Rebirth of Bloody Romance

Zhou Xiaobai's smile was like the warm sunshine in spring, gently falling on the slightly old wooden floor. He said to Zhong Yuemin, "Yuemin, you guys chat first, I'll go cook. We have to have a good time together today. Thanks to you, Wenbo, for coming from afar, as well as Guodong and Yuan Zhengzhengshu, our little home is really bright and glorious."

Upon hearing this, Li Wenbo stood up immediately and said sincerely, "District Chief Zhou, how about I go and cook? How can I let you cook by yourself?"

Zhou Xiaobai smiled and shook his head, with a smile that was unquestionably gentle. "No, you guys chat about your own things. My place may not be as good as the big restaurants out there, but my home-cooked dishes are still my specialty. As long as you don't mind, that's fine."

"District Chief Zhou, you are too polite." Yu Guodong waved his hands quickly, his eyes full of respect.

Li Wenbo also echoed with a smile. "Yes, District Chief Zhou, it is definitely a great honor for us to be able to eat the food you cook. We are in for a treat today!"

Takehara Masaki also nodded. "Yes, yes, I am looking forward to it."

"Haha...you guys are really good at joking." Zhou Xiaobai was amused, and there was a hint of relief in the smile lines at the corners of her eyes. After she finished speaking, she turned and went into the kitchen, leaving behind a string of silver bell-like laughter echoing in the air.

Seeing this, Xiao Shihua ran over like a happy little bird and hugged Zhou Xiaobai's legs tightly. "Mom, let me help you."

Little Haichen was not to be outdone and trotted over. "Mom, me too. I want to help, too!" He opened his arms, trying to imitate his sister, but nearly stumbled and fell, which made Zhou Xiaobai laugh.

In the living room, Zhong Yuemin motioned Li Wenbo, Yu Guodong and Takehara Masaki to sit down and poured a few cups of hot tea. "Sit down, let's drink tea and chat."

Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong sat down on the sofa, their expressions became serious. They first reported in detail the development of their respective fields, from market expansion to team building, to recent performance highlights, and every word revealed their professionalism and dedication.

Then, the two people solemnly handed over the carefully prepared financial statements. The densely packed data on them were the best proof of their hard work.

Zhong Yuemin took the report, opened it, and a gleam of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. The data in the report was clear and the analysis was thorough, obviously from the hands of professionals. He nodded, silently affirming the professional ability of Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong.

"These two reports are very professional, many times better than those made by Li Kuiyong and his colleagues." Zhong Yuemin said to himself.

After reading it, Zhong Yuemin said to the two people, "Not bad, I am very satisfied with your work."

Changing the subject, Zhong Yuemin looked at Li Wenbo and asked, "Do you have any new plans or ideas this year?"

After hearing this, Li Wenbo's eyes flashed with anticipation. He leaned forward slightly, as if he wanted to fully display the blueprint in his mind to Zhong Yuemin. "Mr. Zhong, I was just about to discuss this with you. In fact, I have a bold idea. I wonder if you are interested."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Zhong Yuemin's curiosity was completely aroused. He put down the report in his hand and leaned forward to show that he was listening.

Li Wenbo took a deep breath and said slowly, "Mr. Zhong, are you interested in the banking industry? To be more precise, have you ever thought about getting involved in the banking industry and opening a bank of your own?"

Zhong Yuemin was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and a playful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He asked curiously, "Wenbo, do you also know how to manage a bank?"

Li Wenbo waved his hands quickly, shaking his head like a rattle. "No, Mr. Zhong, to be honest, I am not familiar with the specific operations of banks. However, I heard that several banks in Hong Kong Island are looking for buyers, and I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we can seize this opportunity, we can not only expand our business territory, but also occupy a place in the financial field."

After listening to Li Wenbo's statement, Zhong Yuemin would be lying if he said he was not moved.

After a moment of silence, he did not agree or refuse immediately. Instead, he thought for a moment and said, "I'll think about it. This plan is indeed bold and forward-looking. However, we must also see the risks and challenges involved. The banking industry is a highly regulated and highly competitive industry, and not just anyone can easily get involved. So, I need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision."

Upon hearing this, Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong both nodded to show their understanding.

