Liu Yaowen had already sent the news of the live yellow croaker to Mu Zhengtao. Mu Zhengtao, still handling official business, immediately replied upon receiving the message, "At all costs."
There was a saying circulating among the upper echelons of Binhai: if a business deal failed, it wasn't due to a lack of sincerity, but rather the absence of a sufficiently impressive wild yellow croaker.
Mu Zhengtao was already contemplating inviting those influential figures to savor the fish, acting as if the yellow croaker was already in his possession.
Meanwhile, at the Binhai docks, a throng of people had gathered around Li Haochen's "Star" vessel. Buyers, having received strict orders from their bosses to bring back a fish, arrived with thick wallets. However, the large fishery companies showed no interest; they dealt in larger catches like tuna and marlin.
"Mr. Li, I am Liu Yaowen, the purchasing manager for the Mu family. I'll take these three yellow croakers for 200,000."
"Old Wen, you're too stingy. How can so little suffice? My Oriental Grand Hotel will take them for 250,000."
"Southland Hotel, 280,000."
"Little brother Li, I... I, Binhai Grand Hotel, will offer 300,000." Yang Tao had met Li Haochen twice before, even benefiting from him once. This price was his absolute limit; if it wasn't enough, there was nothing he could do. Little did he know that his boss was Li Haochen's girlfriend; he would have been ecstatic if he knew.
"Mu family offers 500,000. Who dares to bid higher? I'll see it through, humph!"
"Hiss~"
As Liu Yaowen's voice rang out, silence fell. The onlookers gasped in unison. Five hundred thousand! What a concept; it was enough to buy a 70-square-meter apartment in the northern district of Binhai.
The buyers who had just bid were also startled. The price had far exceeded the value of a yellow croaker. They quickly called their respective bosses for approval, but none could authorize further bids.
Liu Yaowen surveyed the scene triumphantly, laughing heartily, "Yang Tao, I told you, what I want is not for you to have. My offer still stands; resign and come work for me as a procurement officer, hahaha!"
"You... humph!"
"Um... did you misunderstand? I never said I was selling them to you," Li Haochen's voice was not loud, but it was devastatingly effective.
"Uh..."
Liu Yaowen, along with the other buyers and the surrounding onlookers, stared with wide eyes, their mouths agape.
Liu Yaowen's expression changed, showing annoyance. However, recalling Mu Zhengtao's message, he put on a pleasant smile and said obsequiously, "Heh, Mr. Li, name your price, and I won't haggle!"
Liu Yaowen narrowed his eyes, believing Li Haochen wanted to play hard to get, to earn more money.
Li Haochen watched Liu Yaowen with amusement, raising his index finger and smiling without speaking.
"One million? Li Haochen really dares to ask for the moon, isn't he afraid of choking." Liu Yaowen stared coldly at Li Haochen, gritted his teeth, "Fine, one million is..."
"You're thinking too much. It's one hundred million!" Li Haochen interrupted Liu Yaowen, smiling at him.
At this point, everyone, even the most foolish, knew Liu Yaowen had been played.
"You... Very well, we'll see about this, humph!"
Liu Yaowen had a bad reputation in the industry, so everyone laughed when he was put in his place. As he left, all eyes turned to Li Haochen.
Li Haochen, understanding their intentions, cupped his fists and announced, "My apologies, everyone. These fish already have an owner. My apologies, my apologies."
"Is that so? What a shame!"
"Yes, I wonder who is lucky enough to acquire these prime yellow croakers. I'm truly envious."
Yang Tao sighed and shook his head with a wry smile. Just as he was about to leave, Li Haochen called out to him, "Brother Tao, where are you going? Hurry up and take all these fish back."
"Huh...?"
Yang Tao was overjoyed but utterly bewildered.
"Li brother, this is?"
"Haochen!"
Just then, Murong Yanran arrived at the dock and rushed to Li Haochen's side. Missing him dearly after two days, her eyes were slightly red. She ran and threw herself into Li Haochen's arms, "I missed you."
Li Haochen looked at her with affection, gently stroking her head, "I missed you too!"
"Alright, so many people are watching!"
Seeing this scene, it was clear why Li Haochen had given all his catch to Yang Tao. The other merchants sighed and left, while Yang Tao was exceptionally excited, instructing his subordinates to carefully transport the precious seafood.
"Gulp..." Li Haochen gave an awkward smile, "I'm a little hungry."
Murong Yanran glanced at her watch and said, "Let's eat at the hotel. I'll make arrangements."
"That would be good. I'm a bit tired and don't feel like cooking."
As the two turned to leave, Liang Shiyin called out to them, saying a bit sheepishly, "Mr. Li, we meet again. Would you mind if I interviewed you?"
"Uh? Interview again?"
"It's a bit abrupt, but the news of you saving the sea turtle has spread like wildfire. We want to ride your coattails, promote positive energy, and publicize Binhai and this sea fishing competition."
"What?" Li Haochen was completely lost, asking in surprise, "How did you guys find out?"
"Pfft... you're a big star now. Look!" Murong Yanran opened a video and handed it to Li Haochen.
Although not very clear, the outline was recognizable, and anyone who knew Li Haochen should be able to identify him.
"Uh... what is this all about? It's just saving a sea turtle, is it really necessary..." Li Haochen was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
"Mr. Li, don't be so modest. This is a great act of kindness!"
Liang Shiyin looked at Li Haochen with anticipation, making him feel a bit embarrassed.
Li Haochen's eyes darted around. Suddenly, a sly smile spread across his face, "Ahem, beautiful Liang, I'm really hungry. I assume you haven't eaten yet either? How about we go to Binhai Grand Hotel, eat, and interview there?"
Liang Shiyin knew exactly what Li Haochen was up to. However, they hadn't eaten, so it was a favor to help the hotel advertise and get a free meal, which they accepted without guilt, assuming the meal would be excellent.
The other two were also very willing, as they were indeed hungry.
Li Haochen winked at Murong Yanran, who understood immediately and went aside to instruct the kitchen to prepare a sumptuous dinner.
Upon arriving at the hotel, arrangements were already made. Murong Yanran arranged for a quiet private room with a rich menu. The six-pound butterfly grouper greatly pleased Liang Shiyin and her companions.
The subsequent interview went very smoothly. Liang Shiyin and her colleagues were adept at handling such situations, conducting the interview right at the entrance of Binhai Grand Hotel. This promotion was very satisfactory to Murong Yanran, making the lavish seafood dinner well worth it.
Of course, after the interview, Murong Yanran secretly gave each of them a red envelope, which they accepted naturally without refusal.