Upon viewing the ivory fan surface, Mr. Wang, the proprietor, suddenly felt a sense of unease.
Lin Wanrong smiled faintly and said, "Mr. Wang, it's nothing remarkable. My father is just a humble official doing errands for the emperor, not someone of great importance."
In terms of understanding psychology, Lin Wanrong's several years as a sales manager were not in vain. Although his words didn't reveal much, their impact was considerable.
Having heard from Doreen earlier, Mr. Wang's son had served as a county magistrate and accumulated a considerable fortune, earning the nickname "Sky-high Three Feet." However, due to his son's success, Mr. Wang was now considering retiring and selling the restaurant, as its business had been suffering.
Those who claimed to have high-ranking officials or prime ministers in their families might not intimidate the old folks, but they certainly feared a gentleman like Lin Wanrong, who wore a friendly smile while harboring malicious intentions. Mr. Wang, being a seasoned individual, understood this well.
"Not hiding anything, Mr. Lin, this restaurant has an excellent location with many regular customers. If it weren't for my plan to retire, I wouldn't sell it. However, Mr. Lin, you have an impressive demeanor, clearly a person with grand plans. Taking over this small establishment should be a good fit for you. I won't ask for a high price; let's settle at 6,800 taels of silver, a propitious sum. What do you think?" Mr. Wang spoke cheerfully.
"6,800 taels? That is acceptable," Lin Wanrong replied, waving his fan. "But, Mr. Wang, I have a habit in business. I dislike dealing with fractions. How about we make it straightforward? Either 6,000 or 7,000 taels. What do you think?"
This sudden change shocked Old Dong, who bit his tongue in surprise. Who haggles like this? Has Lin Wanrong lost his mind after making money yesterday?
Lin Wanrong didn't share the same concern. The issue boiled down to who was more shameless. In terms of shamelessness, Lin Wanrong conceded the second position but wouldn't allow anyone to claim the first.
Mr. Wang, though experienced, was nowhere near as shameless as Lin Wanrong. Upon hearing the proposal, he couldn't help feeling uneasy. Was Lin Wanrong really daring to raise the price to 7,000 taels?
With a forced smile, Mr. Wang said, "Mr. Lin, is it really necessary—"
"Mr. Wang, 800 taels is nothing to me or to you. It's just a matter of business etiquette. Let me be frank; we intellectuals are not interested in these business matters. I'm buying this restaurant just for fun. When my father arrives in Jiangsu, it will also serve as a gesture to him. If you find the price suitable, let's close the deal. If not, well, consider everything I said as never spoken." Lin Wanrong spoke with a nonchalant smile.
Mr. Wang wiped his sweat. Lin Wanrong was indeed asking for a loan from him. Only someone with his audacity could come up with such a shameless and cunning excuse.
Seeing Mr. Wang's hesitation, Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow and changed his tone, "What? Mr. Wang, don't you trust my character? In the political circles of Jinling, although I don't frequent them, I have enough influence. You can rest assured; as long as I give the word, no one will dare to cause you trouble. But, if I'm not around, I can't guarantee what they might do—"
This was a blatant threat!
Witnessing the cold smile on Lin Wanrong's face, Mr. Wang shivered. Where did this young man come from? His shamelessness exceeded all expectations. If he didn't have a powerful background, he wouldn't dare to be so arrogant.
Old Dong finally understood. Lin Wanrong was actually trying to secure a loan from Mr. Wang. Only someone with Lin Wanrong's thick skin could come up with such a shameless and sly excuse.
Seeing Mr. Wang succumb to both coercion and temptation, Lin Wanrong felt satisfied.
"Mr. Wang, you can rest assured. I'm not fond of bullying people. Let's sign the contract. If, within half a year, I don't repay you the silver and interest, you can take back the restaurant directly." Lin Wanrong concluded the deal confidently.
Mr. Wang, feeling pressured, agreed. Fortunately, even if Lin Wanrong failed to repay, he wouldn't suffer any losses; the restaurant would still be his.
The two signed the contract, agreeing that if Lin Wanrong couldn't clear the debt within half a year, the restaurant would revert to Mr. Wang.
Exiting the building, it was already noon, and Lin Wanrong felt his back soaked with sweat. Such a daring and successful act of trickery, even during his time as a sales manager, was never this exhilarating.
Wiping off the cold sweat, Lin Wanrong said to Old Dong, "Uncle Dong, today is an important day. Go and bring Qiaoqiao and Qing Shan here. Let's celebrate properly."