Ten minutes later, Li Yongxin returned, but his face was filled with confusion, "How strange, why was the boss so accommodating this time, agreeing to a reduction of fifty thousand before I even started negotiating?"
"Brother Li, I've just reported to Chairman Wang. The original price is reduced by fifty thousand, which is almost the cost price. I've talked myself hoarse to secure this. What do you say?"
"You wish. A boat for nearly half a million, and you think a thirty thousand reduction is believable." Li Haochen scoffed internally, but the five thousand reduction was still an unexpected surprise. This kind of discount was a significant concession.
Without further thought, Li Haochen signed the contract with Li Yongxin.
At the same time, in the top-tier villa of Binhai Villa, Hong Bin and Li Yandai were enjoying some wine and making idle conversation.
"Brother Li, it seems the Binhai Grand Hotel is making a comeback."
"I'm aware of that. It's just a small fishing boat, isn't it? Do you really think a single small boat can support the entire hotel? It'd be doing well if it could sustain three to five tables, haha!" Li Yandai casually dismissed the idea, lounging on the sofa and swirling the expensive red wine in his glass, his gaze deep and unfathomable, lost in thought.
"It's more than just one boat. There's also someone named Li Haochen who often goes out to sea and brings back a lot of seafood. I heard from my subordinates that he's taken over the last remaining stall at the Binjiang Seafood Market. He even wants to take over the entire street, which would disrupt our plans. That's not ideal, is it? Haha!"
"Brother Hong, isn't imperfection a form of perfection? We must leave some room for others to talk, mustn't we? Hahaha!"
"Indeed, Brother Li is truly far-sighted, haha!"
Hong Bin's eyes flashed with a cold glint, his heart filled with gloom. He thought coldly, "Hmph, let's see if you can stay open without customers."
"Brother Hong, a toast. To our families' eternal friendship and booming business."
"Cheers!"
Meanwhile, Li Haochen returned home and immediately took a hot shower. He had forgotten to bring changes of clothes when he went out with Dai Changrun and the others yesterday, and they were now stinking.
After showering, he went into the kitchen and took out the preserved sausages, cured meat, and eggs his family had brought. Just as he was about to showcase his culinary skills and prepare a lavish dinner for Murong Yanran and the others, Xie Baolian's call came through.
"Uh... alright, don't be too late, and be safe!"
Murong Yanran and Xie Baolian had gone for a hair and nail appointment, which would take at least four to five hours. Seeing that his culinary plans were thwarted, Li Haochen put the eggs and cured meat back into the refrigerator.
Too lazy to cook for himself, Li Haochen put on a jacket, hopped on his electric scooter to find something to eat, and decided to check on the progress at the seafood shop.
When searching for delicious food, one must go to the narrow alleys of the old city districts. Only the street vendors in these places can truly cook up a feast.
Arriving in the old city, Li Haochen dismounted and pushed his scooter along. The roads here were simply too narrow, crowded with people and vehicles, and no one would yield. If you didn't push forward, you'd likely be stuck in place for an hour or two. However, this kind of road environment had its advantages; it certainly honed one's driving skills to a professional level.
As he walked along, the mingling aromas and characteristic hawking cries brought the entire old street to life. This, he thought, was the soul of a city.
Li Haochen weaved through the crowds and soon turned into a small alleyway from the main road. The sounds of sizzling stoves and clanging woks drew him in. As he approached, the vendor was just plating the dishes—glistening, steaming river snails that made one's mouth water.
"Boss, one portion of river snails, extra chili, and one portion of beef ho fun."
Li Haochen pushed his electric scooter to the side of the alley, next to the stall, and sat down.
At that moment, a young girl, about seven or eight years old, walked over carrying a large pot of tea. She was quite small, but she carried the big teapot with ease.
"Big brother, please have some tea."
As she spoke, she picked up a plastic cup from the table and poured a half-full serving in front of Li Haochen. Her movements were practiced, and she showed no shyness at all.
"Thank you!"
The girl gave a sweet smile and returned to the stall, sitting on a low stool. With her left hand, she took a river snail from the large plate, and with her right, she held a pair of pliers to the tail of the snail.
*Snap!*
A projectile flew into Li Haochen's line of sight. The snail, minus its tail, landed precisely in a plastic container next to it. The entire process was done without her even looking, her movements so practiced they were heartbreaking.
"How long must she have practiced to become this proficient..."
Li Haochen's eyes reddened slightly, his heart feeling heavy.
"Big brother, your snails, be careful, they're very hot."
"Thank you, little sister, you're so sensible. But these plates are very hot; you should let your mom and dad handle them in the future."
"Mom... she's gone!"
"Boss, your ho fun."
The vendor limped over and placed the ho fun on the table, affectionately ruffling the girl's hair. "You go rest now, Dad's here."
"No, I'm not tired yet." With that, she ran off to pick up snail tails.
"Boss, you have a good daughter."
The vendor wiped his moist eyes. "Yes, it's just been hard on her... Excuse me, please enjoy."
"Ah, life only preys on the poor," Li Haochen said, looking at the disabled vendor and his daughter, whose childhood joy had been stolen by life. He couldn't help but sigh.
"Boss, give me three bottles of beer."
"Big brother, you can't ride after drinking."
"Yes, I'll remember. Thank you."
Li Haochen didn't want to drink, but at that moment, only alcohol could soothe the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind. Leaving the stall, Li Haochen, mindful of the little girl's words, pushed his scooter all the way home, even though it was a long distance.
"What happened?"
Seeing Li Haochen with the faint scent of alcohol and a troubled expression, Murong Yanran walked over and took his hands, asking, "Nothing, I just encountered something that left me feeling unsettled."
Li Haochen recounted the incident, and both fell into thought.
"Alas, they are truly unfortunate people. You shouldn't dwell on it too much; long-term poverty is hard to overcome. Besides, that vendor is disabled but not disheartened. Giving him money directly would be an insult to his dignity. The best help you can offer is to patronize his business more often."
"I understand the logic, but... alas, let's not talk about it. Let's get some rest. I'll take a shower and go to bed. I have to check on the seafood stall tomorrow."
After showering and lying in bed, Li Haochen thought for a long time before finally falling asleep.
The next morning, Li Haochen bought a pack of cigarettes and went to the house. From a distance, he could already see the silhouette of a beautiful villa. The road leading to the villa had also undergone solid foundation work, with yellow bell flowers planted on both sides. When spring arrived, the entire road would be a resplendent gold, truly a breathtaking sight.
"Boss Li, you've arrived just in time. Care to join us for a bite?"
"Sure, serve me some, haha!"