Young Master Li's eyes flashed, and his tone was somewhat tentative: "The relationships in the mainland are complicated, and I am unfamiliar with the place... I hope that Miss Seven can help me connect with the relevant units in Shenzhen, and at the same time bring my people to conduct background investigations on the project. As for the electronics factory, I can naturally sell it at a preferential price."
Ning Yuan was so angry at his "get something for nothing" argument that she laughed: "Sure, sell your electronics factory to me at half the market price!"
Young Master Li immediately waved his hand and said half-jokingly, "Seventh Miss, this is robbery! My electronics factory is also a valuable asset, and the equipment is all the latest from Japan."
Ning Yuan remained unmoved and retorted calmly, "That's nothing compared to Young Master Li's ability to get something for nothing. Isn't doing business all about exploiting information asymmetry?"
She chuckled lightly: "You got the background check report and the resources to connect me, but you won't sell the electronics factory to me. Who am I supposed to complain to? Even Guan Yu would laugh at my stupidity!"
Young Master Li lightly adjusted his black-rimmed glasses: "It seems Miss Seven is questioning my credibility. Then why bother cooperating with me? If you want to buy an electronics factory, just go ahead and buy it. Didn't you make a fortune at that spring antique auction?"
The two exchanged barbs, each seeing calculation and difficulty in the other's eyes, testing each other's limits.
The atmosphere became tense and deadlocked.
Seeing this, Chu Hongyu, who had been observing from the sidelines, quickly stepped in to smooth things over, smiling as she brought over some refreshments: "Are you two tired from chatting? Have some refreshments. Business is all about negotiation, why ruin the harmony?"
She smiled sweetly at Young Master Li and said softly, "Young Master Li, Miss Seven also wants to cooperate with you for mutual benefit. How about this, let's discuss the contract details first, and then we can talk about the price later?"
With Chu Hongyu's mediation, the two men's expressions softened slightly.
But Young Master Li is a mature man after all. He smiled and raised his glass first: "I was not gentlemanly enough. I made the beauties laugh. Well, let's talk about it next time. After all, we still have the Shenzhen International Commercial Building to build together."
"Young Master Li is right, it's a pleasure to cooperate." Ning Yuan also raised her glass, took a small sip, her eyes sparkling with a half-smile.
It was as if the heated debate had never happened.
The two continued chatting and laughing, but avoided discussing business.
After the opening ceremony, the noise subsided, and the employees busied themselves cleaning up the venue. Ning Yuan then handed out thick red envelopes to each employee, and everyone was all smiles.
When I got back to the office, the streetlights were already on.
Chu Hongyu slumped on the sofa, rubbing her sore heels from her high heels, and complained, "My feet hurt so much!"
Ning Yuan chuckled and handed Chu Hongyu a cup of iced tea: "You, all you do is show off! Why are you wearing such high heels?"
Chu Hongyu took the teacup, gulped down a few mouthfuls, and then said, "Isn't it all to put on a good show! Look at that female secretary next to Young Master Li, she's dressed taller than me! We mainlanders can't lose in terms of presence!"
She raised her beautiful fox-like eyes: "Speaking of which, weren't you always thinking about real estate? Why did you suddenly decide to switch tracks and start an electronics factory? Is it because the electronics sales at Shanghai No. 10 Department Store are particularly good, which gave you confidence?"
Ning Yuan poured herself a cup of tea and slowly sipped it: "The profit margin of electronics retail is far less than that of real estate. I'm not that stupid. But now is not the time to invest in mainland real estate."
Chu Hongyu was taken aback, puzzled: "Isn't it the right time? But doesn't Young Master Li also have a positive outlook on Shenzhen's real estate market? We even invested in the Shenzhen International Commercial Building together!"
Ning Yuan shook her head: "Sister Hongyu, the pilot program for commercial housing in mainland China is only just beginning, and most people are still clinging to their 'iron rice bowl' jobs. Their mindset is outdated, and they have no concept of buying commercial housing. They only recognize the housing allocated by their work units. You want them to spend money to buy a house? They'd rather put their money in the bank and earn interest!"
