Chapter 256: The Bashful Tough Guy!

Hearing Han Xinyan’s question, Tang Xingwen was stunned.

After a pause, he pretended to be relaxed and said,

“President Shen… he’s a good man! The help he’s given me during this time makes me feel like he’s someone I, Tang Xingwen, would protect for a lifetime!”

“Look at your tone and expression. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you were talking about a stranger!”

Han Xinyan teased him.

Tang Xingwen froze for a moment before hurriedly waving his hands nervously,

“No, President Han, I…”

Sensing his hesitation, Han Xinyan understood a bit more.

“Old Tang, we’re all adults here. You must know that what was reported in the headlines is true! Not just you—even I think Shen Fei’s past behavior was extreme. But Shen Fei has admitted his mistakes, and as his wife, I gave him another chance. He’s been doing really well since then—that’s progress, isn’t it? You’ve also said that your impression of him has improved during this time. So why let the headlines create a rift? Or do you think that someone who once valued your Scar Cream at just 500 yuan doesn’t deserve your loyalty?”

Tang Xingwen didn’t know how to respond.

At that moment, the elevator reached their floor.

As Han Xinyan stepped out first, she turned to the hesitant Tang Xingwen and continued,

“I know you’re a stubborn but sincere person. The things Shen Fei did in the past definitely left a negative impression, and it’s understandable if you’re bothered by it. Last night, Shen Fei told me that if you no longer wish to work here, you can take the Scar Cream with you. It’s your creation—you can sell it or patent it as you wish. Neither Shen Fei nor I will stop you!”

In truth, Han Xinyan had thought this through while riding the elevator. Shen Fei hadn’t mentioned any of this last night.

But judging Tang Xingwen’s feelings, she decided it was better to bring it up.

“Re-really?” Tang Xingwen asked in disbelief, his eyes filled with shock and emotion.

After experiencing the cold indifference at Beautiful Diary and Zhao Chengli’s manipulative scheming, Tang Xingwen had been unceremoniously cast aside despite his contributions.

But now, after knowing Shen Fei and Han Xinyan for only half a year, the couple was treating him with such honesty…

“If you don’t believe me, call Shen Fei yourself.”

Seeing his hesitation, Han Xinyan handed her phone to Tang Xingwen.

Tang Xingwen was overwhelmed. The bitterness Zhao Chengli had planted in his heart last night disappeared completely.

“No need—I trust you and President Shen! I don’t know what caused such a huge change in President Shen, but nobody is perfect. After spending time with him, I trust his character. If he continues like this, then I, Tang Xingwen, will follow him loyally!”

With those words, Tang Xingwen’s gaze grew firmer.

Han Xinyan smiled knowingly. This matter had been handled well.

Patting his shoulder, she teasingly asked,

“Old Tang, why do you look like a shy young man in love? What’s going on?”

Lost in thought about how to help Shen Fei through this crisis, Tang Xingwen was startled by her sudden question.

His face quickly turned red.

Bashful.

Though a genius in research and innovation, Tang Xingwen was clueless when it came to matters of the heart.

During his university days, it would take him ages just to prepare himself to hold hands with someone he liked.

Now, having his thoughts exposed, this pure-hearted middle-aged man couldn’t help but blush.

“N-no! I-I just thought of a new product idea, so I got a little excited!” he stammered awkwardly.

Hearing this, Han Xinyan’s smile only widened.

“A new product? Excited? I’ve never seen someone look so lovestruck just from being ‘excited’ about work!”

Patting his shoulder again, she said earnestly,

“Alright, Old Tang, I know you’re always dedicated to the company. But this time, as your boss, I’m telling you—your personal happiness should be your top priority!”

“I-I know, I know! If there’s good news, I’ll definitely let you know! Anyway, it’s getting late—I’ll head to the lab now!”

Not waiting for her response, Tang Xingwen hurriedly left.

