Chapter 88: Misunderstanding
After weighing the pros and cons, Li Dong finally said, "Do we really need so much money?"
A hundred thousand yuan would be enough for a small-scale concert.
Hearing this, Fang Qingfei immediately saw hope and quickly said, "Have you seen 'Super Girl'?"
Li Dong shook his head. Last year, he was too busy to watch TV.
However, the "Super Girl" show in 2004 was quite popular, and Li Dong had heard people mention it often.
Of course, Li Dong knew this year's Super Girl would be even more popular, but he had never paid much attention to the entertainment industry.
Seeing Li Dong's reaction, Fang Qingfei was a bit speechless but still explained, "Li Qian, who made it into the top ten last year, is from Pingchuan. The college wants to invite her as a judge, and this 100,000 yuan includes her appearance fee."
Li Qian?
Li Dong thought for a moment. He hadn't heard of her, which probably means she wouldn't be famous in the future.
But it made sense; if she were truly famous, she wouldn't participate in a small-scale college singing competition.
It seemed Li Qian wanted to make some money while her fame lasted, which explained her connection with the old-timers at the college.
Li Dong asked again, "Even so, isn't she just a newcomer worth that much?"
Fang Qingfei gave him a glare, feeling that his words sounded harsh, almost as if asking if someone was selling themselves.
Fortunately, Li Dong didn't know her true feelings, or he would have been offended.
Fang Qingfei continued, "You don't know how popular Li Qian is in Pingchuan! Besides, the money also covers stage setup, promotional activities, and prize money. Actually, Li Qian's appearance fee isn't high; it's because she's giving us face by coming here."
Seeing Li Dong's disdainful expression, Fang Qingfei was annoyed and said, "Don't be skeptical. Li Qian is a hero in Pingchuan, more famous than many top stars! When the event starts, media will definitely come for interviews, and the 'Yuanfang Cup' Campus Singing Competition will surely become popular. You'll benefit greatly!"
Li Dong curled his lips. If it were really that good, would you be asking for my help?
Li Qian and Zhang Qian—neither of them is even in the top three. How could they be so famous?
Fang Qingfei was determined to get Li Dong to sponsor, so she even mentioned the "Yuanfang Cup," which made Li Dong cringe a bit.
Li Dong didn't want to continue arguing with Fang Qingfei. He sighed and said, "How about this: you provide a detailed plan. I'll have someone negotiate with you about the exact amount needed and whether or not to invite this Li Qian. The decision will be made on our side."
Despite his disdain for the Pingchuan hero, Fang Qingfei was quite pleased. Li Dong's agreement to sponsor was enough, and they could negotiate the amount later.
---
When Li Dong returned for lunch, Li Tie and the others were already enjoying their meal.
Seeing Li Dong return, Xu Chen grinned and said, "Brother Dong, impressive! You even got close to the beautiful Fang!"
"Brother Dong is mighty!" Meng Qiping gave a thumbs-up with a cheeky expression.
Zhang Hao, with his mouth full, mumbled, "Brother Dong is just handsome!"
Li Dong didn't respond, only laughed and scolded, "You guys are something. Trying to make me eat your leftovers, huh?"
"Not at all. We saved you a portion," Meng Qiping said with a smile, pushing the leftover food toward Li Dong. He then curiously asked, "What did Fang beauty want to discuss with you? Why did it take so long?"
At this question, the others' ears perked up.
Li Dong didn't answer and started eating.
Seeing this, the others realized that if Li Dong didn't want to talk about it, no amount of questioning would help.
---
In early March, Sun Tao took a team to Fucheng for market research.
With Sun Tao away, Li Dong became quite busy. He left the sponsorship matter to the marketing department and didn't have much time to manage it himself.
One day, after handling matters at the store, Li Dong went to the second phase of Wanyuan.
After the Lunar New Year, the renovation of the new house had to be put on the agenda.
On his way to Building 8, Li Dong ran into Wang Jia in the community.
Wang Jia was with a pair of middle-aged women.
Seeing Li Dong, Wang Jia greeted him with a smile.
Li Dong stopped and asked, "Haven't found a house yet?"
Wang Jia shook her head, looking distressed. "The prices at Wanyuan are too high. I'm thinking of renting a place instead."
Before Li Dong could respond, one of the middle-aged women beside Wang Jia spoke up, "That won't do! As a young woman alone in Pingchuan, your father and I are already worried. If you rent a place and encounter bad people, what will you do? We don't lack this money. Let's just buy the one we were looking at!"
Li Dong smiled at the remark but stayed silent. Wang Jia, however, looked a bit awkward and said, "Mom!"
Wang Jia's mother frowned slightly, then looked at Li Dong and asked, "Young man, are you Jia Jia's friend?"
Li Dong thought for a moment. Maybe, they could be considered friends, so he nodded.
Seeing this, Wang Jia's mother furrowed her brows slightly and said, "Then help persuade our Wang Jia. It's not that complicated to buy a house. I think this environment is pretty good, and buying it for tens of thousands isn't expensive."
Wang Jia's face turned red with embarrassment. Her mother's words had a somewhat nouveau riche tone.
