NOVEL NEXT Chapter 68
Chapter 68: City Postcards
The plane ride was dull, and encountering someone familiar was a rare occasion.
Fang Jian casually inquired, “Mr. Ji, what kind of business are you involved in?”
Ji Youneng smiled and replied, “I run an import-export company. I came to the beautiful country this time to discuss a deal involving platinum group metals.”
Fang Jian was slightly surprised and turned to him, his eyes showing a hint of curiosity.
Ji Youneng felt uneasy and asked, “Mr. Fang, what’s the matter?”
Fang Jian chuckled and said, “So, Mr. Ji, you’re also in this line of business? Do you deal with other precious metals besides platinum group metals?”
Ji Youneng breathed a sigh of relief and responded, “As long as it’s profitable, I’m open to various business opportunities. Mr. Fang, are you interested in collaborating on my ventures?”
Fang Jian wore a half-smile on his face as he remarked, “Mr. Ji, I used to find it quite peculiar. Why did Hu Bin target my small business? Can you provide me with some insight?”
Ji Youneng’s expression changed slightly, and his smile became forced.
Fang Jian could see through it all. “It seems, Mr. Ji, you have friends in the customs, don’t you?”
Ji Youneng forced a bitter smile and confessed, “Mr. Fang, please forgive me. I truly didn’t have any intention to harm you. It’s just that I heard some information at the customs and, unintentionally, I mentioned it to Hu Bin during a drinking session.”
“Oh..,” Fang Jian elongated his words, silently observing him.
In reality, Fang Jian didn’t harbor much resentment in his heart. He knew that someone would eventually target him in this line of work, especially with his old classmate working under their influence. However, he contemplated whether seeking revenge was necessary.
Ji Youneng’s forehead began to sweat, regretting his decision to disclose the information. He realized that if Fang Jian had malicious intentions, he could do little. Even Young Master Hu Bin had been jailed for this person’s actions.
With a sigh, Ji Youneng said, “Mr. Fang, do you have any precious metal goods available? I’m willing to purchase some at 110% of the market price.”
Fang Jian looked up in surprise, recognizing the significance of that 10% premium. Their traded goods were considered bulk commodities. And once the weight of the goods increased, a 10% price difference would translate into a substantial sum of money.
However, Fang Jian sneered coldly and said, “If you’re willing to increase the price by 10% with me, can’t you raise it by 20% in the domestic market?”
Ji Youneng smiled bitterly and replied, “Mr. Fang, you’ve misunderstood. This time, when I came to purchase platinum group metals on behalf of the city, I hadn’t made any profit. I’m even covering some travel expenses.”
Fang Jian raised an eyebrow skeptically, clearly not buying it.
Ji Youneng sighed and produced a briefcase, taking out a document from inside. He explained, “This is the purchase contract, and the buying price matches the international market’s average.”
Fang Jian contemplated for a moment and commented, “So, you’re essentially selling at a loss?”
Ji Youneng smiled wryly and said, “Mr. Fang, you’re in the same business; you should understand that many precious metal minerals are in high demand globally. Our city has two key projects reliant on platinum group metals, and city leaders asked if I could provide them at a fair price.”
“Fair price?” Fang Jian was surprised. “Are these companies state-owned or private?”
“They’re private.”
“Oh,” Fang Jian chuckled.
However, Ji Youneng clarified, “Mr. Fang, please don’t misunderstand. The leaders’ intention is not selfish. These two private companies contribute substantial taxes and provide numerous job opportunities each year. They have an outstanding reputation in the industry and are star enterprises in our city. Helping them is the right thing to do, isn’t it?”
Fang Jian was taken aback and softened his expression. “A city’s development involves many aspects, and having leading and star enterprises is crucial.”
“Indeed,” Ji Youneng agreed. “City development requires the contribution of various entities.”
Fang Jian blinked a few times and remarked, “Mr. Ji, you deeply understand this.”
Ji Youneng chuckled and responded, “Mr. Fang, it’s not just about the city; the country won’t let us suffer losses. By assisting the country, the city will compensate me in other ways.”