Jiang Cheng naturally understood what Cheng Gui meant.
And if he really were to partner with Cheng Gui,
In the end, the one who would truly profit was himself—not Tianlong Real Estate.
Xingchen had already invested in the Fengtai King land parcel project in the capital.
The commercial-district land near Chengdu's Exhibition Hall, like the Fengtai King project, was a guaranteed moneymaker for the next several years.
With memories of a reborn future, he knew this project would yield huge returns.
Going solo in real estate was impossible; securing land alone was a critical hurdle.
Moreover, every aspect involved competing interests.
Any partnership had to be with a powerhouse.
As Cheng Gui had said, Yuanlong Real Estate was the strongest player in Chengdu.
Such a titan wouldn't easily cooperate with anyone.
When you're already industry No. 1, with countless connections and resources, there's no need to share profits.
Conversely, the best way for No. 2 to overtake No. 1 is to ally with others, expand together, and grow stronger.
Therefore, teaming up with Tianlong really was the best way in.
And as Chen Xueer had pointed out, he could gain experience while sharing their resources.
Most important, he could lie back and let the money roll in—exactly the scenario Jiang Cheng wanted.
Besides, he didn't fully grasp his own family's situation.
He knew they were powerful in the capital,
but that influence belonged to his second uncle and grandfather.
He was in Chengdu now; he could plant the Jiang Family flag firmly in this city.
Seeing Cheng Gui finally state the main reason, Jiang Cheng's heart stirred, though he kept a thoughtful expression. "If I cooperate with you, how will the profits be split?"
Cheng Gui didn't answer directly.
He seemed to be weighing his response.
His research showed Jiang Cheng's personal worth was substantial.
Without a reasonable profit-sharing plan, convincing him would be tough.
After a moment Cheng Gui said, "How about I transfer thirty-nine percent of the land's shares to you?"
Jiang Cheng's brow lifted. When he'd invested in Fengtai King, he'd received nearly half—forty-nine percent.
Now Cheng Gui was offering only thirty-nine; his face showed
"Thirty-nine percent sounds less than sincere."
As soon as the words left Jiang Cheng, Cheng Gui frowned.
He hadn't expected such bluntness and was caught off guard.
"What figure do you think is fair?" Cheng Gui sounded helpless; he couldn't concede more without harming his company.
"Forget equal splits. My own firm invested in Fengtai King recently and holds forty-nine percent."
Jiang Cheng's meaning was unmistakable.
He was telling Cheng Gui: if he couldn't match the Fengtai King terms, he wouldn't enter the deal.
Cheng Gui's heart sank.
That ratio exceeded what he'd mentally prepared for.
Seeing Cheng Gui hesitate, Jiang Cheng said unhurriedly, "Looks like we won't settle on the villa today. Uncle Cheng, take your time thinking it over. I have a dinner tonight, so I'll head out first."
Cheng Gui quickly replied, "I was about to invite you to dinner. Let's talk while we eat."
"Had I known I'd run into you, I wouldn't have accepted that other invitation. Next time I'll treat you."
When Jiang Cheng declined, Cheng Gui gritted his teeth. "All right, then dinner tomorrow. As for the ratio—let's go with your figure: forty-nine percent."
Jiang Cheng smiled and nodded. "Many thanks, Uncle Cheng."
Realizing the conversation had slipped under Jiang Cheng's control, Cheng Gui gave a wry smile. "Don't you need to discuss this with Chairman Jiang?"
"No need. I can cooperate through my own company just the same."
Cheng Gui nodded. "The name Xingchen Investment is famous."
He knew Jiang Jianming's move was for his precious son; everyone understood. Partnering with Jiang Cheng or Jiang Jianming made no difference.
So he voiced no objection.
Privately, Cheng Gui had already investigated: Jiang Cheng's investment firm was solid.
In just over two months it had backed several projects, the largest being TikTok's financing and the Fengtai King land in the capital.
Fengtai King's future upside was considerable.
Jiang Cheng's eye for investment and decisive action spoke for itself.
"I'll have my investment manager handle the share-transfer details with you."
Seeing Jiang Cheng agree so readily, Cheng Gui's brow finally relaxed. Though half the profits would go out, the deadlock that had troubled him for ages was broken, and he exhaled in relief.
"Good, it's settled. Let's cooperate happily."
"All right, Uncle Cheng, let's go sign the villa contract." Jiang Cheng stood.
Cheng Gui hurriedly said, "Yes, yes—but as I said, the villa is my gift to you, a thank-you for helping me through this crisis." Gratitude and sincerity filled his voice. He knew that without Jiang Cheng's help he might have collapsed, and he resolved to remember the favor and repay it someday.
He realized that without meeting Jiang Cheng, there would have been no chance to cooperate;
he might ultimately have bowed to Yuanlong Real Estate.
"Business is business; giving away the house isn't necessary," Jiang Cheng demurred.
"I know you can afford it, but this is Uncle's heartfelt gesture. Accept it. I'm in this line of work, and from now on we're partners—no need to stand on ceremony."
Cheng Gui didn't begrudge the 15-million-yuan villa.
For him, the profit from the eastern periphery development would be far greater.
Even after giving Jiang Cheng nearly half, the overall deal remained lucrative.
Since Cheng Gui had put it that way, Jiang Cheng stopped refusing and nodded. "Then thank you, Uncle Cheng."
"It's agreed. In a moment I'll give you the keys, access card, and door code; you can move in anytime. The deed will take a few days—once it's ready I'll have someone deliver it…"
After a few more words, Jiang Cheng drove off toward Wangjiang Residence.