Han Xinyan watched his retreating figure with a smile.

“‘Good news’? So there is something going on!”

Shaking her head with a helpless laugh, she turned and walked toward her office.

The path to the general manager’s office was a long hallway. Wherever she passed, murmurs and discussions erupted among the staff.

Some even cast strange glances her way.

But Han Xinyan paid no attention, acting as though nothing unusual had happened online.

When she confirmed that the controversy hadn’t affected sales—the Scar Cream was still selling out instantly—she finally felt some relief.

Although the media remained unsatisfied with her statements, resorting to malicious edits and sensational headlines, the situation also sparked alternative voices online.

People began acknowledging Shen Fei’s transformation and praising his efforts to change.

Yet Shen Fei, the center of this storm, remained unfazed.

It was as though none of this had anything to do with him.

Even the idea of recording a video, which he had once mentioned, was completely forgotten.

After a sleepless night, Shen Fei woke up refreshed and called Jiang Shengcai about building the Scar Cream factory.

Jiang Shengcai, of course, was thrilled.

—

At Xinyue Group, the ever-dedicated Tang Xingwen uncharacteristically dozed off on the sofa in his office.

He had spread a blanket over himself but found that he couldn’t sleep. Su Ruyan’s face kept appearing in his mind.

Restless, Tang Xingwen finally gave in, pulled out his phone, and opened Su Ruyan’s profile again.

Her bright, smiling photos seemed to bloom like flowers on his screen.

Unable to resist, Tang Xingwen sent her a message:

“Did you have breakfast yet? ☀️☀️☀️”

In just a few hours, Tang Xingwen had already fallen into Su Ruyan’s sweet trap…

—————- END —————-

Chapter 257: I Won’t Back Down from What I Must Bear!

At this moment.

Inside a small house.

Since collaborating with Zhao Chengli, Su Ruyan had resigned from her job at Yunhe Villa.

Now, Su Ruyan was full of hope for her future. Once the plan succeeded, she could enjoy a life of wealth and comfort without relying on any schemes to marry into a wealthy family.

Especially after establishing contact with Tang Xingwen last night, Su Ruyan was even more thrilled. She was now one step closer to a prosperous life.

Waking up early in the morning, Su Ruyan began thinking about how to make Tang Xingwen fall into her trap naturally.

At that moment, her phone vibrated.

Guessing that the message was from Tang Xingwen, Su Ruyan smirked.

“Idiot!”

She cursed softly but didn’t open WeChat immediately. Instead, she got up, refreshed herself, and went to wash up.

To her, Tang Xingwen was nothing more than a stepping stone to climb higher.

Even though Tang Xingwen’s current position had become much more favorable due to the success of the scar-healing ointment, Su Ruyan had no intention of considering him as a partner.

For one, even if she ended up with Tang Xingwen, would Shen Fei let her off? Would he sit idly by and watch them be together?

Moreover, the scandals circulating online had all come from Zhao Chengli through her. If Shen Fei found out, would he spare her?

And Zhao Chengli? He would only use this incident to control her further.

If that happened, all her efforts would be in vain.

Therefore, under no circumstances would she end up with Tang Xingwen.

To Su Ruyan, he was merely a tool to obtain the scar-healing ointment.

After coming out of the bathroom, she finally picked up her phone and replied lazily,

“Hmm, good morning /smile/smile.”

—

At Xinyue Group.

Tang Xingwen, who had been dozing off while waiting for Su Ruyan’s reply, immediately jolted awake when his phone chimed.

Seeing Su Ruyan’s response, his eyes lit up, and he sat up on the sofa, smiling brightly!

—

In Baiyun District.

At the 320-square-meter scar-healing ointment factory construction site.

Shen Fei, oblivious to his partner Tang Xingwen being smitten by the former campus beauty Su Ruyan, was following behind Jiang Shengcai and listening to his report.

In just one week, one-third of the foundation had been laid.

