Changing the subject, he spoke with a tone full of apology.
"My son Xu Zhi is young and inexperienced. I've spoiled him, and he's quite impulsive. It's a great honor for him that President Jiang invited him for tea! I even gave him a stern lecture last night, telling him not to wander around and disturb you, but to calm down and learn from a young talent like President Jiang how to handle things steadily..."
As he spoke, his back was slightly bowed, his tone sincere to the point of humility, yet his eyes were fixed on Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng picked up his teacup, his fingertips slowly rubbing the warm surface. When he looked up at him, there was a faint, half-smiling look in his eyes.
"As expected of President Xu, you are truly broad-minded. It wasn't really a disturbance; I just hope I didn't frighten Young Master Xu."
"Not at all, not at all!" Xu Jiayin laughed heartily, though the sound seemed a bit forced in the quiet private room.
"It's that boy's blessing to be personally hosted by President Jiang. Young people are impulsive and lack consideration; I hope President Jiang can be patient with him."
Seeing that Jiang Cheng did not accept his apology, Xu Jiayin was not surprised.
If this matter could be resolved with a few casual words, it wouldn't have escalated to this point.
He took a sip of tea to ease the tension of the scene, then looked at Lei Jun to find a topic: "I didn't expect President Jiang and President Lei to know each other..."
Seeing Xu Jiayin adopt such a low posture...
Lei Jun no longer felt the same drive to negotiate with Jiang Cheng as he did just moments ago.
He replied with a smile: "It's also an honor for us. Our Company's Cloud Rice is preparing to cooperate with President Jiang's hotel, so we're benefiting from his influence."
Hearing this, Xu Jiayin immediately chimed in:
"President Lei has a good eye to seek cooperation with Xingchen Group. Xingchen is currently in the spotlight in Kyoto, and we at Company have always hoped for an opportunity to cooperate with a young talent like President Jiang."
This flattery was perfectly timed, and the awkwardness on Lei Jun's face dissipated somewhat.
He followed along with a laugh: "President Xu is right. I like working with young people. Being young represents new life. Working with President Jiang will surely inject a lot of new blood and inspiration into our Company..."
After some pleasantries, the atmosphere became less awkward. Xu Jiayin stopped paying attention to Lei Jun and turned his gaze back to Jiang Cheng.
He saw Jiang Cheng pick up his teacup, his fingertips touching the warm surface.
He took the opportunity to lead the conversation toward the main topic, his tone carrying a hint of expectation.
"President Jiang, honestly, we at Company have been looking forward to cooperating with Xingchen for a long time. I wonder if you have any time recently? I'll host a simple dinner tomorrow night so we can discuss the possibilities of cooperation in detail."
Jiang Cheng put down his teacup and lightly tapped the table, his face still maintaining that calm and indifferent expression.
"Unfortunately, President Xu, my schedule is full lately, and I'm afraid I won't be able to find the time."
With one light sentence, he blocked Xu Jiayin's probe.
Seeing that Jiang Cheng had no intention of talking, Xu Jiayin suddenly became a bit anxious.
Things were moving too fast, and he didn't have much time left to handle it.
If Jiang Cheng refused to budge, he didn't know when he would see him again.
At this point, he could no longer care that Lei Jun was still present.
Holding his teacup, he spoke with an earnest tone and a hidden sense of sincerity.
"As long as Xingchen is interested, the Binjiang land plot in Hengda's hands, as well as the Commercial Complex in the East City, can all be brought to the table. If Xingchen has a need, Hengda will definitely cooperate fully."
Lei Jun listened, secretly clicking his tongue in amazement.
The Binjiang land plot was a core asset worth its weight in gold.
What did Xu Jiayin mean by this?
He needed to bring out something like that to negotiate with Jiang Cheng?
It seemed the grievance between them was not small.
Jiang Cheng, however, was not tempted by these things.
What was this?
For Jiang Cheng, holding some real estate was a necessary strategic move for his sector expansion.
But holding real estate as an expansion strategy was a bad idea in the long run.
Jiang Cheng knew Xu Jiayin sincerely wanted to talk.
But this rotten idea was also indirectly dragging him down with them.
Although land prices in popular sectors like Binjiang were high...
Price limits were tightening and premium rates had been sliding.
Holding them long-term was a hot potato.
As expected of an old fox!
Jiang Cheng calmly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on the curling tea steam, his tone so peaceful that no ripple of emotion could be heard: "I appreciate your kindness, President Xu. It's just that regarding that Binjiang land, I heard a friend mention it a while ago—the money used to acquire it doesn't seem to belong to Company itself, does it?"
Jiang Cheng's voice wasn't loud, but every word was crystal clear.
Xu Jiayin's hand holding the teacup suddenly tightened.
His knuckles turned white, and the steam from the cup blurred the expression in his eyes, but it couldn't hide the flash of panic.
As if he hadn't noticed, Jiang Cheng took a sip of tea and savored the aroma.
He sighed: "In this day and age, it's easy to do the legwork for someone else's gain, but it's hard to withdraw unscathed."
"Especially when managing such a large plate for others; it looks glorious on the books, but how many holes have been filled inside, and how much is impossible to take away or leave behind? I'm afraid President Xu knows better than anyone."
Lei Jun's movement of holding his teacup froze mid-air, a huge shock wave surging in his heart.
No way!
Acting as a front for someone else? The money for the land wasn't their own?
He suddenly remembered the recent rumors in their circles.
Company had been continuously acquiring land.
Yet their cash flow was always tight, and bank credit was shrinking again and again.
Behind the scenes, there were always some inexplicable financial transactions. So that was how it was!
Was it appropriate for him to hear such a massive piece of gossip?
He was just a businessman with a few minor schemes, but not many.
He didn't want to wade into this kind of muddy water that had nothing to do with him...