Such an attitude had long been within Huang Haoran's expectations.
He remained unfazed, still wearing that calm and unhurried smile, even finding Zheng Xuan's reaction somewhat endearing—her sarcasm, her distrust, her indifference were all based on her understanding of the existing rules of the world, and he was precisely the one here to overturn those rules.
Huang Haoran gently tapped the armrest of his chair, shifting the topic with a slower and more penetrating tone: "Miss Zheng, let us set aside personal biases and discuss the real issues facing this city."
"As far as I know, the power supply problem in C City has reached a point where it can no longer be delayed."
"Most citizens are unable to pay their electricity bills due to unemployment and economic collapse, and the power company is implementing large-scale power cuts."
"And what about these manufacturers?"
He slightly raised his chin, his voice soft yet carrying a chilling sense of pressure: "Their order demands have plummeted, their funding chains have collapsed, and factories are closing one after another... The industries in this city are on the brink of life and death."
He deliberately paused for a moment, gazing deeply at Zheng Xuan before slowly delivering the most crucial statement—
"We, Foot Odor Energy Company, are willing to provide C City with six months of free energy."
"In exchange, we request to establish our first branch office in this city."
The air instantly froze.
Zheng Xuan's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Huang Haoran.
"Free energy?" Her voice trembled slightly; despite her efforts to remain composed, she could not hide the shock within.
The impact of this statement was far more terrifying than one hundred million in cash.
If this were true, it meant that all the factories, businesses, and even the basic electricity needs of the residents in C City would be completely resolved within six months!
The energy crisis was the greatest source of despair for this city, and yet he was willing to supply energy without charging any fees?!
This was almost an unconditional blessing from the heavens, even more direct and insane than government subsidies!
However, precisely because this proposal sounded too good to be true, it felt suspicious.
"Are you joking?" Zheng Xuan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Her gaze became sharp and cautious. "No company would do something like this. What do you really want?"
Her intuition told her that this was definitely not a simple business collaboration; this man's plan was far more profound and dangerous than he let on.
Huang Haoran smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting as he slowly stood up from the wooden bench. He walked with steady steps, exuding an undeniable calmness and confidence.
He did not answer immediately but leisurely walked towards the floor-to-ceiling window behind Zheng Xuan.
Standing in front of the window with his hands in his pockets, he looked down at the dilapidated city—skyscrapers stood tall yet dirty and worn. The once-bustling streets were now empty, resembling a dying shell.
This place had once been the most prosperous automotive industry city in the world; now, even maintaining basic electricity had become a luxury.
Huang Haoran quietly gazed at it all, as if he could see the city's past glory and its future resurgence.
"I will transform this place into the greatest city in the world."
His tone was steady, devoid of any exaggeration, yet it carried a chilling certainty and fervor.
"That's right, the greatest in the world."
Zheng Xuan was taken aback.
She stared incredulously at Huang Haoran's back as he stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, speaking such absurd words with unwavering conviction.
He’s lost it. This guy is definitely insane.
Whether it was the Foot Odor Energy or this unrealistic plan, he had surpassed all conventional business thinking, even transcending the realm of a mere speculator. He was simply an anomaly, a madman not belonging to this era.
Yet, deep within her heart, an uncontrollable surge of strange excitement emerged.
An indescribable intuition surged wildly within her.
Rationality told her that this plan was utterly impossible, a ridiculous dream.
But intuition urged her—
Give it a try.
Perhaps... it really is possible?
Her fingers curled slightly, her heart filled with contradictions and struggles.
She couldn't understand why the man's words could cause such a strange wavering within her.
"...The best in the world?"
She softly repeated the phrase, as if confirming its truth or testing her own feelings.
Huang Haoran continued to gaze out the window, not turning back, but the corner of his mouth seemed to curl into a confident smile.
Huang Haoran turned around, his eyes sharp and intense, unhesitatingly locking onto Zheng Xuan's gaze.
Those eyes held a certain confidence that suggested inevitability, like an invisible force that bound her tightly, making escape impossible.
"Let's work together, Miss Zheng."
His voice was deep and steady, like a king at the negotiation table—calm yet filled with an oppressive aura.
"If we cooperate, we will surely achieve the best results."
Zheng Xuan held her breath.
She had never seen such a gaze before—one that was not the calculating look of a business negotiation or the insincere smile of a politician, but rather an undeniable ambition and fervor, as if he had already glimpsed the victory of the future and was certain he would dominate everything.
Her heart inexplicably quickened, and a faint blush suddenly appeared on her cheeks.
What is this feeling?
Her hand instinctively curled slightly, and her ears felt warm, which made her uncomfortable. She quickly turned her head to avoid Huang Haoran's gaze.
"This proposal..." Her voice trembled slightly, but she quickly steadied herself, regaining her calm authority. "We will consider it and keep in touch."
Huang Haoran continued to smile, his eyes glimmering with an air of assured victory.
"Our convoy is ready and waiting for your command at any moment."
His tone was relaxed, yet it carried an undeniable sense of control, as if everything was already part of his plan.
After speaking, he elegantly turned and walked steadily toward the door.
He did not rush Zheng Xuan to make a decision because he knew that this woman would eventually be forced by reality into his embrace.
In this dilapidated city, he was the only one who could bring hope, and she would ultimately come to understand this.
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