The construction speed was undoubtedly fast.

“Uncle Jiang, at this pace, eight months won’t be a problem, right?” Shen Fei smiled.

“Rest assured, Xiao Shen! I’ve contacted other reputable peers in the industry to help as well. With more workers, progress will only speed up. But don’t worry; while we’re hurrying, we’ll still ensure quality. Not just eight months—seven months, and you’ll see a beautiful factory!” Jiang Shengcai promised confidently.

“Thank you, Uncle Jiang! I’ll transfer sixty million yuan later today. Let me know if you need more!” Shen Fei said.

“This… Xiao Shen, there’s no rush for the funds. I can still hold out a bit longer.” Jiang Shengcai looked embarrassed.

“Uncle Jiang, there’s no need to be polite with me. I know Shengxing Real Estate’s current situation isn’t as comfortable as before. Don’t refuse—I’ll transfer it all at once. If you need more, just let me know!” Shen Fei’s straightforward response left Jiang Shengcai unable to argue.

Hearing Shen Fei’s frankness, Jiang Shengcai felt slightly awkward but nodded, knowing that Shengxing Real Estate was indeed in financial straits.

“Xiao Shen, if you put it that way, I won’t refuse. I’ll take the money then!” Jiang Shengcai chuckled.

Shen Fei stood aside, surveying the busy workers and the factory site.

“Xiao Shen…” Jiang Shengcai shifted the conversation. “I’ve been wanting to ask you something. The online rumors are overwhelmingly negative. Why are you so calm? Have you thought about how to deal with this or the potential consequences?”

Jiang Shengcai’s series of questions showed his deep concern.

“Uncle Jiang, I expected this to happen sooner or later. In fact, it’s good timing. As I discussed with Han Xinyan, it’s better for this to occur now.” Shen Fei’s expression turned serious, free of his usual playful demeanor.

After all, behind Jiang Shengcai stood Jiang Anbang and the current secretary, Yu Guotu.

“The negative impact will only last a short time. The only way to truly disrupt the scar-healing ointment’s success is for a competing product to emerge. Otherwise, its impact will be minimal. As for my past mistakes, I won’t deny them. I did those things, and I will bear the consequences.” Shen Fei spoke resolutely.

Hearing this, Jiang Shengcai couldn’t help but admire Shen Fei’s composure.

“Honestly, for someone your age to remain so calm in this situation is impressive. Most people would have panicked long ago.” Jiang Shengcai sighed.

“What choice do I have? Whether I want to face it or not, it’s already happened. If I was wrong, I must own up to it. I just feel it’s unfair to my wife and child. I wasn’t good to them in those years.” Shen Fei said earnestly.

After a pause, he asked, “Uncle Jiang, what did Grandpa say when he saw the news?”

“Grandpa? He probably knew about your past long ago. When we watched the news yesterday, he just shook his head with a smile and said, ‘If Shen Fei can’t handle this small matter, then I’ve misjudged him.’” Jiang Shengcai recalled.

Turning serious, he added, “Xiao Shen, I have a feeling that someone familiar with you or your team is behind this. Otherwise, the information wouldn’t have been so detailed or spread so quickly. Let me investigate for you.”

“Uncle Jiang, there’s no need. Don’t trouble yourself. I already expected competitors to envy and target us when the scar-healing ointment became so successful.” Shen Fei replied calmly.

“I understand that, but Xiao Shen, even I couldn’t find such detailed information about you in the past. Your competitors might be the trigger, but the person truly igniting this knows you well.” Jiang Shengcai analyzed coldly.

“I know, Uncle Jiang. I already have an idea who’s behind it, but there’s no need to trouble you.” Shen Fei declined politely.

Hearing this, Jiang Shengcai had no choice but to drop the matter.

At that moment, a sharp ringtone interrupted their conversation.

Shen Fei glanced at the caller ID—a string of lucky eights—and smirked playfully.

