Chapter Forty: Years Real Estate

Ling Tian had just left the Qincheng Group when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen—it was the old director calling. He hurriedly pressed the answer button.

“Ling Tian, come to the orphanage right away. There’s something important I need to discuss with you,” the old director’s voice was rushed, clearly indicating a matter of great urgency.

After hanging up, Ling Tian immediately flagged down a taxi and headed to the orphanage. Whatever had happened, he’d find out soon enough. The most important thing now was to get there as quickly as possible.

“Driver, to the orphanage, please. Hurry, I have an emergency,” Ling Tian said as he got into the car.

The driver, a man in his forties with a slightly chubby build and a cheerful face, seemed quite amusing.

“The orphanage? Are you a volunteer there?” the driver asked.

Ling Tian didn’t want to elaborate, so he simply nodded. “Yes, I am.”

“Not many young people like you nowadays. You’ve got a good heart, lad. Buckle up, I’m about to speed up,” the driver said, then pressed hard on the accelerator, overtaking cars like a madman and running two red lights in succession. Ling Tian, sitting in the passenger seat, was dumbfounded—the driver was a bit too fierce.

A journey that should have taken nearly an hour was completed in less than half that time.

When they arrived at the orphanage gate, Ling Tian took out five hundred yuan and handed it to the driver. “You were speeding and ran red lights—there’s bound to be fines and demerits. Consider this compensation.”

The driver laughed heartily, waved at Ling Tian, and said, “Today’s my last day on the job, so none of that matters anymore.”

“You’re quitting?” Ling Tian asked curiously.

The driver lit a cigarette, handed one to Ling Tian, and replied, “Last week, while I was driving, I saw a mother and her child; the kid was seriously ill. I took them to the hospital and even helped them register. I lost a whole day, and when my boss found out, he docked three days’ wages and gave me a tongue-lashing. I see no future under such a heartless boss.”

Ling Tian laughed—this driver really was endearing. No wonder he complimented Ling Tian earlier for his compassion.

“How about this? The orphanage happens to need a driver. Why not start working here tomorrow?” Ling Tian suggested, an idea suddenly occurring to him. The orphanage had never had its own bus, but once he collected the debt, a million would be enough to buy a safe vehicle. With a car and a driver, the children could go on outings and visit places like the youth center more often.

“Great! I won’t take another fare today—consider this my internship,” the driver said excitedly, relieved to have found a new place. He handed Ling Tian a business card and continued, “My name is Zhang Ding. My contact information is on the card.”

“It’s settled then. I’ll pay you whatever your previous salary was, plus an extra ten percent. Come on, let’s go in,” Ling Tian said, taking the card and leading Zhang Ding inside. After meeting the old director, Ling Tian explained Zhang Ding’s situation, making it official.

The old director waited for Ling Tian to finish, then pulled him to sit down, his expression grave. “Ling Tian, just now, New Era Real Estate called. They want you to come and meet with their manager to discuss the orphanage’s land. I think they’re ready to lay their cards on the table.”

Ling Tian nodded inwardly. He had been considering when to visit New Era Real Estate and resolve the matter once and for all. Unexpectedly, they came to him first. After a period of recuperation, Ling Tian’s injuries were well under control, his strength restored to about seventy or eighty percent.

“Perfect. I was planning to go anyway—time to settle this,” Ling Tian said. “Zhang Ding, do you know where New Era Real Estate is located?” he asked.

Taxi drivers always had the best information, especially someone as kind-hearted as Zhang Ding, who kept an eye on local affairs. Naturally, he had heard about New Era Real Estate eyeing the orphanage’s land.

Zhang Ding had also heard that the orphanage had a formidable figure, causing New Era Real Estate to hold back for a while. It seemed the legendary figure was none other than Ling Tian himself.

But from what was said, New Era Real Estate clearly hadn’t given up and now wanted a final showdown.

“The boss at New Era Real Estate is no good. Used to be a street thug and has considerable influence locally. He made his fortune by forceful demolitions,” Zhang Ding said indignantly. “As a member of the orphanage, I’m determined to protect it.”

Ling Tian was satisfied with Zhang Ding’s attitude—so eager and committed even before officially joining. Clearly, he’d made the right choice. Ling Tian patted Zhang Ding’s shoulder and smiled, “Don’t worry. With me here, they won’t stir up much trouble.”

Zhang Ding was a bit stunned. New Era Real Estate was a major company in Yunhai City, yet this young man spoke so casually. Zhang Ding became more convinced that Ling Tian was the legendary figure who had bested New Era Real Estate.

“Ling Tian, are you going alone?” the old director asked, worried for Ling Tian’s safety. Though Ling Tian had proven himself formidable before, this time he’d be walking into the lion’s den. As the saying goes, two fists can’t fight four hands—what if something happened?

As Ling Tian’s strength gradually recovered, so did his confidence. Even if the opposition had guns, he wouldn’t hesitate. As a former king of mercenaries, he’d seen all kinds of situations—why would he fear a street thug?

Zhang Ding volunteered to drive Ling Tian to New Era Real Estate.

Inside the New Era Real Estate Tower.

Chairman Yuan Xiaotian sat in his executive chair, holding a cigar. Around his neck hung a thick gold chain, and his mouth glinted with a gold tooth. A black dragon was tattooed on his arm. Despite his efforts to shed his gangster image and move toward sophistication, old habits remained stubbornly ingrained.

“Boss, everyone’s in place,” someone announced, entering the room.

Yuan Xiaotian slapped the table and roared, “How many times have I told you, don’t call me ‘Boss’—call me ‘Chairman.’ We’re no longer street thugs; we’re respectable people now. Understand?”

The subordinate quickly replied, “Got it, Chair—man.”

Yuan Xiaotian nodded in satisfaction. “Tell the brothers—the guy coming is tough. Word is even Old Wolf lost to him. So keep your wits about you, understand?”

“Yes, Chairman. I’ll go reorganize and prepare more weapons,” the subordinate replied, bowing as he backed out.

Yuan Xiaotian stood, baring his gold tooth. “So he can fight, huh? But here, on my turf, let’s see how long he can keep it up. Back when I swept the whole street with a cleaver, he was still running around in diapers.”