Reborn with Consumption System-Chapter 642 - 280: Deceiving the Heavens to Cross the Sea, Expelling the Tiger to Swallow the Wolf

Given Gao Diaomao's dependence on Han Lie, taking Gao Diaomao's money would be all too easy.

By copying the contracts from Minggu Real Estate and leveraging them, they could definitely acquire half the project for nothing when the time was right.

But if they wanted to go further, to bankrupt Gao Diaomao—even send him to prison—they couldn't use the same tactics.

While Gao Diaomao coveted the retail investors' capital, Han Lie had his eyes on Gao Diaomao's two plots of land.

So, they needed to apply more pressure.

Han Lie chuckled to himself for a moment before suddenly asking, "President Gao, you think offering 600 million is a lot. However, in reality, the cost merely to meet your demands is at least 450 million. Why should I tarnish my reputation for the remaining 150 million?"

Gao Diaomao was startled, but then, far from being disheartened, he was overjoyed.

Han Lie had used the word "I."

It was the first time since they sat down that Han Lie had explicitly included himself in the discussion.

So, in Gao Diaomao's view... there was an opening!

According to the system panel, Gao Diaomao's "Find a Gap and Drill In" skill was at least at the peak of Level 4, approaching Level 5.

What's to fear if we can't reach an agreement right away? All I fear is that you won't even talk!

Gao Diaomao poured tea for Han Lie again, replying with a beaming smile, "Indeed, 150 million doesn't do justice to Teacher Han's great talents, I understand! But I also have my difficulties; 1.4 billion isn't quite enough, and I'll even have to supplement it from the company's cash flow later... Teacher Han, do you have any other suggestions? As long as it benefits our venture, anything is negotiable!"

Han Lie pondered a little longer this time.

After a moment, he finally looked up and asked, "Anything is negotiable?"

"Of course!" Gao Diaomao replied firmly. "A gentleman's word is his bond! Teacher Han, you might not know me well enough. My reputation among my subordinates isn't the best, but towards leaders, friends, and partners, I've always acted with a clear conscience!"

Heh. If Liu Minghao hadn't investigated you so thoroughly, I might have actually believed that, Han Lie sneered inwardly, but his expression feigned being swayed.

Seeing this, Gao Diaomao immediately continued his enthusiastic persuasion. "The marketplace is like a battlefield, rife with treachery and deception. The strong prey on the weak, and big fish eat small fish—this is the law of nature! I, Old Gao, have been in business for over 30 years, and I've come to understand one truth: anyone can harvest leeks. Those who act fast get them; those who are slow lose out. If you don't harvest them, others will, grow stronger from it, and then turn around to harvest you. Teacher Han, if Heaven offers a gift and you refuse it, you will surely suffer the consequences!"

Han Lie waved his hand dismissively. "President Gao, when it comes to harvesting leeks, I'm more of an expert than you."

Gao Diaomao laughed heartily. "Ah, yes, yes, you're right. It was I, Old Gao, who was presumptuously displaying my meager skills before an expert... So, what are your thoughts, Teacher Han?"

That Han Lie's moral compass wasn't particularly strong was excellent news for Gao Diaomao. The weaker it seemed, the greater the chance of successful cooperation.

However, Gao Diaomao's understanding of morality and Han Lie's actual moral code were two different things.

Even among those who earned money in the secondary financial market, the differences between individuals were still vast.

Those who engaged in practices like colluding with state enterprises for private gain, front-running, and illegal market manipulation were naturally accustomed to mercilessly wielding their sickles. They were unscrupulous wolves with no bottom line.

Yet, those who traded purely on technical skill were often quite disciplined and understood the importance of respect.

It's easy to understand: if one can live very comfortably on their own abilities, why would they get involved in shady dealings that reek of illegality?

This was also a form of risk management in life.

As for "harvesting leeks"... those who made money through skill never considered themselves to be doing that.

The stock market was a legitimate contest of intelligence among adults, as fair and just as outplaying an opponent in basketball.

Once you entered the arena, you were responsible for your own profits and losses, your own successes and failures.

On the field, the weaker party shouldn't be deemed right simply because they were weak.

Risks were disclosed upfront, and participation was voluntary. It was undignified to celebrate with champagne when housing prices rose, only to protest against developers when prices fell.

However, using deceptive means to exploit vulnerable groups who couldn't defend themselves—that was malicious.

The law was very clear on this: fraud, illegal fundraising, and insider trading were all punishable offenses. Yet, earning even 10 billion through publicly available information was perfectly legal.

Therefore, Gao Diaomao's arguments were pure sophistry, gangster logic.

When Han Lie spoke of "harvesting leeks," it was merely to lower Gao Diaomao's guard; it was entirely different from what Old Diaomao planned to do.

"I don't have many thoughts," Han Lie said with a faint smile, his gaze somewhat profound. "Only two conditions."

Gao Diaomao immediately adopted a solemn expression, sitting upright and nodding gravely. "Please, go ahead!"

Han Lie crossed his legs, speaking slowly and deliberately. "First, I can help you formulate a plan and do some work behind the scenes to the best of my ability, but I will not be the controlling party for your Project A.

"If necessary, I could be the controlling party for your Project B.

"Second, your real estate company must have numerous minority shareholders, correct? I don't want the 600 million; convert it into shares instead."

Instantly, Gao Diaomao's brow furrowed tightly.

He felt a flicker of unease, for no discernible reason—just a gut feeling.

"Teacher Han, what do you mean by wanting shares?"

Han Lie maintained his relaxed posture, a half-smile playing on his lips, looking as if he held all the cards.

"President Gao, let's be frank. You want me to be the one taking all the risks upfront, but 600 million is definitely not enough. At best, the profit I'd make is only 150 million, and it's honestly not worth it."