outsider who works at a cemetery, you shouldn't be spouting nonsense here. I am determined to proceed with this project. I've even decided on the product name: 'Meng Yuan'! This product will be the first shot fired in the Jiang family's resurgence!!!"
Everyone applauded, supporting Jiang Mengxin.
Jiang Anzhi also showed a satisfied smile.
He looked at Lu Ming mockingly, as if to say: Kid, you're too young to compete with me!
Lu Ming sighed deeply.
He couldn't persuade her.
Knowing that the formula was flawed, knowing that a pitfall lay ahead, but Jiang Mengxin was completely blinded by profit. Any persuasion was futile.
Jiang Lan also fell silent.
Although she hadn't identified the problem with the formula, she had recognized the problem with Jiang Anzhi.
This uncle had disliked the two sisters since they were young, and after Jiang Mengxin became president, he had constantly opposed her.
Why would he be so generous today, offering such a great project?
There must be a trick to it!