Chapter 291: Growing Grass (Subscribe Please)
At dusk, a brand-new 'Luo Shen 888' super flying wing sports car slowly drove into Olin Manor.
This was Fang Ranran's new car. She had her eyes on this supercar designed specifically for ladies since long ago but could never gather enough funds to collect it until today when she got the 50 million transferred from Lin Rui, and she picked up this car in the afternoon.
She had also gifted her Shen Wing 520 to Lin Rui.
To be honest, a flying wing sports car was merely for a novel experience; the ride wasn't even as good as those official vehicles.
She had already grown tired of the Shen Wing 520.
"I never believed that only a few months later, Lin Rui, you would already be more valuable than me,"
Fang Ranran said with a reflective look, "Do you know how much those lobbying firms are offering to have a meal with me now? At most 80 million federal dollars, but you, you went straight to 100 million."
The Earth Federation Government and the Ninth Base City both allowed the business of "lobbying."
Any interest group could state their demands and propositions to government officials and legislators through professional lobbyists or institutions to influence government decisions and legislation. In simple terms, it was legal corruption.
Fang Ranran's father, Fang Xianzheng, was not only an important member of three committees within the Federation Congress but also the whip of the second largest party, the 'People's Party', which also held 22% of the seats in the Ninth Base City's assembly.
Therefore, when Fang Xianzheng could not handle it occasionally, Fang Ranran would meet with those professional lobbyists or institutions on behalf of her father.
That's why she could hold significant positions in so many charity organizations and foundations.
Fang Ranran was hiding under her father's wings, weaving her own network of connections, awaiting her graduation to step into politics.
Lin Rui, hearing this, could not help but chuckle, "People make you feel like a breath of fresh air when they invite you to meals, but for me, it's a banquet with hidden dangers. Could it even compare?"
Fang Ranran raised an eyebrow, "There's no looming crisis here; whatever he says, just shove the responsibility on me."
She had taken Lin Rui's 50 million, so of course, she had to help him handle the issues.
The Jinyu Hall box that Geng Tai mentioned was one of the second-top-tier boxes in Olin Manor, not only boasting five rooms but also a viewing balcony with an especially beautiful view.
As the two were led by a waiter into the box, a group of suits and ties, burly young men all stared at Fang Ranran in a daze.
One of the young men, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and carrying a scholarly charisma, also looked surprised, "Are you young manager Fang?"
Fang Ranran ignored him and directly walked to the viewing balcony, sitting across from a young man, "So it really is you. Whatever you have to say to Lin Rui, please make it quick. Lin Rui and I have other matters to attend to."
Lin Rui also sat down beside her, sizing up the young man across from him.
It indeed was Jin Tianchen. Lin Rui had seen this person's battle footage before. He was about the same age as Lin Rui, dressed in a fashionable and proper white suit, quite handsome with deep facial contours, a tall nose bridge, and dark eyes carrying a somber temperament.
The guy's skin housed an impressive facade, initially giving a very favorable impression, but Lin Rui knew this fellow in front of him was a devil who had gathered a group of scoundrels to gang-rape a female classmate and even buried her family too.
Fang Ranran claimed his innate nature might not be so wicked; he merely didn't regard humans as humans from birth.
In Jin Tianchen's eyes, the people around him were no different from the chickens, ducks, pigs, and dogs—like humans playing online games, treating NPCs however they want without worries of consequences, naturally being unrestrained.
Jin Tianchen seemed not to have expected Fang Ranran to come. His expression grew even more sullen as he glanced at Lin Rui and then at Fang Ranran.
Jin Tianchen then sneered softly and leaned back in his chair, "I wanted to discuss some topics privately with Mr. Lin here, but since Mr. Lin is quite vigilant, bringing you along—"
Fang Ranran scoffed, "Seeing people like you, being cautious is only appropriate."
"I'm not some bad guy," Jin Tianchen shrugged, then solemnly turned to Lin Rui, "Let's talk business. Seven days from now our Second City University is going to face your Mingde University, and for the captain's battle, I want you to forfeit. How much money—"
He was interrupted mid-sentence when Fang Ranran slammed her foot on the table, the huge impact forcing Jin Tianchen to brace the round table with his hands.
Fang Ranran glared at Jin Tianchen, "Jin, did you think I wasn't here?"
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Jin Tianchen, bracing the table, chuckled casually, "Lin is indeed a student of your school, but this is Lin's own matter. You should let him decide for himself.
I know Mr. Lin you're currently very popular and can't afford to lose, so I'm not asking you to lose. Just find a suitable reason not to enter the battle; you can name your price. How much are you willing to give up this fight? You wouldn't be wronged either; I am a third-year in the hall of fame. Even if you lose to me, it would still be a glorious defeat."
He looked intently at Lin Rui, "How about it? If you're willing to give up, you could gain the friendship of Jinhao Real Estate Group."
Lin Rui knew this guy was being sarcastic. What was the use of getting the friendship of Jinhao Real Estate Group? Could it be eaten or drunk?
But refusing a toast only means having to drink a forfeit later. To many, the Jinhao Real Estate Group was a monumental behemoth.
