Chapter 79: The One Who's Interested Isn't Me

"That's right, rest assured. We know your family's situation quite well and will offer you a satisfactory price." Han rarely spoke so seriously; his business-like tone made it hard for Xiaoxiao to connect him to the honest man she’d met in Lijiang. She never imagined their next meeting would revolve around a flower garden.

The circumstances left her feeling conflicted. Yet, remembering that Zhou Yanting was striving to secure this contract, she couldn’t bring herself to act with divided loyalties. "Since we know each other, I ought to do you a favor, but I think you’re not well-informed. Not long ago, I already gave someone else a verbal promise. I’m afraid I can’t help you."

Han shook his head. "Only what’s written counts. Besides, in business, the highest bidder always wins. Even if you don’t consider your own interests, you should think of your neighbors."

She didn’t understand. "Neighbors?"

"Let me put it this way. Your neighbors are surely also owners of flower gardens in Dou Nan. No matter how many companies compete, buying only your land isn’t enough. You might want to sell low, but others may not." Xiaoxiao’s heart skipped a beat. She had indeed never considered the interests of others, and suddenly the situation grew complicated. Seeing her inner struggle, Han fired another volley: "To put it bluntly, you’re selling together, and I’m confident I offer the highest price. Who wouldn’t be tempted? We’ve already reached agreements with several growers. If you now turn to another company, I’m afraid they won’t understand."

Every word was spoken from her perspective, making it impossible to refuse. She understood all too well: people are kind when there are no storms, but once interests clash, nothing is certain.

"What about the others’ attitudes?" she asked, now forced to consider more.

Han looked assured. "I served in the army years ago; several comrades are flower growers here. Regardless of the money, the camaraderie alone can seal the deal."

"Is it really impossible to choose elsewhere?" Xiaoxiao grew anxious. Breaking her word would require real courage, and she clung to a final hope for a different answer. But Han merely shook his head, awkwardly: "You’ll find out soon enough. I may as well tell you now—the one who’s interested isn’t me, it’s Maoyuan."

Maoyuan!

The cup dropped from her hand to the coffee table. Hot water spilled everywhere, steam rising. She knew Maoyuan all too well—the investor behind Grand View Pavilion, with Lin Shuo’s signature as the legal representative.

So, after all this roundabout talk, it was Lin Shuo making things difficult for her. Suddenly, some things became clear: Han had said what he owed Lin Shuo was the favor of bringing Ying back, and what he repaid was this piece of land.

"Xiaoxiao, I have to go. Think it over carefully."

Hearing the cup clatter outside, Mother Ni set down her spatula and hurried out, only to find her daughter sitting dazed on the sofa while the guest nodded and departed. Xi Mintang picked up a cloth and wiped the water from the coffee table, catching sight of the red mark on her hand. His expression darkened as he looked up. "Auntie, do you have any ointment?"

"I do."

She handed him the ointment and retreated to the kitchen. He sat beside Xiaoxiao, gently taking her hand, scolding, "How could you be so careless?"

Only then did she come to her senses. "Sorry, I must have made a fool of myself." She tried to cover her face, but he held her hand firmly, "Careful, or you’ll blister."