Chapter 280: Chapter 279: Reaching an Agreement
In an instant, the roles of attacker and defender switched, and Wang Zhengâs attempt to use his age, experience, and status to create a sense of pressure failed. His idea of gaining the upper hand was instantly crushed.
He realized that the young man in front of him didnât seem to fall for these tricks, and the rules he had developed over decades were ineffective here.
Moreover, having his thoughts guessed so accurately left him defenseless, making it naturally impossible to achieve his goals. Given this, it was better to have an honest discussion.
Of course, Su Qingâs penetrating gaze, which seemed to read hearts, also made him uncomfortable, too oppressive.
Thinking about this, Wang Zheng found it a bit unbelievable. Who was he? A well-known entrepreneur in Jiangcheng City for many years. Although the internet and new media industries had significantly impacted the traditional sectors in recent years, he gained his standing early and still held a significant position in Jiangcheng. However, feeling pressure from the gaze of a young man in his twenties made him wary.
The concern was mainly whether the young man had some unknown background.
"Since I invited you out, we should have a good talk. We have no conflict, right?" Wang Zheng laughed, gesturing for him to have some tea while he spoke.
Although he didnât like the way adults communicated, he understood there was some truth to it. Not speaking directly left room for maneuver.
For instance, now that the other party asked him to drink tea, drinking it would mean moving past the previous matter, and they could sit down and discuss the business at hand peacefully.
And he was not someone who could not adapt, as the matter was important. Though the performance was lackluster, the show was indeed happening because his expectations were too high.
He picked up the tea bowl, blew on it, and took a sip. It was a bit hot, the taste was bitter, and not enjoyable at all.
Red tea, green tea, chamomile tea, he had no problem with those, but he didnât like this particular kind. In the heat of summer, who could endure it, but this was the way elderly people socialized.
"What is it you want me to do?" Wang Zheng asked straightforwardly. He found that beating around the bush didnât work with the young man in front of him, so he just asked directly.
Hearing this, Su Qing put down the tea bowl and calmly replied, "Last night and this morning, you should have confirmed what I told your daughter, right?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Zheng nodded. As a seasoned old fox, he naturally wouldnât come here so hastily without doing his own investigation.
Indeed, through the information revealed last night, Wang Zheng found several female students Xu Feng was supporting, and even looked into the matter of Gu Qiaoqiao being arrested, confirming it was true.
"Since thatâs the case, Xu Feng wronging your daughter is a fact. I overheard him calling your daughter to borrow money yesterday. He wanted her to mortgage property in the capital for a big business deal, even using his company shares as collateral. This is true, but I donât know what you make of it," Su Qing replied coolly.
He didnât believe that an astute person like the other party wouldnât see Xu Fengâs motives, full of flaws and unexaminable, only capable of deceiving a lovestruck and not-very-bright woman.
"What else is there to see? That kid didnât have good intentions, which I can see clearly, and you know as well. Itâs just that my daughter was fooled like an idiot. I sensed his deep scheming when I first met him, and I warned Shanshan, but she wouldnât listen!" Wang Zheng said solemnly, his anger evident but still rational.
As he said, a million is manageable for him; thereâs no need to make a big fuss over it.
"In that case, letâs be straightforward. Xu Feng recently had some business conflicts with my friend. Following the principle of âthe enemy of my enemy is my friend,â Iâd like you to help us. Xu Fengâs companyâs financial chain is already having issues, and heâs waiting to claw back some money from my friend. Of course, this has nothing to do with you, but his companyâs taxes are also not in order; someone is already investigating. This means it wonât be long before his company collapses.
If, by then, his companyâs assets are insufficient to pay off debts, it might be sealed, although that would take some time. But if you also take action, he could be caught off guard. I donât like giving my opponents a chance for a comeback, so itâs best to knock him down the first time; speed is crucial. What do you think?"
Su Qing briefly explained the conflict between Xu Feng and his friends, then compared the difference with Wang Zhengâs help, leaving the decision to him.
The leverage was the million; if he agreed to help, he might recover some losses, but if not, the million could be a total loss.
