Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Chairman Wù's eyes remained fixed on Chén Lóng, his mind racing with questions. Who was this young man, really? How did he have access to such an enormous amount of wealth?
As the silence stretched out, the patrons of the bank began to grow restless, their whispers and murmurs filling the air. Chairman Wù's gaze never wavered, his expression a mixture of respect and wariness.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Mr. Lóng, would you and your mother do me the honor of speaking with me in private? I believe we have much to discuss."
Chén Lóng nodded, his eyes never leaving Chairman Wù's face. He began walking towards the chairman's office, his stride confident and unhurried.
But just as they were about to enter the office, Chén Lóng stopped and turned to Chairman Wù. "Wait," he said, his voice firm. "There's something that needs to be taken care of first."
Chairman Wù's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded respectfully. "Of course, Mr. Lóng. What is it that needs to be taken care of?"
Chén Lóng's gaze swept the bank, his eyes locking onto the bank teller who had insulted him and his mother. "That bank teller," he said, his voice cold. "She was rude and disrespectful to not only me but my mother . I want her fired, now."
Chairman Wù's face paled slightly, but he nodded hastily before bowing. "Yes, of course. I apologize for her behavior."
He turned to the bank teller, his expression stern. "You," he said, his voice firm. "Come here."
The bank teller trembled as she approached Chairman Wù. "I-I'm sorry, Chairman Wù," she stammered. "I didn't mean to offend anyone."
Chairman Wù's eyes narrowed. "You didn't mean to offend anyone?" he repeated. "You insulted a valued customer and his mother. You are a disgrace to this bank."
The patrons of the bank watched in stunned silence as Chairman Wù confronted the bank teller.
The bank teller immediately fell to her knees, begging for forgiveness. "Please, Chairman Wù," she cried. "I'll do anything. Just don't fire me please I was a blind arrogant fool so please don't fire me."
Chairman Wù's expression remained unyielding. "You should have thought of that before you insulted Mr. Lóng," he said. "You are fired, effective immediately."
The bank teller's face contorted in despair as she was escorted out of the bank, her belongings gathered hastily as she continued begging for mercy.
As she she dragged out the bank by the guards Chén lóng glares at the still gawking patrons, " None of you are to disclose what happened here today" he warned and to make his point heared he flares his golden aura a bit.
All the patrons immediately feel to their knees and bowed before him affirming their obideence. " Good" he commented he then looked at his stunned mother and smiled. " I'll explain everything later" he said.
His mother nodded hesitantly still shocked that this was truly her son. Chén Lóng looked and chairman Wú who was still bowing to him. " Now, if you're ready, Mr. Lóng, I believe we have much to discuss." Chairman Wù said to Chén Lóng, his expression respectful. "
Chén Lóng nods and holds his mother's hand as Chairman Wú lead him towards his private elevator that lead to his office.
Chairman Wù's office was a spacious, andopulently decorated room with a high ceiling and large windows that offered a stunning view of the city skyline.
The walls were adorned with intricate, hand-carved wooden panels, and the floor was covered with a rich, crimson-colored carpet embroidered with golden dragons. A large, ornate desk made of polished mahogany wood dominated the room, behind which stood a high-backed, throne-like chair upholstered in velvet.
Behind the desk, a floor-to-ceiling wooden screen was intricately carved with scenes of mythical creatures and auspicious symbols. The room was dimly lit, with soft, warm lighting that created a sense of comfort and luxury.
A beautiful, antique vase sat on a pedestal in the corner of the room, and a stunning, hand-painted silk painting hung on the wall behind Chairman Wù's desk.
Chairman Wù walked around his desk and gestured for Chén Lóng to take a seat in one of the two ornate, wooden chairs positioned in front of the desk. "Please, Mr. Lóng will you both take a seat," he said, his voice respectful.
