112: Chapter 112 Zhou Wanquan

It was a dreamless night, and Jiang Chen slept soundly until a sudden, piercing ringtone shattered the morning's tranquility and broke the silence of the bedroom.

He frowned, his fingertips subconsciously tightening as he reached for the phone on the nightstand, squinting at the screen.

It was a string of local, unknown numbers with no contact name.

Suppressing the irritation of being woken up, he swiped to answer, his voice raspy and low with sleep, yet hiding a trace of subtle coldness: "Hello."

"Is this Mr. Jiang Chen?"

A vigorous male voice immediately came from the other end, carrying the steady aura of someone long accustomed to a high position, yet deliberately softening his tone to sound friendly.

"I am Zhou Wanquan, the Chairman of Wantai Real Estate."

Jiang Chen's sleepiness vanished instantly.

He leaned back against the headboard, his spine straightening. His sleepy eyes suddenly became sharp and deep, and his lazy demeanor faded away, replaced by extreme calm and quiet scrutiny.

Wantai Real Estate, Zhou Wanquan.

A prominent figure in Jiangcheng's real estate industry with a massive business empire was actually calling him personally.

His expression remained calm and his voice flat, devoid of any emotion: "Chairman Zhou, speak your mind."

Jiang Chen's mind was already racing. He had never reached out to anyone from Wantai, yet the other party had accurately found his private number; the answer was obvious.

A while ago, using evidence from the intelligence, he had forced Zhao Guofu to transfer five street-front shops on Xuefu Road to his name for 400,000 yuan each.

Then he had completely vanished from the radar. Now that Zhou Wanquan had come looking for him personally, all the clues instantly connected.

Zhao Guofu had already disclosed all of his information to Zhou Wanquan.

Zhou Wanquan didn't beat around the bush. The aura of a long-time corporate leader was impossible to hide; he was direct, yet his tone carried a hint of testing.

"Mr. Jiang, I know you hold the property rights to all fifteen street-front shops on Xuefu Road. I'm calling today specifically to discuss an acquisition."

"Name your price. As long as it's reasonable, Wantai can pay in full. We'll handle the payment and the transfer of property rights immediately, without any delay."

Jiang Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the bedsheet in a steady rhythm while his brain worked at high speed.

He knew through the intelligence that the Xuefu Road area would be demolished in a month.

The official notice for the demolition and renovation plan, along with the construction of a new subway transfer station, would likely be announced in the next couple of days.

The compensation for the Xuefu Road shops would be at least 2.4 million yuan per unit, with prime locations reaching 3 million. For fifteen shops, the total compensation would exceed 40 million.

Zhou Wanquan, having deep roots in Jiangcheng real estate for decades and immense connections, wouldn't find it hard to know about the demolition.

Combined with Zhao Guofu's full disclosure, he must also know that Jiang Chen already had insider information about the demolition.

Rushing to buy them now was just playing dumb while fully aware. He wanted to use Wantai's size to pressure a young man with no background and harvest the shops at a low price before the announcement to monopolize the huge compensation.

For the chairman of a group worth over a billion to personally call was a blatant game of interests.

Jiang Chen's voice remained calm, showing no emotion as he spoke flatly: "Chairman Zhou is well-informed. I'm surprised my small assets are worth your personal attention."

Zhou Wanquan chuckled, his tone showing a transparent understanding.

He already knew from Zhao Guofu that Jiang Chen wasn't a novice and that he held insider info, yet he still acted composed.

"Mr. Jiang is too modest. Being well-informed is a businessman's duty. These shops are just idle assets in your hands."

"Why not transfer them to Wantai? You'll get a lump sum of cash to invest in other ventures. We both get what we need—isn't that a win-win?"

These words seemed polite but were actually testing his bottom line, trying to lead him into accepting a low price.

A cold smile touched the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth. He spoke unhurriedly, his tone distant yet sharp.

"There's no rush for the acquisition. Since Chairman Zhou reached out personally, you must have checked the background of these shops and know what I know. Why don't you offer a price first so I can see Wantai's sincerity?"

He directly called out the unspoken facts. In this game, there was no need for pretense.

Zhou Wanquan fell silent for a moment on the other end.

He thought that even if Jiang Chen knew the insider info, he would be wary of Wantai's power and wouldn't be too firm. After a few seconds of pondering, he offered the low price he had planned.

"Mr. Jiang, Wantai is here with full sincerity. 1.5 million per shop, totaling 22.5 million for fifteen shops. This price is top-tier in the current market."

