Free Web NovelChapter 646: Chapter 307: Extreme Pull, Ma Jingsong Cuts His Losses! (2)
Ma Jingsong no longer displayed the arrogance he had when facing Jiang Tao yesterday, his demeanor becoming exceedingly respectful.
"This is indeed a nice place for tea, Lecturer Ma, you’ve gone to quite an expense."
Jiang Tao’s tone was very neutral, devoid of any discernible emotion.
"Not at all, Mr. Jiang, your presence is a tremendous honor for me, Ma Jingsong!"
While speaking, Ma Jingsong picked up the delicate purple clay teapot, somewhat awkwardly pouring the golden tea into the tasting cup in front of Jiang Tao.
"This is the best Jin Jun Mei from Wangfu Tea House, reportedly produced in very limited quantities each year. President Jiang, please see whether it suits your taste."
"Lecturer Ma, let’s speak frankly, just get straight to the point."
Jiang Tao didn’t touch the cup of tea, his gaze directly meeting Ma Jingsong’s, with a subtle intimidation in his eyes.
Ma Jingsong felt a bit unnerved under his gaze, let out a couple of dry laughs, and sat down himself, rubbing his hands somewhat awkwardly.
"Mr. Jiang, it was wrong of me to offend you yesterday at Black Bull Barbecue."
Ma Jingsong looked at Jiang Tao with a sincere tone, saying:
"I talked nonsense after having a few glasses of booze, offending you greatly; I’m truly sorry!"
"President Jiang, you’re magnanimous, please don’t hold it against me!"
"I’ve already said these words over the phone, no need to repeat them."
"Lecturer Ma, inviting me to Wangfu Tea House today, surely it’s not just for a cup of tea?"
Jiang Tao leaned back against the chair, looking at Ma Jingsong with a slightly amused gaze, directly steering him toward the main topic.
He wasn’t familiar with Ma Jingsong, and had no time to waste with him.
"Mr. Jiang, you’re truly straightforward! So I’ll speak plainly."
Ma Jingsong’s smile stiffened momentarily, then became more enthusiastic, though the undercurrent of insincerity was palpable.
He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice a bit, and said:
"I heard that you have a very close relationship with President Du Taoming of Wanxianghui?"
"Old Du, huh?"
Jiang Tao raised an eyebrow: "It’s okay, we’ve met a few times, had lunch together a few times, his granddaughter is my goddaughter."
Indeed!!
Upon hearing that Du Taoming’s own granddaughter was Jiang Tao’s goddaughter, Ma Jingsong became even more certain that the company’s project setback was due to him.
Of all people to offend, he managed to offend the godfather of the investor’s own granddaughter!
"President Jiang, to be frank!"
Ma Jingsong continued with a fawning tone: "Our Action Education has been collaborating with Wanxianghui for 5 years, consistently handling their middle and senior management training projects."
"The last five-year term just ended, and the cooperation has been enjoyable throughout. We’ve invested a lot of effort in pursuing the next 5 years of cooperation, revising the proposal several times."
"Things were pretty much settled, but for some reason, President Du’s attitude suddenly became... rather ambiguous yesterday."
Ma Jingsong cautiously observed Jiang Tao’s expression. While verbally expressing uncertainty, he already understood the reason internally.
"So?"
Jiang Tao, feigning ignorance, took a small sip of tea from the cup in front of him.
I must say, the tea tasted quite good, obviously not cheap.
Ma Jingsong cut straight to the chase, asking:
"President Jiang, you and President Du have a close relationship, could you possibly put in a good word for us with him?"
"As long as our project proceeds smoothly, I, Ma Jingsong, will never forget your great benevolence and virtuous deed!"
Jiang Tao looked at Ma Jingsong with a mocking smile, saying: "Lecturer Ma, we don’t seem to be that acquainted, do we?"
"Cough, of course, this won’t keep President Jiang busy for nothing."
As he spoke, Ma Jingsong extended two fingers and made a gesture.
"When the deal is done, I’ll give you a 200,000 yuan tea fee, consider it an apology to you!"
Jiang Tao looked at the two fingers he held up, his body gradually leaning back, fully sinking into the chair.
His expression was unreadable, though there seemed to be an extremely subtle upward tug at the corner of his mouth.
His expression resembled a smile, yet was more like a silent mockery.
The room was silent, leaving only the faint "gurgling" sound of the teapot on the little stove.
"Thank you, Lecturer Ma, for the tea, but I have some matters to attend to; I must take my leave."
Without warning, Jiang Tao stood up, the sound of the chair legs scraping against the floor was soft.
After saying this, he turned and walked towards the door of the private room, his actions decisive, without a hint of hesitation.
Brother Tongzi said Ma Jingsong’s upper limit is 2 million.
This old guy offers 200,000 like he’s giving alms to a beggar! freewebnøvel.com
"President Jiang, please wait!"
Seeing Jiang Tao about to leave without a word, Ma Jingsong panicked slightly and hastily stood up to stop him.
He leapt up from the chair, and in his haste, his knee struck the heavy tea tray, causing him to grimace in pain, but he couldn’t be bothered.
Nearly running, Ma Jingsong circled around the tea tray and spread his arms to block Jiang Tao’s path.
For an old man like Old Ma to run such a short distance, sweat was already beading on his forehead.
"President Jiang! Please wait, wait! Let’s talk things over nicely."
Ma Jingsong said anxiously: "Everything can be discussed! If you’re unhappy with the price, we can negotiate further! Name a price!"
Jiang Tao paused, looking at Ma Jingsong’s face filled with urgency, panic, and calculation.
His face remained expressionless, yet his eyes were so calmly unsettling.
Having no desire to waste more words with Ma Jingsong, he directly reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, opened it, and plucked two 100 yuan notes from it.
