Chapter Seventy-Six

The negotiations for Rong Qing’s new film went smoothly. Director Fang Ziqing had spent about five years preparing for this movie; with the funds secured, filming could begin at any time.

Meanwhile, the Huo Group’s push into real estate encountered significant obstacles. The Wu family, which had been on the verge of collapse, suddenly received intervention from the Li family. The two clans joined forces to resist the Huo family’s monopoly, forcing Huo Lingtian to slow his predatory expansion.

The Huo Group’s key development project in the northern suburbs, Jinhong Manor, began facing a series of complaints from homeowners about water leaks, poor construction quality, and even structural cracks. These issues repeatedly tarnished Huo Real Estate’s reputation.

Jinhong Manor was a pivotal step in Huo’s venture into real estate: its location boasted the best environment, the high-quality housing design maximized natural light, and the site was surrounded by water, remaining warm in winter and cool in summer. From the high-rises, one could gaze up and see the surrounding mountains—a truly idyllic, prime garden estate.

Since its launch, Jinhong Manor had been selling briskly. Even before construction was complete, 30% of the homes had already been sold. Everything had gone smoothly, with the quality supervision panels giving their approval. The sudden eruption of quality issues inevitably raised suspicions among the more discerning.

Inside the Huo Group Tower, Huo Lingtian stared gloomily at the report on his desk, the sharp lines of his brow drawn in a frown. The real estate project manager standing respectfully before him was already drenched in cold sweat and on the verge of tears. He had only been summoned by the family head a handful of times before, but this incident had drawn the master’s full attention. The manager feared his position was now in jeopardy.

“Prepare the car. We’re going to Jinhong Manor,” Huo Lingtian commanded as he stood. The other senior project managers rose to follow him.

It took less than thirty minutes to drive from the city center. Unlike other noisy districts, the Jinhong area was peaceful and harmonious. Walking the path toward the manor, a gentle breeze brought refreshing comfort. A river separated two distinct architectural styles: to the west were the standard residential units, the clustered communities monitored by security at every turn—safe and reliable, but also where the incidents had occurred. To the east were high-end villas, with spring water channeled through them. The classical design evoked the gardens of Jiangnan, with towering trees creating a lavish yet understated canopy.

Before they reached the entrance, a commotion erupted ahead.

“I want a refund! What kind of dump is this? My newly installed furniture is all ruined by leaks!” A middle-aged woman, arms akimbo, scarlet nails flashing, berated the staff who had come to mediate. Her heavy makeup and imperious attitude left no doubt she expected to get her way.

“We will compensate for your loss, but there’s no such thing as a refund after purchase,” the manager replied, dressed in a black suit and tie, his tone patient and polite.

“Hmph! I must have been blind to fall for your flashy ads. Do you have any idea how much my pearwood furniture cost? Can you afford to compensate me?” She shot everyone a contemptuous glance, her curses flowing without pause.

The staff forced awkward laughs, suppressing their anger. If not for the Huo family’s strict code of professionalism, these men would have long since rebelled—who was this shrew to cause such a scene?

“I’ll report all your misdeeds to the media! You heartless profiteers, swindling the public—I’ll expose your crimes for all to see!”

Everyone’s expressions turned awkward and annoyed. This was exactly the type of troublemaker they dreaded. “Please, let’s discuss this calmly, we can resolve it…”

“If you’re so bold, go ahead and report us! Let’s see if it’s you deliberately damaging your own property or a real quality issue. The Huo Group has nothing to fear!” Huo Lingtian’s voice cut through, his expression dark as he approached, senior executives trailing behind with grim faces.

“Bring Yan Zhengke here to draft a lawsuit. I want to see how the courts judge someone who deliberately destroys property!” Huo Lingtian ordered coldly. His assistant immediately made the call—clearly, the Huo Group would not let this matter rest.

“It wasn’t me… it’s your problem…” The woman, realizing her bravado had consequences, suddenly grew terrified, her shrill protests betraying her fear.

“In the future, anyone making a scene like this is to be thrown out immediately,” Huo Lingtian instructed.

“Get away from me… I will expose you! Crooked businessmen…” The woman’s voice faded as she was escorted out of Jinhong Manor.

Huo Lingtian personally investigated every unit reporting leaks or cracks, discovering all were caused intentionally. The rooftops of the leaking homes displayed suspiciously large amounts of standing water, despite a recent lack of rain. The cracked walls were the result of extreme dryness and heat, suggesting deliberate tampering. Though the ruse was simple to uncover, the instigators had achieved their aim: sullying the Huo Group’s reputation. Even if the truth emerged, the damage to their image was incalculable.

