Chapter 380: Chapter 232: Fortunately, I am not Mr. Chen_2

Xu Qiu and Li Na observed the scene quietly from the side, occasionally chiming in to liven up the atmosphere.

“Mr. Chen, as you know, our project has attracted significant attention. And it’s not just your company that has come to bid.”

Luo Ziyang finally steered the conversation to the main topic.

“In addition to Jin Baogen, whom you represent, there are also local investment groups, banks, and another seven or eight capitalists like you.”

Chen Donghai feigned surprise: “So many have come?”

“Indeed. This project is a key initiative for the county and has received strong support from the city. As long as the funding is secured, I believe it will surely become a well-known tourist and vacation area in Qianzhou and even the whole country.”

Luo Ziyang spoke with pride: “Furthermore, it’s highly regarded by higher-ups.”

Chen Donghai contemplated for a moment, “Mr. Luo, no matter how many come, it doesn’t put much competitive pressure on me.”

“Oh? Mr. Chen is so confident?”

Chen Donghai smiled slightly: “There won’t be any interest rates lower than mine.”

Luo Ziyang leaned forward, “Mr. Chen, name your rate?”

“How about this, Mr. Luo, why don’t you give me the quotations from the others first?”

The two tested each other.

Luo Ziyang laughed heartily, “Hahaha, Mr. Chen is indeed straightforward! But when it comes to quotations, who would reveal their hand at the beginning?”

He picked up his tea cup, “How about this, Mr. Chen, let’s not beat around the bush. Since we’re all smart people, let’s speak frankly.”

“You also know that this project is of great significance to Kaiyang. We certainly hope to find the most appropriate partner who can not only solve the funding issues but also ensure the smooth progress of the project.”

“So, I hope Mr. Chen, you can understand our predicament and give us a sincere quotation.”

Chen Donghai smiled faintly, speaking calmly:

“Mr. Luo, we understand all that you’ve mentioned. Since our company has decided to participate in the bidding for this project, we’ve come with full sincerity.”

“Let me be straight with you, Mr. Luo. Our company can offer an annual interest rate of 5.8%.”

The moment he named his price, the atmosphere in the private room shifted immediately.

Luo Ziyang, who had been somewhat nonchalant, suddenly became serious.

The two ladies by his side also stopped their chattering and curiously sized up Chen Donghai, as if trying to discern what he was really up to.

It’s widely known that the current market financing cost is above 6%, yet Chen Donghai directly offered a rate of 5.8%, which is significantly below the market average.

However, Luo Ziyang is an old hand in these matters. He was not blinded by the immediate benefits.

He was very clear in his mind that there’s no such thing as a free lunch and anomalies often indicate a hidden agenda.

Chen Donghai’s overly generous conditions made him more suspicious that there might be undisclosed motives at play.

“Mr. Chen, the conditions you’ve offered are indeed enticing.”

Luo Ziyang pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, “However, I have a question, and I wonder if you could clarify it for me?”

Chen Donghai gestured for him to ask, “Please, Mr. Luo.”

Luo Ziyang leaned slightly forward, his gaze sharp as he looked at Chen Donghai, “I want to know, why are you offering such favorable conditions? What’s your angle?”

Chen Donghai said nonchalantly: “I’m not focused on immediate benefits, but on the long-term returns.”

He paused, “The prospects of this project, I see them clearly. I believe that once the project is successfully completed and operational, the future revenue will more than cover the financing now.”

“Moreover,”

Chen Donghai’s eyes piercingly met Luo Ziyang’s, “our company has always emphasized social responsibility, and we hope to contribute to the economic development of Kaiyang County.”

His words were carefully chosen, demonstrating both his company’s robust strength and confidence in the project, as well as support for local development, leaving no room for criticism.

But who is Luo Ziyang?

How many years has he fought and thrived in such situations? What kind of people has he not seen, what kind of situations has he not experienced?

To him, Chen Donghai’s words were nothing but grand but empty talk.

He was very clear in his mind that businessmen are driven by profit, and there’s no early rising for nothing.

Chen Donghai’s offer was so favorable that there must be some ulterior motive behind it.

However, he could not yet fathom the other party’s true intentions.

And the way to get closer to the truth was hanging on that pot of sorghum liquor.

“Hahaha, those from the big cities are indeed different!”

