Elton Leng's voice was low and hoarse: "Fyren, what exactly are you scheming? Eliza wasn't like this before—she was never impulsive, never out of control. Not only are you pretending to be confused today, but you're also pushing my daughter into this disaster. What hold do you have over her to make her completely lose her composure!?"
"No, I don't... I really don't..."
Otto chimed in, "You're deliberately trying to ruin the Leng family and bankrupt Qingfeng Group so you can acquire it at a low price. That way, both Qingfeng Group and Eliza will become your playthings, to do with as you please. Is that your plan?"
Fyren thought to himself, "You're something else!
Can't get girls, can't get girls, but you're an absolute expert at framing people! You're truly in a league of your own—a dead giveaway!
Your thinking is sharp and vicious!"
But Fyren knew he couldn't lose control now. He had to handle the situation carefully, or else he'd be finished.
He couldn't afford to die a seventh time in such a blur!
Fyren quickly said, "Both of you, calm down. Let me go talk to her, let me persuade her..."
Otto grabbed Fyren by the collar. "You go? Who do you think you are?"
Fyren's heart sank. Damn, this bastard's about to throw hands!
Am I really going to die in Elton Leng's study?
Screw it! Bring it on!
Fyren suddenly roared in anger, "Otto, back off!"
"What did you just say?"
Fyren retorted, "I'm telling you, I genuinely believe the shantytown renovation project is profitable. In business, I'm just stating my professional judgment—is there a problem? How was I supposed to know Eliza would suddenly get so worked up? This is completely unexpected—can't you see that?"
Elton Leng was fuming. "What profit is there in shantytown renovation? That project hasn't even reached a third of its progress, the leadership has changed four times, and three people have already jumped to their deaths! And you're telling Eliza to jump into this inferno?"
Fyren argued, "Fortune favors the bold! Crisis means opportunity within danger!"
Otto scoffed mockingly. "Oh? If there's such an opportunity, why isn't your Zhang family investing?"
Fyren had been waiting for this. "I've decided to invest in the shantytown renovation project."
This left Elton Leng and Otto momentarily stunned.
A shantytown renovation project is as obvious as a louse on a bald head—no, a zit on a bald head—no, a louse on a bald head. It's plain as day.
It was a pit—a giant pit, a sinkhole, a bottomless abyss.
Anyone who touches it dies. So many wealthy people have been drained dry by this project, left drowning in debt with no way out except jumping off a building.
Now, Fyren was even suggesting they jump into this pit. It truly left the two men stunned.
Fyren steadied his breathing. "Originally, I thought this project could bring the Leng family together. Of course, I also had my own selfish motives—sharing the risk between our two families. But now, it seems I'll have to take it on alone."
Elton Leng still didn't believe him. "You... really intend to invest in the shantytown renovation project?"
"I, Fyren, never take back what I say."
Elton Leng grimaced in disgust. "That's a revolting way to put it!"
Otto's head was spinning. Since when did Fyren start making suicidal investments? This doesn't fit his character at all!
This guy had always put profit above all else—he'd never take on a losing venture, let alone one guaranteed to bankrupt him!
Fyren scoffed. "Who cares about pants? I'd rather live bare-assed than die! Right now, nothing matters more than my life."
He turned to Elton. "Uncle Elton, hold on. Let me go talk to Eliza. Once she's calmed down, we can discuss anything."
Then, to Otto: "Otto, don't worry. I'll persuade her to invest in the amusement city project instead—how's that? But my Zhang family won't be involved. You'll have to take the lead, work closely with Eliza, and help her out."
Fyren sighed deeply and put on a sincere expression. "But honestly, I still don't like this project. It seems too good to be true. Since you all think there's something fishy about it, I won't stand in your way. Just remember—if things go south, I was against it from the start!"
Otto froze. Holy shit.
This guy just screwed me over, and I can't even get mad!
How the hell does he make it sound so reasonable?!
Not liking the project is just my personal opinion—you asked, and I answered. Eliza's extreme reaction caught me off guard too.
There's nothing wrong with that!
And now that things have come to this, I'll do as you say—convince Eliza to listen to you, follow your lead.
But if this blows up in our faces, don't blame me later.
Completely justified! Perfectly logical! And flawlessly structured!
On top of that, Fyren had subtly implied he wasn't competing with Otto—the Zhang family wouldn't interfere, leaving Otto and Eliza to rake in the profits together.
That... a man and woman working together, she's beautiful and you're handsome, right?...
At that point, you might end up working on more than just the project, if you know what I mean? Developing something beyond just the business could work out well too!
The corner of Otto's mouth twitched into a smile before he composed his expression. "Can you actually persuade Eliza?"
"I'll try."
Fyren felt like this place was an interrogation chamber - one wrong word and his life could be in jeopardy.
He needed to get out immediately!
"I'll go find her now. Wait here for my good news!"
Fyren hurried after Eliza. Of course, the two men in the room thought he was eager to catch up with her, but in reality, he was desperately making his escape.
Eliza sat slumped over the steering wheel of a sports car, crying bitterly.
Fyren watched her from outside, feeling a pang of sympathy.
Gently opening the passenger door, he slid into the seat.
Eliza sat up, wiping away tears and sniffing. "What now, Fyren? Any more disasters you want to drag me into?"
Fyren looked slightly embarrassed as he sighed. "I'm taking you for a drive. Move over."
Eliza had expected some comforting words, even insincere ones.
But no.
He simply smiled gently at her, like an elder observing a crying child - in no hurry to lecture, first wanting to cheer her up.