After they all took they're seats Chairman Wú spoke "If I may be so bold could I know which esteemed family do you hail from, if I may ask? Are you perhaps a member of the Liú clan from Jiǎngzhōu, the Wáng family from Xīnghuà, or maybe the Zhāng lineage from Běihǎi?"
Chén Lóng smiled, a hint of disdain in his voice. "None of those families are worthy of me," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Chairman Wù's eyes widened slightly as he processed Chén Lóng's response. He bowed his head, his hands clasped together in a gesture of respect. "Of course, Young Master," he said, his voice dripping with deference. "I apologize for my ignorance. One as wealthy and powerful as yourself must come from an even more distinguished family. Please, forgive my impertinence."
Chairman Wù's bow deepened, his eyes cast downward in a show of humility. Chén Lóng's gaze never wavered, his eyes fixed intently on the chairman.
Chairman Wù's eyes flickered upward, meeting Chén Lóng's gaze for a brief moment before darting back down. "To be frank, Young Master," he said, his voice dripping with sincerity, "I invited you here today because I believe you possess a certain... potential. When you visited our bank earlier, I took the liberty of checking your account information."
Chairman Wù's eyes locked onto Chén Lóng's, a hint of curiosity and greed lurking beneath the surface. "I must say, I was impressed by the... substantial funds at your disposal, Young Master. I believe that our bank, and indeed our entire city, could greatly benefit from a partnership with someone of your... financial stature."
Chén Lóng's expression remained enigmatic, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened to Chairman Wù's proposal.
Chairman Wù leaned forward, his eyes locked onto Chén Lóng's. "I'd like to propose a strategic investment opportunity, Young Master," he said, his voice low and persuasive. "The Jade Bank is poised for significant growth and expansion, and I believe your investment would be a valuable addition to our bank."
Chén Lóng raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Go on," he said, his voice neutral.
Chairman Wù smiled, his eyes glinting with enthusiasm. "I'd like to invite you to purchase a significant stake in The Jade Bank, Young Master. With your investment, we could further solidify our position as a leading financial institution in Ninhoye and create a powerful alliance that would benefit both our families.
Chén Lóng leaned back in his chair, a calculating glint in his eye. "I'll consider your proposal, Chairman Wù," he said, his voice measured. "But I have one condition."
Chairman Wù's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression cautious. "What might that be, Young Master?" he asked.
Chén Lóng's smile was thin and predatory. "I want to be the owner of The Jade Bank," he said, his voice firm. "And I want you to work for me."
Mèng Lóng's eyes widened in alarm as she reached out to grab her son's arm. "Chén Lóng, that's asking for too much," she whispered urgently. "You can't just—"
But Chairman Wù surprised them by nodding thoughtfully. "I see," he said, his voice considerate. "You want to be the majority shareholder and have control over the bank's operations."
Chén Lóng's eyes narrowed. "That's right," he said, his voice firm. "I want to be the one in control."
Chairman Wù leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he considered Chén Lóng's proposal. "I must admit, Young Master, that's a bold move," he said. "But I'm willing to consider it. Tell me, what makes you think you're qualified to run a bank like The Jade bank that has been in my family for over 10 generations?".
Chén Lóng's smile was confident and self-assured. "Money," he said simply. Chairman Wù's eyebrows rose slightly, clearly expecting a more elaborate answer.
Chén Lóng leaned forward, his eyes glinting with ambition. "My family is about to become the most powerful in the world, Chairman Wù," he said, his voice low and persuasive. "And I'm offering you the opportunity to be a part of it. To have ties to my family, to benefit from our influence and wealth."
Chairman Wù's expression was thoughtful, clearly weighing the pros and cons of Chén Lóng's proposal. Mèng Lóng, on the other hand, looked like she was about to intervene again, her eyes flashing with concern.
Mèng Lóng's eyes widened in alarm as she turned to her son. "Chén Lóng, what are you doing?" she whispered urgently, her voice trembling with concern.
