Chapter 1403: 1400 Win-Win

Chapter 1403: Chapter 1400 Win-Win

Chu Lin knew his nephew was clever; despite his youth, his thoughts were far more profound than those of Chu Bo at the same age.

He credited this to the tutelage of Chu Heng.

As Chu Lin pondered how to respond,

Chu Jin acknowledged Liu Hai with a nod and smiled, “Indeed, our Chu family has indeed partnered with the Zhou family.”

Liu Hai’s pupils dilated, shock causing him to spill his teacup. The scald turned the back of his hand red, but it was as though he felt nothing.

After a chaotic scramble to apply medicine and change into a new set of clothes, he returned.

Liu Hai bowed with embarrassed politeness, “I am sorry for making a fool of myself in front of you both.”

He never expected that he would lose his composure so instinctively in front of the Chu family, leaving him with a significant loss of face. He feared that no matter what he said to cover up, he couldn’t hide the truth of his panic.

Chu Lin had just discussed the matter regarding the Liu family with Chu Jin. Seeing the look of defeat on Liu Hai’s face and the struggle to maintain his composure, he couldn’t help feeling some sympathy.

His nephew’s tactics were too ruthless, and even he might have been as unsettled as Liu Hai in such a situation.

“Boss Liu, please, there’s no need for such words. Have a seat,” Chu Lin had the servant boy serve fresh tea and settled down again.

This time, Liu Hai took the initiative, “Brother Chu, Young Master Chu, will you still cooperate with our Liu family?”

He didn’t reach for the teacup, his hands hidden in his sleeves, trembling slightly.

Chu Jin’s demeanor had not changed since the morning, as he still wore a smile, “Boss Liu, naturally we will. I was actually planning to send someone to ask for your opinion. Our Chu family has always been proactive in cooperation. The decision is in your hands, Boss Liu.”

Liu Hai’s feelings were tangled as two voices in his head contended ceaselessly. The more he thought, the less confident he became, especially knowing that the Chu family’s partnership with Third Master Zhou could significantly impact Liu Family Shipyard’s business within half a year.

The events had unfolded too quickly. His hand shook, and suddenly, with gritted teeth, he said, “Brother Chu, could you please inform your brother what the nature of your partnership with the Zhou family involves…?”

“Oh, look at me forgetting to explain this to you, Boss Liu. Our partnership with Third Master Zhou concerns a venture out to sea. After all, the men under Third Master Zhou are knowledgeable about the overseas routes.”

“It’s not about building ships?” Liu Hai blurted out without thinking. Once the words were out, he saw both men looking over and felt a bit embarrassed. But as the saying goes, once a person is beyond embarrassment. Having made a fool of himself in front of the Chu father and nephew so many times, Liu Hai deflated but cared little for face, speaking frankly, “Brother Chu, I won’t beat around the bush with you. Your family has a vast enterprise, and our Liu Family Shipyard simply cannot compare. But it is, after all, a family legacy. I can’t advance it, but I cannot let it go either.”

“Brother Chu, tell me truthfully, what is the purpose of cooperating with our Liu family this time?”

Chu Jin picked up where he left off, “Boss Liu, I understand your predicament; hence, to ensure we both prosper, the contract will guarantee that the shipbuilding techniques of the Liu family will not leak from anyone within the Chu family. Does this work for you?”

Liu Hai’s wavering heart finally found a haven, and he asked eagerly for confirmation, “Is what Young Master Chu says true?”

“Boss Liu, I, Chu Jin, may not dare promise other things, but my reputation is beyond doubt,” Chu Jin said with a sincere expression. He wasn’t upset by Liu Hai’s skepticism and didn’t take it to heart; the confidence he exuded was uncommon.

Holding back his emotions, Liu Hai stood up, “Good, then I, Liu Hai, will put my trust in you both once more. Tomorrow, I will await your visit to discuss the contract.”