Chapter 85 (2/2)
Xia Lei nodded, “Yes. I am only asking for this one thing. I won’t ask for anything else in the future.”
Mu Jian-Feng continued walking forward, “Mr Xia, what you ask for is difficult.”
Xia Lei didn’t say anything but he thought ‘You have to help even though you don’t want to’.
“How much money do you have on hand right now?”
“About 6,400,000 in total.”
“What?” Mu Jian-Feng looked at Xia Lei in surprise, “You only have about 6,000,000 and you want us to help you procure land that is worth hundreds of millions? Are you kidding me?”
Mu Jian-Feng’s tone turned sour right away but Xia Lei did not lose patience. He spoke lightly, “Yes, just 6,000,000 or so, just that. I still have to use it to build my machining plant, buy more equipment, hire more workers and so on. I only wish I could turn every cent into ten thousand.”
Mu Jian-Feng sneered, “I thought you had money and at least seven or eight hundred million. We could loan you the money if you were a little short and make use of our executive relationship to expropriate that piece of land. Now you’re telling me that you have only around 6,000,000 and this is also to be used for building a machining plant, buying more equipment and hiring more workers? Young man, are you making some sort of joke for this old man to laugh at?”
Mu Jian-Feng’s tone was getting more and more impolite. Xia Lei’s temper was also rising and he, too, sneered, “Elder Mu, if this were to happen five or six years in the future I wouldn’t need your help at all. It’s true that I have no money now. I am doing this in the interest of our future collaboration.”
“You make it sound like it’s as easy as lighting a wick aflame. Young man, I have to remind you that what you want is land that is worth hundreds of millions!” Mu Jian-Feng was blunt, “Why do you insist on that piece of land when you don’t have the money for it? You can pick something in the rural areas - a million for dozens of acres. Why? Give me an explanation!”
Xia Lei wrinkled his brows, “You think I’m swindling you?”
“I shall consider it so if you don’t have a reasonable explanation,” said Mu Jian-Feng.
Xia Lei snorted, “If you really think that way then there is no need for us to talk further.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I don’t mean anything. I will complete the purchase order from Mr Zhou Wei, then you can go get someone more qualified than I to do it for you. I won’t process so much as a screw for you in the future.”
“You punk.” Mu Jian-Feng was so mad his whiskers puffed. Nobody had ever dared to talk to him like that - Xia Lei was the first.
“Keep your money and your connections. Goodbye, Elder Mu.” Xia Lei threw these words out and turned to leave.
“Wait!” Mu Jian-Feng grew anxious and grabbed Xia Lei by the arm.
Xia Lei did not break free from his grasp for fear that the old man would be flung to the ground. That would be taking the act too far.
“What sort of foul temper is this, young man?” Mu Jian-Feng glared unhappily at Xia Lei, “I could be your grandfather. You can’t take criticism from an old grandfather?”
“I didn’t say anything but can I be happy about you, Elder Mu, seeing me as a swindler?” said Xia Lei.
“I’m sure you wouldn’t dare to swindle China Industrial Group. I think you know what sort of company it is,” said Mu Jian-Feng.
“Of course I know. It’s like the Lockheed Martin* company in America, producing weapons of war for the country. I wouldn’t be so stupid as to try to cheat you guys of your money even if I were tired of living. Furthermore, what I want is land, not money. Can I sell that piece of land? Can I take that piece of land overseas?” said Xia Lei.
Mu Jian-Feng’s features softened but his mouth was still firmly set, “But that piece of land is worth hundreds of millions. Your company’s value is low but the value of the piece of land is high. Property companies would assess the value and you’ll be instantly worth hundreds of millions. Does that seem reasonable to you?”
“Does it not seem reasonable to you?”
“It’s unreasonable.” Mu Jian-Feng shook his head.
“Let me put it in a metaphor. I am not selling water next to a water company but in the desert. You are my client, my desert-wandering client. Strict technology blocks have been put in place by Europe and America so your stored water has long been used up. Just at this time when you guys are extremely thirsty, you discovered me selling this water. So, do you think I’ll sell this water to you guys if you give me just one yuan?” said Xia Lei.
Mu Jian-Feng paused for half a beat then suddenly started chuckling, “Well said. A very fitting metaphor. You are the water seller in the desert. Is this also why you are so secure in your knowledge that you will have backing and are extorting us because of our weakness?”
Xia Lei shrugged, “Whatever you want to say. Cheating, extorting because of weakness - it doesn’t matter to me. I don’t care what you think of me. I just want to build my machining plant on that piece of land.”
Mu Jian-Feng sighed, then headed back.
Xia Lei stood on the spot and did not move.
Mu Jian-Feng walked two steps, then looked back and shouted, “What are you still standing there for, boy? Take me to see that piece of land.”
Xia Lei smiled, “Sure, Elder Mu. I’ll take you to see it right away.”
Mu Jian-Feng smiled wryly and shook his head, “You’re the most stubborn boy I’ve ever met.”
* Company information -
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