It would be fine if it were someone else, but it was Li Dong, who was quite wealthy. Wang Jia felt it was hard not to blush.
Li Dong also twitched his mouth, feeling that something was off with the statement.
Glancing at Wang Jia's parents, he noticed a subtle hint of suspicion in their eyes. Li Dong was speechless.
The couple's wariness was quite strong. It was just a casual greeting on the road; was it necessary to be so guarded?
Seeing this, Li Dong decided not to say more. He smiled lightly and said, "Well, uncle and aunt, you're busy. I have something to attend to, so I'll leave first."
After Li Dong left, Wang Jia was immediately annoyed. "Mom, what were you saying just now?"
Wang Jia's mother didn't see the problem. "What did I say? We were planning to buy a house anyway. I wasn't lying."
Wang Jia's father added, "Jia Jia, you should be careful about your friends in Pingchuan."
"Dad!"
Wang Jia was genuinely angry. "What are you guys thinking? Li Dong has a house at Wanyuan; we just happened to run into him."
Wang Jia's mother was surprised. "He bought it?"
"Yes, he bought it! It's even the best one!"
Wang Jia huffed and added, "He has his own company and is much richer than you guys. What you said might make him laugh at us."
Wang Jia's mother's face showed embarrassment as she muttered, "I didn't realize. I thought he was trying to get close to you intentionally."
Wang Jia rolled her eyes. Didn't I initiate the greeting first?
---
Li Dong didn't take Wang Jia's parents' concerns to heart.
Parents are always worried about their children, and there's no need to fuss about it.
Li Dong took a tour of the new house, roughly decided on the renovation plan, and then left Wanyuan.
Renovations required professional help, and as an amateur, he could only offer suggestions.
As for who to hire, Yifeng Decoration was the most suitable since they specialized in home renovations.
March 1st:
Sun Tao and his team headed to Fucheng for market research.
With Sun Tao away, Li Dong became quite busy, leaving the sponsorship discussions to the marketing department. He didn't have much time to manage it personally.
One day, after finishing his tasks at the store, Li Dong went to Wanyuan Phase II.
After the Lunar New Year, it was time to focus on the new house's renovation.
On his way to Building 8, Li Dong encountered Wang Jia again in the community.
Wang Jia was accompanied by a pair of middle-aged women.
Seeing Li Dong, Wang Jia greeted him with a smile.
Li Dong stopped and asked, "Still haven't found a house?"
Wang Jia shook her head, looking troubled. "The prices at Wanyuan are too high. I'm thinking of renting instead."
Before Li Dong could reply, one of the middle-aged women beside Wang Jia spoke up, "That's not a good idea! As a young woman alone in Pingchuan, your father and I are worried. If you rent and encounter trouble, what will you do? We're not short of money. Let's just buy the place we were looking at!"
Li Dong smiled at the comment but remained silent. Wang Jia looked a bit embarrassed and said, "Mom!"
Wang Jia's mother frowned slightly, then turned to Li Dong and asked, "Young man, are you Jia Jia's friend?"
Li Dong considered for a moment and nodded. He could probably be considered a friend.
Seeing this, Wang Jia's mother furrowed her brow slightly and said, "Then could you help persuade Wang Jia? It shouldn't be so complicated to buy a house. I think the environment here is good, and buying it for a few tens of thousands isn't expensive."
Wang Jia blushed deeply from embarrassment. Her mother's words sounded rather nouveau riche.
If it were someone else, it might not be so awkward, but it was Li Dong, a wealthy person. Wang Jia felt very self-conscious.
Li Dong also twitched his mouth, feeling that something was off about the statement.
He glanced at Wang Jia's parents and noticed a hint of suspicion in their eyes. Li Dong felt speechless.
The couple's wariness seemed excessive. It was just a casual encounter; was it necessary to be so guarded?
Seeing this, Li Dong decided not to comment further. He smiled lightly and said, "Well, Uncle and Aunt, you're busy. I have other things to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
After Li Dong left, Wang Jia was visibly upset. "Mom, why did you say that?"
Wang Jia's mother was unbothered. "What did I say? We were planning to buy a house anyway. I wasn't lying."
Wang Jia's father added, "Jia Jia, be careful about your friends in Pingchuan."
"Dad!"
Wang Jia was genuinely angry. "What are you guys thinking? Li Dong has a house at Wanyuan. We just happened to run into him."
Wang Jia's mother was surprised. "He bought it?"
"Yes, he bought it! It's even the best one!"
Wang Jia huffed and added, "He has his own company and is much richer than you. What you said might make him laugh at us."
Wang Jia's mother looked embarrassed and muttered, "I didn't realize. I thought he was trying to get close to you intentionally."
Wang Jia rolled her eyes. "Didn't I initiate the greeting?"
Li Dong didn't take Wang Jia's parents' concerns too seriously.
Parents' worries about their children are natural, and there's no need to make a fuss about it.
Li Dong took a tour of the new house, roughly decided on the renovation plan, and then left Wanyuan.
Renovations required professional help, and as an amateur, he could only offer suggestions.
As for who to hire, Yifeng Decoration was the best choice since they specialized in home renovations.