Tong Yifeng put his glasses back on and looked at her. Although she had never been interested in these matters, she understood some basics from years of hearing about them, so she nodded.
Tong Yifeng continued, “However, the SZ city government has not decided on the CBD location. I don’t know how Di Xihuang learned of this news. His Di Family Consortium is preparing to acquire a plot of land owned by our Tong Family in the Futian District and is investing one billion US dollars to build the Emperor’s Tower on that plot.”
Ou Xueman worried, “Brother Yifeng, isn’t the risk too great?”
Tong Yifeng shook his head, “For the Di Family, such an investment, no matter how risky, would not lead to their ruin. But for our Tong Family, any slip-up could be devastating.”
“What do you mean? Are we involved in Xihuang’s investment?” Ou Xueman asked in surprise.
Tong Yifeng nodded, “This investment was strongly promoted by Second Uncle. The Di Family’s condition is that, in addition to our plot of land, we must also acquire the usage rights of surrounding small landowners within six months and deliver it to them.”
If we fail to do so, we will have to pay compensation equivalent to 50% of our Tong Family’s total assets.”
Pulling at her clothes, her long black hair hanging in front of her chest, she asked after a long pause, “Brother Yifeng, are you worried this is… a trap?”
Tong Yifeng, with his keen insight, detected her unease. He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders, “Silly girl, this is just my speculation. One must always be cautious.”
Ou Xueman knew that beneath his gentle exterior was the vision and courage of a sage. His worries were never groundless.
Though her eyes were filled with anxiety, she looked at Tong Yifeng, hoping for the truth, as this concerned everyone she loved.
“Brother Yifeng,” she finally asked, “Why did Xihuang marry me?”
A flash of surprise crossed Tong Yifeng’s eyes, but quickly disappeared. His smile became stiff, “Of course it’s…”
“Brother,” Ou Xueman interrupted, looking anxiously into his eyes, “I want to know the real reason.”
Tong Yifeng slowly removed his smile. After a moment of silence, he said, “This was an additional condition proposed by Second Uncle to Di Xihuang.”
