Chapter 24: Forty Plus Ten

Watching Pan Wei flee in embarrassment, Tang Ran couldn't have been happier. She whispered to Lin Muqing, "I bet that guy never imagined why the Director Yang he revered would be so afraid of Ming Ge! He probably thinks he's crossed paths with someone important and will be anxious about revenge from Ming Ge."

Tang Ran's face was full of delight, while Lin Muqing could only shake her head and say, "Not all bosses are like Pan Wei. A real big shot wouldn't waste time with him. We have important matters to attend to, so let's not dwell on him."

"But Ming Ge is really impressive!" Tang Ran pouted, clearly still relishing the moment.

Seeing Tang Ran's childlike reaction, Zhou Ming could only smile wryly. He then invited Director Yang to sit down. When Director Yang saw Lin Muqing and Tang Ran, he was visibly surprised. With his extensive experience, he could immediately guess what had happened earlier. At the same time, he looked at Zhou Ming with envy, thinking that such a wealthy person could bring along two beautiful women, truly enviable.

Zhou Ming took the menu and ordered. Since they were in a Western restaurant and there were three ladies present, he only ordered a bottle of red wine.

Everyone toasted together. Zhou Ming then took the initiative to toast Director Yang, saying, "Director Yang is a leader of the bank. I have always respected leaders. It's a pleasure to share a table with you today."

Director Yang responded, "Not at all. Zhou Boss, you are young and accomplished. I am honored to dine with you."

Zhou Ming shook his head and said, "Director Yang, you're making me blush. I just had a bit of luck in the college entrance exam. Unlike you, who holds the financial power of the bank, many units in South River City are eager for your loans. Like the Pan Boss earlier, he would have to act like a son before you."

Director Yang laughed heartily and said, "I think Pan Boss is not as impressive as Zhou Boss!"

Lin Muqing was surprised by the flattery between Zhou Ming and Director Yang. She understood the basic business etiquette that the first person to mention business is usually at a disadvantage. However, Zhou Ming's calm and composed manner while setting up the conversation impressed her.

She admired Zhou Ming's resilience and strategic mind. In her eyes, this man's future was limitless.

Zhou Ming was deliberately being polite with Director Yang. As someone who had been reborn, he understood the subtleties of business negotiations.

However, Lin Muqing and Zhou Ming knew that Zheng Jie, who was with Director Yang, would not speak up first, but Tang Ran could not hold back.

Bored with the flattery between Zhou Ming and Director Yang, Tang Ran asked, "Director Yang, I heard from Zheng Jie that you are here to discuss exchanging RMB for HKD with Ming Ge?"

Everyone was surprised by the sudden question from the naive-looking girl.

Seeing Tang Ran's innocent expression, Zhou Ming wanted to give her a big hug. Her candid interruption was perfect timing. It forced Director Yang to address the exchange issue directly, shifting the momentum to Zhou Ming's favor.

As expected, Director Yang had to clear his throat and say, "Zhou Boss, I understand that you need to exchange 400,000 RMB for HKD, correct?"

Zhou Ming nodded and said, "Yes, due to business needs, I know South River City is a gateway for foreign exchange, so I came to Director Yang."

Director Yang's expression changed. Although Zhou Ming's words seemed straightforward, Director Yang knew Zhou Ming was intentionally mentioning multiple banks to imply that if he didn't offer a good deal, Zhou Ming could go elsewhere.

Realizing this, Director Yang's respect for Zhou Ming grew. He said, "Zhou Boss, I appreciate your support for our bank. Since you support us so much, I can offer you some special terms."

Zhou Ming did not rush to speak. Director Yang continued, "Typically, 400,000 RMB can be exchanged for about 360,000 HKD. However, if we use internal channels, I can help you get over 370,000 HKD."

"That's great!" Tang Ran exclaimed. She didn't understand the financial details but knew that getting an extra 10,000 HKD was equivalent to her several years of salary.

Zhou Ming nodded. Although he knew Director Yang's offer of an additional 10,000 HKD was inflated, he also understood that it was a fair attempt. He recognized that the foreign exchange process was complicated, especially in the early years of reform.

Director Yang, feeling uneasy, quickly added, "Zhou Boss, 370,000 HKD is already quite generous. I've saved all possible costs. Even other branches wouldn't offer more."

Zhou Ming smiled and said, "Director Yang, I wasn't suggesting that. I was wondering if adding another 100,000 RMB would increase the amount of HKD we could get."

Director Yang was taken aback. As a bank director, he understood that having 400,000 RMB was impressive, but having 500,000 RMB was extraordinary. He couldn't believe someone could casually offer that much money.

Realizing Zhou Ming's financial capacity, Director Yang became even more respectful. He said, "If you add 100,000 RMB, I can help you exchange for about 92,000 HKD."

Zhou Ming thanked Director Yang. Director Yang hurriedly reassured him, "Zhou Boss, it's my honor to serve you!"

Director Yang then asked, "Has the money already arrived in South River City?"

Zhou Ming confirmed, "Yes, it's in my Agricultural Bank account. Are you concerned about verifying it?"

Director Yang quickly shook his head, "No, I trust you completely. I just asked out of habit. Please don't mind."

"Of course, I don't mind. I'll leave the currency exchange to you, Director Yang."

Zhou Ming raised his glass, and Director Yang followed suit.

Lin Muqing watched Zhou Ming with admiration. She realized Zhou Ming had cleverly split the amount into two parts to get the best result. She thought, "Zhou Ming is truly insightful!"

Lin Muqing found Zhou Ming's demeanor fascinating as she observed him.