Chapter Sixty-Seven: An Incredible Bargain

Seeing everyone's exaggerated reactions, Qin Jing couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. Was it really necessary for them to act this way? After all, it was only thirty million.

Looking at Wan Anxian, he smiled and said, "However, in the short term, I really can't handle the matters in the back courtyard myself. I know it involves running around and pulling a lot of strings, so I can entrust this to you, Mr. Wan."

Goodness, boss, could you not just finish your sentences at once! Wan Anxian breathed a sigh of relief, but then heard Qin Jing say, "However..."

"However, during the process of handling this matter, any favors you owe or connections you lose have nothing to do with me. In return, I will grant you a special membership—this membership allows you to purchase ten times the usual daily quota of supplies."

"As for the thirty million expense, I won't take advantage of you for a single cent. You can consider it as a deposit on your membership card. What do you think?"

Yuan Na felt dizzy again. Why refuse a free benefit and insist on paying for it?

Susan, however, seemed to be deep in thought. Since Qin Jing was so particular about keeping favors distinct, did it mean that a favor from him was worth more than thirty million? Thinking carefully, that seemed to be the case—after all, Hathaway was willing to drain all the Phoenix Society's operational funds just to buy those ten so-called "magic stones."

Wan Anxian forced a bitter smile. "Mr. Qin, you really don't have to do this. I expect nothing in return—I only hope for long-term cooperation with you."

He was an old hand in business and naturally understood Qin Jing's meaning: don't think you can climb higher by doing this. At most, what you're offering can be exchanged for a "membership" that opens a channel to you ordinary mortals—no favors owed.

What does it mean to be sophisticated in social dealings? In his dealings with the Shadow Association, Wan Anxian had quietly become the association's main financial backer. Because of this, the Shadow Association would help him with reasonable requests out of respect for their patron. Over time, Wan Anxian was confident he could gain control over some of the Shadow Association's power and perhaps become one of the extraordinary himself.

Qin Jing replied calmly, "I'm a businessman—I naturally hope to have long-term cooperation with everyone. Mr. Wan, you are a major client. With your help, if I have any good products, you will be the first I think of."

Was this… an unexpected delight? It wasn't exactly a promise, but it was at least a sign of goodwill.

For a moment, Wan Anxian felt so moved he could cry. He hurriedly said, "Very well, I'll take care of this for you immediately."

Beside them, Yuan Na looked at Susan with a woeful expression. She felt as if her grand order and the dream of showing off before Li Bin had just shattered with a crisp snap.

Yet to her surprise, after Wan Anxian left, Qin Jing kept Yuan Na behind.

"Sorry, I didn't expect this last-minute change. The back courtyard project can't go to you anymore…" Qin Jing had never been one to bully the weak. He always gave a fair explanation when it was due.

"It's fine. In business, it's always best to choose the better opportunity," Yuan Na replied quickly.

Regardless of whether the deal would have gone through, the fact that this young man could earn the favor of the former wealthiest man in Lenghai made him a friend worth keeping. At this point, she was already speculating about Susan's relationship with Qin Jing. If the two weren't a couple, could she perhaps have a chance herself? But as soon as she thought of Susan's beautiful face and ample, fair assets, Yuan Na immediately quashed the thought.

Unexpectedly, Qin Jing chuckled at her reaction and said, "What do you mean by a better opportunity? The other party is only helping me with the back courtyard residence. I still need you for the front renovations."

He raised two fingers. "The overall style and requirements are mostly in this design draft. I'll just add two more requests, and you can increase the budget accordingly."

"First, I originally planned to renovate two floors and add a half-floor, but now, since the budget is sufficient, let's directly add a floor and a half. I'll have a few more requirements for the third floor…"

"Second, once Wan Anxian acquires the land, it will be mine. So for the renovations, let's go all out—use the most expensive materials you mentioned before, don't hold back."

Yuan Na stared at Qin Jing, utterly stunned. At that moment, she truly understood the extravagance of this tycoon. Good heavens, he was intent on spending all his money! Who said this man was short on cash?

She instantly grew excited and chirped, "Don't worry, Qin Jing, I'll definitely handle this for you. There's no need to use only the most expensive materials. Let's stick to what I suggested before—I know this best. Some expensive materials don't actually achieve the effect you want."

"As for the third floor, you mentioned wanting a small auction space before. Let's discuss the details again now…"

As a designer, with a generous budget, she and Qin Jing talked for over half a day. In the end, just a few additions to the original plans were enough to achieve exactly what Qin Jing wanted.

Regarding the budget, according to Yuan Na's calculations, it would only increase by one million. The final budget would be around five million.

Spending five million would leave exactly three million in reserve, which satisfied Qin Jing immensely. He had intended to invite Yuan Na to stay for lunch, but she was so excited that she dashed back to the company, eager to impress someone, leaving Susan and Qin Jing both amused and helpless.

On the other hand, Wan Anxian handled matters with remarkable efficiency. By two in the afternoon, he brought Wang Shouren over. Perhaps it was due to Wan Anxian's influential background, his overwhelming financial power, or perhaps because of Qin Jing's connections—whatever the reason, Wang Shouren readily agreed to the land transfer.

The land transfer fee was only fifteen million! Moreover, it wasn't just the land Qin Jing had been leasing; it also included the shop rented by Old Song and about a hundred square meters of open space extending from the back courtyard's right side.

Afterwards, Wan Anxian quietly explained to Qin Jing that the current transfer price for land in Lenghai was roughly one hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand per square meter. Wang Shouren's five hundred square meters, sold for fifteen million, averaged thirty thousand per square meter—not exactly cheap. Don't be fooled by the hot property market; for those with real influence, this kind of price is quite normal. The key lies in the subsequent paperwork.

"Brother Qin, I didn't expect you to know Mr. Wan. We'll have to get much closer from now on," Wang Shouren said warmly after the agreement was signed.

In the past, while Wang Shouren had treated Qin Jing decently, he would never have been so enthusiastic. Such is life—Qin Jing didn't mind and readily accepted Wang Shouren's invitation.

Qin Jing signed the agreement, and naturally, Wan Anxian paid. Of course, Wan Anxian didn't lose out either—before leaving, he took a ten-kilogram bag of spirit rice from Qin Jing.

For just one million? What a bargain! Wan Anxian thought with delight.