Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Turns out, you also have moments of kindness…” Song Lin murmured, his voice low and thoughtful. But soon, he suppressed the fleeting sense of melancholy and said, “Let’s not talk about Shen Wan. I have other matters to discuss.”
There was a brief pause before he added, “Business matters.”
Shen Qian nodded and replied, “Let’s discuss it on the rooftop.”
Under the enigmatic moonlight, with stars shimmering in the sky, atop the roof of the Huan Wolf Club, the night breeze carried a hint of coolness as it whispered through their ears, making a faint rustling sound.
“What’s the matter?” Shen Qian inquired, taking a drag from his cigarette, his tone casual.
“I’ve learned that Tian Shui Real Estate is also competing with Mega Peak Group for the ‘High-End Shrimp and Crab Export to Europe’ project,” Song Lin began, his gaze fixed on the distant night, where countless lights and neon signs painted a vibrant scene. “Ma Xiangqian is cunning and demanding, insisting on a ninety percent capital investment in addition to technology and branding for equity. This condition has scared away most potential partners.”
Shen Qian took another drag from his cigarette and said, “Go on.”
Song Lin continued, “Looking across Ning City, there are very few companies with the capability to take on this project. However, those who can are all leaders in their respective fields. The competition will be fierce. MT Financial has already included this project as a crucial part of its strategy for the latter half of the year. Though we haven’t finalized the deal yet, we are determined to win it.”
“What are you getting at?” Shen Qian interrupted, locking eyes with him, his gaze penetrating and insightful.
“The board has entrusted me with this project. If it succeeds, Song Qian is out; if it fails, I’ll leave.”
Song Qian, the eldest son of the Song family, the only child of Song Yuanshan and his first wife, Fang Yaqin, was the current CEO of MT Financial. His relationship with Song Lin had deteriorated to the point of no return in recent years, especially as Song Lin’s rapid growth had caught everyone off guard. Song Qian had become increasingly anxious and frequently used underhanded tactics to suppress his half-brother.
In order to gain control of the project, and with Song Qian’s indirect support, Song Lin had no choice but to make a bold declaration in front of the board.
After all these years of rivalry, their success or failure hinged on this single move!
Shen Qian flicked away some ash from his cigarette and asked, “What do you want me to do?”
“If possible, I hope that Tian Shui and Mingda can withdraw from the competition. If not, then please face me openly and fairly.”
This was the reason why Song Lin had mustered the courage to come and see Shen Qian today!
In a battle of father and son, as long as Tian Shui withdrew, Mingda would not continue to press the issue. With two of the most formidable competitors out of the picture, Song Lin was almost certain of securing the project. As for other potential rivals, he had his ways of dealing with them.
If it weren’t for the incident at the Hot Spring Resort, based on their friendship, Song Lin believed that Shen Qian would have readily agreed. But now… his nose still throbbed with pain from that brutal punch. Even if it hadn’t been at full strength, it had packed quite a punch.
Having witnessed how fiercely Shen Qian protected Shen Wan, Song Lin’s heart sank. He could only settle for a fair competition.
Shen Qian was formidable, that was true, but Song Lin wasn’t necessarily going to lose.
“So, will you agree, Director Shen?”
The wind blew, bringing a chill with it. Their eyes locked, one calm, the other resolute.
Neither of them spoke.
One second.
Two seconds.
Ten seconds.
Shen Qian finally broke the silence, saying, “Alright, I agree to withdraw from the competition. Let’s consider it repayment for the years of brotherhood.”
The objective was achieved, and it should have been a cause for celebration, but Song Lin couldn’t find it in himself to smile. A bitter taste filled his chest, and an inexplicable sense of weariness engulfed his entire being, leaving him swaying on unsteady ground. “Thank you.”
His words were carried away by the wind, vanishing into the air, barely audible.
He Huai had lost his ride and was forced to take a taxi home from the club.
Just as he settled into the backseat, his phone rang..
