Chapter 46: A Call from Mr. Wu

“What? Three hundred million? Are you robbing me?” Wang Jintong exclaimed in disbelief. If he went by Chu Dong's price, it would mean giving up nearly half the profit. Real estate development was a lucrative business, but with so much of the cost tied up in land, Wang Jintong found it hard to accept.

“I haven’t finished yet,” Chu Dong chuckled. “Three hundred fifty million. That’s my final offer. I told you before, someone offered me one hundred fifty million but I refused. If I had told them the real value of this land, I suspect more than a few would be eager to buy.”

“You must be joking! I’d like to see who has the guts!” Wang Jintong, not young and quick to anger, raised his voice several notches at Chu Dong’s words.

“I’ve heard Chairman Wang is quite bold. If I lacked courage, I wouldn’t dare take on such a hot potato. There are plenty of people who aren’t afraid of trouble, and besides, there’s profit to be made,” Chu Dong replied calmly, draining the glass of water the secretary had just poured for him. “I have other business to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

This time, no one stopped him. He left the reception room smoothly, and in the lobby, he blew a flamboyant kiss to the pretty receptionist at the front desk. Chu Dong felt not a trace of disappointment over the failed negotiation; instead, he was in exceptionally high spirits.

He knew that since Wang Jintong had shown up personally, it meant Haifeng was truly eager for the land. The real estate world wasn’t dominated by just Haifeng. If someone else bought the land, as Chu Dong suggested, it would be Haifeng’s loss. Whether the profit was large or small, if someone else snatched the meat right from their lips, Haifeng Group couldn’t afford such humiliation.

Sure enough, as soon as Chu Dong left the meeting room, Wang Jintong erupted in fury.

“What use are you useless fools? Even the fat meat right at hand can slip away. A bunch of good-for-nothings!”

Tang Yue’s body trembled as the chairman’s hand slammed onto the table. He kept his head down, not daring to speak. Truth be told, they’d held more than a dozen meetings about this land, discussing luxury homes, villas, high-rise apartments, and so on. If they bought it, the profit would be considerable, but no one ever thought about building an estate. Their fixed mindset had made everyone’s thinking go haywire. Chu Dong’s words today painted the land’s prospects in even brighter colors, doubling the anticipated profits. If they failed to secure it, Haifeng would lose not only money, but face. No wonder Wang Jintong was so furious.

“Chairman, do you mean…” Afraid to say the wrong thing, Tang Yue asked cautiously.

“No matter the cost, buy it for me. Delay brings trouble. Go, now, immediately!” Wang Jintong roared.

Tang Yue dashed out of the reception room, hurrying to chase after Chu Dong, but by the time he reached the entrance, he only caught a glimpse of Chu Dong’s car disappearing. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Chu Dong’s number.

“Hello, Mr. Chu, I’m from Haifeng…”

“Oh, Manager Tang, I’m a bit busy now. Let’s get in touch in a couple days,” Chu Dong recognized Tang Yue’s voice and hung up before he could say more.

“Hello? Hello?”

Only silence. Tang Yue was desperate; he couldn’t afford to wait a couple of days. If he did, the chairman would have his hide. He rushed to his car and sped off in pursuit. Luckily, he’d done his homework and knew Chu Dong was staying at the Feipeng Hotel. He followed him all the way there, and only when he saw the Audi Chu Dong drove did he feel slightly relieved.

“Mr. Chu, this is Tang Yue. I’m downstairs at your hotel and would like to discuss the land with you. Please, give me a chance to meet in person.”

Standing at the hotel entrance, Tang Yue dialed Chu Dong again, afraid the call would be cut off once more. As soon as it connected, he hurriedly explained his purpose.

“Ah, you see, it’s truly an honor to have you here, but I’m really quite busy. How about another day?” Chu Dong sounded somewhat regretful.

“Mr. Chu, please give me this opportunity. I’m already downstairs, it won’t take much of your time…” Tang Yue, usually a capable leader at Haifeng, was now at a loss for words under Chu Dong’s pressure.

“Then wait for me in the café at the entrance. I’ll be there shortly.” Chu Dong wasn’t about to turn away the god of wealth, hesitated a moment, and agreed.

“Yes, yes, I’ll wait for you. Thank you, thank you.” Tang Yue hardly knew what he was thanking for. He hung up and ran across to the café opposite the Feipeng Hotel.

He waited a good while before Chu Dong finally arrived, apologizing for the delay.

It’s hard to argue with a smiling face. Tang Yue knew full well Chu Dong was stalling on purpose, but he had no choice, and could only assure him it was understandable. The two sat down, and Chu Dong asked why Tang Yue was so anxious.

“After you left, the chairman praised you as a rare young talent, regretting not having talked more with you. Then he brought up the land again. Thinking it over, your price is high, but not too outrageous. The chairman said, even if it’s just for the sake of making friends with you, the money spent is worthwhile. So, he sent me to discuss the contract with you, and also to confirm your rights regarding the land’s disposal.” Tang Yue was experienced, and even now didn’t forget to probe Chu Dong, since the price wasn’t low, and he needed to ensure Chu Dong really owned the land.

“I knew big companies were flush with cash. This sum is barely a drop in the ocean for Haifeng. And you, Manager Tang, are truly prudent and reliable. Look, I brought everything with me. You have a keen eye—go ahead, verify it.” With that, Chu Dong produced a stack of documents, ample proof of his authority over the land.

“Then let’s prepare to sign the contract. Please bring your seal, and we’ll go to the notary to handle the formalities.” Tang Yue wished he could sign the contract right then and there.

“Hold on, Manager Tang, we haven’t discussed the price yet. You’re a bit too eager,” Chu Dong replied, lukewarm as ever.

“We’ll go with your price—three hundred fifty million.” Tang Yue gritted his teeth. This was the most unfulfilling contract he’d ever signed.

“Oh, wait a moment, I have a call.” Just then, Chu Dong’s phone rang. He glanced at the number and smiled. “Hello, President Wu? What brings you to call me? Ah, you’re asking about the land—I’m negotiating with Haifeng right now, and I’m quite satisfied with the price they’re offering… Yes, the same price I mentioned to you before… What’s that? You want to meet in person… That’s awkward, puts me in a tough spot… Yes, I wouldn’t turn down money, but… Hmm, alright, since you say so, I feel more assured—at least I have President Wu as a backup, right? Haha, thank you for thinking so highly of me. Very well, see you tonight, see you tonight.”

Tang Yue felt a chill in his heart. Just as he feared, President Wu had appeared out of nowhere, clearly also interested in the land. He didn’t hear the whole conversation, but he could guess the gist. If he didn’t act fast, he’d be too late. Steeling himself, Tang Yue forced a fawning smile.