Chapter 153: Business Isn’t Done Like This

Li Dong remained silent, looking at Hu Sichen.

Today was Hu Sichen's invitation; shouldn't he, the host, be responsible?

A cold flash passed through Hu Sichen's eyes as he stood up with a faint smile, saying, "Niu Meng, Mr. Li has things to attend to. Let him leave first. We can discuss it again when we have time."

Niu Meng shrugged but did not make way.

Hu Sichen's displeasure grew more evident, clearly surprised that Niu Meng would be so disrespectful.

Zhang Qing, who had been staring at Li Dong since entering, suddenly spoke, "Mr. Li, why rush to leave? Why not sit down and chat a bit?"

Li Dong replied calmly, "Sorry, my small business can't handle such a large one."

Even if it were profitable, Li Dong had no interest in mixing with them.

These second-generation heirs are ruthless, and one day Li Dong's assets might end up in someone else's hands.

If they were more pleasant to deal with, maybe Li Dong would consider it. If he could sit back and get dividends with minimal involvement, and if the other party provided protection, he might accept.

But to just take the money without offering anything in return, and with such an unappealing manner, Li Dong would never engage with them.

From the previous offer of thirty million for ten percent of the profit, Li Dong knew these guys were not to be trusted.

Their greed was too blatant!

Businessmen like to curry favor with officials, and Li Dong was no exception; otherwise, he wouldn't be flattering Hu Sichen as he did.

But that was because there was a benefit involved. Without benefit, who cares about your status?

Hearing Li Dong's response, Zhang Qing frowned slightly, then smiled, "Mr. Li, even if the deal doesn't work out, how about sitting down for a drink?"

Li Dong considered that he didn't want to offend them too harshly unless absolutely necessary.

After a moment of thought, Li Dong sat back down in silence.

After drinking a few glasses with Zhang Qing, Li Dong glanced at the time and said, "It's getting late. I really have things to do, so I'll be leaving now."

Zhang Qing did not respond but said, "Mr. Li, are you dissatisfied with the ten percent? We can negotiate further."

Li Dong shook his head, smiling but remained silent.

It wasn't about the amount but rather not wanting to deal with these two individuals due to their unpleasant behavior.

Zhang Qing seemed polite but was actually quite arrogant. Otherwise, he wouldn't disregard Hu Sichen.

Even though Hu Sichen was the executive deputy district chief, Zhang Qing had no right to look down on him, even if his father was the mayor of Pingchuan.

When the conversation was off, Li Dong said lightly, "Mr. Zhang, why do you need to look for me? The bank's doors are always open for you. Wouldn't it be better to run your own business?"

Zhang Qing frowned and said nothing.

Niu Meng, however, couldn't stand Li Dong's indifferent attitude and impatiently said, "If it weren't for the strict bank regulations recently, do you think we'd come to you?"

Li Dong understood that wasn't the only reason.

The more important factor was that Li Dong seemed easy to bully. After all, every wealthy person had influential backers.

Only Li Dong appeared to be just a lucky nouveau riche, making him the easiest to subdue.

Since others considered him a soft target, he had to stand his ground even more firmly.

Otherwise, if they took his thirty million this time, they might take Yuanfang next time.

Li Dong didn't want to argue further. He stood up and said, "I'll take my leave. Maybe we can collaborate next time."

As he prepared to leave, Niu Meng slammed his glass on the floor, blocking Li Dong's way and said, "Li, don't push your luck!"

Li Dong's face darkened, and he said coldly, "What's this? Are you trying to play hardball with me?"

"Play hardball? You're not worthy! We're giving you a chance to cooperate. Without it, what are you—a small fry?" Niu Meng sneered disdainfully.

Li Dong glanced at the silent Hu Sichen and then at Zhang Qing, who seemed lost in thought.

After a moment of silence, Li Dong smiled and said, "Alright, I'll remember that."

With that, Li Dong pushed past Niu Meng and left the private room.

Niu Meng didn't expect Li Dong to push him, almost stumbling and falling. Enraged, he prepared to chase after Li Dong.

Zhang Qing, who had been silent, suddenly shouted, "Enough!"

Niu Meng paused, then angrily said, "Qing Ge, I…"

Zhang Qing interrupted him with a wave of his hand, coldly saying, "We're in business, not banditry. If he's not here, does that mean we can't do business?"

Niu Meng's face turned sullen but he didn't say more.

Hu Sichen, who had been staying in the background, stood up and said, "Continue. I have things to attend to, so I'm leaving first."

Zhang Qing frowned and chuckled lightly, "Uncle Hu, are you angry?"

Hu Sichen gave him a sidelong glance and said flatly, "Not at all. But I won't be involved in this matter anymore."

With that, Hu Sichen turned and left, ignoring Zhang Qing's reaction.

Initially, Hu Sichen was doing Zhang Qing's father a favor. After all, his promotion to a higher rank was partly due to Zhang Qing's father's influence.

But business must be conducted with the right attitude. Zhang Qing and Niu Meng were practically robbing people.

Thirty million isn't loose change that you just give away. If this deal doesn't work out, there will be other opportunities. If Li Dong doesn't agree, someone else will eventually give face, or rather, give face to Zhang Qing's father.

What kind of business is done like this?

The sixty acres of land were almost like a gift. If these two had conducted business properly, they could have made a fortune.

But their greed was so blatant that they might not even honor the promised ten percent profit. Their manner was extremely unappealing.

Hu Sichen had previously given Zhang Qing some face but now was too tired to deal with them.

He had been promoted due to Zhang Qing's father's help, but that didn't mean he had to serve the Zhang family.

Moreover, Zhang Qing was just a second-generation heir; even if his father came in person, he wouldn't dare demand Hu Sichen's servitude.

...

Seeing Hu Sichen actually leave, Zhang Qing's face turned dark.

Niu Meng grumbled, "Both Hu and Li are so disrespectful. I'll make them pay for this."

Zhang Qing gave him a cold glance, thinking he was more trouble than he was worth!

Hu Sichen was not someone to be easily dealt with.

Even if it were possible, he wouldn't do it.

His father had just helped Hu Sichen get promoted, and now he was trying to get Hu Sichen demoted. It would only embarrass the Zhang family.

If his father found out, Zhang Qing would get a severe reprimand.

As for Li Dong, even if he didn't have an obvious background, who could say for sure?

Regardless of his background, he was a billionaire. If he were pushed too hard, it wouldn't be surprising if he spent money to resolve the issue.

When Niu Meng suddenly lost his temper, Zhang Qing realized the situation was dire.

But he had wanted to test Li Dong. Who knew it would backfire and completely sour their relationship.

Zhang Qing rubbed his temples, realizing it was a mistake to bring Niu Meng along.

Indeed, wherever Niu Meng went, there was never peace.