Third Uncle Shi took over the conversation and said apologetically, "Well, we are all family here, so let's not beat around the bush. The company is launching a new project and we urgently need working capital..."
His voice trailed off; he rubbed his hands, licked his lips, and with fervent eyes, he continued, "Not much, just 50 million."
Not much, just 50 million.
Shi Lingyan seemed to smile as he once again took a cigarette out of the pack.
For a moment, no one could grasp what Shi Lingyan meant.
Shi Xuebai watched Shi Lingyan's expression, his heart pounding. He fished out a lighter from his pocket, shielded the flame with his hand to light Lingyan's cigarette, and cautiously pitched, "We're very confident about this project. If it succeeds, our Shi Family will certainly make a name for itself in Xia Country. Not only will Shi Mei be proud, but Mr. Shi, you'll also share the glory."
Shi Lingyan squinted, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and with a barely there curvature on his lips, glanced at him and casually replied, "Okay."
With those two words, the Shi Family was ecstatic.
Shi Yunchang felt something was amiss.
When had Shi Lingyan become so easily agreeable?
There's something fishy about an anomaly!
Shi Yunchang had a foreboding sense, yet couldn't point out what was wrong. He carefully asked, "Brother-in-law, my father is talking about an injection of 50 million."
Shi Xuebai, infuriated, turned around and slapped him, scolding, "Doesn't Mr. Shi know that? Mr. Shi was angel investing when you still didn't know where you were!"
Shi Yunchang, struck unjustly, looked up at Wang Quanxia.
Wang Quanxia too sensed something off and confirmed, "Mr. Shi, are you really okay with supporting our capital injection?"
"Don't want it?" Shi Lingyan exhaled a smoke ring, his smile ambiguous as he began to turn away, "Then..."
"We do, of course we do!" Third Uncle Shi hurriedly held on to Shi Lingyan, ecstatically thanking him, "Your insight is unparalleled, Mr. Shi. We believe we surely won't let you down. Rest assured, we will provide a good return. With us joining the ranks of the top four, you'll be the number one contributor!"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Shi Xuebai rubbed his hands, his eyes bright.
Shi Lingyan's face was unreadable. He flicked the cigarette ash and said indifferently, "Yun Du will get in touch with you later."
Yun Du was Shi Lingyan's best brother from their military days. After leaving the army, he became Shi Lingyan's right-hand man.
Seeing the deal as good as sealed, the Shi Family was overjoyed, "We're truly grateful!"
"Mr. Shi, you're simply a living angel!"
Shi Lingyan, not wanting to listen to more insincere flattery, waved his hand dismissively, "That's enough."
The Shi Family dared not linger and promptly made a respectful exit.
Witnessing this disgusting display, Bai Yuejie felt indignant and asked, "Brother Ling Yan, are you really going to invest in them?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
Bai Yuejie grew even more frustrated, "These worthless fools have failed time and time again. If that 50 million goes down the drain..."
"I have my plans," Shi Lingyan turned, extinguished his cigarette, and with a distant and indifferent attitude, said, "Let's go back."
"Brother Ling Yan..." Bai Yuejie wanted to persuade him further, but the look in Shi Lingyan's eyes silenced her. She left the room.
Just as she stepped out, Bai Yuejie saw a small pink shadow crouched behind the door. The figure looked timid, with wide, bright, scared, and bewildered eyes staring at her.