Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

As the Mercedes-Benz entered Futian District, the view outside the window became new and desolate.

"Boss Lin, that building over there, the 'International Science and Technology Building,' was just completed last year," Uncle Cai introduced.

Lin Dong hummed in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the glass curtain walls reflecting the sunlight. He knew very well: now it was empty and cheap. In a few years, the prices here would be prohibitive. Timing was everything.

The car stopped. The real estate agent, a capable woman, was already waiting. During the viewing, Lin Dong almost completely ignored all the fluff about "prestige" and "experience." He went straight to the floor-to-ceiling windows to see the view and the layout.

He took the floor plan and pointed directly to the core area. "Open up this whole area. Make a separate office in the southeast corner, with the largest window possible."

Then, questions popped up like bullets: "What is the maximum circuit load? Can it support the lab? How long will it take for the gigabit leased line to be up and running?"

The agent was taken aback by the question, but immediately became very attentive in answering. She realized that this was not a rich second-generation heir who came to see the scenery.

Lin Dong turned around, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Right here. Top floor or second-to-top floor owners will be given priority. Let's talk now."

Half an hour later, in a private room at the teahouse. The air was filled with the aged aroma of Pu'er tea.

The homeowner, Mr. Li, arrived first. He was in his fifties, and the sandalwood beads on his wrist were glossy and shiny.

Upon seeing Uncle Cai enter, he immediately stood up with a smile, extending his hand: "Boss Wang, it's an honor to meet you! It's truly fate that you've taken a liking to my floor!"

Uncle Cai wore a friendly, money-making smile on his face, clasped his hands, and subtly stepped aside to make way for the passage behind him.

Mr. Li's smile remained unchanged, but a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Then he saw a young man walk straight to the head seat and sit down calmly.

Who is this?

Mr. Li felt a sudden jolt and looked at Uncle Cai.

Uncle Cai then bowed slightly, his respect genuine: "President Li, let me formally introduce you. This is our real boss, Mr. Lin Dong. Today, our President Lin will personally discuss this business with you."

Boss?

So young?

Mr. Li's initial displeasure at being "neglected" was instantly replaced by surprise and doubt.

He quickly adjusted his expression, knowing that appearances can be deceiving in business.

His smile grew even warmer as he turned to Lin Dong: "Oh my! Mr. Lin! You are truly... truly young and promising, a man of exceptional talent! My apologies for not recognizing you! It's an honor for our building that you've chosen my floor!"

Lin Dong simply nodded slightly, refusing the compliment. "Mr. Li, you're too kind. I've seen the property; it's alright. Let's get straight to the price."

The pleasantries were abruptly cut off.

Mr. Li's heart skipped a beat again. This young man was not playing by the rules.

He toned down his overly enthusiastic manner and sat up straight: "Alright, Mr. Lin is straightforward. I'll be frank with you too. Given the location and quality of this area in Futian Central District, the market price would be at least 15,000 yuan per square meter."

The floor you've got your eye on is a full 1,000 square meters, and the total price is 15 million. That's a really good price!

Lin Dong did not immediately refute.

He picked up the teacup in front of him, gently blew away the foam, and took a small sip. Only when he put the cup down did he look up at President Li and say in a steady voice:

"Fifteen thousand is the price you'd get when this place becomes a true CBD." He tapped his finger on the smooth tabletop. "Right now, there are more cars than people on the road. That price is inflated."

He paused for a moment, not giving Mr. Li a chance to interrupt, and clearly stated his price: "My bottom line is 10,000 per unit. The entire floor is 10 million."

"Impossible!" Mr. Li blurted out, his face showing exaggerated anger. "Mr. Lin, your price cut... it doesn't even cover the cost I paid for the land! This is absolutely unacceptable!"

"Then you'll have to wait patiently." Lin Dong said, getting up. "Wait two years, wait three years, until this place really becomes lively—provided that no cheaper places emerge in Nanshan or Qianhai in the next two years."

These words struck a nerve. Mr. Li's expression shifted several times, then he gritted his teeth: "Twelve thousand! That's the lowest I can go!"

Lin Dong seemed to have anticipated his reaction, his face remaining expressionless. He leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze calmly sweeping over President Li, before casting his true, meticulously crafted hook:

"Let's go for ten million. I'll make a down payment of only two million."

Mr. Li frowned, clearly extremely dissatisfied with the price and the extremely low down payment. Lin Dong ignored him and continued:

"Once the contract is signed, the two million will be in your account immediately, without delay. At the same time, the property transfer procedures will be initiated simultaneously. I want to see my name written on the property certificate as soon as possible."

He paused here, looked directly into Mr. Li's eyes, and then threw out that bet that gleamed with a dangerous yet alluring light:

"I will pay off the remaining eight million in twenty-four installments over two years. You will receive every penny of the interest due."

"But—" he deliberately dragged out the word, making the air in the private room seem to freeze for a moment, "If I have any final payment that is more than thirty days overdue within the next two years..."

He leaned slightly forward, speaking each word with crystal clarity:

"Then, this purchase contract is automatically void. The two million down payment you've already received is yours to keep. You can take back the apartment exactly as it is. Our debts are settled, and we have no further connection."

Get two million for free?

Mr. Li's heart skipped a beat when he heard the last few words.

These conditions...

His mind was racing at an unprecedented speed:

What is the worst possible outcome?

It was this young man named Lin Dong who really couldn't pay back the money and defaulted. And then what? All I did was take the house back, and sell it two years later.

But out of nowhere, I made a profit of two million in cash! Two million! This building is currently sitting on the market, and it's uncertain whether it can even be sold in a year. And if it is sold, how much profit could I make? This is simply... a windfall!

What would be the best outcome?

He gritted his teeth and persevered, paying off the remaining balance on time. So what?

I sold the house for a total price of ten million. Although the price per unit was a bit low, the funds came back quickly, and I didn't suffer any losses!

No matter how you look at it... no matter how you look at it, this is a sure-fire way to make money! No, that's not right, it's not that it won't lose money, it's a huge profit! Especially if he defaults... then the two million is practically free money!

The lure of enormous profits, like a venomous snake, instantly tightened around his reason. He could almost see the two million in cash piled up before him.

However, his seasoned instincts prevented him from immediately displaying elation. Instead, his brow furrowed deeper, revealing a grave expression that seemed to say, "Do you think I'm a fool, or have you oversimplified the business?" He shook his head repeatedly.

"Two years... Mr. Lin, twenty-four months is too long! How many variables are there in that time? Policies, the market, even your own business... Who can say for sure?"

He leaned forward abruptly, bracing his elbows on the table, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, fixed on Lin Dong's face, trying to find a trace of guilt or wavering.

He decided to go all out and cook the seemingly succulent meat thoroughly, making sure that once he ate it, he wouldn't spit it out.