Upon entering, I learned from my master's introduction that the man's name was Liang Bo, formerly a senior executive at Chu Corporation.
He was now starting his own business, primarily undertaking orders for processing automotive parts and precision components for various industrial needs.
Although not a perfect match, the principles were similar. Liang Bo stated he could take on their order and would absolutely not delay the delivery, even if it meant working overtime to complete it.
He appeared to be a straightforward person. Since there were no issues, they began to discuss prices.
As seasoned professionals, neither party was willing to reveal their bottom line easily.
Liang Bo first quoted a market price, with considerable room for negotiation. He Yao then started to present her case, and within a few words, he revised his price.
Although it was close to her expectation, Liang Bo insisted this was their maximum sincerity. However, He Yao was still not satisfied and continued to argue her case.
"Don't tell me about your venue costs, labor costs, or anything like that. I already knew all that before coming. The factory is yours, so you save a large sum on rent every year."
"You have a much bigger advantage over your competitors in this regard. If you genuinely offer the lowest price, I won't waste time with others."
"Since this is our first dealing, let's be straightforward. We'll cooperate in the future, and it will add up. How about this price?"
Upon seeing this, Liang Bo was amused to the point of laughter.
"Little beauty. You're not old, but you're quite sharp. It's true the venue is mine, but it didn't fall from the sky."
"Your master told you, right? Then ask him how much I paid to acquire it. I need to at least earn back my principal."
He Yao remained unmoved: "It's not like I haven't left room for profit."
Liang Bo did not back down: "At the price you're suggesting, forget the entire Starlight Industrial Zone; even if you walked through the whole of Sucheng, I doubt you'd find anyone willing to do it."
He Yao knew his price was low, but she was certain that he was in the initial stages of his business and that his lack of rent obligation gave her leverage.
This is how business works; one cannot blindly sympathize with others.
Sympathy is essentially contributing your own money to others.
Why be a saint to someone you're not related to?
"It seems Boss Liang isn't sincere about taking our order. In that case, time is tight and the task is heavy. I don't have much time to waste with you. Let's not beat around the bush. Master, let's move on to the next place."
In business, back-and-forth negotiations and haggling are common. The master was not in a hurry.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Liang Bo, he prepared to leave with He Yao. Unexpectedly, Liang Bo called out to He Yao.
"Not for any other reason. Just to make your acquaintance, I'll take this order."
"You, little beauty, know better than I do whether the price is fair. Am I being generous enough? I'm giving you such a big welcome gift right from the start."
He Yao did a quick mental calculation.
For an order worth one hundred million, she was allocating thirty million for custom processing. She had reserved a profit margin of one percent for herself. If Liang Bo agreed, she would pocket 300,000 from this single order alone.
Combined with her savings over the years, this would be enough to buy a small apartment.
She had to admit, knowing the market price, Liang Bo's agreement was a significant gesture of sincerity.
Although the signing process went smoothly, the back-and-forth meant it was almost closing time when they finished.
Liang Bo invited Master Wang and He Yao to dinner.
Master Wang politely declined: "No need. You must be busy at your factory."
"It's not a matter of urgency. Uncle Wang, it's been so long since we last met. If it weren't for this opportunity, you wouldn't have come to see me. Please do me the honor."
"Besides, you never introduced such a beautiful and lovely disciple to me earlier. Now that we've finally met, shouldn't you help us create an opportunity?"
The master smiled and agreed, then turned to He Yao.
"I used to tell you you were too young when I introduced potential partners. You're not young anymore, are you? From now on, when you meet people, keep in touch. Honestly, Master thinks you two are quite suitable."
Before He Yao could respond, Liang Bo looked at her with surprise.
"Didn't you say you have a boyfriend? Listening to Uncle Wang, you lied to me yesterday."
He Yao thought to herself, cooperation is cooperation. Once personal relationships get involved, how can things be clarified? Master is truly becoming more muddled.
"It doesn't matter if I have a boyfriend or not. I'm here to discuss cooperation, not to make friends with you. We need to avoid suspicion. If you want to eat, you two go ahead. I have other things to do, so I'm leaving."
Seeing her reaction, Liang Bo realized she likely didn't have a boyfriend and quickly stepped forward to stop her.
"Don't rush. We haven't even gotten to anything yet, it was just talk. Why are you getting angry? Do you want me to stop talking about it? Even if you're busy, you still need to eat. Come on, let's go. I promise I won't mention it again."
Only then did He Yao join them.
Liang Bo was quite generous and chose a high-end restaurant.
During the meal, He Yao learned from her master's conversation that despite his current unassuming appearance, Liang Bo had once been quite successful.
He had reached the position of Vice Director of Sales at Chu Corporation and was once a legend in their sales department.
He Yao wouldn't have realized this if her master hadn't mentioned it. Liang Bo possessed high emotional intelligence and a low-key demeanor, willing to adapt to those around him without showing off.
Regardless of whether others flattered or disdained him, he always maintained a nonchalant, gentle, and amiable appearance.
As they ate, He Yao began to look at him with newfound respect.
Due to her lower social standing, He Yao had been surrounded by uncultured and ill-mannered men throughout her life.
They didn't earn much but had inflated egos.
Someone like Liang Bo, capable, even-tempered, and with high emotional intelligence, was truly a first for her.
He made Director Tang look like nothing.
Therefore, she secretly rejoiced at having attended this dinner.
Men always had endless topics to discuss, such as international affairs, industry prospects, and work case studies.
While they talked, He Yao listened, and before she knew it, the meal had lasted two to three hours.
Seeing that it was past nine o'clock, her master's wife called to hurry them. Only then did they pay the bill and leave.
Liang Bo had been drinking and couldn't drive, so he had called a designated driver in advance. They agreed to drop off the master first, then He Yao.
As they were walking, a group of people also emerged from the left side of the lobby.
Liang Bo casually glanced over, then respectfully stopped and called out with a smile.
"Mr. Chu."
Thanks to him, He Yao saw Chu Xi's parents and siblings for the first time in her life.
The family also appeared to have just finished their meal, with their jackets off and draped over their arms, dressed very casually.
Each of them wore a happy, serene smile.
That innate nobility, the elegant sense of distance that was inadvertently revealed, made He Yao feel a deep sense of inferiority at a single glance.
Liang Bo, however, did not feel inferior. He even struck up a conversation with Mr. Chu.
Mr. Chu came over to shake his hand, expressing his strong regret at losing such a valuable employee, and then asked him what he was doing now.