Chapter 164
Chapter 164
C164 – Diamonds
Old Master Fong cradled a diamond in his palm, clearly intent on keeping it for his personal enjoyment. “Su, I’ve met many young folks, but it’s rare to find someone as exceptional as you,” he remarked. “I’ve spent my life chasing after diamonds of this caliber. My friends each have one or two of these top-grade gems, and they’ve been flaunting them to me. You’ve really done me a favor.”
Su Ming chuckled. “You’re giving me too much credit, old man.”
President Chen trailed behind Su Ming, the very picture of a dutiful secretary.
“Mr. Su!” Boss Lee approached eagerly. “Do you have any more diamonds? Could you sell me a few?”
“You’re interested in buying?” Su Ming mused, considering Boss Lee’s request.
“Yes!” Boss Lee’s eyes were alight with longing.
“There are a few diamonds left, but not many,” Su Ming replied after a thoughtful pause.
Su Ming had his reasons for this cautious response. He figured he had enough to purchase the property, but the demolition and reconstruction would require additional funds. The prospect of a shortfall had been a niggling concern. Selling a few diamonds would comfortably bridge that gap.
Boss Lee was overjoyed. He lacked Old Master Fong’s wealth, but he could afford a diamond.
“Mr. Su, I’d like to buy some diamonds as well,” Boss Fong interjected, pushing forward.
“Old Fong, you’re out of line. I was the first to ask Mr. Su!” Boss Lee protested.
“Mr. Su is in our store, and we were his first business partners,” Boss Fong countered.
“Old Fong, please, is it so hard to let me make a little money?” Boss Lee pleaded.
“You’ve got a point,” Boss Fong conceded, but the tension remained high.
The old man intervened with a strategic cough, his cane thudding against the ground. “Give the diamond to Lee. His dying father entrusted me to look after him.”
The old man’s word was final.
“Fine,” Boss Fong conceded, albeit reluctantly.
“I want one too!”
“So do we!” The other eager buyers behind Old Master Fong began to clamor.
Su Ming was at a loss for words.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, “I do have a few diamonds left, but not enough for everyone here.”
“It’s all good!”
It didn’t matter to them; securing the diamonds was the main goal.
They could even share a diamond between two people!
“Mr. Su!”
One of the men approached cautiously and said, “I have a modest proposal.”
“What is it?”
Su Ming asked, his tone light and amiable.
“We all chip in to gather the funds. We pay upfront and then collect the diamonds.”
“Exactly!”
“And we won’t bother you to come out. Just a phone call from you, and we’ll have someone pick them up.”
“We’ll divide the diamonds among ourselves here,” Wang Yao added.
“You won’t have to lift a finger. We’ll handle everything.”
Their desire for the diamonds was palpable.
They were seasoned veterans in the jewelry business.
They conducted their dealings with utmost caution.
With anyone else, they wouldn’t dream of paying first before receiving the goods.
Despite their flashy attire, they were known to be quite frugal.
Before Su Ming could even agree, the bosses were already outside, hastily counting their money.
They were the titans of the jewelry appraisal business.
Each had once invested a minimum of ten million to get a stake.
“Honey, sell all our properties. Got tenants? Evict them. No questions now, I’ve stumbled upon a goldmine!”
“Son, I’m cutting off your allowance while you’re abroad. We’re strapped for cash.”
“Old Sun, sell my factory!”
“I need both of my cars sold. I expect cash in hand within five minutes!”
Su Ming was astounded as he overheard the commotion from behind the door.
This deal was costing them everything!
Yet, Su Ming didn’t intervene.
This was a temporary sacrifice.
By this afternoon, once they had the goods, and in the days or months to follow, their returns would multiply exponentially!
After some time, a man approached Su Ming, bank card in hand.
“Mr. Su, we can’t match Old Master Fong’s financial power, so we’ve only managed to scrape together 800 million. I hope it’s not too disappointing…”
Boss Lee, leading the charge, spoke with trepidation.
They were concerned that the sum they had raised was too meager, that it might not meet Su Ming’s expectations.
“It’s settled, I’ll accept it!”
Su Ming offered a reassuring smile, nodded, and tucked the bank card into his pocket.
Boss Lee and the others finally exhaled in relief, their earlier tension dissipating.
This venture had netted them a staggering 20.8 billion.
The other small business owners could only look on with envy as they watched the big players rake in the profits.
They had just pocketed a staggering 20.8 billion yuan!
If they were to convert that 20.8 billion into cash, there wouldn’t be enough room in the house to store it all.
That’s why there’s a saying that those who deal in antiques and jade are the quickest to amass wealth.
It’s a rich man’s game, out of reach for them. They might be considered wealthy by the average person, but next to these tycoons, they’re just small fry.
Despite the sizable crowd of onlookers, the presence of security guards and police ensured everyone’s safety.
“I’ll head back and get your orders ready soon. It’s noon now; you can pick up the goods from Tianhua Bank at four o’clock.”
President Chen’s eyes sparkled at Su Ming’s words.
Su Ming was giving him free publicity.
“This gentleman is Chen Guosheng, the president of Tianhua Bank.”
Su Ming gave President Chen a reassuring pat on the shoulder, “He handles all my affairs. Just see him this afternoon to collect your items.”
“President Chen, I’ve long admired your reputation, and meeting you in person, it’s clear you truly deserve it!”
“President Chen, with Mr. Su by your side, your prospects are limitless!”
“President Chen, do you have any free time tonight? May I treat you to a drink? I’m looking to open a savings account and am unsure which bank to choose.”
“That’s right, I’m also looking to deposit some money.”
They might not be able to befriend Su Ming, but they saw an opportunity to get close to President Chen.
Surrounded by a crowd eager to make his acquaintance, President Chen was pleasantly overwhelmed.
He was ecstatic.
He was filled with profound gratitude; Su Ming was a true heavyweight. His mere endorsement could lead to a windfall. This would surely cause his bank’s deposits to soar!
Come year-end, when he attended the big meeting in the capital, he was bound to be showered with accolades.
But as for being transferred to another bank by his superiors, that was out of the question. He was committed to following Mr. Su for life.