Chapter 122: Inside and outside the office, Li Jiaming on the grassland - The Rich Second-Generation Villain With No Morals

At noon, Li Jiaming was not with Chen Shuyi. Under his father Li Zhou's authorization, he followed Yan Yan to Huamei Zixin and signed two renovation contracts. Seeing how much Li Zhou doted on Li Jiaming, Yanyan shook her head repeatedly. In her opinion, spoiling a child like this had no benefit, only harm. But since Li Jiaming wasn't her biological child, she couldn't interfere too much without risking being suspected of wrongdoing by the stepmother, so she kept quiet. Holding the contracts, Li Jiaming happily returned to the company and sought out Zhang Man. "Manager Zhang, here are the two major contracts I signed outside today. Please take a look and see how much commission I can earn," Li Jiaming said, handing the contracts to Zhang Man with a bit of flair. Zhang Man wasn't aware of Li Jiaming's wealthy background. "Wow, Li Jiaming, you're amazing, getting two such big renovation contracts," she exclaimed. Her surprise grew when she saw the client was Huamei Zixin and the projects involved the renovation of two new hospitals. The contracts' value totaled over 30,000 yuan, adding up to over 60,000 yuan in value. The renovation industry's profit margin is generally above 35%, with "City People" holding more than 40%. These two contracts could bring in 2.4 million yuan in profit for "City People" renovation company. As for Li Jiaming's commission, it should be around 70,000 yuan, given that he's just an intern. Considering the contract's size, a 3% commission seemed inappropriate, so a 5% commission wasn't a stretch. With a 2.4 million income, Li Jiaming could earn around 120,000 yuan in commission. Some might question why a company like "City People," with assets of only about 50,000 yuan, would take on a project costing 60,000 yuan. The renovation industry works differently from others; payments are made in stages throughout the project phases. Before purchasing materials, payments need to be secured, with generally 60% of the project cost collected during early and mid-stages, 30% later, and 10% held back. Even if the client isn't satisfied at the end and withholds the final 10%, companies like "City People" still profit greatly. Understanding this explains why renovation companies can handle moderately large projects, and even those that go for millions. "Hehe, lucky indeed," Li Jiaming said shyly, touching his head at Zhang Man’s praise. "As an intern, your commission is typically 3%. However, given your large order, I think you should earn 5%," Zhang Man suggested to Li Jiaming after some thought. "Thank you for your help, Manager Zhang. I'll go see the general manager right away," Li Jiaming said, his face glowing with happiness at the thought of earning over 70,000 yuan. With that amount, he could buy a modest house in Jianghan City. But, with 120,000 yuan, he could secure a beautiful home, where he could build a love nest with Chen Shuyi. Watching Li Jiaming leave with excitement, a slight hint of contempt appeared in Zhang Man's beautiful eyes. "No matter your strength, it leads nowhere. If you lack a cunning heart or strategic prowess, you're just a pawn for someone else. You work hard to earn money for your loved one, unknowing she's in another's embrace at this very moment." Li Jiaming arrived at Fang Ting's office but didn’t know the company had changed ownership. Unbeknownst to him, Qi Lin had just secured a 2.4 million yuan profit due to his contracts. "Knock knock~" Li Jiaming knocked on the office door. "General Manager, I'm Li Jiaming. Manager Zhang sent me here," he said courteously. In the office, Chen Shuyi was biting her lower lip, reluctantly massaging Qi Lin's shoulders. Hearing Li Jiaming's voice, her face turned pale with anxiety. She hadn’t told Li Jiaming about the company’s ownership change or that she had become Qi Lin's secretary. What would Li Jiaming think if he saw her massaging Qi Lin so intimately? "Ugh—" Caught in a fluster, Chen Shuyi was unsure of her next move when Qi Lin suddenly embraced her waist, pulling her onto his lap. "I’m feeling a bit unwell right now. If you have business, speak at the door," Qi Lin said, mimicking Fang Ting's voice. It was the first time Chen Shuyi had seen SSS-level ventriloquism. Her face flushed as Qi Lin kissed her. Outside, Li Jiaming was unaware of his loved one’s ordeal. "I secured two major renovation contracts for 30,000 yuan each, amounting to over 60,000 