As expected, reports of shoddy construction at Jinhong Manor flooded the media and the internet. Other development projects suffered by association, and some buyers even began demanding refunds. The Huo Group’s nascent real estate venture suffered a severe blow.

“Cheers.” Li Yingming produced a fine aged wine from his cellar and filled his companion’s glass. Their toast was full of smug satisfaction.

“Haha! Young Master Li truly lives up to his reputation. Huo Lingtian thought no one could challenge him,” Wu Tianxiong praised effusively. “From now on, the city will belong to the Wu and Li families.”

Li Yingming, expression unreadable, caressed Wu Yuxin’s back with both hands. Wu Tianxiong raised his glass for a toast, but Li Yingming did not respond; instead, he glanced pensively at the delicate young lady beside him.

“My granddaughter is so thoughtless!” Wu Tianxiong scolded her without changing expression. “Yuxin, hurry and pour Li Yingming another drink. We’re practically family now—don’t be so distant!” His stern look from the corner of his eye urged her on.

Wu Yuxin forced a dry smile and, like a hostess, perched on Li Yingming’s lap. Stifling her discomfort, she leaned close to his ear and cooed, “Young Master Li…”

With a smirk, Li Yingming’s hand slid into her generous bosom, kneading until Wu Yuxin’s face flushed and her breath came in ragged gasps. He took her fair hands and drank slowly, the intimate scene making the old Wu patriarch’s face turn crimson.

“My family will take a third of the share. Tomorrow, the Li family will sign the agreement with the Wu family.”

“What? No—a third is too much.” Wu Tianxiong’s smile vanished, his voice sharp.

“Hmph! Did you think you could sell your granddaughter to me and have me do your dirty work for free? Old Wu, your calculations are too shrewd,” Li Yingming replied coldly. “I’m putting the Li family on the line to confront the Huo family. That third is my due.”

Wu Tianxiong opened his mouth, then closed it again, words trapped in his chest. He gazed at the wolf before him in silence; at this point, he had no strength left to fight. With a heavy sigh, he nodded. “Fine.”

With the combined might of the Wu and Li families, the Huo Group teetered on the brink of a credibility crisis. The value of their initial projects plummeted, and only by divesting from real estate could they stem the losses. For a pragmatic leader, this would be the rational move. But for Huo Lingtian, the man in charge, even in hardship, he would not abandon this hard-won territory.

“Young Master Huo, all current projects have been halted. Income from Jinhong Manor has dropped dramatically. We can only try to leverage celebrity endorsements to restore our image and position,” chief assistant Lu Mengyi reported, quickly scanning her data. “But given the current situation, few celebrities would risk their interests to stand with us.” This path was nearly impossible.

Huo Lingtian’s gaze grew even more resolute. He had never backed down in a crisis, and he would not be cowed by this threat. “Implement this immediately: all Jinhong Manor buyers will receive half a year of free parking space usage. For those withdrawing without cause, impose an additional penalty.”

Lu Mengyi executed the directives at her computer.

“At the same time, accelerate the acquisition of Wu Real Estate. I’ll see them empty out overnight!” Huo Lingtian’s eyes gleamed with ruthless determination. Anyone who dared play tricks on him and sabotage the Huo Group would face the consequences of his wrath.

Though Huo Lingtian’s daily routine appeared unchanged, always leaving before dawn and returning late, Rong Qing sensed a tension through the internet and the attitudes of those around her. She had heard about the quality issues at Jinhong Manor, but never imagined it was the Huo Group’s property.

After a passionate night on the soft bed, Huo Lingtian held Rong Qing by the waist, savoring the afterglow. His large, rough hands stroked her smooth back, his eyes brimming with tender affection. Each gentle kiss sent shivers through her.

“Jinhong Manor—is that your real estate project?” Rong Qing suddenly asked. She felt his hand pause, then resume its slow caress.

“Mm…” His nasal reply was evasive, his warm breath tickling her nose, captivating as ever. But this time, Rong Qing was determined to get a straight answer and not be distracted by his charm.

“I want to buy two apartments.” This time, the man stopped completely, staring straight at her. Rong Qing smiled sweetly, her tone teasing: “Can you give me a discount?”

“Of course! I’d give them to you if you wanted! You little minx!” Huo Lingtian pinched her nose in mock exasperation, but his heart warmed with joy. This was her way of showing trust and support—willing to invest all her savings in something others avoided, all for him.

“I heard you’re still looking for a spokesperson. Would it be an honor for a little nobody like me to represent Huo Real Estate?” Rong Qing’s self-mocking, half-joking tone was nonetheless sincere.

Huo Lingtian fell silent. Even though he was confident they would overcome the crisis and forge a new path, he could not bear to let his beloved suffer any harm.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

— End of Chapter —

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