Xiao Zhou didn't understand why Zhang Liunian was so good to him, someone he had only met a few times, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the favor.
However, Zhang Liunian knew he was worth it. Putting aside his yet-to-be-revealed identity, just his partner alone was enough reason for him to offer such a price.
This was because Xiao Zhou's partner was Ba Wang Hua, one of Zhang Liunian's most trusted helpers in his previous life. True to her name, she was a formidable young woman, possessing immense strength and excellent management skills. They had gotten along very well in their past life.
This time, he still wanted to recruit her. However, it wasn't yet the time for them to meet, and he didn't know if she was even here, or if she was dating this Xiao Zhou.
Regardless, he was determined to have Xiao Zhou.
"Because you are worth it." With those five simple words, Zhang Liunian spoke with conviction.
Xiao Zhou's expression was one of surprise. Was he truly worth it? How could he be?
Seeing Zhang Liunian speak so earnestly, Kang Dafu began to doubt if he had overlooked the exceptional qualities of his assistant. Had Zhang Liunian seen something he hadn't, thus leading him to treat Xiao Zhou with such respect?
"Am... am I really worth it?" Xiao Zhou's voice trembled slightly, his tone tinged with disbelief.
He had never received validation from others his entire life. This was the first time someone believed in him more than he believed in himself, making it impossible for him not to be moved.
After all, everyone desired recognition from others, as it proved their own worth.
"If I say you are worth it, then you are. Follow me and work hard, and I promise not to waste your talent." Zhang Liunian encouraged him, patting Xiao Zhou's shoulder and giving him a brilliant smile.
"Okay, I'll follow you." Xiao Zhou was not one to hesitate. Seeing Zhang Liunian's confidence in him, and with Kang Dafu also wanting him to join, he decided to work with Zhang Liunian.
"Great, that's wonderful. It's getting late, so go home and rest. We'll meet tomorrow morning at nine o'clock at the community entrance, or you can come to my place. We have many things to do tomorrow, including paying a deposit and other projects. After we've handled these matters, you can come back with me for a while. Afterward, whether you want to stay here or be by my side is up to you." Zhang Liunian smiled and sent him off to rest, then entered the community with Kang Dafu.
Hearing this, Xiao Zhou wanted to ask, "Didn't you just arrive here? Don't you have any projects here? Why am I staying?"
However, Zhang Liunian gave him no opportunity to inquire, turning and leaving with Kang Dafu. On the way, Kang Dafu couldn't help but voice his confusion, "Have you discovered something extraordinary about Xiao Zhou?"
This was the unexpressed question behind his offer and his special attention.
Zhang Liunian successfully understood his unspoken meaning and replied with a smile, "Not at all. I just found him familiar, like a friend of mine, which is why I offered these terms."
Hearing this, Kang Dafu suddenly understood. "It's just because of that?"
So, it was because Xiao Zhou resembled his old acquaintance. So, Xiao Zhou was merely benefiting from a resemblance. It seemed he had overthought it.
Having understood the reason, Kang Dafu couldn't help but remind Zhang Liunian, "I've only worked with Xiao Zhou for three months, and I haven't found anything extraordinary about him. If you plan to employ him, you should be prepared. Perhaps he's just an ordinary person."
"Don't worry, Brother Kang. Most of the people working for me are ordinary. Having a few talented individuals is enough." Zhang Liunian understood his meaning. Kang Dafu's words were meant to prepare him, advising him not to place too much expectation on Xiao Zhou.
But in truth, setting aside his relationship with Ba Wang Hua, Xiao Zhou was also a decent assistant, just not as exceptional as Ba Wang Hua.
"That's fine then." Kang Dafu was reassured seeing that Zhang Liunian didn't have overly high expectations.
Upon returning home, Jiang Qingqing was already sitting at the dining table, waiting for Zhang Liunian's return.
Seeing her husband come home, Jiang Qingqing immediately got up and hugged his arm. "Are you hungry? I've saved some food for you in the pot; it's ready to eat."
"Actually, I am a bit hungry." While everyone had eaten something at today's dinner gathering, Zhang Liunian hadn't had a single bite. Hearing his wife's question now, he realized he was indeed hungry.
"Wash your hands, and I'll bring it out for you." As soon as Jiang Qingqing heard that her husband was truly hungry, she immediately let go of his arm and ran to get him his food.
Zhang Liunian followed her into the kitchen, washing his hands as he asked, "Has Xiao Hui returned?"
"He's back. He went to his room to sleep," Jiang Qingqing replied without looking back.
Zhang Liunian nodded. In the evening, he hadn't asked Zhang Qian to accompany her, but instead, had him attend to another matter. This was related to his future entry into Pengcheng and his first earnings there.
He wondered how the inquiry had gone. It didn't matter; he would ask tomorrow. There was no urgency.
But while he wasn't in a hurry, Zhang Qian was. He had initially gone back to his room to sleep, but upon hearing Zhang Liunian's voice, he immediately got up and came out. "Brother Liunian, I inquired about Fude Village as you instructed. They are indeed looking to sell that mountain, and the price isn't high – only one million to acquire their mountain.
If we also buy the dilapidated houses of the farmers and some of the wasteland, as you suggested, it would cost an additional three hundred thousand."
Zhang Liunian smiled upon hearing this. It was indeed much cheaper than when he bought it in his previous life. Delaying for a year meant losing out on many things. "We'll go buy it tomorrow, the whole thing."
For only 1.3 million, the profit next year would be immense.
However, Zhang Qian couldn't quite understand why he wanted such a mountain. It was remote, and difficult to manage. Even building houses there wouldn't be easy.
"Brother Liunian, what do you want that mountain for? It's full of rocks and trees, and difficult to clear," Zhang Qian said, frowning as he recalled the scene from the evening.
"You'll know in the future. We'll buy it tomorrow. Help me handle all the procedures, the more complete, the better."
"Okay." Seeing that Zhang Liunian wouldn't elaborate, Zhang Qian didn't ask. Having followed Brother Liunian for so long, he knew that some things were not to be questioned; he just needed to do as he was instructed.
Meanwhile, the Sun and Gu families were in an uproar, though for different reasons. One was because of a person, the other because of an event.
The Gu family was naturally in turmoil due to the person. Although Gu Lou had left midway, he quickly received news of Zhang Liunian's exoneration, and the ridicule and contempt many were now directing at the Gu family.
"It's all your fault, you idiot! You've made our Gu family lose all face. If you hadn't kicked a steel plate and provoked such a troublesome individual, I wouldn't have had to resort to slandering him to vent your anger." Gu Lou was furious at the thought of how he had tried to trouble the other party to vent his son's anger, only for the other party to resolve the predicament and counterattack.
Their Gu family's reputation was utterly ruined today. Who knew how many people would mock them in the future, or how many would suspect them of being spies for Hong Kong merchants.
It truly was a case of, "The goose that is hunted every day finally pecks out the hunter's eye."