Drunken Mistake

DM 21

The new week arrived, bringing the end of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji's honeymoon bliss. They'd just settled back into routine when Jiang Cheng requested a meeting, setting it for Saturday afternoon. He had news to share, and his tone hinted it was serious.

The three of them met in Lan Wangji's study, the room dimly lit, giving it an air of quiet intensity. Jiang Cheng didn't waste time with pleasantries.

"We've got a problem," he said, leaning forward, fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of his chair. "The land bidding scheduled for Tuesday—do you know why the Jiangs received such... unexpected legal assistance for the case? It's this plot."

Wei Wuxian's brow furrowed. "They've tied their interests to the land?"

Jiang Cheng nodded. "Yes, and they expect us to play along. There's more at stake than it seems."

Wei Wuxian's eyes darkened as he processed the implications. He turned to Lan Wangji. "We need to nip this land deal in the bud."

Lan Wangji's reply was simple, resolute. "It will be done." Jiang Cheng nodded and got up to leave. He did not want to be part of the conspiracy against Jiangs' interest but he also needed to stand beside his brother. His loyalties were divided. 

"Hold on," Xue Yang cut in, his usual smirk absent, replaced with a more serious expression. "The Wens are also in this race. Are you sure you want to chance it if Wen Chao shows up?"

"What's your issue with Wen Chao?" Wei Wuxian asked, raising an eyebrow. "Wen Xu, I get—he's ruthless. But Wen Chao? He's just a harmless bit of chaos."

Xue Yang's lips curled into a wry smile. "Wen Chao married Mo Xuanyu. That's what makes him dangerous for Wangji."

Wei Wuxian blinked, then laughed. "Well, that explains why he's more of a threat now. But still, Wangji... why don't you send Xue Yang instead? He's the face of Y-Properties for all intents and purposes."

"I was the one who made the promise," Lan Wangji said, his voice steady and unwavering.

"And that still holds if Xue Yang goes. It's your company, Ji-ge," Wei Wuxian insisted. "But we need something solid to counter not just the Wens, but also the Jins."

Lan Wangji inclined his head slightly, conceding the point. "Y-Properties stands almost on par with the Wens in terms of credibility and success. However, we lack the resources that Jin Financials brings to the table," Xue Yang explained, his fingers tapping against the surface of the table as if running calculations in his head.

Wei Wuxian's eyes lit up with a sudden thought. "Last time Wen Ning visited, he mentioned that Nie Mingjue handed over Nie Real Estates to A'Sang. Knowing A'Sang, it's unlikely he'll fight aggressively for the deal. The Nie's won't be real competition... but what if we could turn that to our advantage?"

Xue Yang's grin returned, sharp and knowing. "My lovely A'Xian, you have my full attention. Do tell."

***

Tuesday arrived soon. The conference room at the Beijing International Trade Center buzzed with anticipation. It was a sleek, modern space, designed to impress and intimidate, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the sprawling cityscape. Seated around the oval table were representatives from the four most influential companies in the city, each vying for the same coveted piece of land.

The room fell silent as Jin Guangshan from Jin Financials rose, adjusting his golden tie pin. He was a seasoned player in these negotiations, and he began with the confidence of someone used to winning.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, spreading his arms wide, "we all know how valuable this land is. Jin Financials has a vision to turn it into a commercial masterpiece—a financial district that will rival the likes of Wall Street." The lights dimmed, and a slideshow flickered to life on the screen behind him, displaying sleek skyscrapers, bustling streets, and optimistic projections. "We're talking high returns, guaranteed. Our plan is ambitious, but achievable. It will be a landmark of progress, prosperity, and prestige."