Takehara Masaki had just witnessed Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong reporting to Zhong Yuemin on the progress of their respective projects, and he couldn't help but secretly admire the cohesion and execution of this team.

Now, it was his turn. Takehara Masaki took a deep breath and prepared to slowly unfold the blueprint in his mind.

"Mr. Zhong, I'm here this time to discuss our real estate company's Series B round." Takehara Masaki's voice was steady and powerful, and every word revealed the importance he attached to this conversation.

Zhong Yuemin smiled lightly, a sly look flashed in his eyes, and he responded in surprise, "Oh? Has it come to this so quickly? Time really waits for no one."

Seeing this, Masaki Takehara's heart was filled with ripples, but he quickly adjusted his state and continued his impassioned speech. "Mr. Zhong, the current real estate boom in Japan is unprecedented. Our project, from blueprint planning to pre-sale stage, has gone extremely smoothly at every step. Even the houses on the blueprint can trigger a buying frenzy. Many venture capital institutions are flocking to us, and our future valuation is rising. I firmly believe that as long as we seize the opportunity and quickly advance the listing plan after the B round of financing, we will surely lead a new round of changes in the Japanese real estate industry. By that time, we will be the leader of Japanese real estate."

However, Zhong Yuemin just nodded slightly, and the teacup in his hand was gently lifted again. The tea soup was clear in color, just like his thoughts at the moment, seemingly calm but with hidden waves. He slowly spoke, his voice low and magnetic: "Oh, Masaki, you said we are the leader of Japanese real estate?"

"Yes."

Zhong Yuemin gently put down the teacup, with a playful smile on his face. "That sounds encouraging, but the market is like tea. It burns your mouth when it's hot, and chills your heart when it's cold. You have to be careful not to let this enthusiasm get to your head."

Upon hearing this, Takehara Masaki was slightly shocked, but he adjusted his attitude and said more sincerely, "Mr. Zhong, I understand what you mean, but opportunities are fleeting. Now not only us, but also major international investors are eager to get a piece of the pie. If we don't hurry up, we may be overtaken by latecomers. After the success of the B round of financing, our capital chain will be more stable. Going public will not only further expand our influence, but also attract more high-quality resources."

As he spoke, Masaki Takehara pulled out a detailed market analysis report from his briefcase and gently placed it on the table. The report was so heavy that it seemed to carry the future of the entire company.

"Mr. Zhong, please take a look. This is our in-depth analysis of the real estate market in Japan and even the world, as well as our development blueprint after listing. I believe that as long as we seize this opportunity, our company will surely reach a new height in the next few years."

Zhong Yuemin's gaze finally moved away from the teacup, slowly scanning the report, and a barely perceptible light flashed in his eyes.

Zhong Yuemin coughed lightly, his tone was a little deep. "Weiguo, I admire your passion and vision. But you know, the business world is like a battlefield. One wrong step will lead to a complete failure. Although going public is good, the risks behind it should not be underestimated. What we need is stability, not..."

At this point, Zhong Yuemin stood up, walked to the window, turned his back to Takehara Masaki, and continued, "Let's put it this way, I will fully support the B round of financing, and as for the listing..." He deliberately paused, as if he was choosing his words.

Takehara Masaki's heart suddenly rose to his throat. He was afraid that Zhong Yuemin would directly refuse, so he interrupted and said, "Yuemin, if we don't go public, those international investment banks will not agree. They are very optimistic about the valuation and potential of our company. Going public is a win-win choice for us."

Zhong Yuemin turned around with a playful smile on his face. He glanced at Takehara Masaki meaningfully and said slowly, "Weiguo! You're putting me in a difficult position! Besides, even if I agree to the listing, it's not something I can just do if I want to, right? There are so many factors to consider."

Hearing Zhong Yuemin's words, Takehara Masaki was relieved. He understood that Zhong Yuemin's words did not mean a complete rejection, but a reminder that going public was not easy and required careful consideration.

Takehara Masaki quickly nodded in agreement. "Yuemin, you are right. Going public is indeed not an easy matter, but as long as you agree, the rest will not be a problem, it is very simple."

Zhong Yuemin pretended to think for a moment, frowning slightly, as if he was making a difficult decision. "If the real estate company wants to go public, how long will it take at the earliest?"

