26: Wooden benches in the street park

CEO Gu paused before saying, "Five large buses, a minimum of 1 million a year. That's the base price, we won't profit off of you. As for which of you two gets the contract, well, the highest bidder wins."

Her words were very skillful; she showed favor while simultaneously making Wu Fan and Meng Xianglong compete for the operating contract. She wouldn't lose out either way, and if the bidding went high, she could even make a profit.

It seemed she had investigated Wu Fan, having certainly heard rumors that he had come into a windfall.

Meng Xianglong glanced at Wu Fan and said, "Brother, what do you say? I'll start with 1 million."

Wu Fan figured he could pay using multiple cashback transactions, so he spoke up, "I bid 1.5 million."

Upon hearing this, Chen Lu and CEO Gu both stared at Wu Fan incredulously, finding it hard to believe.

Was he joking? Had he really struck it rich?

Even if he had struck it rich, he shouldn't offer such a high contract price right away.

Chen Lu blinked at Wu Fan and said, "Wu Fan, did you misstate that? You meant 1.05 million, right?"

Wu Fan said calmly, "No, I said 1.5 million."

Chen Lu frowned, looking into Wu Fan's eyes, wanting to say something more but not knowing how.

She turned her attention to Meng Xianglong.

He was seen lowering his head to look at the tea leaves in his cup. After blowing on it and taking a sip, he finally said, "Master Wu, frankly speaking, if you bid 1.5 million, you definitely won't make any money. You need to think this through carefully."

Wu Fan said with certainty, "Whether I make money or not depends on how I operate it. I don't think it will be a big problem."

Meng Xianglong gave Wu Fan a strange look, stood up, and said, "Alright. Master Wu is wealthy and powerful. I wish you prosperity next year."

He nodded to CEO Gu and Chen Lu, then got up and left.

After Meng Xianglong left, CEO Gu looked at Wu Fan and said, "You weren't joking just now, were you? Once you say that, we have to sign a contract."

Worry appeared on Chen Lu's face, but given the situation, she found it difficult to say anything more.

Wu Fan didn't hesitate. He took out his phone, made two transactions, transferring a total of 300,000, and told CEO Gu, "This is the deposit. I will pay the remainder once the contract is signed."

He stood up, smiled slightly at Chen Lu, and walked out of the office.

Once he reached the doorway, he quickly put a cigarette in his mouth and enjoyed a smoke.

CEO Gu looked at the money that had arrived in her account and remained silent for a long time. She couldn't figure out if she should be happy or worried.

After all, Wu Fan had always been her employee, and offering such a high contract fee —she could calculate on her fingers and toes —meant he was bound to lose money.

Chen Lu immediately chased him out, pulled Wu Fan's hand, and said, "Are you crazy? Won't 1.5 million a year bankrupt you? These five buses, running for a full year, only bring in about 2 million. You still have to deduct fuel costs, and the salaries of drivers and safety officers, all while ensuring the buses run smoothly and safely. Can this possibly make money? Didn't you calculate the costs when you quoted the contract price?"

She looked anxiously at Wu Fan's face, her eyes so worried they were almost tearing up.

Wu Fan, however, said calmly, "Xiao Lu, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Chen Lu sighed, and asked with concern, "You need so much money all at once, do you have enough on hand?"

Wu Fan exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "I have enough, it's all ready."

Chen Lu still looked at him with some disbelief, and after a long moment, said, "I know your situation very well. If you don't have enough money, tell me. I can certainly lend you one or two hundred thousand."

Wu Fan nodded, "Understood."

Chen Lu took a couple of steps, then turned back and instructed, "When taking over the fleet, you need to get acquainted with the four veteran drivers soon. Good bus drivers are hard to find nowadays."

Wu Fan looked at her, smiled slightly, and made an OK gesture with his hand...

The next day was the weekend, and Wu Fan proactively contacted CEO Gu to finalize the contract and all necessary handover items.

Of course, Wu Fan paid off the remaining 1.2 million by using multiple transactions, cashbacks, and then more payments.

CEO Gu's happiness was visible to the naked eye. She never imagined that contracting out the fleet would allow her to make a small profit.

Wu Fan brought Yaoyao with him when he came to sign the contract.

She didn't have kindergarten today, and she had already arranged for Chen Lu to take her out to play.

Wu Fan watched Yaoyao get into Chen Lu's BYD and instructed, "Be sure to listen to Big Sister Xiao Lu."

Yaoyao poked her head out and said cheerfully, "Don't worry, Daddy, Big Sister Xiao Lu and I are good friends."

Wu Fan was amused by her adorable voice.

Chen Lu waved at Wu Fan and drove away.

Wu Fan called the drivers of the four buses one by one to discuss them continuing to drive next year, and they all readily agreed.

Wu Fan raised everyone's salary to 100,000 a year. Who wouldn't agree? Their original salary was only a little over 80,000.

Wu Fan thought it didn't matter if he paid a little more; it was good for both sides, and since he would receive cashback on the wages he paid, he incurred no loss.

After settling all matters concerning the fleet, he lit a cigarette and slowly walked to "Street Heart Park."

Street Heart Park was the largest open-air park and sports park on the island, featuring dedicated walking paths and exercise equipment.

Especially in the summer, many people came here for walks.

Wu Fan liked to sit on the wooden bench by the lake, smoke, and zone out.

Right after his divorce, he was in a terrible mood, feeling like his entire world had collapsed.

He would sit on that wooden bench, smoke, and contemplate his problems.

Watching the children playing happily in bumper boats on the lake, his emotional knots slowly began to untie.

Life was just like a bumper boat —you were bound to encounter obstacles while sailing, but as long as you bravely pushed through, you would definitely reach your desired destination.

The wooden bench by the lake held a very special sentiment for him, like an old friend.

The weather was sunny today. Sitting on the wooden bench, basking in the sun, smoking, and watching the bumper boats on the lake felt incredibly comfortable.

Just as he was enjoying this moment of tranquility, a jarring phone ringtone sounded.

Wu Fan pulled out his phone and saw that it was Fang Hanyu.

What did she want?

She didn't want it again, did she?

Yesterday afternoon, he had completely subdued her.

After taking the Intermediate Pill, Wu Fan was astonished by its power; it was truly incredible.

His strength was now immense. This morning, while driving his electric scooter, he had effortlessly lifted the entire vehicle with one hand. It was terrifying.

"Teacher Fang, what are your instructions?" Wu Fan's tone carried a hint of teasing.

Fang Hanyu chuckled softly and said, "Stop messing around, I have serious business for you."

Wu Fan exhaled smoke, "What serious business?"

"Your lifelong matter! I've arranged for you to meet The Flower of the Cafeteria at noon. Let's all have a meal together."

Wu Fan froze for a moment, feeling somewhat hesitant.

He only wanted to date but had absolutely no intention of getting married yet.

Wu Fan's heart was already closed. He could experience love, affection, and liking, but marriage was out of the question.

Marriage had long become meaningless to him. Only if a woman truly touched his heart might he consider it, but that hope was slim.

However, due to Fang Hanyu's heartfelt effort in setting them up, Wu Fan decided to meet her: "Fine, what time is the appointment? And where should we meet?"

...