C13 The Demeanor of a Business Tycoon

Fortunately, at that moment, another company leader, Director Fong, stepped in to smooth things over.

Thanks to his persuasive efforts, Director Faang gracefully backed down, defusing the tension.

Lan Lan, Jiang Chen, and Zhou Ling entered the office together.

Jiang Chen took a seat next to Lan Lan and quietly inquired, "Nice brooch. Where'd you get it?"

"What business is it of yours?"

Preoccupied with the upcoming bid, Lan Lan was caught off guard by Jiang Chen's question and shot him an annoyed look.

At a time like this, he still found the bandwidth to fuss over trivialities.

Jiang Chen just offered a cryptic smile, choosing not to respond.

His gaze drifted to the desk ahead, where a Pixiu statuette rested.

The Pixiu, a mythical creature known for attracting wealth, was expertly carved from jade—a clear mark of a master's craftsmanship.

Yet, Jiang Chen's interest lay elsewhere; it was the stand holding the Pixiu that caught his eye.

Engraved on the stand was a square seal.

He arched an eyebrow and pulled a black card from his wallet, which bore the exact same emblem.

This black card, a gift from Wai Ziqing, served as the supreme VIP card for the Wai's Group's industries.

It turned out that the Hundred Spirits Company was part of the Wai family's holdings.

A slight smirk played on his lips at the realization.

Lan Lan had just opened the proposal to reveal her carefully calculated bid.

But Jiang Chen swiftly covered the document with his hand.

"What do you think you're doing?" Lan Lan hissed, barely containing her frustration. If the moment had been more appropriate, she would have lashed out.

"Having accepted my father-in-law's trust, I must act responsibly," Jiang Chen stated calmly, then he announced a figure.

But the price he quoted was a full half less than Lan Lan's!

It was as if he was openly challenging Hundred Spirits.

"Have you lost your mind?" Lan Lan exclaimed.

Across the table, the representatives from Hundred Spirits Company, including Director Faang, looked visibly upset.

"We cannot accept such a low offer," declared Director Fong.

Director Faang sneered with disdain, "A small company is just that, small. They shouldn't have even been allowed in. Negotiating with them is a complete waste of our time."

Lan Lan's cheeks flushed with embarrassment from the blatant mockery. In a fit of irritation, she stomped on Jiang Chen's foot, the unwitting cause of her frustration.

Jiang Chen simply smiled.

What a joke!

In his previous life, he had built a business empire from the ground up, achieving fame and success.

He had been through countless negotiations like this one!

"Negotiations are meant to be a gradual process. How about we touch base with our headquarters and reconvene this afternoon?" suggested Jiang Chen.

Director Fong hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement, "Okay, but I do hope that Dark Blue Group will demonstrate some sincerity and not waste any more of our time."

Jiang Chen grinned, not bothering to check if Lan Lan was on board, and led her out of the room.

Lan Lan was seething with anger but maintained her composure in front of the others. Outmatched by Jiang Chen's strength, she reluctantly followed him out.

They had just exited when they almost collided with Zhou Ling, who was on her way in.

Zhou Ling gave them a cursory glance before proceeding into the office.

Upon entering, she greeted them with a warm smile, "Hello, Director Faang, Director Fong. I'm Zhou Ling, representing Yuhua Group."

Her gaze then fell on Director Faang's wrist, and she exclaimed, "Wow, Director Faang, you have exquisite taste. Isn't that bracelet a limited edition from overseas? It's not even available in the market yet."

While speaking, she shot Director Faang a knowing glance.

Director Faang's smile turned awkward, "I'm surprised you noticed, Director Zhou. You have quite the eye yourself."

"Oh, I wouldn't say I'm experienced," Zhou Ling responded nonchalantly, waving her hand. "My niece is a jewelry designer with Wang's Group. She recently went abroad for further studies, and she's the one who told me about it."

"Really now…" Director Faang's smile grew even more strained.

"Given our rapport, Director Faang, I'm counting on your support," Zhou Ling said with a hint of implication.

Director Faang was quick to respond, "You're too modest, Zhou Ling. Since the company has entrusted me with this task, I'm naturally looking to partner with a stronger ally. If you can present a fair offer that benefits us all, then the agency rights will surely go to your company."

