Chapter 75: Is This a Mistake?

Chapter 75: Is This a Mistake?

After hanging up the phone, Huang Shan was awash with conflicting thoughts. Could it be that she truly liked that young man? Otherwise, why would she react this way—her heart anxious the moment she heard he was in trouble? Businesspeople are supposed to chase after high profits, yet this time she had sold that building to Ye Feng at such a low price.

“Sigh, that little rascal… it seems he’s slowly finding his way into my heart.” Huang Shan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. That scoundrel! Recalling what Ye Feng had done to her the previous night, she spat in exasperation. But then, as she remembered the sensation of his large hands roaming over her body and the fervor with which his lips sought her own, a wave of warmth surged through her. Such a troublesome man.

Though Huang Shan cursed Ye Feng as a little devil under her breath, the corners of her mouth curled into a captivating smile. She dialed a familiar number, and soon, a middle-aged man’s respectful voice answered, “President Huang, what can I do for you?”

“It’s like this, Old Liu. How are things progressing with the five-story building under construction on Qingjiang Road?” she asked with a gentle laugh. The man she had called was Liu Siyuan, the vice president of her company, responsible for real estate.

Not long ago, Liu Siyuan had noticed a plot of land on Qingjiang Road. While it wasn’t in a bustling area, he believed the district would flourish in the future, and prices would inevitably rise. He decided to develop it and build a five-story building, hoping to rent it out to shops and businesses—a worthwhile investment.

Sure enough, as construction progressed, many merchants came inquiring about renting or purchasing units. Liu Siyuan, shrewd as he was, held out for higher offers, waiting for the best deal. It was a common tactic in commercial competition.

“That building is nearly finished. Recently, quite a few businesses have come by to ask about prices. The highest offer so far is five million from a businessman in the capital. What are your intentions, President Huang?” Liu Siyuan inquired respectfully. After all, Huang Shan’s word was law in the company—not just because she was chairwoman, but because of the authority and reputation she had cultivated over decades.

Five million. Hearing this, Huang Shan felt a jolt in her heart. But she had promised Ye Feng, and knowing he was now striving for his own career, she was determined to support him wholeheartedly. “It’s like this, Old Liu. I have a friend who urgently needs a place to develop his business. I intend to let him have the building at a very favorable price—consider it a favor for an old friend. What do you think?”

“That is entirely up to you, President Huang. I have nothing to add,” Liu Siyuan replied, his tone all business. “But—may I ask, what price do you plan to set for your friend?”

Huang Shan considered that Ye Feng didn’t have much money, so she decided on a generous discount. “I’m thinking fifty thousand.”

A loud crash sounded on the other end of the line, as if someone had fallen to the floor. Huang Shan grew concerned. “Old Liu? Old Liu?”

After a long pause, Liu Siyuan’s incredulous voice finally came through. “President Huang, is it April Fool’s Day? Are you joking? Just the land alone cost us over two hundred thousand, and with materials and construction, the total cost is at least seven to eight hundred thousand!”

In real estate, pure profit could be hundreds of thousands, even millions. Yet President Huang wasn’t just offering cost—she was taking a loss. Had she come down with a fever last night? Who was she? The first businesswoman of the provincial capital!

“Old Liu, do you think I’m joking with you? To be honest, I really want to support this friend. But you know how men are—sometimes their pride is everything. I can only set the price low, as a gesture of support.” She smiled gently, not quite understanding herself why she was so willing to help this rascal.

“But, President Huang, we’re taking a huge loss! You know the real estate market—prices only go up. We could have made millions on this building, and now... isn’t this a bit much?” Liu Siyuan still couldn’t believe it was really her calling.

“It’s fine, Old Liu. We have plenty of other properties. This one, let’s just write it off. Prepare the paperwork—I’ll bring my friend by this afternoon to take a look.” Huang Shan’s voice was calm, leaving Liu Siyuan with nothing but disappointment.

“All right, I’ll prepare everything.” Still, he felt faint at the thought. That building was good enough for a star-rated hotel, and if President Huang’s friend started nitpicking, Liu Siyuan might just collapse. But since the order had come from above, he could only comply.

Huang Shan could easily detect the resignation in Liu Siyuan’s tone. In the past, she would never have agreed to something like this. But now, she had inexplicably acquiesced—all because of that scoundrel. Recalling his audacity last night, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Her gaze drifted to the pair of shoes Ye Feng had left for her the previous night, and her heart brimmed with happiness and satisfaction. Especially when she remembered how that rascal had knelt to help her put them on—happiness she hadn’t felt in years welled up inside her.

She remembered her first love, back in childhood—so many years had passed, and she still hadn’t been able to untangle the knots in her heart. Ye Feng, I… I do like you, but I can’t—truly can’t. The thought made her head ache with a splitting pain, a deep, piercing hurt.