—————- END —————-

Chapter 258: Such Ingratitude!

The number ending in “666666.”

Anyone with a symbol of status would have such unique digits in their phone number.

Although unsure who this prominent figure was, Shen Fei pressed the answer button.

“Who is this?”

From the other end of the phone came a cheerful laugh.

“Mr. Shen, it’s been a while!”

The voice sounded somewhat familiar, but Shen Fei couldn’t recall who it was at all.

“It seems Mr. Shen doesn’t remember me! I’m Qian Dasheng from Qiankun Group!”

Qian Dasheng?

What does he want now?

Could it be that he’s still unwilling to give up and wants to invest in the Scar Removal Ointment again?

But during his last meeting with Jiang Rou, Shen Fei had made his stance very clear.

If Jiang Rou had conveyed his words properly, with Qian Dasheng’s character, he shouldn’t be contacting Shen Fei again.

Or was it because of the negative rumors spreading about Shen Fei online, and Qian Dasheng sensed some sort of crisis?

Impossible.

Unable to figure out Qian Dasheng’s intent, Shen Fei could only laugh and make light of the situation.

“Who would’ve guessed? A phone number with all sixes—it turns out to be Chairman Qian from Qiankun Group! What’s this, are you still trying to poach me as a management consultant for your company?”

Shen Fei deliberately bypassed the topic of Qian Dasheng’s previous attempt to invest, referring instead to the time when Qian had jokingly offered him the consultant role during their first meeting.

“Haha, Mr. Shen, you’re joking! I doubt even offering sky-high salaries would move you now!”

Qian Dasheng laughed heartily.

“Well, if that’s not the purpose, what does Chairman Qian want?” Shen Fei asked with feigned curiosity.

Qian Dasheng stopped beating around the bush and spoke seriously.

“Alright, since Mr. Shen is so straightforward, I’ll get straight to the point!

“Are you available shortly? Can you come to Qiankun Group for a chat?”

Hearing this, Shen Fei was puzzled.

“You mean now?”

“Yes! Are you free? Or, I could come to you!” Qian Dasheng added.

Unable to understand why Qian Dasheng was so insistent, Shen Fei paused briefly and then replied softly:

“Alright! If Chairman Qian invites me, I certainly won’t refuse. Qiankun Group it is—I’ll head over now!”

Unable to comprehend why Qian Dasheng was so persistent despite Shen Fei’s clear stance conveyed earlier, Shen decided to go personally, even if just to satisfy his curiosity.

“Good, good, good! Mr. Shen is straightforward! My secretary, You Ziyang, will be waiting for you downstairs—you’ve met him before!”

After a bit more polite conversation, the two hung up the phone with laughter.

Beside Shen Fei, Jiang Shengcai, who had been listening, was already staring in disbelief.

Had he misheard?

The person on the other end was Qian Dasheng?

The real Qian Dasheng!

And he had invited Shen Fei to Qiankun Group!

“Xiao Shen, was that Qian Dasheng?” Jiang Shengcai asked curiously.

This man was no ordinary figure.

In the business world, even Elder Jiang had praised him as a legend of his generation.

And yet, such a person had proactively sought out Shen Fei.

“Yeah,” Shen Fei replied calmly.

“If that’s the case, Xiao Shen, you’d better hurry along! Don’t worry about the construction site—I’ll personally oversee everything here!”

Although dying to know why Qian Dasheng wanted to see Shen Fei, Jiang Shengcai held back his curiosity.

After all, he had learned from Elder Jiang that Shen Fei had once secured billions in funding from Qiankun Group and Qian Dasheng.

“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, Uncle Jiang!”

Shen Fei thanked him with a smile before leaving directly.

Watching Shen Fei’s departing figure, Jiang Shengcai couldn’t help but sigh.

According to the background checks, Shen Fei’s early life had been extremely difficult.

