"Something went wrong? What went wrong?"

Liu Zhuo, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, shot up from his executive chair.

After working together for many years, he knew Xiao Qiang's character well.

She wouldn't come to him unless the matter was truly serious.

And Jinzhong Village, as a critical part of Hengda Group's commercial blueprint, was being closely watched by the chairman.

Instantly, Liu Zhuo's expression turned grave.

"Normally, I wouldn't bother you with this, but the issue is pressing, and I had no choice but to consult you. Just one day before the chairman's suburban development strategy meeting, Jinzhong Village was acquired by someone else—a mere day ahead of us!"

Xiao Qiang's tone was grave as she explained.

"What? Just a day's difference, and someone beat us to it?"

Liu Zhuo furrowed his brow. "Is it one of our competitors?"

"Probably not," Xiao Qiang replied. "The other party is openly expressing their intention to sell. If it were a competitor, they wouldn't leave room for negotiation."

"So, they're just making an outrageous demand?"

Considering Xiao Qiang's grim expression and the fact that it didn't seem to involve a competitor, Liu Zhuo could only imagine that the other party was asking for an exorbitant price.

Xiao Qiang let out a bitter laugh. "Outrageous might be an understatement! Last night, I met with the person for a preliminary discussion. He's an unknown in the business world—I've never even heard of the name Ye Chen. Based on my analysis, his acquisition of Jinzhong Village seems to be a personal endeavor, with no financial backers involved."

Liu Zhuo didn't interrupt, knowing Xiao Qiang wasn't done speaking.

"He acquired the 66 properties in Jinzhong Village for just over 60 million yuan, averaging less than a million per property. Last night, I expressed our intent and offered 1.5 million per property. Guess what? He said I lacked sincerity and walked out! In just one day, he could've made over 30 million in profit, yet he said I wasn't being sincere and didn't even leave room for negotiation!"

At this point, Xiao Qiang couldn't help but feel indignant.

Having spent years in the business world, she'd dealt with her share of unconventional and greedy individuals, but someone like Ye Chen was a first.

"So, how much does he want?" Liu Zhuo asked with a frown.

Xiao Qiang exhaled deeply, a bitter look on her face. "Take a guess!"

"Five million per property?" Liu Zhuo blurted out.

To him, a fivefold increase in just a couple of days was already shockingly greedy.

"Five million? That would still count as outrageous. He's asking for 10 million per property! In just three days, he wants to flip his investment tenfold. And he's made it clear—he won't budge a single cent!" Xiao Qiang said bitterly.

"He's crazy! A price like that? Turning 60 million into over 600 million in just a few days?" Liu Zhuo exclaimed in shock.

"Crazy or not, I don't think he's bluffing. Based on my initial judgment, he's likely to stick to his price," Xiao Qiang replied.

Without waiting for Liu Zhuo's response, she continued, "That's why I said it's a tough problem. This kind of price is beyond what I can decide. Old Liu, what do you think we should do? I'm out of ideas!"

"He must've figured out that Hengda Group needs Jinzhong Village!"

Pulling at his tie, Liu Zhuo gritted his teeth. "In just a few days, what could've been settled for tens of millions now requires billions. How am I supposed to report this to the chairman?"

"Right now, Hengda Group is like a fish on the chopping board—there's no negotiating power on our side. Jinzhong Village is the key to our suburban development plan, and the other party knows it. Without it, we'll struggle to get the government's development rights. Once the government announces the extension of Metro Line 10 and signals suburban development, all our prior advantages will evaporate. Worse, once other capital players join the suburban development frenzy, our position will be completely undermined!" Xiao Qiang explained.

Liu Zhuo's brows furrowed deeply into a scowl.

"That's exactly why I'm unsure what to do! Jinzhong Village is essential, but a 6-billion-plus price tag? I just can't bring it up to the chairman!" Xiao Qiang nodded in agreement.

"It's like having a fly stuck in your throat—you can't spit it out, and you can't swallow it."

"I'll report this to the chairman. Meanwhile, get him to come to our headquarters. I'll meet with him personally. We can't afford delays, but he has all the time in the world," Liu Zhuo said firmly after some thought.

"Understood. I'll arrange it right away," Xiao Qiang replied.

She wasted no time, knowing that Ye Chen could wait, but Hengda Group could not.

However, when she dialed Ye Chen's number, all she got was a busy tone.

At a Jiangzhou amusement park.

Chen Yinuo and little Yuyou were happily riding a carousel, while Ye Chen had gone to buy some water.

On his way back, his phone rang—it was Zhang Jingshan.

"Brother Ye!"

"Hmm? What's up?" Ye Chen asked as he carried the water back toward the carousel area.

"My old man asked me to invite you over for dinner tonight. Would you be free?" Zhang Jingshan said with a sheepish laugh.

"What's the occasion? Why's the old man suddenly inviting me over for dinner?"

As Ye Chen spoke, a thought occurred to him. "Did you tell him something?"

"Not much, just mentioned you're not up to much lately. Then the topic shifted to Jinzhong Village. He heard about it and decided to invite you. So, are you free tonight?" Zhang Jingshan asked.

Xiao Qiang's call came through just as Ye Chen ended his conversation with Zhang Jingshan.

"President Xiao, what is it? Did Hengda Group accept my price?" Ye Chen asked with a laugh.

Hearing his teasing tone, Xiao Qiang felt as if the thorn in her throat had sunk deeper.

"Mr. Ye, let's not talk about the price for now. Could you come to our headquarters later today?" Xiao Qiang asked, forcing a smile.

"Later? No, I'm at an amusement park with my wife and child," Ye Chen replied.

Xiao Qiang was dumbfounded. Spending time at an amusement park was more important than a billion-dollar deal?

"What about later tonight?" she asked again.

"Also no. I have dinner plans," Ye Chen said.

Xiao Qiang's face twitched in frustration. Was he deliberately toying with Hengda Group?

"When would you be free, then?" she asked, suppressing her emotions.

"Tomorrow morning," Ye Chen replied.

Relieved, Xiao Qiang said, "Alright, we'll see you tomorrow morning at Hengda Group. I'll inform the front desk to expect you."