Chapter 40: Did You Really Think I Was a Naive, Foolish College Student?

“Mr. Qian, this contract doesn’t seem right, does it?” Chen Luo picked up the contract, a smile on his face, but a cold glint flickering in his eyes.

Just a glance at the main clauses was enough for him to spot the problems. After all, in his previous life, Chen Luo had been the president of a company, and he’d signed no fewer than a thousand contracts. Did they really think he was some naive college student who wouldn’t notice such tyrannical terms, like the stipulation that during the lease period, all damage assessments would be determined solely by the lessor and all responsibility borne by the lessee? If he really signed this, then if Mr. Qian decided to break the contract and demand damages, he’d be ruined.

As Chen Luo pointed to the clause on damage assessment, a trace of panic flashed in Mr. Qian’s eyes.

“Ah, well, there’s nothing wrong with this. Everyone writes it this way,” he stammered.

Earlier that morning, Mr. Qian had been quite pleased to receive Chen Luo’s call, since the shop was indeed hard to rent out—it was in a poor location and hadn’t found a tenant for over half a year. But immediately after that, he received a call from Liu Feng, who pressured him to set a trap for Chen Luo. If he failed to do so, Liu Feng threatened to ruin his business. Should Mr. Qian succeed in sabotaging Chen Luo’s shop, he would be rewarded with Liu’s family business.

Mr. Qian was a modest restaurateur, running only a handful of eateries. Compared to Liu Feng, his resources and connections were negligible—he was like an ant that could be crushed at any moment. Under such coercion, Mr. Qian had decided to follow Liu Feng’s instructions and had someone draft a contract full of pitfalls.

He’d assumed a college student wouldn’t understand anything about contract clauses; wasn’t this supposed to be child’s play? But to his surprise, Chen Luo saw through it at once.

Nevertheless, Mr. Qian was a seasoned businessman and recovered quickly.

“Young man, there’s really no problem with the contract. But if you’re truly interested in renting, I can give you a ten percent discount on the rent. Decide quickly,” he said, throwing out a little incentive. He hoped the college student would be tempted by the cost reduction and rush to sign the contract.

Red Leaf, who was standing nearby, saw through Mr. Qian’s expression and scheming almost immediately. She was surprised that Chen Luo could spot the contract’s problems, but since he hadn’t done business before, she worried that theory wouldn’t match practice, especially when negotiating with a crafty businessman—he might still suffer losses.

“Luo…” Red Leaf couldn’t stand by and watch Chen Luo get taken advantage of; she had to remind him that such a contract needed to be reviewed by a professional lawyer. She had already contacted the company's legal counsel, who would arrive soon, so it was necessary to stall for time.

Just as she was about to speak, Chen Luo turned to her.

“Assistant Red Leaf, I recall your company has professional legal counsel. Could you trouble them to help us out? I’ll pay the standard legal consultation fee.”

Without waiting for her reply, Chen Luo put the contract down and tapped it lightly with his finger.

“Mr. Qian, a ten percent discount is certainly tempting, but I’m not fond of taking advantage of others.”

“Whether or not this contract is problematic, your word alone isn’t enough.”

“However…” At this point, Chen Luo paused and looked up, meeting Mr. Qian’s gaze with a sudden, commanding presence.

“I remember that if a leasing contract contains clauses suspected of fraud or infringing upon the lessee’s basic rights, the lessor is liable under the law.”

As Chen Luo spoke, both Red Leaf and Liuhua were stunned.

Was this really Chen Luo? Normally so gentle and sunny, yet now showing a side that easily intimidated Mr. Qian in just a few sentences.

Especially Liuhua, who looked at Chen Luo as if stars were shining in her eyes, full of admiration.

My Luo is amazing! So impressive—has he secretly mastered the art of persuasive speech? In just a few words, he controlled the situation, more powerful than Naruto.

“Ah, uh…” Mr. Qian was left speechless by Chen Luo’s retorts, sweat beading on his forehead.

Is this really a college student? He’s more formidable than any boss I’ve met!

No, I can’t let him intimidate me. If I let a kid not even twenty years old scare me, how will I survive in business?

Besides, if I mess this up, Liu Feng will definitely come for me, and I won’t be able to withstand it.

I need to find a way to get him to sign this contract.

“Hmph! So you’re not sincere about renting. In that case, I’ll take my leave,” Mr. Qian decided to feign anger, pretending he was no longer willing to rent out the shop, hoping to unsettle Chen Luo.

“Wait,” Red Leaf spoke up then, while Mr. Qian maintained his act.

“Wait for what? It’s clear you aren’t sincere—what else do you want?”

Red Leaf pointed to the entrance of the milk tea shop, and Chen Luo immediately understood.

“It’s nothing. Our lawyer has arrived. Let’s have them assess the contract’s validity together.”

Mr. Qian followed their gaze and saw a tall, coldly elegant woman, at least 170 centimeters, carrying a briefcase and walking in.

“Assistant Red Leaf, do you have any contract matters that require my assistance?” she asked.

Red Leaf looked at Chen Luo, who nodded to her.

“Lawyer Zheng Xuan, this is Mr. Chen Luo. He is currently in a contract dispute with Mr. Qian regarding the shop lease. The contract is here—please, from your professional perspective, determine whether there are any clauses suspected of fraud.”

Upon hearing Chen Luo’s name, Zheng Xuan immediately became respectful. As Wen Wan’s trusted legal advisor and confidante, she naturally knew of Chen Luo’s existence. He was Wen’s most treasured person, the future owner—and those with high emotional intelligence were already seeking his favor.

“Mr. Chen, please let me see the contract.”

Chen Luo handed it over, and Zheng Xuan only needed a quick glance to spot the issues.

“Mr. Qian, your contract contains eight clauses that violate legal regulations, two of which are suspected of fraud. I am obligated to protect my client’s legal rights.”

“If you insist on using such a lease contract, I have the right to sue you for fraud and infringement of my client’s lawful interests.”

Her rapid-fire response left Mr. Qian in a panic.

Originally just a small businessman, he rarely dealt with legal professionals, and this beautiful lawyer clearly wasn’t someone easy to handle. If she actually sued him, he’d be in real trouble.

“No, no, young man, I’ll change the contract. I’ll even give you a twenty percent discount—let’s just settle it like this. What do you think?”

“Oh? Twenty percent?” Chen Luo looked at Mr. Qian with a threatening gaze.

“No, no, thirty percent—or, fifty percent! Please, young man, let me off the hook.”

Chen Luo smiled in satisfaction. “Very well, since Mr. Qian is so sincere, let’s work together happily. As for the lease agreement, Lawyer Zheng, I’ll leave it in your capable hands.”

“Don’t mention it. Serving you is my honor.”

Chen Luo rose to escort Mr. Qian out, but just then the sound of screeching brakes echoed from the entrance of the mall.

“Hm? That sound is so familiar—have I heard it before?”