No background, no family support, fighting his way up alone—and now, at not even thirty years old, he was able to converse freely with both the old and new municipal leaders.

Even Qian Dasheng, a legend of the business world, had proactively sought him out.

How long had it been?

A few months ago, the same background checks had shown Shen Fei as a worthless gambler and alcoholic.

Now, not only had he achieved success in business, but he had also established relationships that many couldn’t attain even after generations of effort.

If Shen Fei’s growth continued unchecked, his future would be unimaginable!

Shaking his head while watching Shen Fei disappear from sight, Jiang Shengcai murmured to himself:

“Truly, each generation produces new talent!”

—

After leaving Baiyun District, Shen Fei arrived at Qiankun Group’s headquarters in less than thirty minutes without incident.

After exchanging a quick greeting with You Ziyang, Shen followed him into the elevator.

Just as the elevator doors opened—

At the corner, a cleaner named Zhang Xiulian caught a glimpse of Shen Fei’s back.

“Shen—”

She had just opened her mouth to call him, but the rest of the name caught in her throat like a fishbone.

She knew that, given how she had treated Shen Fei in the past, even if she called out to him now, Shen Fei would at best turn around with an awkward look—or at worst, ignore her entirely.

Especially in such a public place.

“Xiulian, that back figure is definitely your son-in-law, isn’t it! Who would’ve thought? Secretary You’s been waiting downstairs for so long, and it turns out he was waiting for your son-in-law! I must say, what a status!”

Another cleaning colleague, speaking with obvious sarcasm, joined in.

Hearing this, Zhang Xiulian gritted her teeth in frustration.

Most of the incriminating recordings that had surfaced online had been from her, spoken to a colleague who had since resigned. Once those recordings hit the internet, they caused a huge stir.

If this were the past, with Shen Fei achieving such success, Zhang Xiulian would’ve rushed forward to greet him with a smile.

But now, she didn’t dare.

Everyone knew that Shen Fei was Zhang Xiulian’s son-in-law.

“Xiulian, if your son-in-law is doing so well, why are you still cleaning floors here? After all, you’re family! You’ve worked hard your whole life; shouldn’t it be time for some peace and comfort? And your daughter—she’s a CEO now, eating well and living large while letting her mother toil like this. Isn’t that just ungrateful? Utterly unfilial!”

The colleague sighed hypocritically, eyes fixed on Shen Fei as he entered the elevator, but with sly glances at Zhang Xiulian’s face.

Although the words seemed sympathetic, they carried an undertone of mockery, deliberately provoking Zhang Xiulian.

After all, the internet drama surrounding the Scar Removal Ointment had been explosive—they all knew the story.

Now, not only Shen Fei, but Zhang Xiulian herself had become a laughingstock.

The once arrogant Zhang Xiulian now gripped her broom and hurried away.

The more disdain she had shown for Shen Fei and Han Xinyan in the past, the more bitterly she regretted it now.

But given the current situation, there was nothing she could do to make amends.

Even her son, Han Lixin, wouldn’t stand by her anymore…

—

At Qiankun Group’s top-floor office.

After Qian Dasheng’s voice rang out, Shen Fei calmly pushed open the door.

—————- END —————-

Chapter 259: Scaling the Pinnacle!

“Mr. Qian!”

As soon as the door was pushed open, Shen Fei saw Qian Dasheng, who was seriously bent over his desk.

Shen Fei immediately fell silent and tiptoed.

Upon hearing the noise at the door, Qian Dasheng did not even look up and said, “Mr. Shen, wait a moment!”

Shen Fei merely nodded and quietly stepped forward.

On the crimson-colored desk was a sheet of rice paper.

Written on it in large characters were the words “会当凌绝顶” (Scale the Pinnacle!).

When Shen Fei reached Qian Dasheng’s side, Qian Dasheng had just finished writing the final stroke of the word “顶” (pinnacle).

“Mr. Shen, what do you think?”

