Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In her previous life, when Shen Wan had encountered Yi Hong, he had already been weathered by the challenges of life, making a living through his expertise as a bricklayer.
In his early years, he had made a fortune as a cement worker, saving some money and eventually venturing into subcontracting with friends. His luck had been good, and several business deals had gone smoothly, allowing him to earn his first pot of gold.
He also capitalized on the golden era of the real estate industry, owning his own construction company by the age of twenty-six, employing two construction teams. Initially, he had worked as a subcontractor, but when he saw property prices soaring, he decided to build his own residential complexes. To his surprise, he succeeded!
It could be said that the first half of Yi Hong’s life had been relatively smooth sailing, aside from some initial hardships in his career. It was this ease that left him vulnerable to Shen Qian’s cunning tricks.
And the reason Shen Wan understood all of this so clearly was thanks to those years of rivalry with Shen Qian. She dug into his past like a groundhog, tirelessly excavating everything related to him.
From major investment choices to minor everyday habits, Shen Wan couldn’t resist unraveling the details, constantly reflecting and analyzing.
Because—
She was too eager to win.
And Yi Hong was nothing more than a stumbling block on Shen Qian’s path to grandeur.
Crushing him was indeed quite simple.
“I’ve said all I need to, Mr. Yi, please think carefully before you act.”
With those words, Shen Wan hung up without giving Yi Hong a chance to respond.
“Hello?! Who are you?!” Yi Hong couldn’t help but raise his voice, drawing disapproving and condemning glances from other customers in the coffee shop.
“Mr. Yi?” Liu Hui, who had just walked in, was surprised.
In his memory, Yi Hong was someone who wouldn’t easily reveal his true emotions. Yet, he seemed to have lost his composure over a phone call. Liu Hui couldn’t help but be curious about the caller’s identity.
“You’re here. Sit down.” In the blink of an eye, Yi Hong had regained his composure.
Liu Hui took a seat across from him and casually placed his sunglasses aside. Surprisingly, he was wearing long sleeves on a hot summer day. His deliberately raised collar covered his chin, and he discreetly observed his surroundings. After a while, his tense posture gradually relaxed.
He looked like he was up to no good.
And in fact, Liu Hui, as one of the high-ranking members of Tian Shui Real Estate’s North Sea subsidiary, meeting secretly with the rival Hengyi Group’s CEO was already highly unusual.
Yi Hong had acquired a fair amount of information from the “mysterious person”, but he hadn’t immediately sought confirmation from Liu Hui. He simply asked, “What’s up?”
Liu Hui noticed Yi Hong’s impatience and, with a cold smile in his heart, maintained a respectful tone. “Shen Qian has personally come to Beihai.”
Yi Hong showed genuine surprise. “What’s he here for?!”
“It’s probably about that piece of land. And…” Liu Hui paused for a moment. “I think he’s already becoming suspicious of me.”
“Is that so?” Yi Hong raised an eyebrow, his cold demeanor sending shivers down Liu Hui’s spine.
Liu Hui grew anxious. “I promised to help you obtain Tian Shui’s bidding price, and you promised that once you secure the land, you won’t leave me hanging. Now that Shen Qian is starting to suspect me, 1 believe he’ll investigate me soon! Mr. Yi, in the end, we’re in the same boat. If I go down, don’t expect to get away unscathed!”
As he continued, he became more forceful.
Although Yi Hong was annoyed, he understood that now was not the time to quarrel with Liu Hui. Otherwise, cornered like a trapped animal, he might bite back.
“Don’t worry, it’s not that serious. As you said, Shen Qian only has suspicions, and there’s no evidence yet to incriminate you. Moreover, even in the worst-case scenario, if Tian Shui decides to let you go, Hengyi will welcome you with open arms.”
Liu Hui quickly calmed down upon hearing this.
“Is there anything else besides Shen Qian’s whereabouts?” Yi Hong casually inquired, appearing nonchalant.
“…Nothing for now.”
“Earlier, you mentioned that Tian Shui Real Estate plans to develop this piece of land for commercial purposes?”
“Yes,” Liu Hui nodded.
“What kind of commercial development? Shopping mall? Office buildings?”
Liu Hui hesitated briefly, and his gaze flickered. “It should include both, I think. I’m not entirely sure of the specifics.”
“Is that so… But you’re one of the key figures for Tian Shui in Beihai. How could you not be clear about it?”
If not for this, why would Yi Hong have considered Liu Hui as an insider?
Liu Hui’s eyes revealed a hint of suspicion, and he countered, “Mr. Yi, why are you suddenly interested in the land’s purpose? Did someone tell you something?”
“I’m simply considering that Hengyi’s plans for a seaside villa development aren’t tied exclusively to this specific land. If we can find a mutually agreeable solution, I’m open to extending a gesture of goodwill towards Tian Shui Real Estate.”
Liu Hui was completely taken aback.
Yi Hong’s change of attitude was too sudden, with no prior indications. He had previously seemed determined to win, but now he wanted to play nice?
Then why would he take such a significant risk to uncover Tian Shui’s bidding price?
This…
Liu Hui wanted to curse Yi Hong for being irrational, but he restrained himself.
He took a deep breath and adjusted his emotions. “Mr. Yi, are you joking?”
“Haha… You’ve figured me out!”
Uh!
Yi Hong spread his hands. “You didn’t take that seriously, did you?”
“No, no,” Liu Hui quickly replied, though he felt a growing sense of annoyance at being played.
Yi Hong continued, “If there’s nothing else, you can go for now. Be careful in your actions during this period, and don’t let anyone catch your wealmesses.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“Good.”
Liu Hui put on his sunglasses and left.
Yi Hong sat in his seat, watching Liu Hui’s retreating figure, lost in thought..