When Bian Yiqiu arrived at his office at 11:35, the person he was supposed to meet had already been waiting for nearly two hours.

Hearing movement by the door, the man who had been standing with his back to him in front of the floor-to-ceiling window turned around. Without a hint of impatience, he smiled and said, “President Bian, your office is really impressive.”

“Young Master Qian, sorry to keep you waiting,” Bian Yiqiu glanced at the two tall, well-dressed foreign bodyguards standing behind the man. His words were polite, but in reality, he had hung up the phone, then gone back to sleep for another half hour, had a shower, and leisurely eaten breakfast before finally making his way over.

“It’s fine. With Director Ye here to keep me company, I wouldn’t mind waiting another two hours,” Qian Ying said, glancing at Ye Zhen with admiration in his eyes, and his look seemed genuinely sincere.

Ye Zhen kept a composed and professional smile, but inside, she was cursing like crazy: You, Qian, really know how to flatter yourself. Which one of your eyes saw me here to keep you company? As the archrival of Jiu’an, who in the hell would let you stay alone in my boss’s office?

On the other hand, Bian Yiqiu was somewhat surprised by Qian Ying’s attitude. He’d kept him waiting for two hours for no reason, and yet this usually arrogant Young Master Qian didn’t seem the slightest bit displeased. It seemed whatever they were about to discuss today was extremely important to Longxing, or to him personally.

Bian Yiqiu quickly ran through the current business dealings between Jiu’an and Longxing in his mind and didn’t find any overlap or competitive relationship. As for the underworld in Z City, Bian Yiqiu saw himself as a proper businessman now. Though Old Qian and Old Master Jiu had been at odds for years, that was really a matter for the older generation. Old Master Jiu had already passed, and as a junior, Bian Yiqiu had given Old Qian plenty of respect. As long as Old Qian’s eyesight wasn’t failing, there shouldn’t be any reason for Qian Ying to oppose Jiu’an. It wouldn’t benefit either his reputation or Longxing’s stability.

So, the question was, why did Qian Ying come to find him?

“Plot 7-15.”

“What?” Bian Yiqiu thought he had heard wrong.

“I said, I want to buy that piece of land.” As Qian Ying spoke, he reached behind him, and one of his bodyguards immediately understood, stepping forward to hand over a brown paper bag. After Qian Ying took it, the bodyguard quickly stepped back.

Qian Ying opened the bag and pulled out a printed contract, placing it in front of Bian Yiqiu. “This is the contract. Take a look.”

Bian Yiqiu glanced at the so-called contract but didn’t reach for it. Instead, he gave a half-smile, his gaze fixed on the man across from him, who was clearly a little too confident. “Young Master Qian, you really act swiftly. I haven’t even said I want to sell, and you’ve already prepared the contract.”

“President Bian, shall we talk after you’ve looked over the contract?”

“No need to look. I never planned to sell that land. If Young Master Qian is interested in real estate or the hotel business, we can discuss other kinds of cooperation.”

“I never thought about getting into real estate or opening a hotel. I just purely want that piece of land.” Qian Ying pushed the contract a little closer to Bian Yiqiu, tapping his finger on it, his gaze never leaving Bian Yiqiu’s face. “Six hundred million. You’re not losing out.”

Bian Yiqiu almost burst out laughing. “Young Master Qian, allow me to remind you, Jiu’an acquired that piece of land for 640 million, and that doesn’t even include the PR costs before and after the bidding. Now that the Peninsula Hotel project has already been launched, its value is far beyond that number. You’re offering me six hundred million and telling me it’s a good deal?”

“President Bian, allow me to remind you of something as well. The incident with the hotel’s load-bearing wall collapsing and killing the workers still hasn’t been resolved. Even if the hotel is rebuilt, with the history of deaths, do you really think people will still want to stay there?”

“Oh.” Bian Yiqiu’s smile didn’t fade, but his words were blunt enough to catch Qian Ying off guard. “Young Master Qian, are you trying to take advantage of this situation?”

Since his intentions had already been exposed, Qian Ying no longer hid them. “If you want to think of it that way, I can’t stop you. But right now, I’m still willing to offer six hundred million. Who knows, in a little while, it might not be worth this much.”

That last sentence was clearly a threat. The implication was that if Bian Yiqiu didn’t agree to sell the land, Qian Ying would find a way to stall the project. Every day of delay in the construction would burn more money, and if another accident happened, taking more lives, that piece of land would be as good as useless.

Jiu’an may have cleaned up its image, but the Qian family is still involved in the underworld. While these methods may be underhanded, there’s no denying they’re effective, and hard to guard against.

If it were someone else, they might have been intimidated for real. But who is Bian Yiqiu? The thing he’s done most in his life is threaten others, and the thing he fears least is being threatened. For Qian Ying to try and use such a low-class tactic to force him to sell 7-15 at a low price was truly a bit of a pipe dream.