With a hint of pride, Qian Dasheng smiled.

“Mr. Qian’s calligraphy is impressive, very neat and grand!” Shen Fei praised.

Given Qian Dasheng’s current achievements and status, it was hardly surprising that there was a set of fine calligraphy materials in his office.

The most representative of the noble demeanor of such influential figures was calligraphy.

Especially at Qian Dasheng’s level, his calligraphy skills were likely to be among the best.

Unlike Duan Guoan, the nouveau riche “King of Mines” from Binhai City, Qian Dasheng was a high-quality graduate from a prestigious university, a man of refined education and character, belonging to the cultured class.

So, for Qian Dasheng to show off his calligraphy skills at this moment, he clearly had great confidence.

“Neat and grand, huh?”

Qian Dasheng chuckled softly twice, then handed the brush to Shen Fei.

“Mr. Shen, would you like to give it a try? Write the next line, would you?”

“Really?”

Shen Fei was somewhat surprised, but he accepted the brush with a smile and said, “Since Mr. Qian insists, I’ll have to make a fool of myself!”

Not hesitating at all, Shen Fei took the brush.

The memories of his past life with calligraphy came flooding back.

Shen Fei placed his left hand behind his back, holding the brush in his right hand. He dipped it in ink and began to write fluidly and continuously.

Qian Dasheng, who was watching from the side, was momentarily stunned.

In his understanding, only someone with exceptional mastery in calligraphy could write so naturally with such posture.

Before he could recover from his surprise, the next scene left him even more astonished.

With a smooth motion, Shen Fei placed the brush on the paper and wrote:

“一览众山小” (Beholding all the mountains as small).

It was neatly aligned with “会当凌绝顶” (Scale the Pinnacle).

The two lines of text, side by side on the rice paper, created a stark contrast.

Qian Dasheng’s calligraphy suddenly seemed rather small in comparison to Shen Fei’s. It wasn’t even as neatly written.

In terms of momentum, Shen Fei’s writing was slightly superior.

It was majestic and had a feeling of the writer gazing down from a high peak, surveying the whole mountain range.

Qian Dasheng was at a loss.

In his experience, how could a young man in his twenties produce such calligraphy?

Even today’s calligraphy masters would likely feel ashamed in comparison!

“Mr. Shen, you flatter me!”

Putting the brush down, Shen Fei spoke softly.

“Mr. Shen is too humble! I never expected someone as young as you to have such remarkable calligraphy skills! I’ve practiced for a few years, but compared to you, it’s simply embarrassing!”

Qian Dasheng laughed awkwardly and continued:

“I must say, Mr. Shen’s calligraphy is even more impressive than today’s masters! If you weren’t so low-key, many masters would be rushing to visit you!”

“You flatter me, Mr. Qian!”

Shen Fei shook his head lightly.

Though in his past life his calligraphy had surpassed many masters, in this world, he was still just a young man in his twenties!

It was important to remain humble.

“Mr. Shen, you are too humble! If you continue to study calligraphy, in time, your name will surely be known in the calligraphy world!”

Qian Dasheng paused, shaking his head again.

“However, it’s a pity that Mr. Shen probably isn’t interested in the calligraphy world.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Fei raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly.

“Mr. Qian, as a martial artist, I think I’ll pass on calligraphy! No matter how great the calligraphy, it can’t make money faster than selling scar-healing ointment, can it?”

“…”

Qian Dasheng laughed.

Though the words were crude, they were true.

These days, selling scar-healing ointment definitely made money faster than calligraphy.

But despite the laughter, Qian Dasheng quickly steered the conversation back.

“Mr. Shen, can you guess why I wrote these words?”

“It must be related to Mr. Qian’s state of mind!” Shen Fei replied mildly.

