bioinnovel Chapter 589 A Rough Man's Simple Gratitude
Chapter 589 A Rough Man's Simple Gratitude
As soon as the call connected, Ye Fan chuckled and scolded, his tone seven parts teasing and three parts accusatory:
"Young Master Wu, you're quite something! You've got a pretty 'thorough' understanding of brotherhood!"
"Oh dear! Old Ye, oops, Brother Fan! My own brother! Please don't say that, it's too kind of you!"
Immediately, Wu Shaojie's wailing and pleading, almost like he was bowing down over the phone, came from the other end of the line. The background noise seemed to have shifted from the nightclub to some quiet corner.
"I was really forced into this situation! You didn't hear An Qi's tone on the phone just now, good heavens, it was as cold as a Siberian cold wave passing through!"
Even through the phone, my cheeks felt frozen! If I dared to utter even half a "no," my sister would be driving an excavator tonight and razing all my belongings, including my bed, to the ground, without even waiting until tomorrow!
Wu Shaojie continued:
"So, Old Ye, it's all my fault, no matter what! Jinling Hotel, two meals! No, three meals! The best private room, the finest dishes, the most expensive wine! I served you tea and water, massaged your shoulders and back the whole time, I just beg you to be magnanimous and let me go!"
Judging from the boy's sincere attitude in admitting his mistake, his apology plan also seems quite sincere.
Ye Fan was just teasing him. After joking and scolding him a couple more times, he reluctantly hummed in agreement, thus turning the page on the matter.
After hanging up Wu Shaojie's call, Ye Fan leaned back in his chair, his fingers unconsciously swiping along the edge of his phone.
Anqi's phone call was like a minor interlude, but the main theme of life had to continue.
He thought for a moment, found another name in his contacts, and dialed it.
The screen displayed—Chen Bao.
Chen Bao, the boss and founder of "Leopard Decoration Co., Ltd.", is a very interesting rough guy.
When Ye Fan acquired the Hongdou Building with a full payment, he entrusted Liu Ruyan with the entire responsibility of its large-scale renovation and reconstruction project.
While Liu Ruyan was inspecting decoration companies, she happened to run into Chen Bao, who was personally leading a few dusty workers to hand out flyers and run business in a newly opened industrial park.
Liu Ruyan had a sharp eye; she didn't look at the flashy brochures, but carefully examined the real photos of several completed projects saved on Chen Bao's phone, and then talked to him about the materials and craftsmanship.
She found the man to be honest and simple-minded. He spoke a little haltingly, but every word he uttered was to the point. The price he gave was reasonable, and the materials he used were all genuine environmentally friendly products.
Therefore, the interior design and partial renovation of part of the core offices of the Hongdou Group were entrusted to this little-known "Leopard Decoration".
Later, Ye Fan moved into the newly renovated office. Looking at the neat and precise wiring of the concealed engineering works, and touching the smooth, flat, and odorless custom-made furniture, he casually praised it.
Liu Ruyan casually mentioned, "It's a team led by a master named Chen Bao, who is a very honest person."
Ye Fan then memorized the name.
The reason for calling him now is naturally for that newly acquired, still-warm top-tier villa—Xuanwu Lake No. 1.
That was the villa that Jiang Yi gave away as a "bonus".
The location there is absolutely amazing!
A true gem nestled between mountains and lakes, a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle, it will undoubtedly be a rare find, worth hundreds of millions, ten years from now, with no market for it.
The building has a large floor area and a good original structural foundation.
Ye Fan pondered that since he was going to stay there, he couldn't settle for anything less; he had to make it up to the highest standards of private residences in Jinling.
Just the initial hard decoration reinforcement and system upgrades, such as smart home, security, and audio-visual systems, plus the later top-notch soft decoration, furniture, and art display, would easily exceed ten million in budget if you estimated it with your eyes closed.
However, for Ye Fan now, a renovation budget of tens of millions is not even a drop in the ocean, probably not even a fraction of the unrealized profit he made on Jiangning Pharmaceutical stock today.
His philosophy on making money is simple: money is meant to improve life and enjoy life. If you make money but are stingy and reluctant to spend it, then you might as well spend your days in an internet cafe playing games. At least the happiness comes directly and enjoyably.
Upon hearing that it was President Ye calling, Chen Bao on the other end of the phone immediately raised his voice by eight octaves.
When he understood that Ye Fan had a top-tier luxury mansion that needed to be meticulously renovated from start to finish, a huge project, he became so excited that his voice changed, and he pounded his chest loudly on the phone, repeatedly making assurances.
"Don't worry, Mr. Ye! I'll be right there! Where are you? I'll drive my beat-up Wuling over right away! I definitely won't delay you!"
An hour later, in a private room of a well-regarded, simply decorated local restaurant near the Hongdou Building.
This time, Chen Bao refused to let Ye Fan leave, insisting on having a few drinks with this young but incredibly powerful "benefactor".
In his words, "Discussing such an important matter without a few drinks would lack atmosphere and wouldn't show my sincerity!"
Ye Fan wasn't one to put on airs, and seeing Chen Bao's enthusiasm and sincerity, and with someone arranging dinner, he simply stayed.
Several authentic farm-style dishes were served, their aroma filling the air.
The liquor was brought by Chen Bao himself; it was bulk, high-proof grain liquor in an old mineral water bottle. He said it was strong enough and wouldn't give him a headache.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,
After downing more than half a jin of strong liquor, Chen Bao's weathered, square face, etched with the marks of life, suddenly turned red all the way to the roots of his neck, even the tips of his ears turned red.
His tongue was a little lisp, but his eyes were exceptionally bright. He held his wine glass, his arm trembling slightly, and his gaze towards Ye Fan was filled with gratitude, even slightly reddening.
"Mr. Ye, to be honest, I, Old Chen, am taking a few words from the bottom of my heart today, fueled by the alcohol."
His voice choked with emotion: "You, and President Liu... you two, that's me, Chen Bao, the living god of wealth we've met in this life, our savior! And I mean it!"
His words were not exaggerated flattery after drinking.
Just a few months ago, his "Leopard Decoration," a business with a rather intimidating name but actually empty inside, was already in dire straits, unable to pay wages or rent, and on the verge of liquidation and collapse.
It was the timely order from the Hongdou Group that not only gave them work, but the advance payment also solved their immediate problem and stabilized morale.
This also gave them the opportunity to do things that would impress both General Manager Liu and General Manager Ye, and they gradually gained a reputation in the industry.
This order is nothing short of a lifeline for them.
Chen Bao is a veteran who retired from the army. He spent more than ten years in the military, dedicating the best years of his youth to that green military uniform.
After being demobilized and returning to his hometown, he had no other skills to rely on, nor did he understand those fancy tricks.
With the strength he had honed in the army and his stubborn determination to "do things to the best of his ability," he gathered a group of old comrades who had also retired and returned to their hometowns, unable to find good jobs, and started a renovation business with great enthusiasm.