Chapter Forty-Seven: Our Work Is All About Precision

“Mr. Chu, about the matter we discussed…” Tang Yue’s nerves were so taut that the muscles in his face trembled uncontrollably.

“Ah, don’t worry, don’t worry. You’ve come all this way, I can’t just let you sit here without offering you anything. There’s a kind of milk tea here that’s really excellent—I’ll order you a cup to try.” Chu Dong acted as if he were greeting an old friend, brimming with enthusiasm.

But how could Tang Yue have any appetite for milk tea? Even if it were an ancient elixir, it couldn’t soothe the anxiety gnawing at his heart. “Mr. Chu, let’s get down to business first, shall we?”

Chu Dong paused, a troubled look crossing his face. “Manager Tang, it’s not that I’m being unreasonable, it’s just—well, how should I put it? Wait a moment, this call from President Wu is quite urgent.”

As he spoke, he answered the phone again. “Brother Wu, don’t worry. I know you want this piece of land. After all these years of friendship, don’t you trust me? I told you I’d wait, and I will. Rest assured, my dear brother. Alright, tonight I’ll come to your place. Tell your wife to prepare some good food and wine. Let’s have a proper drink together… Yes, that’s settled.” Ending the call, Chu Dong looked apologetic. “I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t expect the land to be in such high demand.”

“It’s nothing. Actually, Mr. Chu, if you’re willing to sign with me right now, Haifeng is prepared to offer an additional ten percent on top of your asking price.” Tang Yue nearly ground his teeth to dust, forcing the words out between clenched jaws.

“Really?” Chu Dong seemed doubtful.

“Absolutely.”

“But President Wu is expecting me tonight. If I sign with Haifeng now, wouldn’t I be letting my friend down?” Chu Dong appeared torn.

“In business, speed is everything. If President Wu were here to sign first, Haifeng wouldn’t say a word. The world of commerce is all about seizing the initiative, isn’t it?” Tang Yue was terrified that if Chu Dong hesitated any longer, he’d be snatched away by the competition.

“In that case, Manager Tang, since you’re so straightforward, even if it means letting down a friend, I’ll work with you. I have no patience for hemming and hawing. Tell me, where shall we finalize the deal?” Chu Dong slapped his thigh with a heroic flourish.

“Let’s go to Haifeng. I’ll arrange for our people to contact the notary right away.” Seizing the moment, Tang Yue grabbed Chu Dong and hurried him out.

It was Tang Yue’s second time at Haifeng Group, and he noticed Chu Dong seemed less flamboyant, even somewhat anxious. Tang Yue assumed he was worried about how to explain things to President Wu and kept reassuring him.

“Mr. Chu, in business, capital is king. Didn’t you say it yourself? One can’t turn their back on money.”

“I know, I know. It’s just that I still feel uneasy. But it’s nothing, it’s nothing.” Chu Dong’s brow remained furrowed, though his energy seemed to be returning.

Once the contract was signed, Tang Yue felt no sense of accomplishment. Before he left, Wang Jintong had anticipated that Chu Dong might try to negotiate for a higher price and had authorized him to offer up to ten percent more. Even with the contract sealed, Tang Yue felt vaguely uneasy.

After signing, Chu Dong was overjoyed as he received the cashier’s check from Haifeng Group’s finance department. Any trace of melancholy had vanished; he shook Tang Yue’s hand exuberantly, smiled broadly for the cameras brought by Haifeng’s public relations, and wouldn’t let go of Tang Yue’s hand, showering him with praise—calling him a man of great promise and vision. Tang Yue found it all rather hard to swallow.

It wasn’t until Chu Dong had left that Tang Yue suddenly realized he’d been shown nothing but a one-man show—Chu Dong had fielded calls, but Tang Yue had no idea who was actually on the other end. In his eagerness, he’d revealed all his cards and practically dragged Chu Dong to sign the contract. Only now, after so many years in the business world, did Tang Yue realize he’d been outmaneuvered, like an old hunter blinded by his own hawk. If not for the chairman’s urgency, he would never have lost his composure like this. But what was done was done; even if he’d suffered in silence, he could only grit his teeth and swallow the bitter pill.

Refreshed and elated—not unlike the aftermath of a victorious battle—Chu Dong, whistling to himself, dodged the reporters and got into his Audi. He hadn’t even started the car before his phone rang again.

“Hello, Qiangzi, you’re truly my lucky star. Ha ha…” Chu Dong burst out laughing.

“Come on, what the hell was that? President Wu, Brother Wu—what were you talking about? Did you even hear what I said earlier?” Qiangzi’s voice was thick with annoyance.

“What was it?” Chu Dong had been too engrossed in his performance to catch anything Qiangzi had said.

“Have you lost your mind? Not only were you spouting nonsense, now you’re feigning ignorance?” Qiangzi was practically gnashing his teeth.

“I’m not pretending—I really didn’t hear you. Just say it again.” Chu Dong was in too good a mood to be upset, even at being scolded.

“I was asking if you could ask your sister-in-law to pass a message for me. I want to ask out that girl I met at Lijiao Bay, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.” Qiangzi had finally mustered the courage to make his request, only to be interrupted earlier by Chu Dong’s ramblings. Now, the excitement had faded.

“Definitely not.” Chu Dong flatly refused. “Are you out of your mind? She’s just a kid! Shame on you. Don’t even say you know me.”

“Easy for you to say now that you’ve got a beautiful wife, while I’m still single! Besides, what’s wrong with young? These days, if you want innocence, you practically have to look in kindergartens. If I don’t act fast, I’ll miss my chance,” Qiangzi replied, seemingly serious.

“We’ll talk when we meet. There’s no rush about this. I’ll be at your place soon. Call Haozi over, too.” Chu Dong stopped at the bank to deposit the check into his account before heading straight for Qiangzi’s place.

“Dongzi, you were on TV! Where did you get so much money to buy land? I had no idea! You’re a big shot now—sold it for 385 million in one go! You weren’t robbing banks, were you?” As soon as Haozi entered, he threw his arms around Chu Dong, shaking him vigorously.

“What? Is this true, Dong?” Qiangzi was stunned. He’d been at home, preoccupied with his romantic woes, and hadn’t paid attention to the news on TV.

“It’s true. I just saw it on the midday news. He even looks better on camera than in person,” Haozi said, turning to Qiangzi.

“Come on, pay up! I can’t believe you kept this to yourself, making a fortune while I’m left out. You have to share!” Qiangzi finally caught on and joined the fray.

“Take it easy, you’ll break my neck.” Finally escaping their grip, Chu Dong sprawled onto the big sofa and smirked. “Robbing banks? That’s for amateurs. What we do takes finesse—it’s all in the mind.” Tapping his forehead, Chu Dong raised his head proudly, just like the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang reclining in his thatched cottage.