Du Zhao Hui’s assistant dared not make a sound.

As a Hong Kong businessman, Du Zhao Hui had rarely been refused in the mainland.

Besides leaders like Mayor Tang, only Xia Xiao Lan had ever rejected him, which left a deep impression!

Even when Director Wang wanted to challenge Du Zhao Hui, Du Zhao Hui could ignore him.

Of course, this approach had cost him before – the Kang family “cold case” remained unresolved.

But for a mere manager from Dong Feng Holdings to reject Du Zhao Hui’s invitation – Young Master Du’s outburst was entirely in character!

“Fine, so you want to be difficult!”

Enraged by Huo Chen Zhou, Du Zhao Hui summoned Tian Chen’s manager for a harsh scolding: “What’s your bid price? And what’s Dong Feng Holdings’ proposal price?”

The manager had to know this or Du Zhao Hui would have his head. Fortunately, he did:

“Ning Yan Fan’s original proposal was budgeted at 16 million yuan. Our proposal is 27 million yuan.”

Du Zhao Hui sneered – 16 million wasn’t enough for a five-star hotel. With an extra 11 million, it might be passable.

“Too high. Lower the bid by 2 million!”

“Young Master, at that price, Tian Chen’s profit would…”

Under Du Zhao Hui’s stare, the manager’s voice trailed off. He didn’t understand why Young Master suddenly cared about this matter. He just knew his boss had changed from Liu Tian Quan to Du Zhao Hui, and neither was easy to serve.

No boss was easy to serve. When Young Master said to lower the budget by 2 million, the manager had to swallow it through gritted teeth.

That cut nearly half their profit!

Du Zhao Hui certainly wouldn’t pay the 2 million from his own pocket. The difference between a 16 million renovation and a 27 million one was stark. Now Tian Chen had to deliver 27 million quality with a 25 million budget… How could Dong Feng Holdings compete?

After being rebuffed by Huo Chen Zhou, Du Zhao Hui tried to meet Tang Hong En but failed.

The Mayor’s schedule was packed – not everyone could get an audience.

Du Zhao Hui smiled at Secretary Peng, “I forgot it’s the weekend. I’ll come back Monday.”

“Mr. Du, the leader has plans tomorrow too – he’ll attend Nan Hai Hotel’s bidding meeting.”

Du Zhao Hui was surprised. “Mayor Tang will attend personally?”

Secretary Peng smiled reservedly.

He couldn’t share more specifics with Du Zhao Hui.

Du Zhao Hui pretended not to notice, “Mayor Tang truly cares about Peng City’s economic development.”

His visit to city hall, seen by many eyes, would satisfy Tang Yuan Yue. Regardless of the outcome, Du Zhao Hui had shown sincerity – actively lowering the bid price and trying to contact Mayor Tang. If they failed to achieve their goal, Tang Yuan Yue couldn’t say he hadn’t tried his best.

On the evening of the 19th, Du Zhao Hui met Tang Yuan Yue for drinks.

“Manager Huo from Dong Feng Holdings is difficult. He wouldn’t honor my invitation to meet.”

Tang Yuan Yue laughed heartily: “Zhao Hui, I once had the same idea. Manager Huo has no interest in us Hong Kong rich kids – he rejected me just as bluntly. Business meetings are fine, but personal invitations are completely off-limits!”

“Hong Kong rich kids” was Tang Yuan Yue’s self-mockery.

He never denied this point – without family help, he wouldn’t be managing Mei Hua. But Huo Chen Zhou was only in his twenties – in the mainland environment, could he really have no background?

Everyone relied on their fathers – who was Huo Chen Zhou trying to impress with his nobility!

Du Zhao Hui sneered: “Tomorrow I’ll see for myself if this Manager Huo is too handsome and afraid I’ll eat him up!”

Since Tian Chen was bidding and Du Zhao Hui managed them, his attendance tomorrow was legitimate.

Tang Yuan Yue raised his glass, “Hopefully tomorrow, Dong Feng Holdings will present an impressive design proposal. Otherwise, even with Mayor Tang’s support, they can’t force us three investors to accept.”

Dong Feng Holdings didn’t understand where the problem lay!

After Du Zhao Hui’s setback, Tang Yuan Yue was more certain of Huo Chen Zhou’s character – looking down on everyone, probably unwilling to take others’ advice.

Save money?

Mei Hua didn’t need to save this money.

All investors wanted to profit. Nan Hai Hotel alone wasn’t much – both Mei Hua and HSBC wanted to see if mainland China could support five-star hotel consumption after several years of reform and opening up.

If this property didn’t profit now, it should in a few years.

It was another form of land acquisition!

…

Beijing.

Tomorrow morning was Nan Hai Hotel’s shareholders’ meeting – Dong Feng Holdings’ advantage depended on tomorrow’s meeting.

Xia Xiao Lan was also tired.

Over the weekend, she not only signed the lease for the third store but had Gong Yang draw up design plans before putting him on a plane.

“In case you need to explain the design concept tomorrow, better be prepared – you should return to Peng City.”

It was normal to have the designer explain proposals that might not be clear from drawings alone.

Gong Yang thought Xia Xiao Lan should be the one presenting.

Xia Xiao Lan waved her hand, “I have class tomorrow!”

Taking leave was impossible. With Nan Hai Hotel’s shareholders’ meeting on Monday, if Xia Xiao Lan had taken leave for this, she’d never have peace throughout the university. This opportunity was important, that opportunity was important, every money-making opportunity was important – gradually, her heart would scatter, making it impossible to focus on school.

Hua Qing University in ’85 was strict – student entrepreneurship was discouraged! If she dared use this reason to request leave, she’d face harsh criticism.

“We’ve discussed the proposal thoroughly. Just explain clearly if anyone has questions. You were afraid of Old Ning before, but he approved the proposal – aren’t you confident? I have just one requirement: watch the meeting, and if Manager Huo doesn’t present that 30 million budget proposal, you present it!”

This fired up Gong Yang.

Though older than Xia Xiao Lan and male, he always relied on her to take the lead. With Xia Xiao Lan’s trust, he had to handle this well!

After motivating Gong Yang, Xia Xiao Lan personally saw him off at the airport. Back home, she finally had time to ask about recent business.

“Sales are good – this batch of goods was well chosen. Oh, that English teacher, Kay-something-lin, came looking for you again a few days ago. She left a note.”

Xia Xiao Lan had been busy with design proposals all week, spending all her time outside class at Ning Yan Fan’s studio. Liu Fen hadn’t had a chance to tell her.

It was Teacher Katherine.

Katherine thought Xia Xiao Lan would contact her after the program aired, but she heard nothing!

Katherine called Xia Xiao Lan’s home, but Grandmother Yu was training Wu Bank’s new store clerks, and Liu Fen was busy at the store. With no one answering, Katherine had to visit Xiushui Street again.

Xia Xiao Lan slapped her forehead:

“I should call Teacher Katherine right away. I completely forgot about this while being busy!”