1.5 million was nearly a million less than the minimum demolition compensation. It was blatant exploitation, treating him like a sucker.

Jiang Chen sneered inwardly but remained steady. His voice suddenly turned cold, carrying an unquestionable firmness:

"Chairman Zhou, we both know the truth. There's no need for these pleasantries."

"You got all my info from Zhao Guofu and know I'm aware of the insider info on the Xuefu Road shops. We both know what they're really worth."

"So, don't try to fool me with such a low price. It's meaningless."

The line went dead silent for a moment.

Zhou Wanquan hadn't expected Jiang Chen to be so blunt, showing no fear of Wantai's power and tearing away all pretense. The game had moved from hidden calculations to the open.

Jiang Chen didn't give him a chance to smooth things over. His tone was calm but firm, holding absolute control: "I know what I'm doing regarding the acquisition. I'll consider it and notify you."

"I have important matters to handle. Goodbye."

Before Zhou Wanquan could say another word, Jiang Chen hung up and tossed the phone back onto the nightstand, his fingers tightening slightly.

He leaned back, his eyes cold as ice, his fingers rubbing together as he reviewed the situation in his mind.

Zhou Wanquan's low-ball offer was an attempt to use capital power to seize his assets.

Both sides had sized each other up. This bloodless war of interests had officially begun.

As the leader of Wantai, Zhou Wanquan was far more capable than Zhao Guofu.

He wouldn't give up easily and would surely use more tactics. This game wouldn't be peaceful.

Jiang Chen stood up and walked to the window, pulling open the heavy curtains.

Morning sunlight flooded the room, dispelling the darkness and lighting up the certainty and composure in his eyes.

Want to seize his assets at a low price and monopolize the compensation?

He wouldn't let Zhou Wanquan have his way!

Jiang Chen took a deep breath, suppressed the cold fighting spirit, and went back to the bed to pick up his phone.

Having faced Zhou Wanquan head-on, he had already seen through Wantai Real Estate's playbook.

For local real estate giants like them, if negotiations failed, they would discard the rules and use pressure, harassment, and obstacles to force a compromise.

He was alone; he had to protect the fifteen shops and advance the preparations for Chenxing Capital.

He had no one to use and needed more liquid funds.

So he had to prepare his move in advance.

He didn't dwell on speculating about Zhou Wanquan.

Jiang Chen skillfully unlocked his phone to check today's Wealth Intelligence.

The screen lit up, and the intelligence unfolded line by line.

[Today's Intelligence: The first construction area of the commercial complex under construction on Donghu Road, Chengxi District, owned by Jiangcheng Construction Engineering Group. To meet the year-end completion deadline, the project party urgently needs to clear a large amount of accumulated scrap steel and standard profile waste from the site.]

[Due to the lack of professional recycling channels, they are eager to bundle and dispose of it at a low price. The total package price is 80,000 yuan.]

[After connecting with Jiangcheng Hengxin Renewable Resources Recycling Co., Ltd. for sorting, transportation, and compliant disposal, the net profit after all costs is 380,000 yuan.]

[After signing the formal disposal agreement, the recycling company can settle the full amount within two hours. There are no legal compliance risks, and the funds will arrive instantly.]

[Precise Contact Information: Manager Zhang Lei, the person in charge at the construction site. His office is in Room 206 of the two-story prefabricated building on the right side of the main entrance. The contact window is today from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. After that, they will sign with other recyclers, and the opportunity will expire.]

Jiang Chen's gaze moved down to the "Related Characters" section.

[Related Character]

[Name]: Lu Zheng

[Identity]: Former top special forces combat instructor, recognized as a Soldier King. Expert in free combat, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, close-quarters grappling, counter-ambush, and one-move takedowns.

His skills in solo operations, crisis control, close protection, and countering malicious tactics are top-tier. He has executed many high-risk protection and security missions. He is swift, calm, principled, and highly loyal.

[Current Situation]: His mother suffered sudden acute pancreatitis with organ damage and is being treated in the ICU of Affiliated Hospital of Jiangcheng University. She needs 800,000 yuan for surgery and initial monitoring.

Lu Zheng has exhausted his savings and borrowed everywhere but is still 400,000 yuan short. Driven to a dead end, he had to set aside his top-tier skills to work as a manual laborer clearing waste at the aforementioned construction site.

He works over 16 hours a day, from 6 AM to 11 PM, just to save for the surgery. Despite being in a desperate situation and exhausted, he remains deeply loyal and grateful.