“You really know how to joke, Young Master Qian. I don’t know what will happen to this land in someone else’s hands, but in mine, it will only increase in value, not decrease.”

“President Bian is so confident?”

“If I didn’t believe in the future prospects and value of this land, I wouldn’t have spent so much to acquire it.” Bian Yiqiu feigned confusion. “Young Master Qian, if you want this land, isn’t it because you see its location and potential for appreciation?”

Qian Ying was momentarily at a loss for words. If he said he was optimistic about it, he was just pushing the price down; if he said he wasn’t optimistic… Damn, if he didn’t even see potential in the land, why would he still want it?

Bian Yiqiu seemed not to notice Qian Ying’s discomfort and casually changed the topic. “Young Master Qian, you just said you weren’t interested in real estate or opening a hotel. So, what project do you plan to do with this land? If you tell me, I can help analyze it and see if spending six hundred million is worth it.”

Qian Ying’s expression darkened. “There’s no need to trouble President Bian. Longxing’s new project is still confidential for now.”

Bian Yiqiu smiled dismissively. “Since it’s a business secret, I won’t ask any further. However, the 7-15 plot is located on the Bay Peninsula. Aside from the untouched, perfect scenery, it’s also completely uninhabited. The most suitable use would be to take advantage of the natural beauty and build a resort or villa area. If Longxing isn’t planning to enter the real estate or hotel business, it’s probably best not to set your sights on this land.”

Qian Ying sneered. “President Bian, right now, I’m the one buying this land. What I plan to do with it doesn’t seem to be any of your business, does it?”

“That’s true.” Bian Yiqiu smiled innocently. “But right now, this land is in my hands, and I haven’t said I’m selling it to you.”

“Would President Bian like to think it over before making a decision?”

Bian Yiqiu sincerely suggested, “I think it’s you who should be considering it. This land really isn’t suitable for other types of projects.”

“Thanks for the reminder. I should definitely go back and ‘think it over’.” Qian Ying leaned forward, pressing down on the contract, facing Bian Yiqiu up close. His posture was arrogant and aggressive. “But I’m still looking forward to President Bian changing his mind.”

Bian Yiqiu smiled lightly, “That might disappoint you.”

Qian Ying didn’t say anything more, taking the contract back and turning to leave. As his figure disappeared from the office, the smile on Bian Yiqiu’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a furrowed brow.

It wasn’t that he was intimidated by Qian Ying’s implied threats; he just couldn’t understand why the Qian family suddenly wanted this land. When the 7-15 plot was put up for public bidding, Old Qian must have known about it. He didn’t make a move back then, so why now want to buy it from his rival?

Or maybe it wasn’t Longxing that needed this land, but Qian Ying? After all, the kid wasn’t even back from abroad when the bidding took place last year. If it was Qian Ying who wanted the land, it would make more sense logically. But if he wasn’t involved in real estate or hotels, what could he possibly want with this land?

Zuo Cheng, who had been standing silently behind him, quietly closed the door. Bian Yiqiu turned to glance at him upon hearing the sound, asking, “Did you catch anything wrong?”

“I caught something,” Zuo Cheng replied.

Bian Yiqiu raised an eyebrow. “What did you catch?”

Zuo Cheng flexed his fingers, gritting his teeth as he said, “That kid, Qian Ying, really deserves a beating.”

“…” Bian Yiqiu rolled his eyes inwardly. “Stop thinking with your fists all the time, use your brain.”

“Oh.” Zuo Cheng obediently lowered his hands, muttering under his breath, “Didn’t you say that when you encounter someone like him, you should teach them a lesson with your fists and beat them into submission?”

Bian Yiqiu took out his phone and dialed, glancing at Zuo Cheng as he did. “What are you mumbling about?”

Zuo Cheng quickly responded, “It’s already 12:30. Should we go grab lunch?”

Bian Yiqiu raised his wrist to check his watch. “I’ll have a quick chat with He Xu. You go ahead and order first.”

As soon as he finished speaking, He Xu’s voice came through on the phone. “Boss Bian, why are you calling me in the middle of the day?”

“I’m treating you to a meal. Are you coming?”

“I just got out of court and have another hearing this afternoon. Can it wait until tonight?”

“No, the chance to be treated by Boss Bian is fleeting.”

“Fine, fine. Let’s get to the point.” He didn’t believe for a second that Boss Bian was calling just to invite him for a meal.

Bian Yiqiu briefly explained the situation and then asked him to investigate Qian Ying’s recent whereabouts and activities.

“Find out the details, including where he’s been, what he’s been up to, and who he’s been in contact with. I want to know everything.”

He Xu casually replied, “Do you also want to know how many times he did it last night?”

“If you can find that out, I wouldn’t mind,” Bian Yiqiu said without missing a beat.

“Alright, wait for my update.”

