The next day, the second female lead, Chu Ruoxue, arrived at Lin Investment Company with her team.
Alex Lin, the true person in charge, warmly greeted her.
"Haha! Welcome, Miss Chu! Your arrival truly brings grace and brilliance to our humble company!"
"You flatter me. Thank you for having me," Chu Ruoxue replied with a polite, confident smile—graceful, composed, elegant, without the slightest hint of arrogance.
In truth, no ordinary person becomes a corporation president.
In the business world, hiding one's genuine emotions and maintaining courtesy toward everyone is the basic rule for survival.
"Miss Chu, let me introduce you around."Alex Lin began presenting the staff of Lin Investment.
From the president, to the vice president, to the department managers.
Chu Ruoxue glanced at Alex and said, "It seems you really are doing well."
In business culture, reception hierarchy is strict—employees greet employees, CEOs greet CEOs.Otherwise, it breaks etiquette and makes people look down on you.
By personally receiving Chu Ruoxue, Alex Lin clearly demonstrated that he had securely claimed the top position within Lin Investment and held real authority.
"Just so-so. Acceptable," Alex said with a modest smile.
Although he was officially only the vice president, with his astonishing results and the powerful backing behind him, he was already the true No.1 in the company.
"It's windy outside, Miss Chu. Please, come in."
They entered the conference hall.
After a cup of tea, Chu Ruoxue finally revealed her purpose, cheeks faintly flushed.
"This time, I came to ask for your help… to raise some circulating funds."
If she had any other options, she would never have visited the infamous playboy, Alex Lin.
But with the global economy in recession, everyone was short on money.Banks had tightened loans significantly.In this climate, the real estate industry, which depends heavily on funds, suffered the most.
Her Licheng Group focused on developing large shopping center complexes.But now, their funding chain was strained to the breaking point.
These past few days, she had been overwhelmed with financial pressure.
After encountering Alex Lin last night, she thought:
—He's doing investments.—His company definitely has money.—Maybe… just maybe… he can save her.
"I understand." Alex Lin nodded. He had already guessed the reason.
In the original plot, this financial crisis was supposed to happen months later.The economic downturn would worsen, their assets would shrink, and the company would be forced to sell real estate at significant losses.
In the end, it was the protagonist Ethan Chen who secretly used his own funds and influence to help her survive the crisis.
It was the typical cliché—Bodyguard male lead helps the CEO heroine, fights villains, wins her gratitude, and builds their relationship.
But now?
Alex Lin had interfered far before that point.
"Miss Chu, how much do you need?" Alex asked.
Chu Ruoxue hurriedly replied,"We only need 100 million to stabilize the funding chain!As for interest, we'll follow the bank's current loan rate, plus one percent!"
Alex tapped the table and sank into deep thought.
Chu Ruoxue secretly observed him—seeing him frown more and more.
Finally, Alex sighed.
"In my opinion… 100 million isn't enough to solve anything."
"What do you mean?" Chu Ruoxue frowned.
Alex explained:
"The global economy is in recession. Everyone is tightening belts.No industry is doing well—especially real estate.With your scale, what can 100 million do? It's just patchwork. A temporary fix at best."
Chu Ruoxue forced a helpless smile.
"Better than bankruptcy, right?"
Of course she knew the truth.
Everyone was struggling now, competing to see who could endure longer.If they survived this harsh winter, they might see spring.
If they didn't—Their fate was sealed.
Suddenly, Alex asked:
"Does your Licheng Group have a piece of land in Jiangnan?"
Chu Ruoxue blinked."Yes… why?"
"I'm interested in that land." Alex smiled."Would you consider selling it to me?"
"You want to buy it?" Chu Ruoxue was stunned.
Alex shrugged."Why not?"
Chu Ruoxue shook her head firmly.
"To be honest… you can't afford it."
Alex raised a brow."Why can't I?"
"We spent over 600 million acquiring that land.Even if I sold it at a discount, it would still be at least 500 million.Do you have that much money?"