Chapter 210
Chapter 210 - Call Zhang Xiaolong to Die
When Zhang Xiaolong saw that it was a call from Su Mingtang, he answered with a hint of puzzlement, “Hello, Mr. Su.”
“Xiaolong,” Su Mingtang got straight to the point, “I was against bidding for Strong Dragon Group initially, but as you know, Mei is headstrong and I can't sway her. Now, Strong Dragon is facing difficulties that could potentially affect the Su family. I know you're not one to hold grudges, so could you lend Mr. Su a hand once more? It seems I owe you another favor.”
“Mr. Su, you're too kind. But what can I do at this point?” inquired Zhang Xiaolong.
As Yaru had mentioned before, if Su Mingtang was suggesting he purchase Strong Dragon Group, even without a discount, he would be quite willing. After all, acquiring Strong Dragon Group would be a significant leap forward for him.
The vast Strong Dragon Group was a burden to others, but for him, every aspect could be leveraged effectively.
Still, it wasn't their decision to make. Even Su Mingtang probably couldn't just sell it off; it would depend on whether the headstrong Su Mei was willing.
“You might have noticed that Mei is quite fond of you. She's been acting out precisely because of this. From a business standpoint, I believe she realizes her decision was a mistake, but her pride is keeping her from backing down,” Su Mingtang sighed. “I know this is asking a lot, but could you, perhaps, reach out to Mei? You might be the only one who can get through to her.”
Zhang Xiaolong let out a wry laugh. This was indeed a conundrum. Su Mei seemed to have it out for him the most. What could he possibly discuss with her?
“If we manage to persuade Su Mei, would Mr. Su be willing to sell Strong Dragon Group to us?” Chen Yaru suddenly chimed in.
Caught off guard, Su Mingtang quickly recognized the voice and let out a chuckle, “The business prodigy of Qingyang City, indeed more generous than Mei. Unlike her, you don't let your emotions dictate your actions. Mr. Su isn't tight-fisted either. If you can win Mei over, consider Strong Dragon Group yours.”
Zhang Xiaolong and Su Mingtang were both taken aback. Su Mingtang truly lived up to his role as the helmsman of the Su family; his boldness was unmatched by the average person.
It was just a proposal, yet the grandeur of the other party was palpable.
“Don't celebrate too soon. Convincing Su Mei is no easy task, or else I wouldn't have come to you for help,” Su Mingtang said candidly, chuckling. “I know my daughter well. The crux of the matter lies with Xiaolong. She needs to be able to swallow her pride, and if Yaru can show some magnanimity and offer her a glimmer of hope, it might just make things easier.”
“Sorry, Mr. Su, there are some areas where I can afford to give Su Mei some leeway, but there are certain things I won't compromise on,” Zhang Xiaolong replied, picking up on the subtext.
“I wasn't referring to you,” Su Mingtang said with a laugh. “I meant Yaru. Xiaolong, you're a good man, but sometimes you're a bit too rigid. Whether in business or life, a little flexibility can go a long way, and Yaru handles this better than you do.”
Before Zhang Xiaolong could respond, Chen Yaru interjected, “Alright, Mr. Su, we'll reach out to Su Mei as soon as we can. Hopefully, the outcome will be satisfactory to all of us.”
With that, Su Mingtang had nothing more to add, and the conversation came to a close.
“What did you mean by that?” Zhang Xiaolong asked, his brow furrowed. “What's open to compromise? Are you suggesting that making Su Mei my girlfriend is some sort of concession? If that's what it takes to secure Strong Dragon, I'd rather pass!”
Chen Yaru couldn't help but laugh. “Where is your mind going? If that were the only way to secure Strong Dragon, I wouldn't be interested. Not even a hundred Strong Dragons could compare to my husband!”
“Then why did you agree to his request?” Zhang Xiaolong asked, puzzled. “You know exactly why Su Mei entered the auction. How can we expect her to just back down?”
“It might not be as hard as you think,” Chen Yaru said, nestling into his embrace with a smile. “Like Su Mingtang mentioned, Su Mei is in a tough spot. If you're willing to extend an olive branch, she might just come around. She initially wanted to prove herself, after all. If you show her some respect, I'm sure she won't be too difficult. Isn't that the outcome we're all looking for?”
“If that's all it takes, then of course I can do it. I'd even apologize to her if necessary, though I'm afraid she's not going to be easy to handle,” Zhang Xiaolong expressed with concern.
“Honey, why would you be afraid of a woman?” Chen Yaru teased, smiling. “Don't worry, aside from Jingjing, I won't let any other woman come between us.”
“That's a relief…” Zhang Xiaolong suddenly sensed something was off, “What did you say?”
“I said…” Chen Yaru grinned mischievously, “I said I won't let any other woman come between us.”
“The part before that!” Zhang Xiaolong demanded, eyes wide.
“I… I forgot!” Chen Yaru playfully retorted.
Zhang Xiaolong wasn't so easily deceived. He swept her up and tossed her onto the bed, “It seems you won't remember unless I resort to extreme measures. Get ready!”
“Ah…” Chen Yaru let out a scream, but escape was futile. Within moments, her clothes were removed, and the room was filled with the aura of spring.
…
At the Strong Dragon Group.
Zhang Xiaolong approached the reception desk with a smile and inquired, “Could you tell me if Director Su Mei is in her office?”
“Do you have an appointment?” The receptionist, noting the polite and charming man before her, responded with a tender smile.
“No appointment, but… I believe Director Su would want to see me. I'm acquainted with Mr. Su Mingtang and Su Mei,” Zhang Xiaolong explained, having no other option but to mention Su Mingtang.
“May I have your name, sir? I'll inquire for you,” the receptionist offered promptly.
“I'm Zhang Xiaolong.”
“One moment, please…” The receptionist dialed the phone, but after a short while, she looked back at him with an embarrassed expression.
Zhang Xiaolong immediately picked up on the awkwardness, “Is there an issue?”
“Assistant Chang mentioned that Director Su said, anyone named Zhang Xiaolong who comes by…” The receptionist coughed slightly before finishing, “Anyone named Zhang Xiaolong should just… go die.”
“Cough, cough…” Zhang Xiaolong also coughed, “Director Su really has quite the… sense of humor.”
?The receptionist remained silent, though her eyes roamed over the visitor with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. If Director Su had specifically mentioned him, she undoubtedly knew this man. But why would she wish death upon him? Was he perhaps an infamous womanizer who had broken Director Su's heart?
Moments before, she had felt a flicker of attraction towards him, but now her gaze hardened, as if she herself had been wronged by Zhang Xiaolong's infidelity.
Left with no alternative, Zhang Xiaolong pulled out his phone and sent a message, “Su Mei, I'm downstairs at the office. Can we talk?”
Click to visit??NovelDragon & Start your reading trip??
OR download the app directly??