Help him once with sincerity, and he will repay you with his life.

[Opportunity to Recruit]: Use the disposal of construction waste as an opportunity to pay for all his mother's medical expenses and hospital debts on the spot, giving him absolute trust and respect.

Hire him as a personal bodyguard and assistant to secure his complete loyalty. He can handle all of Zhou Wanquan's subsequent harassment, threats, and violent pressure.

Jiang Chen read every word, his expression becoming more composed.

The 380,000 yuan profit in the intelligence was secondary.

The real key was this person.

If Zhou Wanquan wanted to use capital pressure and dirty tricks, he would recruit this top Soldier King to build an ironclad security line.

He would make all of Wantai Real Estate's tactics hit a steel plate.

He knew the character of a Soldier King like Lu Zheng too well.

A man of great skill trapped between filial piety and a desperate situation.

Providing help in his hour of need would move him more than any monetary bribe and earn his unwavering loyalty.

Such a person doesn't easily owe favors, but once they do, they'll repay it with their life.

Jiang Chen didn't delay.

He memorized the site address, hospital info, office location, and Lu Zheng's work area.

He immediately decided on the route.

He headed straight to the first construction area of the Donghu Road commercial complex.

First, he would go to Room 206 to sign the agreement with Manager Zhang Lei, then find Lu Zheng to solve his urgent problem.

His thoughts settled.

Jiang Chen got up, took out a simple black casual outfit from the closet, and changed.

After a quick wash, he grabbed his car keys and headed out.

In the underground garage, the panamera lay quietly in its spot.

He got in, and the engine roared to life with a low, powerful hum. The taillights lit up as the car smoothly pulled out and spiraled up the ramp.

As he drove out of the garage, the sunlight hit him.

It was a bit blinding.

The coldness from his talk with Zhou Wanquan had faded, replaced by calm calculation.

The panamera turned onto the main road, speeding toward Donghu Road in Chengxi District.

The plane trees along the road were starting to shed. A few withered yellow leaves were caught by the wind, swirling among the cars before landing on the curb.

Forty minutes later, the car pulled up steadily at the gate of the Jiangcheng Construction first area.

Jiang Chen turned off the engine and got out, met by the characteristic smell of a construction site.

Cement dust, diesel exhaust, and metal welding fumes mixed together, punctuated by the distant low roar of mixers.

The gate was open. Tower cranes moved slowly, building materials were stacked in sections, and sparks flew in the rebar shed.

The scrap steel area was on the west side, filled with messy piles of profiles and angle steel, rusted and glowing dark red in the sun.

He scanned the layout and walked toward the prefabricated building on the right.

The iron stairs clattered as he climbed to the second floor, found Room 206, and knocked.

"Come in."

Inside, a middle-aged man was frowning at a progress chart, his desk covered in blueprints and material lists.

The room was small and simple: a metal filing cabinet, a desk, two folding chairs, and some crates of water and hard hats in the corner.

This was the contact person mentioned in the intelligence, Zhang Lei.

Jiang Chen walked in, his voice steady: "Manager Zhang, I'm here to discuss the disposal of the scrap steel. My name is Jiang."

Zhang Lei stood up immediately, his frustration mostly gone.

He was worried about the waste taking up space and affecting the deadline. With the higher-ups pushing him and no recycling channel, someone showing up was a godsend.

"Mr. Jiang, right? Come in, have a seat."

He walked around the desk and pulled a folder from the cabinet.

"I've already drafted the agreement. Take a look. 80,000 for the whole package. You arrange the transport. Once signed, the disposal rights are yours. I'll just handle the final site inspection."

Jiang Chen took the agreement and scanned it quickly.

The terms matched the intelligence perfectly—no hidden traps, and the liability clauses were standard.

He signed his name and used his phone to transfer the 80,000 yuan on the spot.

The notification for the successful transfer sounded.

Zhang Lei checked the info and stamped the agreement with the project seal.

He put the two copies of the agreement and the authorization letter into a clear folder and handed it over.

"Mr. Jiang, the paperwork is done. You can arrange for someone to clear the site anytime. The deadlines are in the appendix; I won't follow up further."

"Thank you, Manager Zhang."

Jiang Chen took the folder and walked out.

He didn't leave the site but headed toward the scrap steel area on the west side.

The crushed stone path crunched under his feet.

The smell of rust and dust grew stronger as he approached.

Forklifts moved back and forth, engines chugging and metal clanging.

From a distance, he saw the prominent figure in the crowd.

Lu Zheng.