Eliza didn't protest as they switched seats.
"Buckle up. Let's go."
Fyren took the wheel. The gatekeeper hurriedly opened the iron gates as the car accelerated away.
Having been a deliveryman in his past life, Fyren had often seen luxury cars on the roads.
During his first transmigration, just touching a luxury car's steering wheel had excited him so much he got shot by the protagonist on day one.
Now on his seventh attempt, he'd adapted completely.
The sports car handled smoothly, occasionally drifting - terrifying Eliza.
Fyren noticed her face pale with fear, lips pressed tightly together to suppress any screams.
Good woman, he thought admiringly.
"Let's have some real fun," Fyren said. "We'll do this properly."
The car accelerated sharply again. This time, Eliza couldn't contain her fear.
"Fyren..."
"Hmm? What's wrong?" Despite the speeding vehicle, Fyren's face remained impassive, his gaze steady.
"Slow down... I'm scared."
"Alright."
The car came to a stop on a quieter beachfront road, and they went for a walk along the shore.
Eliza carried her heels, walking barefoot in the sand while gazing at the sunset's afterglow with a heavy heart.
Neither spoke as they continued walking in silence.
When Eliza grew tired, they sat on a wooden bench by the roadside. Fyren bought drinks, and they sipped them while watching the sun gradually sink below the horizon.
Eliza stared at the distant ocean. "Do you really believe the shantytown project will be profitable? Be honest."
Fyren laughed. "Bullshit. Profitable my ass. Who in their right mind would touch that project after so many people got ruined by it?"
"Then why did you suggest I take it?"
"I never thought you'd actually agree!"
"You knew the right answer - why didn't you say so?"
Fyren sighed. "I had my reasons."
Eliza smiled. For the first time, she felt certain Fyren was telling the truth.
In the distance, a young man led a girl to approach a middle-aged woman.
"Mom, this is my girlfriend, Lily."
The middle-aged American woman complimented the girl, and soon all three were sitting happily on the beach, drinking and chatting, their laughter carrying across the sand.
Fyren watched the scene intently. Eliza noticed too.
Just ordinary people, all three of them.
The boy looked young and athletic, with faint acne on his face and a basketball slung across his back - the picture of youthful energy.
The girl was plain-looking but gentle and shy, gazing at the boy with happy, bashful eyes.
The boy's mother was attractive with a kind, warm expression...
Fyren suddenly felt a pang of sorrow, remembering his own mother still hospitalized. He wished he could return to his world immediately, make enough money to cure her illness.
[If I could marry an ordinary girl like that and introduce her to my mom, she'd be so happy.]
[I'd give anything in exchange. Take my sports car, my villa. Your happiness - can you give it to me?]
Eliza was taken aback.
She'd always thought of Fyren as a ruthless businessman obsessed only with profit, an unscrupulous speculator.
But today she realized - was this what he was really like inside?
Who would ever believe such a thing?
If it weren't for hearing his inner thoughts, I'd never believe it!
Looking at Fyren's calm expression, the envy, blessing, and relief flowing from his eyes - even with a hint of bitterness - Eliza suddenly felt that she and Fyren were essentially the same kind of person.
"Are people really born to be alone? Is the world truly this cruel and cold?" Eliza asked, looking at Fyren.
After a long pause, Fyren nodded. "Yes."
Eliza lowered her head, disappointed by his answer.
Fyren continued gently, "But it's precisely because the world is lonely and cold that people crave affection."
"Longing for family's care, friendship's devotion, lovers' loyalty, the warmth of human connection, and life's romance."
Eliza pursed her lips, unable to suppress a pleased smile. "Who would've thought - even a dog like you can occasionally say something wise."
"Exactly!" Fyren agreed. "In business, we're dealing with wolves - no one wants to be the sheep. The simple relationships ordinary people enjoy are hard for us to maintain. Betray us once, and you could make more than most people earn in a lifetime. That temptation is too great - even good people might risk it in a moment of weakness."
Eliza nodded. "So we're doomed to loneliness?"
"Not entirely. At least we're rich enough to be envied."
Eliza scoffed and looked away, then immediately turned back. "Your family seems harmonious though. Why doesn't your household follow the law of the jungle? They all appear happy."
Fyren considered this. "Our family... might be special."
With a bitter smile, Eliza said, "I envy you."
Feeling the mood had lightened enough, Fyren changed topics. "That amusement city project should be profitable. You should move on it quickly."
But Eliza had already shifted her focus from business. While important, it wasn't her sole concern now.
Deliberately provoking, she said, "I know, but unfortunately I'm short on funds. And acquiring that land quietly won't be easy - word could leak."
She watched Fyren expectantly.
Fyren nodded. "No need to worry - Otto will help. He definitely has ways to secure that land without anyone noticing..."
Eliza's hopeful expression instantly turned to disappointment. Staring coldly into the distance, she said, "Fyren, I think you're just scum."
Rather than anger, Fyren laughed.
He wasn't afraid of Eliza hating or misunderstanding him - that was the least of his concerns.
It was practically gospel truth.
"So you go invest in the amusement city, and I'll take the shantytown project... You're actually quite decent, but your temper is terrible."
Fyren smiled. "Stay away from scum like me. Protect yourself - keep your distance from trash."
Eliza stared at Fyren. "I don't believe in bad omens. I'm going to invest in the shantytown project with you."
Fyren's eyes widened, thinking this woman was becoming more unreasonable by the minute.
[Are you out of your damn mind, woman?!]