Chapter 132: Am I Not Enough for You?

Upon returning to the company, Lin Li immediately immersed himself in his work, and everything proceeded as usual. Xu Miaoling naively assumed that what happened the previous night remained unknown to everyone.

To Lin Li's great surprise, however, Xiao Mei'er took the initiative to contact him at this critical juncture.

"I am quite surprised to receive a call from you at this time, Miss Xiao."

While Lin Li and Xiao Mei'er had a decent rapport, he could not deny that the Xiao family had also taken action against him. It was unclear whether Xiao Mei'er was aware of the extent of it, but the matter could not simply be treated as if it had never occurred.

"You should know why I am calling."

"I was not in Jiangcheng for a while, so I wasn't fully aware of the situation here. I apologize for my father's actions. However, rest assured, I can compensate you for any losses he has caused."

Lin Li smiled. "Compensation?"

"Miss Xiao, the Tianxin District project has been pushing its schedule forward to speed up construction."

"You must understand that many ordinary people have already pre-purchased homes there, yet they have no way to move in. We are currently racing against time."

"Your father’s decision to cut off my material supply chain means my project timeline will be delayed significantly."

"If I were the only one affected, it wouldn't matter. But the problem is that many ordinary people are now suffering the consequences as well. In your view, are they simply expected to accept all of this?"

Lin Li’s barrage of questions left Xiao Mei'er momentarily stunned.

"Mr. Lin, after saying all that, what is it that you actually want?"

"Since we have worked together before, there is no need to beat around the bush."

The conversation could not be settled over the phone, so they agreed to meet at a bar. Upon arrival, Lin Li was led directly to a private room where Xiao Mei'er had been waiting for some time.

"Mr. Lin." Xiao Mei'er stood up and offered him a smile.

Lin Li waved his hand dismissively. "Let's get straight to the point."

"You are here today to resolve the crisis of confidence currently facing the Xiao family, aren't you?"

Xiao Mei'er had expected Lin Li to dance around the issue, but to her surprise, he went straight to the heart of the matter without any pretense or wasted words.

"You are correct."

"This situation has had a very negative impact on the Xiao family, so I must step forward to stop it, no matter what."

In truth, among the Four Great Families, their influence was the smallest. Yet, even so, it was something Xiao Mei'er could not tolerate.

"The clients you deal with have little to do with these ordinary people, so the impact on you should be minimal."

"If you choose to stick your neck out now, you might very well become a target for others."

Xiao Mei'er sneered at this. "Although everyone says the Four Great Families of Jiangcheng are united and cooperative, you should understand that is not the case."

"On the surface, they appear harmonious, but in reality, they are riddled with internal strife."

No one understood the current state of the Four Great Families better than Xiao Mei'er, so she did not believe their current status quo could endure.

"I have no desire to compete for status. All I want is to grow and strengthen the Xiao family business under my control."

Xiao Mei'er was a pragmatist. No matter how prestigious the title of the "Four Great Families" might be, it was something bestowed by others; only what one achieved for oneself held true value.

"That is a commendable realization. However, I believe Ye Aotian has likely already summoned your father."

"I am curious, without your father's consent, how much confidence do you have in resolving this?"

To Lin Li's surprise, Xiao Mei'er showed more mettle than he had anticipated. She placed a bank card directly on the table.

"There is ten million in here."

"This is all I can manage for now, to be donated to the Tianxin District project in the name of the Xiao family."

Ten million was not a massive sum for the Xiao family, but for Xiao Mei'er to produce it so easily was proof enough of her stance on the matter.

"I know that for the Tianxin District project, this money is but a drop in the bucket."

"However, the practical significance of our doing this is far more important than the amount itself."

Xiao Mei'er wanted to use this gesture to galvanize other companies throughout Jiangcheng. Her ultimate goal was to encourage them to donate as well.

"I believe you are quite familiar with Wang Qisheng. Once we donate, you can coordinate with him."

"I don't think I need to explain what comes next."

After the first phase of project funds was secured, Lin Li had been tirelessly seeking further capital. Ultimately, he had set his sights on the Four Great Families.

As it turned out, the Four Great Families did not disappoint; they had indeed tried to use unscrupulous methods to threaten him into handing over the project. Lin Li had already prepared for the worst-case scenario, so he was never going to concede under such pressure. The eventual outcome was one that everyone was happy to see.

The Four Great Families had become pariahs, and even if they wanted to salvage their reputations, it would be difficult. Thus, donating to the Tianxin District project was their only remaining opportunity.

"Miss Xiao, you have truly devised a clever plan. This will indeed help clear the Xiao family of some suspicion."

"But what is in it for me?"

Lin Li looked at Xiao Mei'er. "Even if you hadn't come today, you would have eventually reached this decision, and the funds provided would certainly have exceeded ten million."

Xiao Mei'er replied, "Ten million is the most I can offer right now. Mr. Lin, there will surely be many opportunities for us to cooperate in the future. There is no point in draining the Xiao family dry."

"It would be simple for you to bring us down, Mr. Lin. But destroying the Xiao family would not be of much help to you."

Xiao Mei'er was now able to see the reality of the situation. She realized that everything—the attitudes of the Four Great Families and even Ye Aotian—was already within Lin Li's plan.

Everyone thought they were the ones playing the game, but they didn't realize that the one truly in control was Lin Li himself.