She paused, then continued, "It will take at least another ten years, until the late 1990s when private enterprises and state-owned enterprises are on par and people's attitudes change, before anyone will accept the concept of commercial housing. I don't want to lose everything."
Chu Hongyu nodded as if she understood, then asked, "What about Young Master Li? Why is he so optimistic about commercial real estate in the mainland?"
Ning Yuan sneered, picked up a document, and handed it to Chu Hongyu: "Young Master Li is shrewd! The Shenzhen Municipal Government originally intended to sell the commercial housing near Donghu Park to the Hong Kong government."
She handed Chu Hongyu another document: "Young Master Li is interested in the low land and labor costs in the mainland, and he has sales channels in the Hong Kong government. He can sell houses in Shenzhen to people in Hong Kong, which is a sure-fire way for him to make money."
With frequent exchanges between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the future, countless Hong Kong government employees will live and invest in Shenzhen, establishing themselves in the Pearl River Delta and radiating their influence throughout the country.
The Shenzhen municipal government plans to sell the commercial and residential buildings in the Shekou area to Hong Kong residents, not to mainland residents.
After deciding to cooperate with Young Master Li, she asked her mother to get her information about Young Master Li and the Li family.
Ning Yuan looked out the window at the bustling Mong Kok night and said calmly, "Young Master Li has connections and channels in the Hong Kong government, so he won't have to worry about selling. But I'm new here and don't know anyone. It's unwise to go head-to-head with him."
"Moreover, I already have property shares in the large plot of land in Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui. The Hong Kong government's real estate is more suitable for holding at this stage. Now, if I want to invest in property, I will definitely consider the Hong Kong government first."
Chu Hongyu seemed to be thinking: "Hmm..."
She glanced at the things in her hands, puzzled: "It's not surprising that you got the information about the Li family from Madam Ning, but how do you know so much about the Shenzhen government's plans?"
She raised her fox-like eyes and asked with a smile, "Xiao Ning, tell me honestly, do you have any inside information?"
Ning Yuan took a sip of tea and shook her head helplessly: "The Shenzhen government didn't hide anything. They were planning to attract investment and put out tenders anyway, and they were practically making a big fuss about it! This is the bridgehead of reform and opening up, but how do I know so much detail..."
She smiled, her eyes crinkling: "Because Director Qiao is about to be transferred to Shenzhen to be the top official, I inquired about it for him."
Chu Hongyu stared wide-eyed in shock, almost unable to believe her ears. "Is this real?"
Ning Yuan nodded affirmatively: "I only found out about it when I called to thank Director Qiao's wife a couple of days ago for the Shanghai snacks she sent. Director Qiao also said that I can visit him when I go to Shenzhen often in the future."
She speculated that Director Qiao might have been attracted by her many ideas and her description of the future of reform and opening up.
He actually gave up the superior and familiar environment in Shanghai and took the initiative to transfer to Shenzhen, where there are construction sites everywhere.
Chu Hongyu felt a complex mix of emotions, including admiration for Ning Yuan and a touch of envy.
"Ning Yuan, you're always so amazing," Chu Hongyu said softly, her eyes full of admiration.
Ning Yuan sighed softly and remained silent.
Because she had "foresight," she lived several decades longer than everyone else...
But so what...?
She couldn't have predicted how much danger she would encounter, nor could she have predicted... that Rong Zhaonan would get into trouble.
Every time she saw the sea at Repulse Bay, she couldn't help but think that if it weren't for her, he might not have come to the Hong Kong government, or even if he had, he wouldn't have gotten into trouble...
This life is so different from the last.
Rong Zhaonan later appeared on television every day. Did she change his fate?
Ning Yuan couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.
Ever since Anan's accident, she couldn't help but think this way...
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