He was about to speak when Fang Ranran pressed down on his shoulder, "I'll handle this; this jerk has provoked me."
She used her thoughts to directly dial a phone call. With arms crossed, she spoke, "Uncle Lin, right? Yes, it's me. Does Jinhao Real Estate Group have a project on a plot at 421 Third Avenue? How about the Environmental Bureau steps in and investigates the project's impact on the surrounding environment?
Don't worry, I will have the three environmental organizations I've joined follow up. From what I know, that real estate project has had issues from the start. Considering the welfare of the local residents, it's only reasonable for the Environmental Bureau to get involved. When exactly? It depends on whether Jinhao Real Estate Group's development plan meets environmental standards. Rest assured, I'll hold the fort at the assembly."
Jin Tianchen couldn't help but stare blankly, his eyes wide as he looked at Fang Ranran, "Miss Fang, is this really appropriate?"
Plot No. 421 on Third Avenue was a major project that Jinhao Real Estate Group had been preparing for a long time, involving funds of up to 12,000 billion federal dollars.
This woman, without even a word of disagreement, directly targeted his uncle's company's project.
Jin Tianchen was indeed very favored by his uncle, but he also knew that if his uncle found out that it was because of him that the project was delayed, he would definitely not be pleased.
"It's you who have broken the rules."
Fang Ranran stood up; her hands pressed against the tabletop, she looked down at Jin Tianchen like an eagle, "Since you dared to threaten my people in front of me, naturally, you must pay a price. Jin Tianchen, there are always some people in this world you cannot provoke; you need to learn to keep your tail between your legs in front of them."
Then she turned around and walked straight towards the door, "Lin Rui, let's go. There's nothing to discuss with him."
On hearing this, Lin Rui smiled and stood up to follow Fang Ranran.
He thought to himself how truly imposing Miss Fang was, making a neat 50 million.
Jin Tianchen's expression, however, was dark as iron, "600 million! I offer 600 million federal dollars for your battle with me in seven days, but don't use the 'Yang Pulling Slash!'"
He had already seen Lin Rui's fight with Iron Fist Lauen and that move, the 'Yang Pulling Slash.'
Lin Rui's secret blade technique was indeed very strong, but Jin Tianchen wasn't without strategies to counter it, though it would require sacrificing a valuable SS+ grade implant spot, which was not worth it.
The battle in seven days, Jin Tianchen absolutely could not lose either.
He was earning nearly 2.7 billion federal dollars a month on various platforms, all supported by his current fame. Losing to Lin Rui would cost far more than 600 million.
This was all Jin Tianchen's own income.
Although he was the nephew of the chairman of Jinhao Real Estate Group, the group wasn't his, and his share was pitifully small. Moreover, his position in the family depended entirely on his martial arts talent.
And this amount of money, he could easily make it back with a casual bet in underground gambling.
Lin Rui and Fang Ranran, however, turned a deaf ear and continued walking towards the door.
"800 million~900 million!"
Jin Tianchen's eyes turned colder, 900 million federal dollars was his limit.
An SSS+ grade complete implant wouldn't cost more than that on the market.
He thought, since he had already offended Fang Ranran, there was no need for courtesy.
Jin Tianchen picked up the wine glass in front of him and swirled it, "This is my final offer, plus a total of 700 million federal dollars' worth of business between Lin Da Yongrong Company and our company. How about it?"
Lin Rui suddenly turned around and coldly stared at Jin Tianchen.
Although Lin Rui and Lin Da were not very close and didn't have much affection,
that remark just now had crossed his line.
Lin Rui immediately sent Fang Ranran a message,
Gu Ying Tiandao (Lin Rui): Ranran, please tell me, if I agree, how can I legally and compliantly accept this money?
He didn't mean anything else; he just wanted to take down Jin Tianchen's money, a hefty few months' worth of salary, 900 million federal dollars.
But the money from that guy across from him couldn't be taken lightly; even the slightest misstep could have endless repercussions, at the lightest being disqualified by the University Martial Arts Competition Committee, and at worst, facing imprisonment.
After reading the message, Fang Ranran's brows furrowed instinctively, feeling displeased. However, having been raised by her grandfather, she was very composed and could remain unperturbed even if the sky were falling.
She realized there must be a reason why Lin Rui asked this.
Rainy Heart Dust (Fang Ranran): Lin Rui, what are you thinking? There's certainly a way to receive the money if you want to, and whether to use that blade technique in the arena is up to you, but this is not good. If it is because of his threatening statement, I can help you look into it and see how to resolve it.
Gu Ying Tiandao (Lin Rui): My mutant form will achieve Dragon Molt in five days.
After ascending to Dragon Molt, his spiritual power was about to explode.
Moreover, he now didn't rely solely on 'Yang Pulling Slash' as his secret technique.
But Fang Ranran's eyes widened in disbelief after reading his message.
She felt incredulity sprouting wildly within her; she couldn't believe it at all.
Lin Rui's mutant form was about to achieve Dragon Molt, entering the fifth realm? How could this guy advance so quickly?