1This time, the bid did not cause another sensation but made many people start whispering and murmuring to each other.
As the two major taxpayers in Longyin City, Dabang and Qianshan have always been competing against each other, especially after Qianshan entered the real estate industry, turning the rivalry directly into competition.
Therefore, anyone with a discerning eye could see that the previous bidding was a psychological battle between Shen Anhe and Cao Zhining, and the outcome was still unclear. Maohe Architecture had unexpectedly jumped into the fray.
Was it an attempt to curry favor, to clear things up, or to continue courting death?
No one knew, but they were all looking forward to the outcome.
Cao Zhining turned to look at Xiao Ming, thought for a moment, and instructed Cao Bangxi, "Back off."
On the other side, Shen Siqi cursed and was about to raise the bid sign when Shen Anhe rebuked him angrily, "What are you doing?"
"Bidding!" Shen Siqi replied indignantly, "Didn't you say before we came that we were determined to get this plot? Now that someone wants to snatch it, we must snatch it back."
"Bullshit! Who is 'someone'? That's Siyi's company, he also bears the surname Shen; he's your own brother! What difference does it make whether the land is in his hands or ours?"
Shen Siqi hung his head to hide the jealousy in his expression, explaining, "I understand what you mean, but it's not just Siyi's company; we don't even know how many shares he holds.
And... and you berated him so severely last time, who knows whether he'll turn his elbow out?"
Shen Anhe was somewhat swayed and turned to look at Shen Siyi, only to find his son also looking at him. His heart softened and he sighed, "Although it's a bit of a ruckus, this is the first serious thing Siyi has done since becoming an adult. We can't hit him too hard.
If they really manage to buy the plot, go to Maohe Architecture afterwards and offer to buy it back for 250 million."
Shen Siqi's resentment grew deeper, "What if they don't sell?"
"Then talk about a partnership, joint development; the conditions can be a bit more generous," said Shen Anhe. "Maohe may have the qualifications for real estate, but they lack relevant experience and are destined to cooperate with others.
Even if Shen Siyi turns out to be an unfilial beast, smart people like Yang Hanqing and Yun Shi Yu should know that Qianshan Group is the most advantageous choice for them."
Shen Siqi had nothing more to say and had to give up.
But he had already decided in his heart that he would sabotage the deal when the time came and drive Shen Siyi out of the Shen Family for good.
For a long time, Shen Anhe thought his eldest son shared his annoyance with his younger son out of tough love, but Shen Siqi himself knew very well that he didn't care in the slightest whether Siyi was a failure or not.
What he cared about was that Siyi, despite being so useless, held only four percent fewer shares than him.
Since he was young, he had been forced to study hard, indoctrined with the hope of revitalizing the family, like a spring always wound tight. Even after he started working, he was up at dawn and toiled until night, exhausting his mind and body.
But what about Siyi?
Last in his class at elementary school, failed the middle school entrance exams, his university spot was bought with money. He slept until noon every day, and after waking up, he hung out with a bunch of wastrels, teasing cats and dogs, making trouble all over the place.
Why should I, working myself to death, only enjoy eleven percent of the dividends, while he has more money than he can spend by just lying there?
Why, when I just want to relax a bit, I lose fifty million, while Siyi can earn more than a hundred million just by trading futures for a few days?
The most crucial thing is, Qianshan Group has my effort and sweat in it; every penny he squanders includes my hard work!
Why?
Just because he has the surname Shen?
It's unfair from heaven! Unfair from the parents!
Then I will take justice into my own hands!
The more Shen Siqi thought about it, the angrier and more inflamed he became, and he simply told his father that he was going to the restroom before getting up and leaving.
Xiao Ming squinted at his retreating figure, shaking his head slightly.
To be fair, Shen Siqi's talent in corporate management is decent, but sadly, his character is lacking. One false step led to another.
Life is full of uncertainties; every seemingly insignificant choice can potentially become a turning point in one's destiny.
With Plot Ding B, neither Dabang Group nor Qianshan Group, the two "giants," made a move, and naturally, other businessmen didn't dare to take the risk.
After all, the two plots of land that followed were better and more secure, and since Dabang had already spent four hundred million, there was basically only Qianshan Group left as a formidable opponent, so there were still many opportunities.
Of course, there were those who tried to start with a bid at the reserve price, but without exception, they were all defeated by Xiao Ming's bids increasing by millions.
Eventually, the auctioneer struck down the gavel, and Plot Ding B was taken by Maohe for 250 million yuan.
Having bought what they wanted, Xiao Ming and his party naturally had no need to stay in the venue any longer, and they left for the exit during the intermission.
"Mr. Xiao, please wait."
A call came from behind, and Xiao Ming turned around to see Cao Zhining walking over with Cao Bangxi.
"Congratulations to Mr. Xiao on achieving your desires."
Regardless of his true feelings, Cao Zhining's outward composure was impeccable.
"Mutual congratulations," Xiao Ming responded politely, "and congratulations to Mr. Cao for successfully acquiring a fine piece of land. Moreover, a bold bid of four hundred million will surely become a legendary tale in the business circles of Longyin City!"
That was a clear-cut jibe.
Cao Zhining's face darkened, "Mr. Xiao, this is our first meeting today, and I don't recall ever offending you in the past, have I?"
"Of course not." Xiao Ming smiled, "In fact, I've always admired how Mr. Cao started from scratch and built such a quality enterprise as Dabang Group.
However..."
He paused, his gaze shifting to Cao Bangxi behind Cao Zhining, "However, Mr. Cao, while you are an outstanding entrepreneur, you are not a qualified good father."
"Xiao Ming, I warn you to watch your mouth!" Cao Bangxi snapped angrily.
"What a joke!" Shen Siyi immediately sneered, "It's almost filthy as a cesspool, and you talk about 'clean'?"
"You, Shen..."
"Shut up!"
Only then did Cao Zhining realize that his son had already offended Xiao Ming. Considering the high regard Zhou Jicang held for this young man, he wished he could slap his son to death.
Suppressing his anger, he sincerely said to Xiao Ming, "Mr. Xiao, no matter what my foolish son has done, I, as his father, apologize to you on his behalf.
I hope you can see past his foolishness and ignorance, and..."
"Mr. Cao," Xiao Ming rudely interrupted, "as personal advice, I suggest you get the full story before you make a decision.
Some mistakes require blood to atone for.
And there are certain matters that cannot be substituted by anyone else, not even his own father, let alone you... haha!
Sorry, but we have a celebration to attend at the hotel, and it's almost time. I'll take my leave."
The words "require blood to atone for" sent a chill down Cao Zhining's spine.
He had thought his son had at most been rude and offended Xiao Ming, but it now seemed they had a deadly feud!
After walking out of the auction venue and getting into the car, Cao Zhining, without uttering another word, swung his arm and gave his son a heavy slap across the face.
"You good-for-nothing! Tell me, what exactly did you do? If you lie, even in the slightest, I will break your legs!"