Jiang Chen, who had deliberately lagged half a step behind, caught every word of her courteous speech.

After a moment's reflection, he sensed something amiss.

Just then, Lan Lan rushed back, fuming with anger. "Why are you dawdling? You've completely botched the plan Jingqiu and I had set up!"

"Ever heard of keeping your cool in critical situations?" Jiang Chen replied with composure. "What's the rush? Let's discuss it over dinner."

"You still want to eat?" Lan Lan was beside herself with frustration, yet she had no choice but to follow him.

At a Western-style restaurant, Lan Lan was preoccupied with the afternoon's negotiations, barely touching her food.

In stark contrast, Jiang Chen, the instigator of her troubles, appeared to be enjoying his meal quite heartily.

This only infuriated Lan Lan further!

"Hey, talk to me!" she snapped, giving him a kick under the table. "Didn't you claim to have a solution earlier?"

"You want my input?" Jiang Chen inquired.

"Of course! It's just us here. Who else would I turn to if not you?"

Lan Lan massaged her forehead in exasperation, lamenting her best friend's plight.

Lin Jingqiu was the epitome of talent and beauty, with long legs, a full chest, and a stunning face, not to mention her impressive capabilities and her role as a company CEO.

She was the very definition of a goddess. How on earth did she end up with someone as useless as Jiang Chen?

"Hand over your brooch," Jiang Chen demanded.

"Why?" Lan Lan eyed him suspiciously. "This piece is worth thousands. You can't just take it because you're short on cash."

Jiang Chen remained silent.

With a swift motion, Jiang Chen snatched the brooch from her clothing before Lan Lan could react. He then snapped it in half.

"You jerk..." Lan Lan's face flushed with anger, but she stopped short of finishing her insult.

As Jiang Chen opened his hand, it became clear that there was more than just the brooch—a tiny electronic component was revealed.

Clearly, this device had been concealed inside the brooch all along.

"What's this?" Lan Lan inquired.

With a slight smile, Jiang Chen revealed, "A bug."

"A listening device?" Lan Lan exclaimed in shock. "How could there be such a thing?"

"Where did you get your brooch?" Jiang Chen inquired.

"I bought it at the Jin Ba Fu Jewelry Shop downtown..." Lan Lan began, her voice trailing off as she had an epiphany, "Jin Ba Fu is owned by Wang's Group, you're suggesting..."

"Exactly," Jiang Chen confirmed with a nod. "And if I'm not mistaken, Yuhua is also part of Wang's Group, isn't it?"

"Yes, so you're saying..."

Lan Lan was quick on the uptake. Jiang Chen had made it quite clear, and if she still didn't get it, she might as well have hit herself with a block of tofu.

It was highly probable that Yuhua, in an effort to stay ahead in the competition, took advantage of the parent company's resources and planted a listening device in the brooch while Lan Lan was purchasing the necklace.

This way, Yuhua could stay informed about Dark Blue's activities and plan accordingly.

"These people are truly despicable! To resort to such tactics!" Lan Lan fumed, her teeth clenched in anger. The business world was indeed a battlefield, but she had never encountered such underhanded methods before, and her reaction was understandably strong.

"Our bottom line has been exposed to Zhou Ling. What do we do now?" Lan Lan asked, concerned.

"Have you forgotten the price I just quoted?" Jiang Chen chuckled.

Lan Lan gasped in realization.

"Sheesh..." She inhaled sharply, "I thought you had lost your mind with that ridiculously low bid earlier, but it was intentional! Now, even if she knows our price, it's useless."

"But—" She eyed Jiang Chen suspiciously, "How did you know there was a listening device in the brooch?"

"That's my little secret, I'm afraid I can't disclose it," Jiang Chen said, his hands outspread.

Counter-surveillance was a skill every elite needed to master, and a simple listening device like this one couldn't escape Jiang Chen's notice.

He just hadn't figured out how to explain that yet.

"You're not some kind of creep, are you?" Lan Lan suddenly clutched her chest, her expression wary, "Your technique in dismantling the device was a little too practiced, don't you think?"

"Pfft."

Jiang Chen nearly choked on his coffee, sputtering with disbelief. Do I really look like that much of a villain?