Chén Lóng's smile never wavered as he reached out and squeezed his mother's hand reassuringly. "Trust me, Mother," he said, his voice low and confident. "I know what I'm doing."
Mèng Lóng's eyes searched her son's face, looking for any sign of doubt or uncertainty. But Chén Lóng's expression was calm and self-assured, and she could sense the determination and conviction behind his words.
Chairman Wù, meanwhile, was watching the exchange between Chén Lóng and his mother with great interest. He could sense the dynamics at play, and he knew that Chén Lóng was a young man who was used to getting his way.
Chairman Wù leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he considered Chén Lóng's proposal. After a moment, he spoke.
"Very well, Young Master," he said, his voice measured. "I am willing to accept your proposal. But I must warn you, the bank's current shareholders will not give up their control easily. We will need to negotiate with them, and it will not be a simple process."
Chén Lóng's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with excitement. "I'm willing to take that risk, Chairman Wù," he said, his voice confident. "And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen."
Mèng Lóng's eyes narrowed, her expression worried. She knew her son's determination and ambition matched his late father, and she feared what he might do to achieve his goals. But she also knew that she couldn't stop him, not now that he had set his sights on The Jade Bank.
Chén Lónɡ's smile grew even wider as he leaned forward, his eyes locked on Chairman Wù's. "I'm willing to make a significant investment to make this happen, Chairman Wù," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
"I'll invest 500 billion yuan in The Jade Bank, and in return, I expect to become the Chairman of the board," he stated, his words sending shockwaves around the room.
Mèɡ Lónɡ's eyes widened in stunned silence, while Chairman Wù's face turned pale.
But Chén Lónɡ wasn't finished yet. "As a token of my appreciation for your cooperation, Chairman Wù, I'd like to offer your family an additional 20 billion yuan as a gift," he said, his voice casual, as if he were offering a small tip.
The room fell silent, with everyone staring at Chén Lónɡ in stunned disbelief.
Chairman Wù's face was a picture of shock, his eyes wide with incredulity. "I...I don't know what to say, Young Master," he stuttered.
Chén Lónɡ leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "There's one more thing, Chairman Wù," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
"I'd like to offer you a role as the bank's President, directly beneath me. You'll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the bank, and you'll receive a salary of 200 million yuan per month," he stated, his words sending shockwaves around the room.
The offer was unprecedented, and everyone in the room knew it. Chairman Wù's face was a picture of stunned silence, his eyes wide with incredulity.
Mèng Lónɡ's eyes narrowed, her voice low and concerned. "Chén Lónɡ, where did you get this kind of money?" she asked, her eyes searching her son's face.
A few days ago her son was desperate for money to pay the potential bride price to his fainces family, she had to put herself into more debt to the bank by burrowing money for him and now here he was with a fortune trying to buy one of the most powerful banks in the city.
Chén Lónɡ just smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "That's need-to-know, Mother," he said, his voice mysterious.
Chairman Wù, however, didn't seem to care about the source of Chén Lónɡ's wealth. His eyes were shining with excitement as he leaned forward, his hand extended.
"I accept your offer, Young Master," he said, his voice eager. "I'll speak to the rest of the shareholders, but I'm confident they'll see the wisdom in accepting your proposal."
Chén Lónɡ's smile grew wider as he shook Chairman Wù's hand. "I thought you'd see it my way, Chairman Wù," he said, his voice confident.
Soon both men began shaking hands as Mèng Lónɡ watched the exchange with a sense of curiosity, wondering what her son had planned. She knew he was ambitious, but she had no idea what he was truly capable of.
Chairman Wù, meanwhile, was beaming with excitement, clearly thrilled with the prospect of working with Chén Lónɡ. "I'll make the necessary arrangements, Young Master," he said, bowing slightly. "We'll finalize the details as soon as possible."
Chén Lónɡ nodded, his smile never wavering. "I'm looking forward to it, Chairman Wù to the future," he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
" To the future young master!'.