Takehara Masaki was delighted, thinking that his persuasion had paid off. He rolled his eyes and quickly replied, "Mr. Zhong, well... if you're willing to pay a little price, it will be quick. After the B round of financing, it should be listed in half a year at most."

"Oh? What kind of price will be required?" Zhong Yuemin's voice was calm and deep, as if he had already anticipated Takehara Masaki's answer.

Takehara Masaki swallowed his saliva and replied cautiously, "Mr. Zhong, as long as we are willing to give away some of the original shares, our real estate company will definitely have a large number of people begging us to go public. After all, our company's prospects and potential are there, and everyone wants to get a piece of the pie."

Zhong Yuemin nodded slightly, as if weighing the pros and cons. "Okay! I agree." His words were concise and clear, but like a heavy hammer, Takehara Masaki was stunned for a moment.

"Mr. Zhong, please don't..." Before Takehara Masaki finished speaking, he stood up suddenly and looked at Zhong Yuemin in disbelief. "What? Mr. Zhong, you agree?"

Zhong Yuemin looked at him with a smile, his eyes revealing a hint of approval. "Yes, I agree. However, you have to remember that going public is just a stage in our development, not the end. We must keep a clear head and not go public just for the sake of going public. We must always bear in mind the company's original intention and mission."

Masaki Takehara nodded excitedly, his eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Don't worry, Mr. Zhong, I will remember your teachings and live up to your expectations. We will make the company better and let everyone see our strength and value."

Zhong Yuemin nodded with satisfaction and patted Takehara Masaki on the shoulder. "Very good, I believe you can do it."

Zhou Xiaobai's gentle but slightly dignified voice rang out in the room, interrupting the discussion between Zhong Yuemin and Takehara Masaki about the listing. "Yuemin, stop chatting, clean up the table, come over and serve the dishes and prepare to eat."

After hearing this, Zhong Yuemin smiled and responded lovingly, "Okay, wife, I'll be right there."

However, before Zhong Yuemin could take any action, Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong could not wait to show their "lackey" nature.

Li Wenbo rushed to the dining table and began to clear the clutter on the table; while Yu Guodong quickly picked up the plates and prepared to serve the delicacies from the kitchen one by one.

The two of them moved so quickly, as if they were afraid of missing the opportunity to perform.

Soon, a table filled with sumptuous dishes appeared in front of everyone. Zhou Xiaobai smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I don't have anything to treat you. These are just some home-cooked dishes, please don't be disgusted."

Upon hearing this, Li Wenbo immediately flattered him. "District Chief Zhou, you are so modest. This is so sumptuous that the table can't even accommodate it. We are so lucky to be able to taste your cooking!"

Yu Guodong was not to be outdone and quickly echoed, "District Chief Zhou, this table full of dishes is simply delicious. Just by smelling it, you know it's absolutely delicious. We are in for a treat today!"

Zhou Xiaobai laughed at the compliments and said, "Haha...if it tastes good, eat more. Everyone, stop standing and sit down."

Zhong Yuemin didn't sit down, so the three of them didn't dare to sit down first. Zhou Xiaobai also saw this. "Yuemin, take everyone to sit down!"

Zhong Yuemin turned to look at Zhou Xiaobai, his eyes full of doting and respect. "Wife, you are the biggest contributor today, you should sit first."

Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong also quickly agreed. "Yes, District Chief Zhou, please take a seat first. How can we take your seat?"

Zhou Xiaobai smiled slightly, seeming a little helpless. "Don't be like this, there is no district chief today, only friends and family. Yuemin, don't insist, let the children come and eat together."

Seeing this, Zhong Yuemin had no choice but to nod his head. "Well, wife, call the two children out. There are no outsiders around, so we can have some fun together."

Zhou Xiaobai turned around and called the two children. After a while, Xiao Shihua and Xiao Haichen came to the dining table, with innocent smiles on their faces.

Seeing this, Li Wenbo and Yu Guodong quickly took out the carefully prepared gifts from their bags. "Look, I haven't taken out the gifts I brought for the two children yet!"

"And mine." Yu Guodong was not willing to be left behind and quickly showed his gift, followed by Takehara Masaki's.

The two little guys' eyes lit up, and they excitedly accepted the gifts, saying thank you repeatedly. The atmosphere at the table suddenly became warmer and more joyful, and everyone chatted while eating.