"Little Tian, what do you mean by that?" Steward Xu asked insincerely.
But how could Lin Xiao Tian not know what he meant?
With Fang Wen Hua's extensive network, he must have known that many people would visit him today. As a businessman, would Fang Wen Hua not pay any attention to such matters?
If he truly didn't care, there could only be one possibility—he was unwilling to care!
He wanted to test Lin Xiao Tian's sincerity, to see if Lin Xiao Tian would abandon righteousness for profit.
"Steward Xu, you've been here for a while, haven't you?" Lin Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow.
When he was on the phone with Fang Wen Hua earlier, there weren't this many people in the village. Given Steward Xu's speed, he would have arrived earlier. Yet, Steward Xu had been conspicuously absent, which was unlike him. A little analysis from Lin Xiao Tian told him Steward Xu must have been watching from the shadows.
Faced with Lin Xiao Tian's suspicion, Steward Xu smiled slightly.
"Xiao Tian, facts have proven that our choice of you was correct."
"Steward Xu, although I, Lin Xiao Tian, like money, I also know what 'earning wealth rightfully' means. I, Lin Xiao Tian, would not do anything that goes against integrity."
Looking at Lin Xiao Tian, who was making solemn promises, Steward Xu's good impression of him grew.
Following that, Lin Xiao Tian took out a bottle containing the Solid Yuan Pills from a drawer.
"This is this week's Solid Yuan Pills, a total of two hundred capsules," Lin Xiao Tian said, handing the bottle to Steward Xu.
"Alright."
Steward Xu took the bottle, then brought out a safe he had prepared beforehand and carefully placed the bottle inside.
Lin Xiao Tian knew this type of safe was rumored to withstand continuous bullet fire. It seemed Fang Wen Hua attached great importance to the Solid Yuan Pills.
"Aren't you going to check?" Lin Xiao Tian asked playfully.
"Haha, Mr. Lin, you jest. I trust your character," Steward Xu said with an awkward laugh.
"By the way, Xiao Tian, the Fang Group will be holding a banquet in a few days. This is an invitation. President Fang hopes you can attend," Steward Xu said, handing an invitation to Lin Xiao Tian.
"A business banquet?" Lin Xiao Tian asked.
"There will be many prominent figures from society attending, but it's not entirely a business banquet," Steward Xu replied.
Lin Xiao Tian glanced at the time. It was about half a month away. He usually had nothing major planned, so he decided to accept.
"Good, I will definitely attend then."
"We look forward to your presence, Mr. Lin."
The two chatted for a few more sentences, and then Lin Xiao Tian saw Steward Xu out.
Outside the main gate, quite a few people were still waiting for Lin Xiao Tian, showing a resolve to not give up until they reached their goal.
"Mr. Lin, I am the general manager of Sihai International Hotel. Can we discuss selling fish? We offer a price that is definitely higher than Jinyuan's."
A middle-aged man with a bulging belly among the crowd said.
"Mr. Lin, our Haitan Grand Hotel is also here to discuss the matter of selling fish with you. Can you sell the fish to us? I guarantee that my price will be higher than both Jinyuan and Sihai!"
"Damn it, Cao, are you disgusting? Are you trying to snatch business like this?" the middle-aged man immediately became displeased.
"For crying out loud, Liu, how am I disgusting? I'm offering a higher price, so why is that disgusting? If you want to snatch business, then bloody increase your offer!" the manager of Haitan Grand Hotel retorted.
"Do you think I wouldn't dare?"
"Heh! You've got guts. I'll say it here today, whatever price Sihai adds, Haitan will always add another hundred yuan more!"
"You... you're quite arrogant, aren't you!"
"I am arrogant! Is being arrogant illegal? Can Sihai afford to increase the price?"
The middle-aged man was infuriated by the other's retort, but honestly, he didn't have the capital to outbid the other.
It wasn't that Sihai Hotel lacked money, but rather that Sihai Hotel was an international hotel, and such high-value fish purchases weren't decided by one person alone. However, Haitan was a private hotel, and price increases were entirely up to individual whim.
"Mr. Lin, let's talk!" the manager of Haitan Grand Hotel said.
"I'm sorry! I've already signed a contract with Jinyuan, and I will only supply fish to Jinyuan Grand Hotel from now on."
Upon hearing this, the manager of Haitan Hotel showed no panic. Instead, he calmly said:
"Mr. Lin, it seems you are not aware of Jinyuan Hotel's situation."
Hearing this, Lin Xiao Tian's eyebrows twitched.
"What happened to Jinyuan?"
"Alas! This can't be blamed on you, as Jinyuan is too cunning. How would they tell you such a thing! In fact, their hotel is on the verge of bankruptcy."
"What?" Lin Xiao Tian's eyes widened.
He had eaten at Jinyuan just yesterday, and the business was still booming. Where did it show signs of bankruptcy?
"Jinyuan has offended the Jiang Group, and now Jiang Group wants them to settle their previous debts. I heard they have already filed a lawsuit and will be suing in a few days."
"It is said that this is a debt of hundreds of millions, owed by the former owner of Jinyuan. Now, with principal and interest, Jinyuan absolutely cannot afford it."
"Mr. Lin, I advise you to distance yourself from Jinyuan as soon as possible. I heard they are already struggling to pay their employees' wages, and perhaps in a few days, they won't even be able to pay you for your fish. You should make plans early!"
The manager of Haitan put on a show of concern for Lin Xiao Tian, but Lin Xiao Tian knew he was only acting out of self-interest.
"Everyone, if there's nothing else, please return. I have no plans to cooperate with anyone at the moment. If I do in the future, we can discuss it then."
After speaking, Lin Xiao Tian ignored everyone and went back inside.
"Mr. Lin, would you reconsider?" The previous manager ran over.
"I'm sorry! Our boss is unavailable right now." Liang Xu blocked him.
The manager of Haitan was still unwilling, but seeing the indifferent expression on Liang Xu's face, he instinctively took a few steps back.
"Haha, we'll talk again then. I believe Mr. Lin will come to his senses."
On the other side, Lin Xiao Tian was already calling Xue Ziyan, but the call kept going unanswered.
Xue Ziyan usually answered quickly. It seemed something had indeed happened.
To be honest, Lin Xiao Tian didn't want Jinyuan Grand Hotel to suffer any misfortune. After all, his first pot of gold came from Jinyuan Grand Hotel.
Thanks to this first pot of gold, Lin Xiao Tian had paid off Qin Yu Xiang's debts and helped her through the most difficult period.
He also had a good impression of Xue Ziyan. As the manager, she had no airs. When he first went to the hotel to sell fish, he was looked down upon by the head chef, but it was Xue Ziyan who gave him the opportunity to prove himself.
Lin Xiao Tian tried calling her office number again. This time, it was finally answered.
However, the voice that came through the phone was not Xue Ziyan's.
"Hello! Who is it?"
Lin Xiao Tian's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this voice.
This voice sounded so familiar.
This seemed to be... Jiang Li's voice!