On a row of small stools, four men sat side by side.

Fishing lines were cast into the water, waiting quietly for a bite.

"Brother Ye, I heard you've been busy with the production park for 'Yi Ren Ru Xue' lately. How's it going?" Li Changfeng asked with a smile.

"It's coming along. The park has entered the construction phase. Now it's up to Uncle Zhang to keep the project on schedule and get it done as soon as possible," Ye Chen replied with a laugh.

He knew these three had been eager to meet him, clearly aiming to discuss entering the real estate industry. But since they hadn't brought it up, he wasn't in a rush to mention it either.

"Brother Ye, I won't deny I'm not fond of Zhang Xingguo, but to be fair, while he may not be particularly skilled, he's straightforward. Most of what he has today is thanks to riding on his father's coattails. But one thing is certain—when he makes a promise, he delivers. Especially when it comes to your project, he won't cut corners or compromise on quality," Zhang Jingshan said, unexpectedly speaking positively about his father.

"If he weren't at least trustworthy, he wouldn't have been able to build Yong'an Construction, even with my grandfather's reputation. After all, the old man retired long ago. Social connections only go so far—people can choose whether to respect them or not. If Zhang Xingguo weren't reliable, he would've failed long ago!"

"What's gotten into you today? Defending your dad? Is the sun rising in the west?" Li Changfeng teased.

"Get lost! I'm not defending him—just stating facts. Even if I don't like him, I can acknowledge his strengths. He may not have many, but he's honest and fair, and at least he hasn't tarnished my grandfather's name. If he had, the old man would have dealt with him long ago. So, Brother Ye, I feel reassured with him handling the project. In terms of quality and pricing, I doubt you'd find anyone as reliable in Jiangzhou, or even globally," Zhang Jingshan added.

"You have a point. Honestly, Uncle Zhang is a good man. Jingshan, you should really try to repair your relationship with him. You can't stay at odds forever—it's not like you two are enemies from a past life. He's your father," Li Changfeng said.

Before he could continue, Zhang Jingshan cut him off.

"Enough. I don't need a lecture. I know where I stand. I can't let it go that easily. Less than two years after my mom passed, he was already starting another family behind my back. I only found out later. I understand he was entitled to remarry, but my mom died because of him. He didn't have to rush into it."

"Don't be so rigid. Changfeng's right—you should try to open your heart a little. Holding onto resentment only makes things harder for yourself. I know it's easy to say, but you two are father and son. If you keep this up, the one who suffers is the old man. Besides, if even he isn't against Zhang Xingguo remarrying, it shows he wasn't as heartless as you think," Ye Chen added.

Ye Chen hadn't planned to intervene, but since the old man had hinted at it before, he took this chance to say a few words.

"Brother Ye, let's not talk about this anymore. I know what to do. Let's focus on business. Are you planning to enter the real estate market with Jiwei? Changfeng and I want in too. We're just waiting for your lead. What's the plan?" Zhang Jingshan quickly shifted the topic to real estate.

This was what they had been eager about, especially Zhao Jiwei. Since their last meeting at the White Swan Hotel, Ye Chen hadn't mentioned it again, leaving them unsure of his intentions.

"Brother Ye, about what you told me regarding real estate, I discussed it with Jingshan and Changfeng. We're thinking of investing 5% each, you hold 51%, and I'll take 39%. What do you think?" Zhao Jiwei added.

"I figured this was why you came looking for me. But even if you hadn't, I was going to bring it up soon," Ye Chen said with a smile.

He looked at Zhang Jingshan and Li Changfeng. "Are you both sure about investing 5% each?"

"Yes. We're not as strong financially, and even if we were, this is your and Jiwei's project. We're just along for the ride. We wouldn't feel right asking for more," Li Changfeng said with a sheepish smile.

"Alright."

Ye Chen glanced at him approvingly.

"Let's divide the shares as planned—51% for me, 39% for Jiwei, and 5% each for Changfeng and Jingshan."

"So, Brother Ye, what's the next step?" Zhang Jingshan asked eagerly.

"First, we need a shell company. But with the qualifications needed to establish a real estate company, we're clearly lacking. By the time we meet the requirements, the opportunity might pass. So, we'll have to do a reverse takeover," Ye Chen said seriously.

"Brother Ye, about that—my dad mentioned something. A few years ago, he invested in a real estate company on the outskirts of the Pearl River Delta. Due to various issues, it's been struggling. Recently, the other shareholders pulled out, leaving my dad as the sole investor. He was planning to cut his losses, but when he heard about your interest in real estate, he suggested relocating the company to Jiangzhou and letting us use it. What do you think?" Zhao Jiwei said.

He added, "Honestly, it's just an empty shell now—no land holdings or assets. My dad invested on impulse and got swindled. But since he owns it outright, we can transfer it over directly. What do you think?"