The distinction between those two situations was enormous.
If Ethan Ye came representing Alex Lin, then everything would be normal business practice, and Chu Ruoxue would treat him accordingly.
But if he came representing himself, that was an entirely different matter.
It was a major taboo in the workplace.
Unless it was purely coincidental, no boss would allow a subordinate to privately meet another company's president.
This would only mean one thing—the person had ulterior motives.
"I am representing myself this time," Ethan Ye said firmly.
Chu Ruoxue's eyes sharpened. She leaned back slightly and asked coolly, "Representing yourself? Then what personal business do you have with me?"
"Miss Chu," Ethan Ye said solemnly, "I'm here to tell you that Alex Lin is not someone you should trust! His intention in cooperating with you is not that piece of land—he wants you! So, I hope you terminate your cooperation with him."
Chu Ruoxue raised an eyebrow."Hmm? Is that all?"
Ethan Ye froze."Isn't that enough?"
Still calm, she replied, "To be honest, there are many men who want me. From here to the Yellow River, the line wouldn't end. Alex Lin is a playboy—wanting me is normal."
Ethan Ye was speechless.
Chu Ruoxue continued with a light chuckle, "If he can conquer me with his abilities, why can't I be his woman? Mr. Ye, if this is all you came to say, please leave."
"Miss Chu, I still have something important to tell you. Do not cooperate with Alex Lin! That piece of land is extremely valuable. If you develop it with him, you'll suffer severe losses!"
Her eyes flickered."Oh? It seems you know the value of that land?"
"Of course I do!" Ethan Ye said proudly.
Chu Ruoxue gave a slow, elegant smile."Then tell me. What is the value of the land? If you can give me the answer… I might consider terminating my cooperation with Alex Lin."
"Of course!" Ethan Ye leaned forward excitedly. "Miss Chu, listen carefully. This land is unimaginably valuable! In a few months, the country will designate the Jiangnan region as a national-level economic development zone—and this land is right at the center of it! Just imagine its value!"
Chu Ruoxue's eyes widened.
Everything instantly became clear.
No wonder Alex Lin and Dragon Fang Capital were both fighting for the land.
If an economic development zone was established there, the land value would skyrocket—more than double.And if they developed the surrounding commercial areas, the profits would be endless.
She breathed rapidly."Where did you get this information? Did Alex Lin tell you?"
"It wasn't Alex Lin." Ethan Ye lifted his chin proudly. "I naturally have my own sources."
In her heart, Chu Ruoxue sneered.
What "information sources" could a mere former bodyguard possibly have?
Even Licheng Group couldn't obtain such confidential national-level information.
There was only one possibility—Alex Lin told him.
And now he was here, leaking his "brother's" secrets?
That meant—
Traitor.
A traitor was unwelcome no matter where they went.
In her heart, she had already drawn a giant X over Ethan Ye's name.
Completely unaware of her disgust, Ethan Ye continued enthusiastically:
"So, President Chu, you absolutely must not cooperate with Alex Lin! It's best to hold onto the land yourself, develop it yourself, and enjoy the profits yourself!"
Chu Ruoxue sneered coldly."You speak so lightly. Develop it ourselves? And where would we get the money?"
"With the economic downturn and tight credit, our group can't borrow a single cent from banks. Private lending is impossible. We can't even sell properties to raise funds. If we don't find a partner soon, how can we develop anything?"
"But we can't give the land away either!" Ethan Ye said anxiously.
Chu Ruoxue waved her hand dismissively."It's no longer about 'giving it away.' It's about survival. Our group is facing a severe capital shortage. If we don't fill that financial gap soon, we'll go bankrupt in a few months. What good is keeping the land then?"
"So of course we have to use it now."
"And Alex Lin happens to have money. I have land. Cooperation is mutually beneficial. First, my immediate crisis is solved. Second, jointly developing the land will maximize its value. Even if I earn less, at least the group survives, and we can still grow later."
Ethan Ye felt suffocated.
In the end, she still wants to cooperate with him…
Was there truly no solution?
Wait.
Suddenly, a spark lit in Ethan Ye's mind.
"President Chu," he said confidently, "the root of the problem is money! If I help you solve your funding issue, then you wouldn't need to cooperate with Alex Lin, right?"
Chu Ruoxue nodded slowly."That's true. But how could you possibly solve it? We're not short a few million—we're short hundreds of millions. Even billions."