Chapter 31

C31 – Bullshit

“I’m sorry, Xiaoloong.” Yang Jingjing felt very guilty.

While the manager had assured her it wasn’t her fault, Yang Jingjing couldn’t help but feel that... If only she hadn’t followed them here and intentionally uttered those vexing words... Ultimately, she believed it was her actions that had muddled the situation.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

He had come here solely to interview Zhang Xiaoloong, not his actual girlfriend. Although he had faced a minor setback yesterday, it wasn’t a significant issue. Besides, it had merely been a misunderstanding. What right did he have to feel jealous of Zhang Xiaoloong?

There could be numerous reasons for the top scholar’s absence. Regardless of the cause, she must have encountered difficulties. Instead of providing assistance, she had ended up causing inconvenience to the other party. This deepened Yang Jingjing’s self-blame.

“It’s not your concern. Even if the price remains the same as yesterday, I won’t make the purchase,” Zhang Xiaoloong candidly stated.

“Why?” Yang Jingjing was curious.

“You can’t blame me for being practical and honoring my word, can you?” Chen Yaru replied nervously.

“I cultivate crops to earn a living. Regardless of its scale, it’s still a business. In business, a win-win situation is essential for sustainability. If you’re consistently on the brink of financial loss, it’s unfavorable. If Bian Er exploits me, I won’t be able to sustain it,” Zhang Xiaoloong gently smiled at the two girls. “So, neither of you should blame yourselves. It was my impatience and a lack of understanding of my own foundation. I always aimed for the sky in one leap. In ancient wisdom, they say haste makes waste. Among farmers, there’s a saying that taking overly large strides often results in breaking an egg...”

Pffft...

The two beauties spat at the same time.

Hearing him speak so candidly, no one could have anticipated that he would utter such inappropriate words in the end.

Following his remark, both of them directed their gaze toward Zhang Xiaoloong’s lower body.

“In that case, we’ll commence repayment in three months. However, I insist on paying the interest at the regular rate; it’s a matter of principle,” Zhang Xiaoloong stated, understanding the difference between accepting a favor and receiving a substantial sum, such as a few hundred thousand yuan, for free. “I can’t accept it otherwise.”

“No need to worry; I’ll stay within the country’s legal limits. I’ll make sure you pay the highest permissible interest rate,” Chen Yaru assured with relief before adding a reminder, “And don’t forget the two-thousand-yuan transportation fee. It falls under the same agreement as the interest—repayment in vegetables, not cash. Once a week. Do you remember this arrangement?”

“No problem.” Zhang Xiaoloong agreed readily.

“Aren’t you curious about the second option?” Chen Yaru tried once more to entice him. “Compared to the first one, this approach carries fewer risks. You won’t have to invest any money, and it can also simplify your business operations significantly.”

“Are you suggesting he marries you with his land?” Yang Jingjing quipped, half-joking and half-serious.

Zhang Xiaoloong chimed in quickly, “I think the first option sounds great. I’ll repay the money as soon as possible.”

Chen Yaru didn’t offer many comments and continued, “The second option involves our company selling all the vegetables you cultivate. Essentially, we’ll establish a greenhouse. You’ll manage the planting, including seeds and fertilizers, while both parties will share the profits equally. We can agree on a baseline price with you. If you can’t sell at that price, we’ll ensure you receive half of the profit anyway. If the market price exceeds the baseline, we’ll split the higher profit equally. How does that sound?”

Zhang Xiaoloong fell into contemplation for a moment. In his mind, this alternative seemed feasible as well.

At first glance, it appeared that the other party was offering everything, even taking care of the basic sales. He would be solely responsible for cultivation but still receive half the profit. It seemed like a favorable deal for Zhang Xiaoloong.

Yet, Zhang Xiaoloong believed that the vegetables he grew were unique and couldn’t be cultivated by just anyone. In essence, he felt that no one else could grow them and then hand them over for selling. In reality, the one benefiting the most would be Yuanbo. He wouldn’t even owe any favors to the company.

“Let’s proceed with the first option,” Zhang Xiaoloong stated thoughtfully.

“Alright,” Chen Yaru responded with a hint of disappointment, though she didn’t push further. She blinked and said, “If there’s nothing else, let’s go inspect the materials. We can discuss your ideas after we examine the site. While the specific design will depend on the terrain, we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences. After the visit, I’ll arrange for your return to Qinghe Village.”

“Ah? Why are you going to Qinghe Village?” Zhang Xiaoloong was puzzled.