C10 Land Acquisition

"Applause erupted throughout the audience as they exchanged glances, clapping in unison.

Su Hao's calligraphy was scrutinized time and again, revealing not a single stroke or character that was anything less than perfect.

What was most extraordinary was that his work had gained the esteemed approval of both Elder Zhao and Elder Lau.

"Truly worthy of being Miss Bai's betrothed, Mr. Su's calligraphy has evolved into a distinctive style, poised to dominate the field," Wang Baiwan joined in the applause, his words heavy with awe.

He had encountered numerous gifted calligraphers and countless exquisite pieces, yet now, he could think of no one and no work that could hold a candle to Su Hao and his masterpiece.

With a modest bow, Su Hao responded, "Mr. Wang, you flatter me too much. My calligraphy is merely a pastime, hardly deserving of such high praise. Receiving your commendation is honor enough for me."

"Hahaha, Mr. Su, your humility is commendable," Wang Baiwan laughed heartily, clearly taken with Su Hao's composed demeanor.

"Mr. Su, might I purchase this 'Orchid Pavilion Preface' from you? Price is no object."

As a connoisseur of calligraphy, Wang Baiwan had a habit of acquiring any piece that caught his eye, especially one as exceptional as this 'Orchid Pavilion Preface.'

"Mr. Wang, to me, wealth is as fleeting as clouds; I place little value on it. Since you admire this piece and today marks your birthday, consider it a birthday gift from me. May your endeavors soar to new heights," Su Hao said with a casual wave and a serene smile, before rolling up the calligraphy and presenting it to Wang Baiwan.

The gesture sent ripples of astonishment through the crowd.

Given the endorsement of Elder Zhao and Elder Lau, the calligraphy's worth was unmistakable. Should the elders decide to auction it, it could fetch upwards of 300 million.

That Su Hao would so freely gift a piece valued at 300 million left everyone in disbelief.

Caught off guard, Wang Baiwan echoed their astonishment, "Mr. Su, are you certain you wish to bestow this priceless piece of calligraphy upon me?"

"Absolutely," Su Hao nodded, his voice tinged with a light chuckle. "There's an old saying that a steed needs a Bole to recognize its worth, and the same holds true for calligraphy. By presenting this piece to Director Wang, it's as if it has found someone who can truly appreciate its value. For the calligraphy, it's the best outcome. As for wealth, it's as ephemeral as clouds to me—I place little importance on it."

His gaze was piercingly clear as he spoke, his demeanor exuding an air of indifference to fame and fortune, suggesting that even the mere mention of money might sully his esteemed character.

"I never expected Mr. Su to be a man of such temperament. My own perspective is limited, and I am humbled," Wang Baiwan said, visibly moved by the revelation.

He had never imagined that Su Hao, who was rumored to be an idle playboy, was in fact a man of high principles.

After a moment of reflection, Wang Baiwan bowed respectfully to Su Hao and then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he announced, "I've heard that Mr. Su's fiancée, Miss Bai, is looking to expand the Butterfly Loving Flower Company and urgently needs a plot of land. I've decided to offer the T1 plot in the heart of the East City Region to Miss Bai, rent-free, for a decade."

The room went silent, punctuated by a collective sharp intake of breath.

The T1 plot was the crown jewel of the East City Region, boasting a daily footfall in the millions and representing the prime location for any commercial venture.

Since Wang Baiwan had taken the reins of the region's real estate market, he had never once offered the T1 plot for lease to anyone.

In fact, it was almost unheard of for anyone to have the means to afford such a lease. The value of the T1 plot was such that its rental price was expected to be stratospheric.

Rumors had circulated of an offer of three hundred million for just six months' lease on the T1 plot—an offer that Wang Baiwan had flatly refused, underscoring the exorbitant cost of such a transaction.

But now, Wang Baiwan was offering the T1 plot to Bai Wenling for free, and for ten years at that.

It was the kind of thing you'd only expect to happen in a dream.

Below the stage, Bai Wenling, seated at the back, was struck by a sudden realization that left her mind reeling. She understood the immense value of the T1 land more than anyone else, and the astronomical cost of leasing it.

Before attending Wang Baiwan's birthday gala, the thought of leasing the T1 land had never crossed her mind, nor did she believe Wang Baiwan would ever consider leasing it to her. Yet, today, Su Hao's calligraphy had changed everything. Wang Baiwan had unprecedentedly offered her the T1 land lease for free, and for a staggering ten-year term. Su Hao's artwork had not only secured her the prime property but had also saved her billions in leasing fees.

In that moment, Bai Wenling realized how superficial her understanding of Su Hao had been. Two months of acquaintance had led her to superficial judgments, without grasping the true essence of who Su Hao really was. With a thoughtful expression, she watched Su Hao, whose slight figure now loomed large in her esteem.

With a loud "clang," Lin Yilun's grip on his wine glass faltered, and it crashed to the floor in the front row upon hearing the news of the T1 land lease to Bai Wenling. His face was a canvas of shock and disbelief. He was all too aware of the land's worth and the immense difficulty in acquiring it from Wang Baiwan. He recalled how the elite of Quanzhou's East City Region had repeatedly attempted to negotiate with Wang Baiwan, even offering significant concessions, yet failed to sway him.

