Chapter 140: Obstruction

While Fatty Zhou and Xiang Xiaomeng were bidding, Zhang Wei refrained from prompting Fatty Zhou. For one, he was unsure of the specific issues with the land and wanted to take this opportunity to observe Dong Biao’s thoughts more closely to get to the bottom of the matter. Secondly, one’s value is only truly demonstrated when speaking at the most critical moment, which is how one earns appreciation and respect. This is why those adept at self-presentation are more likely to succeed; by choosing the pivotal moment of contract signing to speak up, Zhang Wei ensured he would be the center of attention.

Zhang Wei’s career had started from such a low point that he had to seize every opportunity to showcase himself and prove his strength. Only by earning recognition for his abilities could he gradually integrate into the so-called upper class and gain access to a grander stage. Of course, Zhang Wei’s premise for demonstrating his capabilities was always to protect Fatty Zhou’s interests. This was not because Zhang Wei enjoyed playing mind games, but simply because he hungered for success and created opportunities to achieve it.

As the saying goes, "the marketplace is a battlefield." It is far more complex and brutal than the average person imagines. Being too honest or keeping too low a profile makes it difficult to achieve great success in the business world. It was precisely people like Zhang Wei who were better suited to survive and thrive in such an environment.

"Director Dong, let me introduce you. This is my brother, Zhang Wei, the professional consultant I’ve brought along. He has a question for you before we sign." Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s prompt, Fatty Zhou turned to look at him and noticed him signaling with his eyes. Although he didn’t know what Zhang Wei intended to say, he took the initiative to introduce him.

"Oh? Since he is a consultant invited by Director Zhou, Mr. Zhang, please feel free to ask your question." Dong Biao squinted his small eyes and forced a smile, though he felt a sense of unease. He wondered why Zhang Wei would intervene at such a critical moment.

Xiang Xiaomeng swept her bright, intelligent eyes toward Zhang Wei. She hadn't paid much attention to him before, but now that he had stepped in to obstruct the signing, she examined him with newfound curiosity.

"Director Dong, my question is actually quite simple. There have been rumors that your company is facing a cash flow shortage. I’d like to ask if that is the reason you are selling this plot of land!" Zhang Wei stared sharply at Dong Biao, cutting straight to the point.

"Oh... while it’s not exactly something to boast about, that is indeed a contributing factor," Dong Biao replied, feigning a look of difficulty.

Despite his words, Dong Biao was shocked internally. *Why would this man named Zhang Wei ask me that? Could he know there’s an issue with the land? Impossible! Although the soil quality is unsuitable for high-rise construction, the government paperwork is all perfectly in order. There’s no way an outsider could know!*

Zhang Wei had been using his mind-reading ability to probe Dong Biao’s thoughts and naturally uncovered the true reason for the sale. The realization startled him. Though Dong Biao had only spoken one sentence, the implications were profound.

First, the geological issues rendering the land unsuitable for high-rises meant it did not meet the criteria for public bidding. Yet, it had moved through the process successfully, with all government-issued documents complete. This was a sensitive matter; left alone, it might fade away, but if someone were to expose it, it would cause a massive public outcry, and the associated officials would certainly face disciplinary action.

Every industry has an invisible network of connections, and the real estate sector is no exception. While the land itself was worth only 100 million yuan, the web of interests behind it was likely vast. Anyone who dared to stir up this hornet’s nest could forget about ever working in Beijing’s real estate industry again.

After peeking into Dong Biao’s thoughts, Zhang Wei made up his mind to stop Fatty Zhou from buying the land at all costs. Otherwise, it would be a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment, not only causing financial ruin but potentially offending powerful figures.

The old adage that "the common people should not fight with the government" is not empty talk. Probably only a tycoon on the level of Li Ka-shing could face such a situation with detachment, as he would no longer need to fear local authorities. But there are only a dozen such tycoons among all the Chinese people. While Fatty Zhou was worth billions, he was still far from that level. If he were to buy this land without understanding the depths of the situation, he would have no choice but to swallow his losses in silence.

"Brother Fat, Dong Biao is likely not telling the truth. There must be another reason he’s selling this land; it’s not just a cash flow shortage," Zhang Wei said, leaning in to whisper in Fatty Zhou’s ear after a moment of contemplation.

"Brother, are you sure?" Fatty Zhou’s brow furrowed. His eyes darted around, and he asked with a look of surprise.

"Certain. This contract must not be signed," Zhang Wei said, his voice low and his tone resolute.