His tone was calm, but Wang Zheng felt a chill, realizing this was clearly leaving Xu Feng no escape route.
Originally, if they handled it alone, Xu Feng might simply sell off company assets to cover gaps. Such a big company, even if only some remnants remained, it would still be a fortune for an ordinary person, enough for a worry-free life.
But if he got involved, using his connections to block Xu Fengâs goods, the company would not only go bankrupt, but Xu Feng would also owe a huge debt, becoming a defaulter. After all, employeesâ salaries, bank interest, penalties, etc., all would explode, which might be too much for even his company, let alone pressuring Xu Fengâs goods to lower the value.
Feeling as if after a lifetime in business, he still wasnât as ruthless as this young man, knowing this was clearly leaving no room.
But in business, thereâs no room for sentimentality; everyone acts for their interest.
"I donât have an issue here, but how can I trust you to achieve what you claim? As far as I know, your father is just a university teacher, with no power or influence at home. Your friendâs company has only been in Jiangcheng for half a year and hasnât stabilized either. Why should I trust you?"
By this point, Wang Zheng didnât pretend, admitting directly that he investigated Su Qingâs background.
Su Qingâs background was easy to find out, with no protection in place. Under the diligence of interested parties, it was a simple investigation, even if he was now a special consultant for Jiangcheng Public Security Bureau, it didnât mean much as he wasnât in charge there.
Su Qing wasnât surprised at Wang Zhengâs thought process. The narrator had already warned him since he had neither wealth nor influence and was simply a pawn, not a weighty voice.
But he had ways to solve these things, after all, he did have some backing.
"Since youâve investigated so thoroughly, didnât you know that the Wen Family has shares in that company?"
"The Wen Family? Which Wen Family?"
"Wen Nanqing. Of course, you may not know her, since sheâs only a landlord, but she has a brother, Wen Jingqi." Su Qing said with a casual tone.
Upon hearing this, Wang Zheng was stunned: "Wen Jingqi, the owner of Zhengyang Real Estate, Wen Zhuoâs son?"
Being in Jiangchengâs business circle for decades, Wang Zheng naturally knew the reputation of Old Man Wen. Though they might not be in the same industry, business circles often intersected.
Old Man Wenâs real estate company was once flourishing, having built many landmark structures in Jiangcheng. Many upscale neighborhoods and villas were built by his family, making him well-known and well-connected.
"Thatâs right, Sister Wen is a major shareholder in my friendâs company. That means if Xu Feng messes with her interests, my Sister Wen wonât stand for it. She might not have connections, but if something happens to her end, do you think her brother would not care?"
Hearing him address Wen Nanqing as Sister Wen, Wang Zheng narrowed his eyes, feeling the young man before him might not be as simple as he appeared.
As Wang Zheng marveled at his connectedness, Su Qing smiled and revealed a bit more:
"No need to doubt my identity. Iâm just a small pawn â no money, no power, no connections. You can see me as merely a runner for Sister Wen and her crew, living nearby, helping out occasionally as neighbors do."
One must say, the narrator was truly useful, especially in conversations, always allowing him to take the initiative and perceive opportunities early.
Wang Zheng, having his thoughts penetrated, was shocked, especially when faced with Su Qingâs gaze which seemed to read his soul, giving a sense of oppression, like having no secrets, as if his thoughts were known to the other party.
Yet, the more he said, the more Wang Zheng believed him.
"Since Zhengyang Company is involved, Iâm naturally reassured, but how should I proceed?"
"Thatâs not something a small pawn like me should dictate. You can discuss with Sister Wenâs brother, Wen Jingqi, after all, people like us have no connections and canât offer much help. But you must act fast; results are needed within ten days," Su Qing said calmly.
This was his strength, never doing things beyond his capability. He didnât produce information; he merely conveyed it.
"Then letâs have a pleasant cooperation!" Wang Zheng extended his hand.
Seeing this, Su Qing also reached out and held it firmly: "Pleasant cooperation!"
When their hands clasped, a voice echoed in Su Qingâs mind:
[Multiple forces apply, and seven days later, the tax issues of Nine Five Eight Company will fully erupt. Nothing to do today, just relax and enjoy music.]
...