Chapter 74: Wang Tianhao's Master
"Thanks, my friend. I'll have Chen Yao transfer the money to you later!" Zhou Fan cupped his hands together, growing more and more pleased with his unexpected friendship with Zhang Long.
'It doesn't matter what his motive for approaching me is. As long as he doesn't intend to harm me, it's not a problem!'
"Hahaha, come on, let's go inside and take a look!" Zhang Long didn't refuse the money. While it was a considerable sum, he wasn't short on cash. Besides, even blood brothers must keep clear accounts. He genuinely wanted to be friends with Zhou Fan, so he had to accept it. Otherwise, it would taint their relationship down the line.
...
Chu Yan and her secretary arrived at the restaurant for their scheduled meeting with Wang Tianhao.
"President Wang, I've looked over this contract. To be honest, the price is a bit low. After factoring in our costs and the shipping fees, we would barely make any profit."
After a few customary bites, Chu Yan took the contract. As she read it with exceptional care, her delicate brows knitted into a frown.
If they offered Wang Tianhao the same price as their other clients, Fenghua International could still turn a profit. But this contract demanded that Fenghua International cover shipping costs *and* drop the price by twenty percent. This was simply unreasonable.
"President Chu, that's not the right way to look at it," Wang Tianhao said, taking a sip of wine while maintaining his gentlemanly smile. "While your company might earn a bit less this time, it's a case of small profits and quick turnover. We place large orders. Besides, if this collaboration goes smoothly, I can recommend you to my friends in the Capital City."
As Wang Tianhao spoke, his eyes remained fixed on Chu Yan. The look made her deeply uncomfortable. As a beautiful woman who had been the center of attention her entire life, she knew exactly what that kind of gaze implied.
"I'm sorry, President Wang. I don't think we can reach an agreement on this. After all, I have many employees, and they need to put food on their tables too." Chu Yan maintained a polite smile as she pushed the contract back toward Wang Tianhao. Then, she stood up. "Perhaps we'll have another chance to cooperate in the future. We'll be taking our leave now."
With that, Chu Yan and her secretary turned to leave, but Wang Tianhao's voice stopped them.
"President Chu, why bother? With your figure and looks, there's absolutely no need for you to be out working. How about this: I can add two points to your company's asking price for this deal. The only condition is that you join me on a one-week vacation."
Wang Tianhao sat calmly in his chair, swirling a glass of red wine with an air of complete confidence. His eyes, however, were fixed unblinkingly on Chu Yan's back.
"Maybe other women would jump at your offer, but you're mistaken about me. I'm not that kind of woman. My family may not be as wealthy as the Wang Family, but I'm not a person who would sell herself for money. Most importantly, I already have a husband, and I love him very much!"
Chu Yan turned back to give Wang Tianhao a scornful look, then left without a backward glance.
"Young Master, shall we...?" one of the men behind Wang Tianhao asked tentatively, stepping forward with a slight bow.
"Get a few men and bring her to me. I do love a rose with thorns," Wang Tianhao sneered, his voice cold. It was a complete reversal of the gentlemanly facade he had maintained earlier.
Once he was alone in the private room, he violently smashed the glass in his hand. "Damn it! There's no woman that I, Wang Tianhao, can't have! I'll teach you the meaning of cruel!"
"Is a mere woman worth such anger? Have you forgotten what I taught you? Impatience is the greatest enemy of a martial artist." A raspy, ancient voice suddenly echoed in the room. A secret door had opened in the wall, and a figure completely shrouded in a black robe emerged.
"I was wrong, Master!"
Upon seeing the newcomer, Wang Tianhao, who had been consumed by rage just a moment before, instantly became deferential.
"Good. Be careful lately. A number of experts have slipped into Nanjiang City. I must make a trip to Jiang Province." The black-robed man nodded in satisfaction. He extended his hand, and a small green vial materialized in his open palm. "There are seven pills in here. Take one each week. In seven weeks—forty-nine days—I will return. These will help you with your training."
"Thank you, Master!"
Wang Tianhao excitedly took the vial of pills and bowed respectfully to the black-robed figure once more.
In the next instant, the black-robed figure turned, stepped back through the secret door, and vanished from sight.
Wang Tianhao clutched the small vial tightly, an unreadable light flickering in his eyes as a sinister smile spread across his face.