“Exactly! When I first entered society, I was fortunate to find a good company. In those years, I used my own abilities to help the company achieve excellent results! Back then, the salary was only a few hundred yuan! Later, I asked for a promotion or raise, but the company refused! I was young and impulsive, and that’s how it went! I couldn’t accept it, so I resigned immediately!”

“Hahaha, when I was leaving with my belongings, I stood outside the company, staring at the towering office building and the office window of the company’s boss, and the words ‘会当凌绝顶，一览众小山’ just popped into my head! Scale the Pinnacle!”

Qian Dasheng spoke with a sense of nostalgia.

His tone was filled with emotion.

But Shen Fei didn’t feel much emotion upon hearing this.

After all, compared to what he had experienced in his past life, Qian Dasheng’s story was nothing—his own journey was far smoother.

It was just unfortunate that Qian Dasheng’s ambition was too great, his greed too insatiable, and he ended up bringing about his own downfall.

“Then, Mr. Qian, shouldn’t you thank the boss who didn’t give you a raise back then? Otherwise, where would you have the excellent Qiankun Group today?”

Shen Fei chuckled.

“Indeed, hahaha! I always feel that life is meant to have certain experiences, and everything, even setbacks, is arranged by fate!”

As he spoke, Qian Dasheng stood up and walked to a nearby bookshelf.

Though it was a bookshelf, there were no books on it.

Instead, every display shelf held various certificates and trophies Qian Dasheng had earned.

If one looked only at these honors, Qian Dasheng was undoubtedly an outstanding entrepreneur.

“Every time I see these things, my heart is filled with overwhelming pride. That sense of pride, that feeling of honor, is priceless! But I also know that these honors are all based on money! Life is a multiple-choice question—different choices lead to different outcomes. If I hadn’t resigned back then, Qiankun Group wouldn’t even exist today.”

Qian Dasheng looked over his honors with a steady gaze, a smile appearing on his face.

However, despite the smile, a few more white hairs had appeared at his temples compared to a few months ago when they first met.

He no longer seemed as carefree as before.

Shen Fei couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy.

In the near future, would all these honors still bring Qian Dasheng such pride?

When he fell from grace, they would just be another subject for others to laugh about and gossip over.

But Shen Fei didn’t say any of this out loud.

“Mr. Qian is right! But you’ve always had an impressive background! Your business legend has already inspired many people!”

Shen Fei said.

“Hahaha, really?”

Qian Dasheng shook his head, then led the way and motioned for Shen Fei to sit on the nearby sofa.

“However, my time is coming to an end! You, Mr. Shen, are the rising star! Please, let’s sit down and talk business!”

—————- END —————-

Chapter 260: I Want Absolute Control!

Upon hearing this, Shen Fei finally sighed with relief.

He immediately took a seat and got straight to the point.

“Mr. Qian, what exactly did you want to discuss with me?”

“Do you want to become a management consultant? Would you be willing to?” Qian Dasheng raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Mr. Qian, you’re joking! Just ask me whatever you want directly. Why would I refuse? I’m not here to join Qian Kun Group, am I?” Shen Fei replied with a smile, playing along.

“Not only is Mr. Shen a calligrapher, but he’s also quite the smooth talker!” Qian Dasheng laughed at Shen Fei’s quick response. However, as Shen Fei’s serious expression appeared, Qian Dasheng slowly stopped laughing and said,

“Alright, Mr. Shen, let me speak plainly.”

“Mr. Shen, I’ve heard that you want to enter the real estate industry?”

This sudden question left Shen Fei somewhat confused.

Wasn’t he here to discuss the scar-healing ointment? Now they were talking about his potential real estate ventures?

Could it be that Qian Dasheng wanted to get involved? That didn’t make sense!

But Shen Fei didn’t show his surprise and instead gave a slight smile.

“Mr. Qian, what are you asking exactly? Or are you giving me advice?”

“Mr. Shen, I don’t dare give advice, but I do want to discuss this from a senior’s perspective. If you want to enter the real estate market, do you have any land? Without good land, how can you build houses?” Qian Dasheng said.

