There's a surprise!

When Lin Yi and Yan Ji saw Chen Ling’s gesture of touching his nose, their hearts both skipped a beat.

That was because, the last time Chen Ling had proposed a partnership to them, he had made that exact same gesture.

And after that, Cheng Company had made millions in profit!

Now he was doing it again?

They both had a vague sense of foreboding…

Chen Ling smiled and said slowly, “Since both of you wish to hire me, may I assume you’ve already mentioned me to your respective superiors?”

“About that—” Yan Ji hurriedly replied, “Here’s the situation. Actually, our group’s vice president has already heard of your reputation, Mr. Chen. After all, the solution you provided for Zhicheng Company was truly a stroke of genius.”

“So as soon as I brought it up, the higher-ups were fully supportive! In terms of compensation, you can rest assured—”

Chen Ling raised a hand, stopping him. “No need to talk any more about hiring me; I won’t consider it. But we can definitely deepen our cooperation.”

“If I’m not mistaken, the Taihe and Binhu groups held meetings late into the night yesterday, didn’t they? Discussing how to expand the scale of your business?”

Lin Yi and Yan Ji were not the least bit surprised by Chen Ling’s deduction.

For someone who could so accurately “predict” the four-trillion plan, getting such a detail right was child’s play.

Chen Ling continued, “If you want to rapidly expand and launch more projects, that means your current sales teams won’t be sufficient.”

“So my idea is, I hope Cheng Company can sign a distribution agreement with your two groups, to help sell your upcoming projects.”

“A distribution agreement?”

Chen Ling nodded.

Lin Yi and Yan Ji both frowned. Although Chen Ling had floated the idea of distribution at the last meeting, none of them had imagined that this day would come so quickly!

Even Chen Ling himself felt it was a bit rushed.

But faced with such a booming market, even if it was rushed, there was no choice but to push forward.

Besides, the model of project distribution through intermediary companies wasn’t supposed to appear until 2011. Starting it now would require a lot of time for adjustment and adaptation.

Just like the pioneers who crossed rivers by feeling for stones underfoot.

The only difference was, Chen Ling already knew exactly where the water was shallowest…

But Lin Yi said, “Mr. Chen, I’m sorry. As for the distribution partnership… I haven’t brought it up with my superiors yet, and it might take some time.”

At those words, Chen Ling turned to look at Yan Ji and saw the same troubled expression.

He now understood clearly that neither of them had reported his plan to their higher-ups; they were just trying to take credit for the results.

Given their positions, it was understandable—but ultimately unacceptable.

Thinking back to how they'd only turned to him when they had no other options, Chen Ling sighed inwardly.

Every industry has its share of people like this: neither capable nor visionary, clinging to their positions by virtue of age and seniority, reaping both fame and fortune but never striving for progress.

Yet when the market faces upheaval and reform is needed, such people are often found wanting.

It’s not that they’ve done anything wrong; it’s just that the relentless pace of economic development makes everything obsolete so quickly…

Once upon a time, the experience of the previous generation could be considered a classic, even after a hundred years.

Now, the experience of the old guard might become a stumbling block to progress in just three or five years.

This is one of the reasons why, a decade or so later, so many major companies will become mired in internal competition.

The young strive to rise, the old refuse to retire, and when you add in conflicting experiences, perspectives, and working styles, it’s almost impossible to reconcile.

“Well then, if you have the time, help me arrange a meeting with someone who can actually make decisions,” was all Chen Ling could say, though he understood perfectly well.

In large enterprises like theirs, middle managers might be able to snag a project or two, but when it comes to direct negotiations and cooperation between companies, there was always an inherent arrogance at play.

Hearing this, Lin Yi and Yan Ji realized that nothing would come of today’s meeting, and so they took their leave, downcast.

Chen Ling remained seated in the conference room.

“Taihe and Binhu both have their own mature sales companies and teams. For giants like them, unless there are real-life cases, there’s almost no hope of a partnership.”

“But if the intermediary distribution model is going to start now, I have to bag a few projects first…”

“Zhongrui Company, and Zhicheng Company… I’ll have to start small to prove the concept.”

With that thought, Chen Ling pulled out his phone to call Wang Xiaobo, but before he could dial, his phone rang.

It was Wang Xiaobo calling!

“Chen Ling!” As soon as the call connected, Wang Xiaobo asked excitedly, “The Qingfeng Residential and Binhu Flower City projects—is it you who’s been flipping the sales numbers?”

“Hm? How did you know?” Chen Ling was surprised, thinking to himself that Zhicheng was really quick with information.

Wang Xiaobo chuckled, “I heard about it in a few major homebuying chat groups in Linjiang. They said the numbers for Qingfeng and Binhu projects have been hyped up to as much as 150,000 each. Then I looked at the locations of your two shops… and I just knew it was you!”

Chen Ling: “…So that’s the impression I give you, just a wheeler-dealer?”

“What else?” Wang Xiaobo retorted righteously, leaving Chen Ling at a loss for words.

“Come on, what do you want?” Chen Ling asked.

Wang Xiaobo grew serious, “Here’s the thing—after the four-trillion plan was announced yesterday, our company held a long discussion and decided to clear our inventory as soon as possible. Then, at this month's land auction, we’ll try to acquire one or two more plots to expand our scale!”

“Good strategy. Now is the perfect opportunity,” Chen Ling agreed.

Wang Xiaobo continued, “I discussed this with my dad. In the past, we always outsourced to the agency companies. But if we want to clear inventory quickly, I doubt they’re up to the task—so… I have no choice but to trouble you again!”

Chen Ling was delighted, though he replied crossly, “So you only think of me when you’re stuck with leftovers?”

Wang Xiaobo quickly replied, “Come on! If I’m not mistaken, you’re using Qingfeng and Binhu to try to land a full-scale partnership with Taihe and Binhu. But the odds of success are slim. I’m actually bringing you your first real case! Aren’t you grateful? Honestly, you’re biting the hand that feeds you—hmph!”

“Talk like a normal person, will you? Anyone listening would think you’re gay.”

“How do you know I’m not?”

“Get lost!”

“Hahaha…” Wang Xiaobo laughed, then composed himself. “Seriously, are you interested? If you are, I’ll send you the info right away!”

“Send it over and let me take a look,” Chen Ling replied, still feigning indifference.

But Wang Xiaobo wasn’t fooled. After a few keystrokes on the other end, he said, “Done! Sent. Take a look… there’s a surprise!”

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[On my knees~~~]