The atmosphere between the two men grew subtly tense.
Xu Jialin's eyes flickered as he quietly reevaluated his approach. Chen Mo's direct and unhesitating rejection had caught him off guard. In his mind, no matter how brilliant Chen Mo was, he was still just a young man—and few young men could resist the temptation of money.
Wealth was a near-universal lure. No matter how people postured about not caring for it, nearly everyone had a price. Especially when it came to China's real estate market—the juiciest piece of cake in the country's economy. Countless corporations dreamed of entering the sector, but few ever managed to find a foothold.
By offering Chen Mo an open door, Xu Jialin believed he was presenting an irresistible opportunity.
But Chen Mo didn't even blink before turning him down.
"Mr. Chen," Xu Jialin finally spoke again, trying a gentler tone, "are you really going to refuse so quickly? Are you sure there's no room for cooperation between us? This is a golden opportunity—many would give anything to enter the industry, and you already have a ticket in."
Chen Mo chuckled softly, but his eyes were sharp. "President Xu, when someone offers you that big a 'benefit,' there are usually strings attached, no?"
Xu Jialin's smile stiffened for the briefest moment. He hadn't expected Chen Mo to see through the play so easily.
This young man was more composed—and more shrewd—than he'd anticipated.
"Well, since you've said it so bluntly… Yes. There are a few conditions," Xu admitted with a measured smile.
Of course there were. No smart businessman offers something for nothing.
"If we're going to cooperate," Xu continued, "I'd like us to exchange a 5% equity stake. Our group would become a minor shareholder in your company, allowing us to work together more freely and deeply, without any barriers."
Chen Mo didn't hesitate. "I'm afraid not, President Xu. Perhaps we'll have a chance to cooperate in some other way in the future."
His rejection was decisive.
Ever since the release of the seismograph, Marching Ant Company's valuation had become a mystery. Even the best analysts on Wall Street couldn't agree on its true worth.
But one thing was certain: it was astronomical.
Chen Mo wasn't foolish enough to casually give away shares.
Any company associated with Marching Ant saw its own value skyrocket. If anyone actually held shares in it? That was essentially printing money. The value of Xu Group's real estate empire paled in comparison.
So far, 100% of Marching Ant was still in Chen Mo's hands. There was absolutely no reason to dilute that just to appease a powerful ally.
Xu Jialin sighed. His expression was calm, but something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
"The smart building concept has been my dream for years," he said wistfully. "It seems I'll have to keep waiting."
"There are many companies in China capable of helping you bring that vision to life," Chen Mo replied. "Our Marching Ants aren't the only option. I'm sure others would be glad to partner with you under your proposed terms."
Xu swirled the wine in his glass, then chuckled. "I suppose I'll need to do more homework then. Still, I did invite you here for another reason tonight—I'd like to introduce someone."
Chen Mo raised a brow, amused. "Someone important enough for such a grand setup?"
Just as he finished speaking, a young woman approached.
She wore a sleek black evening gown, its shoulder-baring cut highlighting her graceful collarbones. Her posture was elegant, and though she wore a polite smile, her eyes couldn't help drifting to Chen Mo with open curiosity.
"This is my daughter, Xu Xinxin," Xu Jialin introduced, "just returned from the UK with a PhD. Mr. Chen, you're the most outstanding young entrepreneur in the country. I thought it was time you two met."
Then, with a meaningful smile and a final glance at the two, he politely excused himself to mingle with other guests.
"Hello, I've heard so much about you." Xu Xinxin extended her hand with poise.
"Hello," Chen Mo replied, shaking her hand lightly.
"What are Mr. Chen's hobbies, if I may ask?" she inquired, her voice calm and clear.
As the two began chatting, a wave of disappointment spread among the watching ladies.
Xu Xinxin was a high-society goddess—elegant, well-educated, and the daughter of one of the country's top real estate moguls. With her beauty, pedigree, and intellect, she was leagues above ordinary debutantes.
Now that she had stepped in, the other hopefuls knew their chances had evaporated.
Chen Mo, for his part, was quick to realize what this was.
In many people's eyes, the term "rich second generation" brought to mind shallow luxury, flashy lifestyles, or even wasteful behavior. But those were merely the nouveau riche. The real elite were different. With better access, resources, and—most importantly—education, their children were often truly outstanding.
Xu Xinxin was no exception.
Yet despite her poise and intelligence, there was a trace of helplessness in her demeanor.
Chen Mo saw through it.
Among the wealthy, many daughters were turned into tools for political or financial marriages. Love rarely had a seat at the table. Even if the public couldn't see it, such arrangements were commonplace.
Compared to others, Xu Xinxin was already lucky.
Still, her life wasn't her own.
In front of her now stood Chen Mo—the rising star of China's tech world, and the dream man of countless women. She could feel the emotional distance in his words and body language.
They say women chasing men is like a silk veil—easy to cross.
But when a man doesn't like you, that silk turns into the Sahara.
Even though she made an effort, moving slightly closer to Chen Mo, the emotional gap between them only widened.
"Mr. Chen, what kind of wine do you like?" she asked gently, trying to steer the conversation.
Chen Mo maintained a polite smile, keeping just the right amount of distance.
He had to admit—Xu Xinxin was better than most. But he already had someone he cherished.
And that someone—Xiao Yu—wasn't glamorous or high-profile. She was ordinary, kind, warm. And that was exactly what Chen Mo wanted.
"I don't know much about wine," he replied. "Usually I just drink beer with friends."
Xu Xinxin chuckled softly. "Mr. Chen, you're so genuine. May I have the honor of a drink with you?"
She waved over a waiter and picked up a glass of champagne.
Chen Mo raised his own. "It's my honor to toast such a beautiful lady."
As their glasses clinked, a camera clicked discreetly in the corner.
Not far away, a woman with a micro-camera approached Xu Jialin.
"Boss, we got the photos."
"Good," Xu nodded slightly. "Proceed with the plan. And don't let a third party find out."
"Understood," the woman said before disappearing into the crowd.
A small smile crept onto Xu Jialin's face.
Some things needed a little push.
He had no doubt that his daughter was exceptional. And with a few nudges, Chen Mo would come around.
If the two could be brought together, Marching Ant Company and the Xu Group would form an alliance that no one in China could rival.
Tech and capital. Vision and resources.
Together, they could become a world-class consortium.