Olive Branch

When Chen Ling pushed open the door and returned to the dormitory, the three inside instantly stood up. In their eyes, excitement and exhilaration overflowed.

All of them studied business, and they understood perfectly the impact of an investment plan of this magnitude. Fortunately, Chen Ling had already given them a heads-up, so they simply attributed his near-prophetic judgment to “insight,” requiring no further explanation.

“You all look lively,” Chen Ling joked. “From now on, we’re really going to be busy!”

“If there’s money to earn, please don’t treat me as a human!” Bao Zhenhai chuckled foolishly.

Two hours after the plan was launched, the market began to react…

Feng Lifang called to report that nearly all the clients she had cold-called in the past two weeks were now calling back. Both storefronts had received many walk-in customers.

In less than an hour, Cheng Company had sold dozens of its 300 available units at a transfer fee of 100,000 each.

“A transfer fee of 100,000?” Chen Ling was surprised. “Did you set that?”

“No,” Feng Lifang replied. “Because you said before that the higher the sale price, the higher the commission. So Liu Hechu quoted clients 120,000 initially, and finally closed deals at 100,000.”

“Then everyone else started following suit…”

As expected!

Faced with such a torrent of demand, Chen Ling considered whether he should raise the price, but these wolfish youngsters had already acted decisively for him. No one had even taught them—yet the instinct for profit is innate, and some things need no teacher.

In any case, the situation had opened up. In just one night, more than 90 of the 300 units were sold, with an average price reaching a staggering 96,000. After deducting commissions and spreading out costs, Cheng Company made over seven million that night, instantly recouping investment, and netted nearly two million in pure profit on this project!

By the next day, Bao Zhenhai and Bu Chunsheng couldn’t sit still. After learning about the previous night’s frenzy, they rushed to the store as soon as they woke up to fulfill their duties as “store managers” and joined the sales team themselves.

Although part of the brokers’ performance belonged to them, compared to the direct transaction’s ultra-high 20% commission, that little share seemed paltry.

This freed Feng Lifang from daily management, letting her focus on recruitment and training.

Lin Yi and Yan Ji were also restless. After yesterday’s late-night meeting, the two had arranged to meet Chen Ling early in the morning at Cheng Company.

It was the same conference room as their previous meetings, but this time, as Chen Ling entered, both men stood up reflexively.

“Mr. Chen!” they greeted in unison, their attitude sincere, expressions humble.

The doubts they once harbored were long gone.

Just two nights ago, Chen Ling had told them face-to-face, “Give me twenty-four more hours.” At the time, they thought it was meaningless stalling, but now—they were thunderstruck!

Coincidence? That would be too much of a coincidence. Coupled with Chen Ling’s confidence since the start of their cooperation, it seemed this was a guaranteed win.

Putting it all together, it was clear…

Chen Ling knew precisely when the four-trillion plan would be released, even the exact timing and details.

This was a true stroke of luck!

With this mindset, their attitude toward Chen Ling naturally became unconsciously respectful.

Seeing them standing so upright, Chen Ling grinned, “Gentlemen, please sit. No need for such formality.”

Lin Yi and Yan Ji exchanged glances but didn’t move.

Come on, when the big boss is polite, can you really take it at face value? Do you want to ruin your future?

Strictly speaking, the two were competitors! What if they gave the boss a bad impression?

So, they remained standing, even straightening their backs a bit more.

Chen Ling was speechless, thinking to himself that this show of force had indeed stunned them.

He could only sit down himself. “Gentlemen, what brings you here so early? You’ve already been briefed on the sales results, right?”

Lin Yi was about to speak, but Yan Ji jumped in first. “Mr. Chen, there’s nothing to worry about when working with you—I’ve never doubted it.”

He glanced at Lin Yi and pursed his lips. “If it weren’t for Old Lin rushing me, I wouldn’t have bothered you at your school that day.”

Lin Yi: …

Is there no limit to shamelessness? That was clearly my line—why just steal it?

Not to be outdone, Lin Yi retorted, “Mr. Chen, I went to your school purely because I heard you’d been working hard and wanted to bring you some supplements, though I didn’t get a chance. So I brought them today.”

With that, he produced a box of supplements from his briefcase like a magic trick and handed it over.

Yan Ji’s eyes widened in disbelief!

Good heavens! Dragon Bone Strengthening Granules? Why not just gift Brain Platinum?

Truly, when one’s humility hits rock bottom, there’s nothing they won’t do!

But since Lin Yi had brought something, Yan Ji couldn’t remain empty-handed.

He remembered the supermarket gift cards he’d received for National Day in his pocket and quickly pulled them out. “Mr. Chen, I wasn’t sure what to give, so here are two cards—buy whatever you like.”

“…”

“…”

A subtle current flowed between the two.

Chen Ling saw it clearly; whether flattery or concern, it was all about currying favor.

Even a fool can be bought by the highest bidder; the wise wait for the best offer.

So Chen Ling cheerfully accepted everything, politely saying “such extravagance,” while inwardly thinking “so stingy, bring more next time!”

After another round of compliments, they finally got to the point.

“Mr. Chen,” Lin Yi seized the initiative this time. “Actually, I have a small request today.”

Chen Ling nodded. “Go ahead.”

“Well—” Lin Yi took a couple seconds to organize his thoughts. “I’d like to invite you to serve as our group’s marketing consultant, with all the benefits equal to mine. Plus, you’d get project commissions…”

Hearing this, Yan Ji quickly added, “I’m also hoping you’ll be our sales consultant. Mr. Chen, please say yes!”

“Old Yan, that’s not fair—I was the first to ask.”

“What does order have to do with anything?”

“…”

“All right, gentlemen,” Chen Ling cut off their squabble and asked, “So you’ve already reported this to your senior leadership?”

“Uh—”

Both paused.

Chen Ling sighed softly and thought for a moment. “I appreciate your goodwill, but there’s no need for an official position.”

“Instead, let’s strengthen our cooperation!”

Hearing this, both men were a bit deflated.

Though they knew the other’s presence made it impossible to win outright, they’d hoped for a chance—but now…

Lin Yi asked, “Mr. Chen, what do you mean by strengthening cooperation?”

Chen Ling grinned, touching his nose…