Deliberately Approaching
Chapter 149 Refusal to Cooperate

Chapter 149: Chapter 149 Refusal to Cooperate

In the photograph, Lin Ping stood close to Bai Long, her face full of shy admiration as she looked at him, while Bai Long’s brow was furrowed, as if he had just finished a fight, his fists clenched unwillingly.

Chen Xin didn’t have such a photo.

The only picture in his wallet was a group photo taken many years ago, when Li Zishen’s father, Li Zhenshan, had just adopted them.

"So it turns out you two had taken a photograph together..."

"Don’t get it wrong, the wallet was forcefully given to me by Lin Ping when she was 16, and the photo was taken against my will. Since she’s gone now, the belongings should return to their rightful owner."

Ah, you ruthlessly pushed her away, failing to honor her youthful affections!

What a pity, truly a waste!

Chen Xin shook his head and chuckled bitterly, then carefully tucked the black wallet into his pocket.

"What’s so funny?" Bai Long raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Never knew Lin Ping’s first crush was you, and only afterwards did she fall for Brother Shen! No wonder when she was caught drugging Lady Tang, she was terrified, trembling all over. I thought she was afraid of death, frightened that you’d kill her when you returned. Only now I realize, she didn’t want you to see, her darkest side."

"A mistake is a mistake and must be punished. Daring to harm Lady Tang is a betrayal of Brother Shen, unforgivable."

After saying so, Bai Long got into his car and drove away, his cold tone sending shivers down the spine.

The greatest virtue of this man was his loyalty; he handled things decisively and ruthlessly, no matter who it was, if they wronged Li Zishen, the outcome would be dire.

This was precisely why Li Wanshan racked his brains and was willing to spend a huge sum of money to win over Bai Long.

Unfortunately, Bai Long was neither greedy for wealth nor indulgent in pleasures.

Over a decade had passed, Li Wanshan’s desire to undermine Bai Long never came to fruition, often infuriating him to the point of toothache.

Especially that time when Bai Long played his cards well, leading Li Wanshan to sell off the highly popular roast duck restaurant, which eventually ended up in the hands of his nephew, Li Zihan.

That truly drove him mad!

Confronted with complaints from his wife and disturbances from the minor shareholders, there were several days of no peace.

...

Once Bai Long had left, Chen Xin stood still, mumbling to himself, "Ah, Lin Ping, your youthful joy, the admiration of your grown years, all amounted to nothing. May you find a good family and a fine match in your next life."

As he spoke, Uncle Cai hurried over with a large, bulging bag in his hand.

"Why are you here? What’s happened?"

"The young master sent me to give you a hand, afraid you couldn’t handle it all by yourself."

Chen Xin nodded, "Alright, let’s go."

As he spoke, his eyes were already shimmering with tears.

In fact, there was hardly a shortage of hands; everything had been arranged. But Li Zishen’s more thorough consideration was still enough to move Chen Xin deeply.

...

An hour later, Jinyuan Hotel.

This was one of the Leng Family’s properties, though many people were not aware of it, and Li Zishen would only visit maybe twice a year.

The hotel featured 12 floors with a total of 268 guest rooms, among which standard rooms varied from approximately 25 to 30 square meters, rooms for the disabled were 35 square meters, and suites ranged from 120 to 200 square meters.

It was a venture Li Zishen invested in after taking over the group, taking two years to complete, with construction standards of a 4-star level, and a total investment of 180 million yuan. Currently, the daily management was overseen by Bai Long.

He was only 20 years old when it was completed.

Successive media reports soon made him the new generation of investment gurus and a dashing idol in the eyes of high society ladies, with a continuous stream of matchmakers coming to his door.

As a result, Madam Lai had to spread the word that Li Zishen would not consider marriage and starting a family until he was at least 30, as he wished to focus on his career.

Yet now, just past 25, he had already found his beloved, wishing he could marry her immediately.

And Madam Lai wasn’t afraid of the repercussions.

As long as her son was happy, that was all that mattered. Besides, if she could welcome a grandson or granddaughter earlier, it would settle a matter close to her heart.

Eighth floor, luxury suite.

Wang Junchen paced back and forth, his face not looking good. Opposite him stood the imperturbable Bai Long.

He was still dressed in traditional Chinese attire, with a low-tied ponytail.

His broad forehead was free of any stray hairs, and his deep-set eyes were inscrutable.

This was the first time Wang Junchen had observed Bai Long up close, having always mistakenly thought he would appear in a short, neat haircut and sport casual clothes with sneakers.

The contrast was significant, unlike the hidden master of legend, he had more the air of an artist.

"You’re refusing the collaboration, am I hearing this correctly?"

"If you are willing to transfer the relevant technology, we can offer you a satisfactory price. We will certainly not let you suffer a loss."

"Is this Mr. Li’s intention, or..."

"Of course, it is Brother Shen’s intention, but the board also agrees. Naturally, it was unanimously approved, so Mr. Wang, you needn’t bother yourself."

Bai Long’s voice was not loud, yet very forceful.

The implication was clear: we are aware of your behind-the-scenes maneuvers, now the only option you have is to transfer the technology.

Wang Junchen sneered, "I see, it seems Mr. Li has been well-prepared, impressive!"

"You may want to consider it. Farewell."

The suite gradually quieted down, with only the ticking of the pendulum clock audible.

Wang Junchen sat on the sofa, lighting a cigarette with a smile. However, he didn’t smoke it; he just watched it quietly as it burned down to ash.

...

West Suburb, Wuyou Pavilion.

From the study came bursts of arguing, a man and a woman.

Second Aunt Lai was full of complaints against Li Wanshan.

Somehow the news of the refusal to collaborate with Wang Junchen had reached Second Aunt Lai.

Li Wanshan suspected that most likely it was Wang Junchen’s doing, failing to secretly buy over the minor shareholders, he had started to scheme from within.

"Enough! Let me have some peace."

"The collaboration seemed to be going well, why refuse it? Have you got rust for brains? Wouldn’t it just be simpler to pay a high price and headhunt their people?"

"Headhunt, you say it as if it’s so easy—as if you’re shopping for bags and clothes. He brings the technology, we manage production? Who knows when someone might just get a stranglehold on us. Such a womanish viewpoint!"

"If that’s the case, why even bother with a damn board meeting? He could have just rejected it outright himself, since he’s the one who calls the shots anyway."

"Still, formalities must be observed. Zishen knows what he’s doing; you don’t need to worry unnecessarily."

Second Sister-in-law Lai’s brows arched as she picked up her tea, sipping it with a strangely sinister smile.

"Formality? Let’s give him a formality, then!"

Li Wanshan frowned, "Speak your mind, quickly. Since when did you start to beat around the bush so much, it’s infuriating!"

"Well, I just think that Lin Ping is quite pitiable; to be gone all of a sudden. Bie Yuan must be heartbroken too. Why not let them stir some excitement, so the elder sister-in-law stops her wild speculations?"

Li Wanshan knew his wife was still holding a grudge over the previous incident—the jealousy had not yet subsided.

So much for anger cooling off—it was all a façade!

Indeed, a woman’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets. How frustrating!

With that, he hastily threw Second Aunt Lai a flattering look and said cheerfully, "Madam knows me best, thinking exactly what I’m thinking. So tell me, what’s your idea of stirring excitement?"

"Look at you, it’s not complicated at all!"

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Second Aunt Lai gave Li Wanshan a disdainful look, then scooted closer to him.