Volume One, Chapter 31: The Young Master Must Surely Have Grand Designs!

"No, how could they do this?" Manager Liu of the Penglai Chamber of Commerce was stunned. "This is simply too outrageous!"

The way things had developed was completely beyond their expectations. They had assumed this so-called foundation was just another wasteful indulgence by the young master of the Wang family. Instead, his series of calculated moves had left them utterly bewildered. How were they supposed to compete? The president of the opposing Chamber of Commerce had even stepped in personally! What chance did they have?

Manager Zhang of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce sighed and whispered, "Let’s head back first. We must report this to our superiors and see what they have to say."

The young master of the Wang family had struck with both speed and ruthlessness. From the very start, this situation had transcended the level at which they could intervene. They could only wait to see how the higher-ups would respond.

...

The foundation's inauguration ceremony continued. A list of names appeared on the Merit Board one after another. However, after the top three, Nalan Rongyun no longer presented the awards personally, delegating the task to the various chief administrators instead.

Of course, no one dared to complain; on the contrary, they felt it was only proper. Moreover, it further fueled their determination to secure a spot in the top three of the Merit Board. One after another, they sent their disciples out, sweeping through the Langya Chamber of Commerce’s branches across Tianjue Island like an autumn wind scattering fallen leaves. They operated under one simple principle: as long as their sect wasn't bankrupt, they would spend until it was! After all, the items they were buying were things they needed anyway—it was no loss!

...

The ceremony concluded perfectly. Nalan Rongyun left Tianjue Island, having given instructions before her departure that all matters concerning the foundation were to be handled by Wang Mu.

"Young Master!" Ren Pingsheng approached Wang Mu, accompanied by a tall, exceptionally alluring woman. "This is a junior of mine, half-protege, who has been honing her skills under my guidance for many years. She is well-versed in the internal affairs of the Chamber of Commerce. Would you consider keeping her by your side to assist with tasks?"

Wang Mu took a look at her. The woman had long, wine-red wavy hair, a generous bust, and skin as white as snow. She was tall, dressed in a red and white robe that left her slender, jade-like legs exposed. She moved with decisive, brisk steps, and her eyes held a hidden sharpness. Though she looked enchanting, she projected a strong sense of competence.

"Very well, she can stay."

"Tingting, hurry, thank the Young Master," Ren Pingsheng urged, clearly pleased.

"Thank you, Young Master," Nie Tingting replied obediently, though her eyes remained calm, revealing no emotion.

Wang Mu understood Ren Pingsheng’s intent. As one of the ten chief administrators, Ren had many responsibilities, and Tianjue Island was only a part of them; he couldn't stay by Wang Mu's side all day. Sending this carefully nurtured junior to serve as an assistant was a way to establish a bridge. While his grandmother supported him enough, he couldn't go running to her for every trivial matter. Having someone familiar with the internal workings of the Chamber of Commerce by his side certainly had its benefits and would improve efficiency in many areas.

"Young Master, please attend to your business. I need a word with her," Ren Pingsheng said. He pulled Nie Tingting outside the hall and chided her with a frown, "What is the matter with you? Why the long face?"

Nie Tingting remained expressionless. "I wouldn't dare, Uncle."

Ren Pingsheng grimaced, pointing at her as if wanting to scold her but holding back. "Do you think that by sending you to the Young Master, I am harming you?"

Nie Tingting took a deep breath, her long lashes trembling slightly. "I lost my parents when I was young, and it was you, Uncle, who raised me. You would never harm me. I just don't understand—why?"

Ren Pingsheng sighed. "You silly girl, do you have any idea how many people would kill for the privilege of being by the Young Master's side?"

Nie Tingting insisted firmly, "Even without that privilege, I can live a good life through my own efforts! Uncle, you weren't like this before. Why the sudden change in attitude toward this playboy?"

Ren Pingsheng was startled. "Keep your voice down!" After confirming that Wang Mu, deep inside the hall, could not hear them, he transmitted his voice: "My thoughts were exactly the same as yours before—I believed the Young Master was good for nothing but wining and dining. But after this incident, I realized I was wrong!"

Nie Tingting was unconvinced. "Just because of a foundation? Isn't that just a way to lose money to gain some praise? What's so special about that? Anyone can throw money around."

"How shallow," Ren Pingsheng taught her earnestly. "Throwing money isn't hard! But look at the attitude of those sect members at the ceremony today! Before, when they spent money at our Langya Chamber of Commerce, it was out of fear and necessity! But after the Young Master's arrangements, who among them wasn't sincerely hoping to empty out their coffers to buy out our branches? They didn't just spend money; they felt grateful to our Langya Chamber of Commerce! That is true skill!"

Nie Tingting bit her lip, still somewhat reluctant. "Perhaps... it was just a coincidence?"

Ren Pingsheng straightened his face and warned, "Tingting, I have to criticize you for this! You've been with me for so many years; do I need to spell these things out for you? For a business person, the greatest taboo is being governed by emotions. By letting your past prejudices cloud your judgment, you've overlooked where he truly excels—that is a fatal mistake! If the Young Master were an opponent of another Chamber of Commerce, do you realize how dangerous that mindset would be?"

The harsh reprimand echoed in Nie Tingting’s mind. Her eyes cleared instantly, and a hint of shame appeared on her face. "I'm sorry, Uncle. I was wrong."

Ren Pingsheng continued, "At today's ceremony, the Young Master's arrangements were perfectly interlocking; he manipulated the minds of those people to the extreme! From this alone, I can be certain that he is by no means an ignorant playboy. He has been hiding his brilliance for over a decade; now that he is beginning to show his edge, he must have a grand blueprint in mind! I am having you stay with him not just for your future, but so you can observe and learn. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Very well, I have said all I can. Take care of yourself. Go back in." Ren Pingsheng waved his sleeve, sending Nie Tingting back inside before turning to leave Tianjue Island.

...

The hall was quiet, save for the distinct sound of a brush moving across paper. Wang Mu sat alone on a high platform, hunched over his desk, writing something. Watching his figure and recalling Ren Pingsheng’s words, Nie Tingting composed herself and walked over with long, elegant strides.

"Young Master!" she bowed respectfully.

"Hmm." Wang Mu did not look up, continuing to write furiously.

Nie Tingting waited quietly. After a while, Wang Mu looked up and gazed at her. "Tingting, is it?"

"My surname is Nie," she quickly clarified.

Wang Mu nodded and beckoned. "Come here."

Nie Tingting paused briefly before stepping onto the platform. She stood beside Wang Mu and followed his gaze to the densely written paper on the table.

"Initial Development Plan for the Langya Foundation..."

Seeing the header, Nie Tingting’s lips tightened slightly. Her uncle was right. Just after finishing the ceremony, he was already pondering the subsequent development of the foundation. How could this be the behavior of a playboy?