Bai Group.
President's Office.
Claire Dubois exclaimed in disbelief, "Is everything you're saying true?"
"It is," Lucas nodded with a smile. "Secure this stalled project, and within two months, you can net a profit of at least five billion!"
The business he was discussing wasn't the graphene mass-production technology he held.
That was his foundation, his core asset.
He intended to keep it exclusively for himself, not use it for partnerships.
Lucas hadn't forgotten his ultimate goal.
He was here to play the game and charm who he needed to, but playing the generous philanthropist wasn't part of his plan.
Making money was far sweeter when it stayed in his own hands.
As for this stalled real estate project, it was originally acquired by Adrien Lefèvre for redevelopment, only to be later snatched away by Ye Fan.
Ye Fan had used Yang Tianhao's financial clout to secure it directly.
The subsequent development turned a massive profit, becoming the first major capital for Ye Fan's rise.
And the reason Lucas was telling Claire about this... was certainly not out of goodwill.
He aimed to trade this information for a large factory owned by the Bai Group.
A factory built with an investment of nearly two billion, primarily used for contract manufacturing.
This suited his short-term interests perfectly—no need to find other manufacturers; he could take over an entire factory for production and sales, controlling the entire supply chain himself.
Lucas held up two fingers. "Two billion. That's roughly the value of your Bai Group's factory here in Jiangcheng."
"Once you secure this project, you'll make that back many times over within two months."
"And all I want in return is that factory. Not an unfair deal, is it?"
It really wasn't excessive.
In fact, it was an incredibly favorable deal for her.
Yet, Claire frowned deeply, staring intently at Lucas. "And if it fails? If we lose money?"
"If it fails, I'll hand over Tianying Technology to you!" Lucas declared boldly. "Tianying Tech's assets are worth at least one billion. And acquiring this project, which has been stalled for three years, will only cost you five hundred million."
"Do you dare to take this bet with me?"
As the saying goes, great wealth comes from great risk. Lucas understood this well and didn't waste time with hesitation.
When the moment called for decisiveness, he acted.
To rapidly amass the capital needed to play on the same board as those worth hundreds of billions, he had to take unconventional, bold steps.
A fast-paced strategy for the most effective result.
Seeing his absolute confidence, Claire fell into thought. Slowly, she asked, "If you have this information, why not partner with someone else?"
"Besides, you must have ways to raise five hundred million yourself, right?"
If this project was so profitable, why wouldn't Lucas pursue it himself? Why hand such an opportunity to her?
She couldn't figure it out.
Because he had feelings for her?
That wasn't realistic. It had only been a few days; who would believe that?
Even the closest of friends wouldn't casually give away such immense wealth.
No, they wouldn't.
At least, Claire knew she wouldn't.
Lucas took a sip of tea and continued, "You understand my background, don't you? Even with assets worth a billion, that's just paper value."
"And in the eyes of those powerful families, the difference between me and an ordinary person is just a few extra digits in my bank account."
"Do you think it would be hard for them to crush me?"
Lucas wasn't from an established family. He was an orphan.
He'd gotten to where he was through luck and some capability.
Otherwise, he'd have nothing.
If he tried to claim such a juicy piece of meat for himself, the wolves would undoubtedly devour him, bones and all.
He lacked the capital to resist.
It was that simple.
But the Bai Group had that capital!
The Bai Group had a real estate arm and was a major, established family in Jiangcheng. If they acquired the project, no one would dare object or scheme against them.
If Lucas had the backing, he certainly wouldn't give up this opportunity.
But he didn't.
Once it became known he was involved, even Adrien Lefèvre's Su Corporation wouldn't let him off the hook!
Lucas tapped his knuckles on the desk, his gaze fixed on Claire. "Miss Claire, do you dare... to gamble with me on this?"
"In two months, you'll see the truth!"
Claire was silent for a long time. Finally, she gave a firm nod. "Alright. I'll go all in with you once."
Seeing her agreement, Lucas smiled. "Good. Then let's sign the agreement."
He tossed a folder onto the desk.
Inside was the contract he had prepared that morning, detailing all the terms, risks, and benefits.
He wouldn't hold back. When it was time to gamble, he would go all in.
With the signing of the agreement, their secret deal was officially sealed.
The reason for a formal contract was twofold: Lucas trusted no one completely, and it also served to reassure Claire.
"I'm curious," Claire said as she placed the pen back in its drawer, a look of genuine inquiry on her face. "When exactly did you change?"
She hadn't had the chance to really understand Lucas before.
But from today's interaction, he was clearly far more complex than he appeared on the surface.
She had seen Lucas many times in the past.
And every time, she felt she could see right through him.
Now... she couldn't.
Every move he made seemed to have a deliberate purpose.
Lucas smiled. "I remember saying something to you that night."
"'I don't know when I started to lose my former self.'"
"'Now, I've found him again.'"
"And I also told you, 'Don't be swayed by others. Hold firm to your own convictions!'"
"Aren't I... just holding firm to who I used to be now?"
His smile was bright and confident.
Yet there was also a hint of madness in it.
It was a contradiction, but Claire found herself simply staring at him.
She had never seen someone who rose from the absolute bottom embody such excellence as Lucas did.
His confidence, his drive...
These were qualities even the elite scions groomed by major families often lacked.
Claire murmured softly, "Is that so... holding firm..."
I wish I could have that kind of resolve too.
But I'm bound by the Bai family. I'm the sole heir.
I can't simply shake off this burden.
"Alright, business is concluded. I should take my leave now." Lucas stood up to go.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Claire rose as well. "Let me see you out."
The two walked to the president's private elevator and rode it down to the first floor.
Ding!
The doors slid open.
A young man with a resolute demeanor, dressed in a security uniform, stood before them.
The young man with the close-cropped hair—Ye Fan—was visibly taken aback to see Lucas and Claire side-by-side.
"President Claire."
Claire nodded. "Hmm."
Looking at the young man, a slight smile played on Lucas's lips.
Suddenly,
he reached out and gave Claire's shoulder a light, familiar pat. "Then it's settled. Don't forget to hand it over when the time comes."
Claire nodded in acknowledgment. "Alright. We'll talk again in two months."
With that, Lucas walked away.
Under Ye Fan's perplexed gaze, he casually slid his hands into his pockets and strolled out of the elevator lobby.
"President Claire, who was that..."
Claire glanced at him, her tone cool and detached. "Don't ask about things you shouldn't."