Su Ci spoke eloquently, putting on a show of having the best interests of Li Changwei and the Orphanage children at heart.
In reality, she was step by step backing Li Changwei into a corner, forcing him to demolish the Orphanage.
Everyone present, except for Lin Xiaoxiao, was either a shrewd operator or a seasoned veteran.
How could they not understand the hidden meaning in Su Ci's words?
It was simply that this Orphanage was blocking her business and had to be demolished.
If it were any ordinary Orphanage director, they would of course readily agree to the conditions Su Ci proposed.
A large compensation payment, proper arrangements for the children, and a position arranged for you—a triple win, an opportunity not to be missed.
But Li Changwei, having calmed down, would not follow the steps Su Ci had laid out for him.
The 250 million Su Ci offered was indeed a lot, more than double Wang Wu's 120 million, and it did make his heart flutter for a moment.
Whether for the secrets buried in the Orphanage or the land beneath his feet, which would double in price once converted to commercial use, he would not agree to demolish it.
But it was not yet time to tear off the mask.
His gaze turned to Qin Shiyao, who had been observing all along—the impartial Inspector!
Open your eyes and see!
Qin Shiyao also noticed Li Changwei's gaze and responded with a helpless expression.
Was Su Ci forcing Li Changwei to demolish the Orphanage?
The answer was no, it did not constitute that.
Su Ci had merely explained how the existence of this Orphanage affected the value of this commercial land, laid out the most generous terms before Li Changwei, and left the decision to agree or not up to him.
Moreover, the little tricks Li Changwei and Wang Wu had played before Su Ci entered had not escaped her notice.
She wasn't blind.
It would be strange if she helped Li Changwei speak.
Wang Wu, seeing Li Changwei's constipated expression, forgot his own unpleasantness with Su Ci and secretly gloated.
Serves you right for using Qin Shiyao to threaten me earlier.
Seeing that Qin Shiyao had no intention of speaking up for him, Li Changwei gritted his teeth, clenched his fists under the table, like a volcano ready to erupt.
He suddenly stood up, glared at the two across from him, and pointed at the door: 'No matter how generous the conditions President Su offers, I will absolutely not agree to demolish the Orphanage. This is the only legacy my mother left me.
Qingshan Welfare Institute does not welcome you. Xiaoxiao, see them out.'
'Ah!'
Lin Xiaoxiao exclaimed in surprise, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from Su Ci.
She didn't understand—President Su's conditions were clearly for the benefit of the children and directors of Qingshan Welfare Institute.
Why would the director refuse and even drive President Su away?
Her face was filled with hesitation and reluctance as she stood up, unsure what to do.
After all, Su Ci had said she could intern at Changsheng Biotechnology—that would make Su Ci her future boss. Seeing her out seemed a bit inappropriate.
At that moment, Su Ci tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention.
She spoke again:
'Director Li, don't be in such a hurry to see us out. If you don't accept Plan A, there's still Plan B.'
Li Changwei was in no mood to listen, saying sternly:
'I said I will not agree to demolish the Orphanage, no matter how generous your conditions...'
'Who said anything about demolishing?'
Su Ci shamelessly retorted.
Everyone present looked at Su Ci strangely.
How dare she ask who wants to demolish it? Wasn't it you who kept talking about demolition?
'What does President Su mean by this?'
Li Changwei stared at Su Ci, hoping for an explanation.
'I said, if Plan A doesn't work, there's Plan B.
If you don't agree to demolish, then we'll renovate. Affecting the city's appearance and environment could harm the economy.'
'Didn't you say you wouldn't let me renovate?'
'I said I wouldn't let you renovate, but I didn't say others couldn't. Besides, does Director Li have the money to renovate?'
'I...'
Hearing that demolition might not be necessary, Li Changwei almost blurted out in excitement that he had money.
He was relieved he stopped in time.
This damn mouth was going to get him killed.
If he said he had money, he believed the Regulatory Bureau would come tomorrow, and he could forget about keeping this Orphanage.
Damn it, if only he hadn't saved that bit of money and renovated earlier, none of this would have happened.
Li Changwei forced a smile: 'Then, who will do the renovation?'
Su Ci spread her hands, understandingly: 'I'll pay, you'll renovate.'
As soon as these words were spoken, not only Li Changwei but even Qin Shiyao could hardly believe her ears.
Was this the same Su Ci who kept hinting at demolishing the Orphanage?
Li Changwei caught on and was overjoyed.
At the same time, he became even more convinced that Su Ci was afraid his dilapidated Orphanage would hinder her money-making, and since he was firm in his stance, she had resorted to this fallback plan.
Thinking this, he also glanced gratefully at Qin Shiyao.
Su Ci's purpose in doing this was probably to gain favor in front of Inspector Qin Shiyao.
In his eyes, as one of the four major families of Sea City, the Qin Family was someone even Su Ci, President of Changsheng Biotechnology, had to curry favor with.
Otherwise, Su Ci would likely use underhanded means to acquire the land he held.
For Su Ci to secure the development rights for the West Side of the City from Cheng Mingliang, it was impossible without some tactics.
But he cautiously asked again: 'Really?'
'Of course it's true. I can provide 20 million for renovating the Orphanage, as a charitable act.'
When he heard Su Ci was offering 20 million for him to renovate the Orphanage, Li Changwei's breathing became rapid.
That much money was enough to rebuild the Orphanage several times over.
Although he had earned far more than that from the Orphanage, this was free money, which made it different.
Wang Wu's mouth hung open. Wait, wasn't she just talking about demolition?
Why had she changed her tune now?
And spending 20 million to renovate this shabby Orphanage—wasn't she afraid he'd take kickbacks?!
Why wasn't he the Orphanage director?
Beside him, Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes widened like copper bells. Twenty million—she had never seen so much money in her life.
Her lips dry, she pursed them, gathered her courage, and grabbed Su Ci's sleeve.
Su Ci turned around.
She saw Lin Xiaoxiao shaking her head at her, whispering softly: 'President Su, renovating the Orphanage... doesn't require that much.'
Su Ci looked into those clear eyes, and Lin Xiaoxiao's actions exuded a charmingly naive quality, utterly adorable.
Su Ci couldn't resist reaching out to pinch Lin Xiaoxiao's cheek—soft and smooth.
She said without hesitation: 'Qingshan Welfare Institute is Xiaoxiao's home, right? For Xiaoxiao, what's 20 million?'
Lin Xiaoxiao's face flushed red instantly, turning into a steam engine, unsure whether it was due to Su Ci's action or her words.
She turned her face away, not daring to meet Su Ci's eyes: 'But... but that's too much. Besides, I'm not someone important to President Su!'
Her voice grew softer and softer; if not for Su Ci's extraordinary physique, she might not have heard what was said.
'Who says that? Since I promised you an internship at Changsheng Biotechnology, you'll be my employee in the future. Doing small things within my power for an employee is only right.
So, when you come to work at Changsheng Biotechnology, be diligent and careful!'