But now, a single piece of calligraphy had done the impossible. And the artist? None other than the seemingly haughty and vainglorious playboy. The irony was not lost on Lin Yilun, and a burning sense of humiliation at being outdone by Su Hao engulfed him, his face contorting with frustration.

Onstage, Elder Zhao and Elder Lau were equally taken aback. Their own participation in the event, motivated by Wang Baiwan's coveted land, underscored their recognition of the T1 land's strategic significance in the East City Region.

They never anticipated that Wang Baiwan would lease the invaluable T1 land to Bai Wenling, and do so at no cost.

Exchanging glances, they both sighed in disbelief.

Clearly, they had underestimated the significance of superior calligraphy to Wang Baiwan.

Yet, it wasn't so much the calligraphy itself that had touched Wang Baiwan, but rather Su Hao's disinterest in fame and fortune.

Onstage, as the news of Wang Baiwan leasing the T1 land to Bai Wenling reached him, Su Hao was visibly stunned, his eyes reflecting sheer astonishment.

In his past life, he had often frequented taverns with his friends, discussing the real estate industry of the East City Region. He faintly recalled that the T1 land was among the most exorbitantly priced properties in the entire region.

Securing such a plot required both influence and wealth.

To think that a piece of calligraphy could secure a decade of free lease on the T1 land was like a pie falling from the sky.

"Mr. Wang, this gift is exceedingly generous. I am unworthy of such an honor."

"Mr. Su's willingness to gift this calligraphy without seeking any compensation speaks volumes of his noble character. Using the T1 land to forge a friendship with someone as esteemed as Mr. Su is immensely worthwhile," Wang Baiwan said with a wave of his hand and a hearty laugh.

"Besides, Mr. Su's fiancée is a business prodigy. Leasing the T1 land to her is akin to pairing a swift steed with a skilled rider."

"I am deeply grateful for your generous offer, Mr. Wang. On behalf of my fiancée, I extend our heartfelt thanks," Su Hao said, his voice trembling as he bowed deeply to Wang Baiwan.

Truthfully, he had offered the calligraphy to Wang Baiwan for free to facilitate Bai Wenling's upcoming land contract negotiations.

Yet, he hadn't expected that his gesture would be perceived by Wang Baiwan as an act of nobility, prompting him to lease the T1 land to Bai Wenling.

Was this what they called the protagonist's aura?

"Ding dong! Congratulations to the host for successfully posing as a sage. You've triggered an endless combo of cool pretenses, earning 120 pretense points. Your noble demeanor has truly moved people in this materialistic, money-driven society. It's like a refreshing bowl of chicken soup for the soul in the world of pretense, making the system realize that the saying 'Pride comes before a fall' truly does exist in this world!"

"System, is it you that's drifting, or can I no longer wield my knife?"

"Little Swallow, you don your bikini every summer and come here. I ask you why, and you say, 'Why not? Life's for living, and there's plenty of time to enjoy it.'"

Su Hao: "..."

Hey, does Didi do beatdowns? I've placed an order; please accept it promptly!

Su Hao chose to ignore the teasing system, bowing once more to Wang Baiwan to offer heartfelt thanks for providing the T1 land to Bai Wenling.

Wang Baiwan waved off the gratitude, instructing his secretary to fetch the lease agreement and have Bai Wenling sign it right there and then.

Holding the contract in her hands, Bai Wenling was still in disbelief.

The coveted land was hers, just like that?

No matter how incredulous it felt, she had to accept that something she wouldn't even dare dream of had actually happened to her.

And it was all thanks to the very playboy she had once scorned.

It goes to show, life can indeed be full of surprises.

"Su Hao, thank you!" Bai Wenling bit her lip, turning to Su Hao with a look of appreciation.

Su Hao offered a gentle smile, "No need for thanks. I'm just settling a debt I owe you."

"A debt I'm owed?" Bai Wenling was taken aback.

"Yes..." Su Hao's gaze drifted to the night sky, a glimmer of epiphany shining in his clear eyes.

He had yearned to atone for his past mistakes and had regretted them deeply, but time, once passed, is irretrievable. Many he had wronged had vanished in the stream of time.

In this life, armed with his impressive system, he was determined to right every wrong.

Clearing his mind of any distractions, his attention shifted to Lin Yilun in the front row.

Lin Yilun returned the look, his eyes brimming with a frosty sharpness.

After a brief exchange of glances, Su Hao looked away.

He was well aware of Lin Yilun's character and was resolute in not letting him get his way this time around.

With a shrug, Su Hao joined Bai Wenling in raising a glass to Wang Baiwan, offering birthday felicitations.

As Su Hao and Bai Wenling walked away, a menacing sneer twisted the handsome features of Lin Yilun's face.

"Su Hao," he muttered to himself, "whatever tricks you're hiding, our rivalry is far from over."

He clenched his fist, his resolve hardening. "Any woman I desire is bound to be mine, and she won't slip through my fingers!"