Luo Ziyang said with a smile, “Mr. Chen, today is our first meeting. We need to talk business, but we must also drink.”

Beside him, a woman poured two cups of liquor.

He handed one to Chen Donghai, “This first cup is to foster our new friendship.”

“I’ll drink first as a gesture of respect.”

Having said that, he didn’t wait to see Chen Donghai’s reaction and tossed back the drink in one gulp.

Chen Donghai wasn’t flustered either; he picked up his cup and gave it a sniff.

Although he had always been a driver, his capacity for alcohol was still quite good.

“Mr. Luo, you are too kind.”

Chen Donghai said with a smile, “This first drink should rather be me honoring you. After all, our visit to Kaiyang is to seek your assistance, so I hope for your generous support.”

The two exchanged smiles, but the main event was just beginning.

The moment they put down their cups, the “strong dish” Luo Ziyang had ordered was served.

Two bright red bowls topped with chili powder, buckwheat sprouts, and some cilantro.

Judging by the look, it was blood curd.

“Mr. Chen, take a look, this is just perfect!” Luo Ziyang laughed heartily, “We’ve just moistened our throats and opened up our voice, and now the good stuff has arrived.”

Chen Cheng also curiously glanced over, and immediately, he was grateful that he wasn’t “Mr. Chen” today.

“Here, this second bowl is a testament to our friendship.” Luo Ziyang pushed one of the bowls towards Chen Donghai.

After that, he also picked up the bowl in front of him.

Chen Donghai asked uncertainly, “We’re drinking it just like this?”

“Yes! Outside, it’s usually pig’s blood, but this is deer blood, highly nutritious!”

Luo Ziyang, while speaking, somehow produced a small knife and striking the rim of the bowl, declared boldly,

“We have a saying here, ‘If the knife doesn’t flip the bowl, the friendship is truly built!’ Mr. Chen, don’t disappoint me!”

Chen Donghai stared at the wobbling bowl of crimson deer blood in front of him and felt a wave of nausea in his stomach.

Although he prided himself on having seen a wide world, he had never encountered such a thing, let alone eaten it.

Suppressing the disgust in his heart, he squeezed out a smile and said, “Mr. Luo, this… custom is indeed… quite unique…”

Xu Qiu and Li Na were also stunned. Compared to drinking, this was seriously difficult to swallow.

Luo Ziyang burst into hearty laughter, lifted his bowl, and gulped down the full bowl of deer blood with loud slurps.

After finishing, he purposely turned the bottom of the bowl upwards, showing Chen Donghai that he had drunk every last drop.

“Mr. Chen, it’s your turn!” Luo Ziyang, setting down his bowl, looked at Chen Donghai with expectant eyes, “Don’t let me down as your host!”

Chen Donghai knew there was no escaping today.

Bracing himself and gritting his teeth, he picked up the bowl, closed his eyes, and mimicked Luo Ziyang, tipping the contents into his mouth in one swoop.

A fishy, foul taste immediately overwhelmed his mouth, nearly causing him to vomit.

Resisting the urge to gag, he forced down the bowl of “deer blood.”

The moment he put the bowl down, he felt as if he had fought a fierce battle, completely drained.

“Good! Good! Good!”

Seeing Chen Donghai’s “bold” action, Luo Ziyang applauded him repeatedly, “Mr. Chen is indeed a spirited man!”

He had someone pour more liquor and handed it to Chen Donghai again, “This third cup we must drink, there’s meaning to it.”

Chen Donghai: “What’s the meaning?”

“The first cup, signifies our first encounter, meeting and making friends over alcohol, a toast to respect!”

“The second bowl, symbolizes a good start, wishing our cooperation success and prosperous profits!”

“As for this third cup…”

Luo Ziyang deliberately stretched his voice, “It’s called ‘A Cup to Set the Fate’! Signifying that today we discuss frankly and openly, aiming to settle the matter. How about it?”

Chen Donghai could clearly discern the hidden meaning in Luo Ziyang’s words; he smiled and said, “Mr. Luo, you’ve certainly given me quite an education.”

He also wanted to coax the other competitors’ quotations out of Chen Cheng, “Enjoy tonight?”

Luo Ziyang laughed heartily, “Once you’re here, you’re assured to enjoy it! Joyous Qianzhou welcomes you!”