Chapter 121: Acting Cute and Playing Tantrums

No matter what, this negotiation must continue!
Even if Fang Huan Investment ruthlessly skins her alive, she must firmly grasp the operating rights of Changqing Hotel!
This is a crucial step for Jiangjin Hotel to dominate the industry; it cannot be lost!
Thinking this, Qin Lan took a deep breath, quickly gathering her scattered thoughts, her eyes regaining their firmness and sharpness.
She prepared to return to the conference room to have another good talk with those "devils" from Fang Huan Investment.
No matter what, she had to fight hard and see if she could lower the price.
However, just as she stood up to leave, Shen Zekai's desperate, yet despairing and warning words on the phone flashed through her mind like lightning:
"Behind Huang Fengwen... someone is manipulating him? A mysterious operator..."
That mysterious person who stirred up a storm with just two billion, driving the arrogant Changqing Group to the brink of collapse, and now dares to make exorbitant demands on Jiangjin Hotel...
Who could it be?
***
"Wait, say that again! Are you kidding me? Two hundred billion?!"
Qin Han, the young master of Jiangjin Group, nearly snapped his steak knife in his hand upon hearing his sister Qin Lan's earth-shattering plan. His lips twitched, and he was utterly exasperated.
"It's not just buying the entire Changqing residential complex, just the hotel's operating rights, and you're going to throw in two hundred billion without even blinking?!"
"Oh, brother, don't be so hasty. I'm here to discuss this with you, the future head of the group!"
Qin Lan, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed, gently swirling the red wine in her glass.
"Besides, this isn't just about hotel operating rights; it's the 'coronation ceremony for the industry leader'!
Once we secure it, our Jiangjin Hotel will instantly become the industry leader, leaving those bastards far behind!"
"Stop! Stop!" Qin Han raised his hand to interrupt his sister's increasingly outrageous boast.
"No matter how you package it, isn't it essentially just renting someone else's land, and then having to pay 20 billion upfront?
Even buying the entire Changqing Tianxi development would be enough, wouldn't it?"
"Brother, why don't you understand!" Qin Lan gave him a reproachful look.
"That 20 billion is a long-term contract; we won't have to pay rent anymore!
Besides, you think 20 billion can buy the entire Changqing Tianxi development?"
"Brother, what are you dreaming about? The hotel's value has increased to at least 60 or 70 billion!"
"And then what? You pay 20 billion for the operating rights, and then you have to share the hotel's profits with them?"
Qin Han raised an eyebrow, feeling this was becoming increasingly absurd, like throwing gold bricks into a wishing well—it'd disappear after a bang.
Qin Lan knew these terms sounded like she was being ripped off. To outsiders, she seemed like a complete fool with too much money, a prime example of a "spendthrift woman."
She took a deep breath, finally revealing a hint of frustration and helplessness:
"Brother, do you think I haven't tried to negotiate?
I've talked myself hoarse with Fang Huan Investment, but they're sticking to 20 billion, not a penny less!
Their attitude is very firm, there's no room for negotiation. I had no other choice but to come to you..."
She paused, then added, "But this is called consolidating our leading position in the industry! Dad always says, 'If you're going to do something, do it right, be number one. Second place is the biggest loser!'"
Qin Han retorted without hesitation:
"I think if Dad knew you were planning to 'compete for number one' like this, he'd probably hang you up and beat you up first, then have a serious discussion with you about how many zeros are in that 20 billion figure."
"Tch, so are you going to give it to me or not! Just give it!"
Seeing that persuasion wasn't working, Qin Lan started to whine and plead,
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Fang Huan is pressuring us hard. If we don't act soon, our Jiangjin Hotel will be forever trampled underfoot by those guys from Changqing Hotel!"
"Do you think the group's money grows on trees?" Qin Han retorted irritably.
"I know, the company is yours, brother! It'll be yours sooner or later!"
Qin Lan immediately adopted a pitiful expression, her eyes reddening.
"But when have I ever argued with you about the inheritance rights?
Dad said he wanted to pass the position to you, the eldest grandson, and I didn't utter a single word! Did I even frown?
I wholeheartedly supported it! I was always there for you, cheering you on...
And in the end, you won't even help me with this little favor? Waaah..."
"You," Qin Han couldn't bear to see his sister like this, shaking his head helplessly, his heart softening considerably.
"Every time something's not in your favor, you use this excuse to shut me down."
However, he had to admit that although his sister could be unreliable at times, she had never caused him any trouble on matters of principle like inheritance.
When the old man decided to let him take over, Qin Lan was indeed the first to jump out and unconditionally support him.
He used to take this for granted, but seeing the chaos and near collapse of Changqing Group due to the inheritance dispute—father and son turning against each other, brothers becoming enemies…
Qin Han realized that his younger sister was truly a good sister who considered the bigger picture.
He sighed inwardly: Oh well, consider it a way to cheer her up.
“Two hundred billion, that’s all?” Qin Han finally relented.
"Ah, there's one more thing!" Qin Lan's eyes lit up. Knowing her brother was more responsive to gentle persuasion than force, she quickly added,
"Those guys at Changqing Group are probably unwilling to just hand over the property development like that.
They seem to be pulling strings everywhere lately, trying to get higher-ups to put pressure on Fanghuan Investment and force them to back down.
This… brother, you'll have to help me sort this out too!"
"Good heavens!" Qin Han was utterly speechless, his eyes twitching.
"So, our Jiangjin Group not only has to provide money and effort for Fanghuan Investment, but also take the fall for them?
Are we Good Samaritans or just suckers?"
"Oh dear, brother, why are you so serious! The meat's getting tough, eat up!"
Seeing her goal achieved, Qin Lan smiled brightly, eagerly placing a piece of steak on his plate.
"Anyway, is this settled? Hmm?"