After hanging up, Bian Yiqiu turned and walked toward the door. Just as he reached the door, his phone rang again.

He glanced at the caller ID, and a smile completely different from before appeared in his eyes. Even his tone of voice seemed to carry a touch of amusement.

“Young Master Ke, was today’s lunch to your liking?”

On the other end, Ke Mingxuan seemed to be walking as well. “I’m not sure. I had to entertain an important client, so I gave it to Xiao Xu.”

“You’re too generous to that kid. Today’s lunch was the signature dish from the head chef at the Four Seasons Hotel’s Yue Luan Xuan.”

Ke Mingxuan chuckled. “Xiao Xu handles the lunch deliveries for me every day. It’s not easy for him. I’ve been pretty busy lately and might not always be in the office, so don’t bother ordering lunch for me anymore.”

“Got it. So, you called just to tell me this?” Bian Yiqiu walked out of the office area and pressed the button for the elevator to go down.

“There’s one more thing…” Ke Mingxuan’s voice trailed off as he reached the hotel lobby, turning to tell his companion, Pei Siyuan, “You go ahead,” before picking up the conversation again. “Haotian Investment has to do an audit before April. The acquisition of 19% of Jiu’an’s shares is a major event, and both companies have to make announcements. This might have a negative impact on Jiu’an. What I mean is, we can just give it back to you, and the price will be based on the acquisition price back then. Do you have any objections?”

The elevator dinged as it opened in front of him. Bian Yiqiu stepped inside. “Based on the acquisition price back then? You’d be losing out big time. Will Haotian’s shareholders even agree to that?”

“It’s just that it won’t make a profit, but it won’t be a loss either.”

“In business, if it doesn’t make a profit, it’s a loss. The acquisition price was 18.5, and this morning, Jiu’an’s closing price was 43.7. It might even go up more this afternoon. Do you know how much money you’re giving up with 19% of the shares?”

Ke Mingxuan smiled happily. “It’s fine, think of it as a wedding gift.”

“Mr. Ke is indeed generous.” Bian Yiqiu said, then realized something was off. “Damn, why isn’t it your dowry?”

“My dowry has to be worth more than this.” Ke Mingxuan replied, “Alright, no more nonsense. Do as I said. Arrange for someone to contact Haotian and get the share transfer done as soon as possible.”

Bian Yiqiu suddenly called out to him, “Ke Mingxuan.”

“Mm?”

“Well… how about… don’t transfer it back?”

On the other end, Ke Mingxuan fell silent.

Bian Yiqiu looked at the elevator display, the numbers ticking down layer by layer, and felt a bit nervous. He silently thought to himself, if Ke Mingxuan didn’t answer before the elevator reached the first floor, he would hang up.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3…

“Do you know what this means?” Ke Mingxuan finally spoke before the elevator arrived.

“I know…”

Ke Mingxuan interrupted him: “It means that Haotian will become the second-largest shareholder of Jiu’an, with absolute voting and decision-making power over Jiu’an’s business decisions. If Haotian acquires another 1% of the shares on the market, they will have the right to demand you do consolidated financial statements. All of Jiu’an’s commercial secrets will become transparent to me. Aren’t you afraid I’ll secretly use some tactics to swallow Jiu’an directly?”

1…

“Jiu’an is not as easy to swallow as you think.” The elevator doors opened, and Bian Yiqiu stepped out confidently. “Don’t forget, I can always issue more shares to dilute your equity. And just because you demand I do consolidated financial statements, does that mean I have to agree? The largest shareholder is still me, and I have absolute control over Jiu’an.”

“If I secretly buy off other shareholders and surpass your shareholding?”

Bian Yiqiu tugged at his tie, a hint of anger bubbling inside him. “Do you really have to compete with me like this? Are you going to use all those business tricks to deal with me?”

“Of course I wouldn’t deal with you.” Ke Mingxuan sighed. “I just think it’s unfair to you. If you really don’t want to take back this 19% stake, then let’s swap shares and hold them jointly.”

Bian Yiqiu suddenly stopped in his tracks. A young woman behind him didn’t expect him to stop so abruptly and almost collided with him.

“Sorry, sorry,” Bian Yiqiu apologized repeatedly. Ke Mingxuan chuckled on the other end of the line. He stepped aside, holding his phone, and asked uncertainly, “Ke Mingxuan, what did you just say?”

“Ahem.” Ke Mingxuan cleared his throat lightly, stopping his laughter. “What I mean is, we exchange shares. 19% of Jiu’an for 19% of He Sheng. That way, our interests will be tied together, and we won’t be able to separate them. What do you think, Bian Yiqiu? Think it over.”

“Ke Mingxuan, you fucking… fucking…” Bian Yiqiu thought for a long time but couldn’t find a suitable word to describe the chaos inside his heart, with tens of thousands of “grass-mud horses” running through his mind. In the end, he could only choke out, “Are you fucking crazy?”