Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1212 1187: Ye Chen's Face
Previously on Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group...
Smiling, Ye Chen offered reassurance to Principal Chen, stating, "Principal Chen, youthful impulsiveness is a common trait, it's not a major concern."
Leaning in slightly, Ye Chen whispered to Principal Chen, "Later, we can arrange for a bit of tidying up in your office."
Chen Lin promptly agreed, "Rest assured, Mr. Ye."
Hearing Ye Chen's words in his defense, Wu Bo felt a profound sense of gratitude.
Chen Lin then addressed Ye Chen, "Mr. Ye, our oversight in Shanghai in not extending an invitation to you was regrettable. Therefore, I would now like to formally invite you to participate in our expert seminar."
Ye Chen gave a simple nod, "Very well."
Subsequently, Ye Chen inquired of Principal Chen, "Would it be permissible for Song Xiaoxiao to accompany me?"
Principal Chen gestured emphatically, "Certainly! As long as it pleases you, absolutely anything is fine."
Ye Chen then escorted Song Xiaoxiao into the conference room.
Principal Chen Lin, adopting a deferential tone, proceeded to elaborate on the predicament concerning the laboratory building to Ye Chen.
Ye Chen responded with a dismissive wave, "Ah, it's merely a trifle."
The assembled group was rendered speechless by Ye Chen's pronouncement.
What precisely did he mean by a "trifle"?
The principal himself was astonished, his eyes widening as he eagerly asked, "Mr. Ye, do you perhaps possess a solution?"
Ye Chen confirmed with another nod, "Hmm, it is hardly a significant issue."
Observing Ye Chen's assured composure amidst the attentive crowd, Song Xiaoxiao's eyes glimmered with admiration, as radiant as stars.
Even the members of the King Bi group were left utterly flabbergasted by Ye Chen's bold claim.
Mere moments before, none of them had been able to make headway on this particular problem.
The very individual they had ridiculed now asserted he could resolve it.
What was most astonishing was that Ye Chen had previously claimed to be merely a delivery person.
Could that have been the truth?
If Ye Chen indeed succeeded in resolving this matter, it would represent a profound humiliation for them.
A palpable sense of embarrassment washed over all the King Bi members.
Zhang Kai's expression soured considerably.
The sight of Song Xiaoxiao by Ye Chen's side only fueled his animosity.
His sole hope now was that Ye Chen would falter, thus providing him an opportunity to intervene and publicly shame him.
A skeptical voice queried, "Mr. Ye, do you genuinely know the president of Yida?"
Ye Chen confirmed with a nod, "Indeed, I do. Furthermore, do you happen to have President Wang's contact number?"
Upon hearing Ye Chen's question, Zhang Kai and the others were nearly overcome with mirth.
After all that grandstanding, it turned out he lacked even a phone number.
With such a tenuous connection, how could he possibly claim to resolve this predicament?
The situation was utterly ludicrous.
Others in the vicinity began to display overt disdain, gleefully anticipating Ye Chen's impending failure.
The principal, complying with the request, retrieved his phone and displayed President Wang's contact information.
...
"Simply place the call directly," Ye Chen instructed.
Chen Lin nodded and proceeded to dial President Wang's number.
Abruptly, a rather imperious voice emanated from the phone.
"Chen Lin, again? Have I not already made myself clear? Either adhere to the terms of the new contract and pay the overdue rent, or cease your incessant bothering."
The principal's face flushed with embarrassment.
A wave of sympathy swept through the onlookers for Principal Chen.
It was evident that Principal Chen had endured numerous such reprimands regarding this issue.
President Wang was widely known within the industry for his notoriously short temper.
At this precise moment, Ye Chen took the phone from Chen Lin.
"Greetings, is this President Wang? My name is Ye Chen."
President Wang's voice shifted dramatically, "Ye Chen... You are Mr. Ye?"
Ye Chen affirmed, "Yes, that is correct. You accompanied Little Cong to call on me previously."
President Wang's tone underwent a complete metamorphosis, "Mr. Ye, when might we be able to convene?"
The arrogance that had characterized President Wang's voice moments earlier vanished, replaced by an immediate, fawning deference and warmth.