“So?” Shen Fei asked, responding to the implication.

“So, Mr. Shen, Qian Kun Group has a large amount of land resources. If you need land, we can provide it. Moreover, we also have professionals in real estate within our company who can help you in this area!” Qian Dasheng said.

“Hmm, go on, Mr. Qian,” Shen Fei urged.

“Alright, let me be direct! Qian Kun Group can offer you the greatest help in entering the real estate industry—whether it’s land or talent, if you need anything, we can provide it!” Qian Dasheng said seriously.

However, Shen Fei felt a cold sneer inside.

He had thought that Qian Dasheng would give him some useful advice to deter him, but instead, it was all about using Qian Kun Group’s resources to exchange for something else.

The real estate industry was already on the decline.

Before long, not only would Qian Kun Group’s land lose its value, but the value of land held by other real estate companies would drop as well. At that point, land auctions would become a common occurrence.

From his previous life’s memories, Shen Fei knew that once things reached that point, land auctions—even in first-tier cities—would be less and less competitive. Companies would rather leave land idle than expose themselves to public embarrassment.

Small companies were facing this issue, and even large companies with abundant land were stuck in a dilemma.

If they continued to develop, they would have to worry about recouping their investment and making a profit. If not, the land was no longer worth the effort.

But that was a future problem.

Currently, the real estate industry, though declining, was not yet in complete disarray.

Yet Qian Dasheng brought this up as a condition for his deal.

It was clear now: if he was offering land, there was a catch.

Was it for the scar-healing ointment?

“Mr. Qian, let’s be straightforward. What do you really want? What deal are you proposing by offering land to me?” Shen Fei asked calmly.

“Alright, now that you’ve said it, I’ll be honest as well!” Qian Dasheng paused for a moment, his gaze growing solemn.

“It’s about the scar-healing ointment. I want to acquire some shares in this product. Of course, I’m not asking you to give them to me for free. As part of the deal, in addition to Qian Kun Group’s investment and factory construction, any land you want from our holdings can be yours for a small initial payment. No need for any other capital!” Qian Dasheng said.

This revealed the current situation of Qian Kun Group. The company had spread itself too thin and was now struggling.

There were signs of decline, and Qian Dasheng was anxious. He needed to secure a backup plan, both for the company and for himself.

This backup plan, it seemed, was related to the scar-healing ointment.

As soon as Qian Dasheng finished speaking, Shen Fei let out a soft laugh.

“Mr. Qian, I do plan to enter the real estate market, and it’s true that I don’t have land right now. But that doesn’t mean I’ll blindly throw myself into it! Moreover, my interest in the real estate industry is just a blueprint for the future, not something I’m implementing at the moment! Given the current control over the real estate market, do you think the land Qian Kun Group holds will still be valuable? It might have been desirable before, but now and in the future, it could very well become a hot potato!”

“If my analysis of the future is correct, soon, real estate companies will face macroeconomic regulation. At that point, the land may no longer be worth developing. So do you think I would agree to this? Even if I do want to enter the real estate industry, I wouldn’t want land from your group!”

“Also, as for the scar-healing ointment line at my company, it doesn’t need any capital investment! Even if we need money in the future, I’ll just take out a bank loan. I want absolute control, not shared control. I’m sure you understand this better than I do, Mr. Qian! I made this very clear with General Manager Jiang last time. It seems she didn’t communicate my firm stance to you.”

“Since you’ve come to me today, I’ll say it again: no matter how large a company, not even one larger than Qian Kun Group, will be allowed to invest in the scar-healing ointment line. I want absolute control!”

Shen Fei didn’t understand why Qian Dasheng was still pursuing this after being rejected the last time.

He knew that Qian Dasheng was anxious because of Qian Kun Group’s decline, but even so, why was he so focused on the scar-healing ointment? Was it a pipe dream?