Chapter 121: Drawing Near

October 16th, 2025.

As SolaraTech was fully immersed in its operations, CinkoSolar was not far behind, engaging in its daily grind. The company continued its brisk trade within the vast Chinese market, while also exporting its solar panels globally. Supplying an ever-growing demand, CinkoSolar maintained its pace, ensuring its products reached every corner where sunlight could be converted into energy.

In the heart of their operations center, screens lit up with real-time sales data, logistic updates, and market trends. Teams were huddled in strategic meetings, discussing ways to enhance efficiency and penetrate new markets.

But Wei, who was occupied in his office, was already looking at the reality of their situation. Their last quarter sales report was not meeting the projections set at the beginning of the year. The numbers on the screen in front of him painted a clear picture; despite the outward appearance of bustling activity and growth, CinkoSolar was facing a significant shortfall in its revenue targets.

Running his fingers through his hair in a rare display of frustration. He knew the sales next year were going to decrease more as SolaraTech's influence grew stronger.

He has to do something about that company. Customers would prefer a solar panel with high efficiency rather than a commercially available one, which is what SolaraTech's product line boasts. The innovative technology Michael Reyes has introduced is rapidly shifting market preferences, and CinkoSolar's traditional models, although reliable, are gradually being overshadowed.

Wei's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Li Hua entered, her expression mirroring the seriousness of their predicament.

"Mr. Wei, our R&D team has forwarded their latest report. They're making slow progress. They couldn't still decipher the manufacturing techniques or the technology used by SolaraTech to build a high-efficiency solar panel. To match or exceed their efficiency, it seems we're looking at a long-term development cycle, potentially taking us several years."

Wei's brow furrowed deeper, the news adding to his concerns. "Years? We don't have the luxury of time, Li Hua. Every day we lag behind, SolaraTech captures more of the market share we fought hard to build."

Li Hua nodded solemnly. "I understand, Mr. Wei. The R&D team is exploring all possible shortcuts, including potential partnerships with research institutions and acquiring smaller companies with promising technologies. However, each of these options carries its own set of risks and costs."

Wei leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

"Sir...I also received an email from SolaraTech, perhaps you should read it," Li Hua

hesitantly mentioned.

"Shit..." Wei cursed, realizing the situation his company was in. He didn't take into account that SolaraTech can do just that. It wasn't in his mind that a company from a third-world country would dare to leverage such a bold strategy. The ramifications of SolaraTech's proposed approach hit him all at once.

A public revelation, especially on social media, could disastrously affect CinkoSolar's reputation, undermining its position both domestically and internationally. The mere suggestion that they engaged in unethical behavior to undermine a competitor could alienate their customer base and deter potential partnerships.

Wei sat back, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The strategic landscape was shifting beneath his feet, and he needed to recalibrate quickly. "Li Hua, gather the senior management team. We need to discuss our response strategy immediately. This isn't just about legal battles anymore; it's about our survival in the court of public opinion."

Li Hua nodded, sensing the urgency in Wei's voice. "I'll arrange it right away, Mr. Wei."

As Li Hua left the room, Wei's mind raced through possible countermeasures. SolaraTech's threat to publicize the dispute could not be taken lightly. He pondered the idea of preemptively addressing the issue publicly, possibly framing it as a misunderstanding or emphasizing CinkoSolar's commitment to ethical practices and innovation.

Yet, he knew that any response would need to be meticulously planned to avoid further damage.

Wei also considered the possibility of reaching out to SolaraTech for a private resolution, one that could prevent the issue from escalating further. However, the tone of Michael Reyes's email didn't promise an easy negotiation. SolaraTech held the upper hand, and Wei knew it.

"It feels like I'm being forced into a corner," Wei muttered to himself, staring blankly at the glowing screen. "Is this what SolaraTech wants? To negotiate on something?"

A lightbulb went off in Wei's head as he considered another radical solution. "What if we could simply buy out SolaraTech?" he thought aloud. The idea was audacious, but not entirely out of reach.

His net worth, coupled with CinkoSolar's assets, could potentially make a compelling offer for SolaraTech, a company that, while innovative and growing, might still be vulnerable to a well-structured acquisition proposal.

The concept of acquiring SolaraTech would solve several problems at once. It would eliminate a formidable competitor, integrate cutting-edge technology directly into CinkoSolar's product line, and potentially turn a public relations disaster into a narrative of strategic consolidation for the betterment of the industry.

However, Wei knew that such a move would not be without its challenges. There were financial considerations, the possibility of regulatory hurdles, and the reaction of SolaraTech's leadership to consider. Michael Reyes had proven to be a principled and formidable opponent; he might not be willing to sell, especially to a rival he was currently in a legal dispute with.

"It can't be help, that will be my offer."