The degree of obsequiousness in President Wang's voice was palpable, bordering on outright flattery.
An unnerving silence descended upon the room.
The King Bi members stared in utter disbelief.
Wasn't President Wang infamous for his tyrannical demeanor towards principals in the business world?
Why then was he adopting such a remarkably respectful tone when speaking with Ye Chen?
Zhang Kai was utterly dumbfounded.
President Wang was a figure of such stature that one would scarcely have an opportunity to curry favor with him.
Yet here was Ye Chen, conversing with him as an equal, engaged in lighthearted banter.
The collective perception of Ye Chen underwent a drastic transformation.
Within their social strata, distinct hierarchies clearly existed.
These individuals, though newly affluent, lacked true standing.
President Wang, however, was an undisputed titan, a figure they could only aspire to emulate.
Ye Chen responded with a smile, "Let us arrange a suitable time then."
President Wang eagerly chimed in, "Mr. Ye, is there anything at all I can assist you with? Could this perhaps pertain to the school's outstanding rental dues for the laboratory building?"
Given that Ye Chen was utilizing Chen Lin's phone, President Wang astutely deduced the reason for the call.
Ye Chen stated, "Precisely, President Wang. The institution is currently grappling with certain financial constraints, as the advancement of education is paramount for our future. Might we perhaps seek your support in this matter?"
President Wang chuckled heartily, "Haha, were this any other individual, I would undoubtedly decline. You comprehend, of course, the immense value of that particular parcel of land."
Principal Chen's expression conveyed a sense of awkwardness.
President Wang continued, "While I may not readily extend favors to others, for your sake, Mr. Ye, I shall make an exception. How about we maintain the rental rates at their previous level? Would that meet with your approval?"
Ye Chen grasped the situation; the rent had been fixed for a decade. Since the other party had been so accommodating, he felt it wouldn't be right to let them incur further losses.
"How about this: I'll increase the rent by ten percent. You've already taken quite a hit, I can't let you continue to lose so much."
President Wang felt a surge of warmth.
His recent days hadn't been particularly smooth sailing either. He had amassed significant wealth from real estate in the past.
However, with the industry's current downturn, he had been facing considerable struggles.
His deficiencies in connections had become particularly apparent lately.
Recently, he had been learning quite a bit about Ye Chen.
The knowledge that Ye Chen possessed a mansion in Kyoto had particularly astounded him.
Owning a property in such a prestigious location was a clear symbol of status.
This was precisely why he had been eager to win Ye Chen's favor.
Ye Chen inquired, "A ten percent increase in rent, would that be acceptable?"
The principal was ecstatic: "Of course, that would be wonderful."
Principal Chen expressed his gratitude, "Thank you so much, President Wang."
President Wang's tone turned somewhat stern: "You don't need to thank me; direct your thanks to Mr. Ye."
The principal nodded profusely: "Thank you, Mr. Ye, truly. Since this arrangement is settled, our school's laboratory building will be named in your honor."
After all, without Ye Chen's influence, President Wang wouldn't have been able to secure the building for them.
One must align themselves with such powerful figures.
He fully recognized that these so-called elites were merely superficial; Ye Chen was the true powerhouse.
Ye Chen appeared taken aback: "Named after me?"
President Wang affirmed, "Yes, this building will officially be known as the Ye Chen Building."
Ye Chen observed the principal, realizing he hadn't gone to great lengths; simply by casually making a few connections, he was being honored with a building bearing his name.
He understood that this laboratory building would serve as a lasting legacy for many years to come.
Excellent, this development was most satisfactory.
Undeniably, this principal was exceptionally adept at navigating such situations, demonstrating remarkable shrewdness.
Ye Chen then proposed, "Since continuous renting might become troublesome, how about I purchase this building outright and then donate it to the school?"
The principal was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing this proposition.
"Mr. Ye, is this truly your intention?"
Ye Chen confirmed, "It is. In fact, I am a significant shareholder in Yida. With my stake in the company, allow me to handle this matter."
Upon hearing Ye Chen's declaration, the entire room erupted in stunned silence!
The members of King Bi were completely speechless!