Seeing Zhang Wei so certain, Fatty Zhou immediately felt a sense of unease. He turned to whisper to Wu Qian, and the couple exchanged a few words in hushed tones, clearly hesitant. They had been negotiating for this land for a long time, and with the final price already set, it was unexpected for Zhang Wei to stop them. Furthermore, Zhang Wei had no direct evidence, only conclusions drawn from his "micro-expression analysis." Anyone would be hesitant in such a situation.

A moment later, Fatty Zhou looked up, clearly having reached a decision. "Director Dong, since you are selling this land due to a cash flow shortage, a deal at 100 million yuan might be hard to justify. I think we should reconsider the price of this plot."

Although Fatty Zhou’s words were tactful, everyone present was a business elite; no one failed to notice his intention to delay the signing. Aside from Zhang Wei and Wu Qian, everyone felt suspicious, wondering what Zhang Wei had said to make Fatty Zhou willing to give up on the deal.

"Director Zhou, you aren't the only one interested in this land. If you aren't ready to sign now, I might have to sell it to someone else," Dong Biao said, glancing pointedly at Xiang Xiaomeng. He felt a sudden sinking feeling upon hearing Fatty Zhou’s words, but he tried his best to keep his composure and resorted to a threat.

"Director Dong, since Director Zhou doesn't want to sign right now, why don't we go have lunch? I’m not going to be a witness if I'm hungry," Xiang Xiaomeng said with a charming laugh. She was also interested in the land; although she didn't know why Fatty Zhou was delaying, it was a good opportunity for her.

"Haha, since Director Xiang has said so, let's have lunch first and continue our discussions this afternoon," Dong Biao said with a forced smile. "I'll have someone book a private room. Please wait a moment."

After saying this, Dong Biao stood up and left the conference room. Xiang Xiaomeng’s party of four also stood up, exchanged pleasantries, and departed, leaving only Fatty Zhou’s group in the room.

"Brother-in-law, weren't we all set? Why give up on the signing suddenly? What’s going on?" Wu Yue asked impatiently once the others had left.

Fatty Zhou and his wife had decided to enter the real estate industry largely due to the encouragement of Wu Yue and her husband, Zhang Mingyi, because the latter worked in real estate planning and marketing. If Fatty Zhou entered the industry, he would certainly rely heavily on Zhang Mingyi. In this specific deal, if Fatty Zhou had successfully signed, Zhang Mingyi would have earned a substantial commission. Thus, Wu Yue and Zhang Mingyi were even more anxious than the couple when the deal fell through.

"Zhang Wei said there might be a problem with the land, so your sister and I decided to reconsider," Fatty Zhou explained.

"Land isn't like a car; it doesn't break or wear out. What could possibly be wrong with it?" Wu Yue said, unconvinced. "Besides, what gives him the right to say there's a problem? I bet he doesn't even know where the land is located."

"Brother-in-law, I am a professional real estate marketer. Everything I do follows standard procedures, and all the documents for this land are complete. There cannot be any issues," Zhang Mingyi said, adjusting his glasses with a look of confidence.

"Zhang Wei, Wu Yue and Mingyi are right. How exactly did you determine there was a problem? Just based on that question you asked?" Wu Qian asked, her own doubts rising after hearing her sister and brother-in-law.

"Dong Biao claimed he was selling the land due to a cash flow shortage, but I clearly saw he was lying. That’s why I suspect there is another reason for the sale—or that the land itself is problematic," Zhang Wei said. His mind-reading ability was his greatest secret; he couldn't tell anyone, not even those closest to him, so he had to attribute his conclusion to micro-expression analysis.

"Zhang Wei, I don't deny that micro-expression analysis exists, but academic theories aren't infallible. I think you're being too presumptuous," Wu Yue challenged.

"I trust my judgment. This land must not be bought," Zhang Wei said, refusing to offer any further useless defense.

Zhang Wei and Wu Yue held their ground, neither able to convince the other, and with Fatty Zhou and his wife still wavering, the atmosphere in the conference room became oppressive.

*Beep, beep, beep...*

A cell phone rang, and the sound came from Zhang Wei. He pulled out his phone and saw that it was a call from Xu Ming.

"I need to take this call," Zhang Wei told the group and walked to the side of the room. He pressed the answer button and said, "Hello, Brother Xu?"

"Zhang Wei, the Yayuan branch has been trashed! Get back here immediately!"