Chapter Ninety-One: No One Is Easy to Deal With
The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Suddenly recalling the file folder in his drawer, he hurriedly retrieved it to take a look. It would have been better if he hadn’t; after reading it, a deep sense of regret washed over him. On Xi Mintang’s dossier, her school was clearly listed, complete with a graduation photo in which Li Qingjiang appeared as well. So they already knew each other without her having to make any introductions!
Everything she’d said was actually true!
Shundu had made an aggressive approach, offering high prices that tempted the flower growers. With Shenghua making no further moves, the growers assumed Shenghua had withdrawn, and so used Shundu as a bargaining chip to drive up prices with Maoyuan. Pressured by the situation, Maoyuan had no choice but to keep raising their offers. In just a few days, their budget sheet had already been revised several times.
“Come in!” Lin Shuo leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed, resting for a moment.
The visitor was Zhou Qin, Maoyuan’s most senior secretary, attached to the Chairman’s office. Sensing his seriousness, Lin Shuo straightened up. Zhou Qin said, “The Chairman would like to see you upstairs.”
Guessing the reason, Lin Shuo instructed, “You go up first. I’ll be there shortly.” After Zhou Qin left, he organized all the project documents, then took the elevator to the top floor of Maoyuan Tower.
The spacious room was filled with office supplies and potted plants in every corner. On the coffee table sat a crystal-clear glass fish tank, though not a single fish could be seen—only freshly picked, snow-white gardenias floating on the surface, their fragrance sweet and cloying.
“Have a seat.” Chairman Mu Jinshu had already had tea prepared, and her smile broadened as he entered.
“You asked for me about the Dounan flower nursery, didn’t you?” Lin Shuo placed the file folder on the table. “All the relevant data is inside. I’ve consulted with experts, and there are no major issues.”
Mu Jinshu, seeing that gentle persuasion would not suffice, abandoned that approach, yet did not rush to open the folder. Setting down her teacup, she said, “I’ve heard about what’s going on with Shundu. As your superior, I appreciate your diligence. However, I hope you’ll consider the company’s position. Is it really beneficial to lock horns with Shenghua and Shundu when they’ve formed an alliance?”
“I am determined to secure that land,” he replied.
Mu Jinshu nodded. “But as your mother, I don’t want you to act on impulse and end up harming both yourself and the company. Know when to stop—there’s no absolute need for that plot.”
“You needn’t worry. There’s nothing personal involved.” He idly swirled the gardenias on the water’s surface, releasing a burst of fragrance.
“That’s good to hear.” Mu Jinshu handed him a tissue to dry his hands. “Back then, when you left so abruptly, I chalked it up to youthful bravado. Now that you’ve returned, I just hope you won’t repeat the past, forsaking everything for the sake of a woman.”
Lin Shuo’s brow twitched. He buttoned his suit jacket and rose to take his leave. “If there’s nothing else, Chairman, I’ll get back to work.”
Mu Jinshu called after him, “Don’t overwork yourself. Come home for a meal when you have time—see if your mother’s cooking has gotten any worse.” He glanced back at his mother, murmured an acknowledgment, and left.
Upon returning to his office, he found Cheng Feng waiting for him, having just returned. Lin Shuo strode around to his desk. “Well?”
“It’s just as you suspected, but I still don’t understand where they found the nerve to keep raising their bids.”
Lin Shuo glanced at the report, clearly satisfied with the investigation. “When rivals within the same family are vying for power, do they need a reason? Neither of the Li family’s young masters are to be underestimated.”
“So what now? Shundu just raised their bid again a few minutes ago.” Cheng Feng awaited his instructions.
Lin Shuo was silent for a long moment, then replied calmly, “Follow.”