Seeing Lu Ming return, Jiang Lan took the initiative to speak, "Lu Ming, you're back? Come, sit down and listen with us. Dragon Warlord is launching a mysterious project in Jinling and is currently seeking investment. I want to secure this opportunity for Xun Rong!"
Lu Ming nodded and calmly sat beside Jiang Lan.
Jiang Lan addressed the company's senior executives, "Regarding this investment solicitation, what are everyone's thoughts?"
They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with confusion.
Indeed, there was too little information to offer any suggestions.
At this moment.
An elder in his late sixties said, "Manager Jiang, I believe this is not advisable."
This elder was He Zhizhou, who had worked for the Jiang family for a long time. He was a loyal and capable subordinate of the Jiang family and an important pillar of Xun Rong.
His words carried significant weight.
Jiang Lan respectfully asked, "Elder He, what aspects do you find unsuitable? Please share your thoughts."
He Zhizhou began, "There are primarily three points. First, Dragon Warlord's investment requirement is 1 billion. Even if Xun Rong empties its coffers, we cannot raise such a sum. Second, apart from the words 'mysterious project,' there is no other information about this venture. What kind of project it is and how we can recoup our investment are not mentioned at all. Such a project carries too much risk. Is it worth it for a small company like ours to rush into it so aggressively?"
Jiang Lan replied, "1 billion, Xun Rong doesn't have it, but the Jiang family can provide it. As long as the project bid is successful, I'm confident the Jiang family headquarters will fully support us. As for what the project is and whether we can recoup the investment, I don't think we need to worry. Who is Dragon Warlord? He is a national hero, a man of his word. Since he dares to solicit 1 billion, he will definitely not let his partners lose money. Would Dragon Warlord deliberately set a trap to harm everyone for 1 billion? I believe the Warlord's vision is not that narrow."
The others nodded in unison, agreeing with Jiang Lan's words.
He Zhizhou continued, "Well, I agree with these two points. But the third point, we have no idea what the project is. How are we supposed to bid? What aspect of our company should we highlight? How can we showcase our strengths?"
This was indeed a problem.
However...
Jiang Lan chuckled and said, "This is not a problem that only we have; other companies face it too! This is a common challenge for everyone, so why should we be afraid?"
With a few words, she dissolved the difficulty.
He Zhizhou gave a thumbs-up, "Impressive, truly impressive! Manager Jiang is indeed an extraordinary person, a hero among women! In that case, I believe this project is worth bidding for."
Someone on the side added, "Lord Shura mentioned that besides the 1 billion, each company also needs to prepare a gift. I reckon whoever's gift can impress the Warlord will win the bid!"
This made perfect sense.
1 billion was the same for everyone; the difference would lie in the gifts each company prepared.
What would be an appropriate gift?
Someone suggested, "Antiques and calligraphy, pearls and jade?"
He Zhizhou sneered, "What foolishness is this? Dragon Warlord is wealthier than a nation. What kind of precious items has he not seen? How could such mundane things catch Dragon Warlord's eye?"
Jiang Lan asked, "Then what does Elder He think we should present?"
He Zhizhou confidently stated, "Of course, we must present a very valuable gift, but it cannot be ordinary. I believe presenting a Ferghana horse would be most suitable!"
A Ferghana horse?
Jiang Lan slightly frowned. "Is that suitable?"
He Zhizhou explained, "Of course, it's suitable! As a Warlord, I believe he would appreciate a fine steed!"
Jiang Lan also nodded, thinking it was quite good.
Only...
Lu Ming, standing by the side, repeatedly furrowed his brow.
A Ferghana horse?
What era is this? Who rides horses into battle anymore? Although Lu Ming also enjoyed riding horses, it was merely for leisure and relaxation, and certainly not for the battlefield.
Facing enemy tanks and aircraft, would one charge in on horseback?
Was that not seeking death?
"Ahem." Lu Ming coughed and said, "I think, it's already the 21st century, and has the 'war tool' of a horse already exited the stage of history? Sending a Ferghana horse feels a bit like 'Ye Lang's arrogance,' not good."
Huh?
He Zhizhou shot Lu Ming a disdainful look.
He snorted coldly, "What does a son-in-law who guards graves know?!"
He Zhizhou had never thought highly of Lu Ming.
In his opinion, Lu Ming was merely a brute who coveted the Jiang family's vast wealth and was maliciously currying favor! In his eyes, Lu Ming was utterly useless except for his brute strength.
However, Jiang Lan valued Lu Ming's opinion highly and actively asked, "Then Lu Ming, what do you think we should give?"
Lu Ming replied, "To solve the problem, we must first understand the question. Did Shura release any other information besides the 1 billion and the gift?"
Jiang Lan thought carefully and replied, "Nothing else, at most there was a 'dog face' emoji."
"That's it," Lu Ming said. "Why would Shura include a 'dog face' in such a serious announcement?"
They looked at each other, utterly bewildered.
Lu Ming continued, "You may not know, but on the battlefield, dogs are the closest companions of soldiers, able to fight bravely alongside them! Dragon Warlord had a very valiant and loyal dog named Lie Huo (Blazing Fire), who achieved numerous merits for the Warlord! In the end, Lie Huo stayed behind to engage the enemy to cover the Warlord's escape, sacrificing himself heroically."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.
Was this all true?
Apart from Lu Ming, the others stared blankly at each other, having never heard of this tale.
This was to be expected.
Because this was something only Lu Ming, Shura, the Dragon King, and a few others knew.
Lu Ming continued, "And now, have you noticed how many stray dogs there are on the streets! The dog-napping syndicates in Jinling City are also very rampant. I have a feeling that this mysterious project will definitely be related to dogs! Therefore, my suggestion is to present Dragon Warlord with a valiant and loyal Chinese pastoral dog. It will surely win the Warlord's favor!"
Dogs?
And specifically, a Chinese pastoral dog?
Was it true or false?
Wouldn't that be equivalent to picking up a stray dog from the street and gifting it to Dragon Warlord? This sounded utterly absurd.
He Zhizhou burst into laughter, sarcastically remarking, "I thought you'd say something earth-shattering, but it turns out to be utter nonsense! Lu Ming, have you gone mad? You actually want to send a stray dog to the Warlord? What, are you planning to insult the Warlord by calling him a stray dog? If the Warlord gets angry, will you bear the consequences or will we?"
Uh...
Lu Ming shrugged awkwardly, "Is my analysis unreasonable?"
"Unreasonable is an understatement!" He Zhizhou reprimanded. "Put away your petty tricks. Don't play these petty games in front of me; they only make me sick!"
Turning his head.
He Zhizhou said to Jiang Lan, "Don't listen to Lu Ming's nonsensical ramblings. Sending some dog-like Chinese pastoral dog will ruin Xun Rong. Manager Jiang, just listen to me. Send the Ferghana horse!"