“Boss, this is Mr. Wang Cheng, the owner of Fengxia Mountain.” Zhang Yiheng broke the brief silence in the reception room, then introduced the man to Wang Cheng. “Mr. Wang, this is the owner of Huaying Real Estate. His surname is Chu.”
After speaking, he placed the materials and documents on the coffee table and withdrew of his own accord.
Only Wang Cheng and the man remained in the spacious, bright reception room. This was Wang Cheng’s first time in such an upscale club, and at first he was a little stiff, unsure where to put his hands and feet. His nature, however, was far too unrestrained for that to last, and before long he simply gave up trying to mind his manners. It was not as though he had come for a job interview.
“Boss Chu, my decision about Fengxia Mountain hasn’t changed. Unless you agree that Wuyin Temple will not be demolished, I won’t sell.”
“As far as I know, that building can hardly still be called a temple. Many parts of it are as dilapidated as they can possibly get. Restoring it to its original appearance would cost more than ten million yuan, and it was never part of my plan to begin with. Mr. Wang should understand that changing one part affects the whole. If I agree to your condition, all the work my subordinates have done up to this point will be wasted. The entire plan will have to be redone, even the theme we originally intended to promote will have to change, and the resulting losses would be impossible to calculate.”
The man’s voice was low and pleasant, but the words coming out of his mouth did not sound nearly as pleasant to Wang Cheng.
“If you give up Fengxia Mountain, your losses would probably be even greater, wouldn’t they?”
Wang Cheng might have become a monk when he was young, but he had at least graduated from high school. His experience of the world might not be as broad as most people’s, yet he knew the man was right. Even so, sympathy would not make him yield on this point. Wuyin Temple was more than a collection of memories. It carried the old monk’s feelings and devotion from several decades of his life.
“You’re very clever.” The man leaned back into the sofa. Long-limbed and relaxed, he exuded a lazy elegance, the kind of air no newly rich upstart could buy with money.
“Thanks for the compliment.” A hint of smugness appeared on Wang Cheng’s face, though he did not realize the man had noticed it.
Huaying Real Estate had already invested so much effort that its determination to acquire Fengxia Mountain was obvious. Giving up was never going to be an option. Agreeing to his condition would only mean spending another ten million yuan or more restoring a temple. The layout of the scenic resort might have to change somewhat, but that was still better than losing everything they had already invested.
That was exactly why Wang Cheng was certain Huaying Real Estate would eventually agree. He did not know much about this company he had never heard of before, but any business capable of spending that much money buying land was clearly not short of cash.
“I can agree to your condition, but I have one of my own.” The man crossed his long legs the other way. Wang Cheng’s gaze shifted toward them, then immediately moved away again.
“What condition?”
“Become a member of Huaying Real Estate. You won’t receive a salary, and the arrangement will last until the scenic resort is completed. This is the only solution. Of course, you can refuse.”
Wang Cheng suspected that if he actually dared to refuse, this man would somehow make him regret it. Still, he did not dare agree too quickly. Who knew what kind of trap might be hidden in the offer? Wang Cheng did not think he possessed anything worth scheming for, but what if the man had taken a fancy to his looks?
“Can I ask why Boss Chu wants me to join your company?” Wang Cheng rubbed his bald head. He truly did not understand why the man would suddenly make such a proposal. His education was nothing impressive, and he was a country boy. No matter how he looked at it, there was no reason a company should take an interest in him.
“No one knows Fengxia Mountain better than you do.”
“…” Well, being a little narcissistic was not a crime. Wang Cheng took a deep breath. “I understand. I need some time to think about this. Can I give Boss Chu my answer in two days?”
“Of course.” The man walked to the desk, picked up a business card, and handed it to him. “Call me when you’ve decided.”
Wang Cheng accepted the card. It was black with gold lettering and had no unnecessary decoration. His gaze landed on the line in the middle, the man’s name: Chu Yifeng!
Zhang Yiheng had his assistant, Fang Tian, drive Wang Cheng back to Wang Family Village in Shiquan County. Following the principle that only a fool turns down a free ride, and because he genuinely did not have a cent on him, Wang Cheng did not refuse their kindness. He thanked them without ceremony and climbed into the car.
“Boss, what do you think of that Wang Cheng?” Back in his boss’s office, Zhang Yiheng gathered up the materials from the coffee table. Before leaving, he could not resist asking one extra question. Judging from Wang Cheng’s expression, the conversation with the boss did not seem to have gone particularly smoothly.
“He’s good-looking.” The man did not even raise his head.
“…”