yuan," Li Jiaming said eagerly. "Manager Zhang suggested making me a permanent employee but can’t raise my commission without your approval." While sipping honey tea, Qi Lin gestured for Chen Shuyi to take a break and spoke in Fang Ting's voice: "I think this salesperson has potential; let's raise his commission from 3% to 5% per Manager Zhang's suggestion," Qi Lin said. "Work hard and create more profits for the company." Upon hearing the commission would be raised to 120,000 yuan, Li Jiaming was overjoyed. "Thank you, General Manager. I'll keep striving for the company’s success," said Li Jiaming, turning to share the news with Chen Shuyi. Inside, after Li Jiaming left, Qi Lin wanted more from Chen Shuyi. Embarrassed and angry, Chen Shuyi pushed him away: "If you kiss me again, I’ll fight you!" Qi Lin wasn’t bothered. Although he couldn’t kiss her again, he kept her in his arms imposingly. "Why didn’t you lose your temper earlier? Weren't you afraid of being seen?" Qi Lin asked knowingly. Chen Shuyi turned beet red. How could she explain? If Li Jiaming heard them, she'd be in an unsalvageable situation. "Alright, let’s not discuss this. Instead, let's talk about how that pretty boy is giving me money," Qi Lin chuckled. "I'm not business-savvy, but he's quite capable," Qi Lin sighed. Chen Shuyi was burdened by his words. She seemed cornered; no matter how she fought it, fate remained cruel. Li Jiaming, oblivious to it all, was indeed working hard, only feeding this so-called 'devil,' strengthening an unwanted existence. While contemplating, her phone rang. Startled, she saw it was Li Jiaming calling. Now anxious with Qi Lin beside her potentially pulling stunts again, she was about to hang up. Qi Lin snatched the phone, answered, and returned it to her. "Jiaming, what’s the matter?" she asked, knowing he wanted to share something joyous. "Shuyi, great news! I secured two big renovation deals, totaling over 60,000 with commissions of more than 120,000 yuan." Li Jiaming said excitedly, calling from the corridor. "Once these contracts are completed, we can finally buy a house in Jianghan City. Isn’t that great?" "Yes, I’m quite happy, Jiaming. Congratulations," Chen Shuyi responded with a forced smile, eager to end the call. However, Qi Lin took the phone back, holding it to his ear. Seeing Qi Lin's actions, Chen Shuyi's heart leapt into her throat, fearing that Qi Lin was about to expose her lies. "Jiaming, I have some good news for you as well. I've become the secretary to the general manager," Qi Lin said, mimicking Chen Shuyi's voice on the phone. "Now, instead of running around for contracts, I just massage the general manager's legs, pour tea, and retrieve documents. Also, I've received a raise. Doesn't this make you happy?" Chen Shuyi was both embarrassed and furious as she watched Qi Lin deceive Li Jiaming with her voice, yet she felt helpless. On the other end, Li Jiaming didn’t hesitate and responded with a smile, "Wow, Shuyi, you're amazing! Who would have thought this day would bring double the good news? If it weren't for the fact that we have guests at home tonight, I would definitely take you out for a candlelight dinner." The guest he referred to was, of course, Qi Lin. Qi Lin, tired of the conversation, ended the call with a few perfunctory remarks. "Qi Lin, how can you be so perverse, mimicking my voice like that?" Chen Shuyi glared at Qi Lin with her beautiful eyes filled with anger. "Moreover, if you can imitate anyone’s voice, you shouldn't twist things against me." Qi Lin just laughed, "Oh, Chen Shuyi, how about I help clear any suspicions Li Jiaming might have so that he won't discover anything and argue with you?" Chen Shuyi almost laughed out of frustration at Qi Lin’s words. Thank you, indeed. "After talking with you for so long, I’m thirsty. I’d like some honey tea," Qi Lin said smugly. But this time, Chen Shuyi didn’t give in. She shoved Qi Lin aside, stood up from his lap, and looked into his eyes, defiant, "I'm your secretary, not your lover. I’ll only fulfill my professional duties." "Our massage session is over. If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work," she said, swaying her hips angrily as she left the office. Qi Lin watched her leave with a smile, sniffing his hand where her scent lingered. Back at Yanyan's villa, the lavish dinner awaited Qi Lin's arrival. Yan Yan, having recently returned from work, was heading to her room to change. "Father, are we really just going to have dinner with Qi Lin and do nothing else?" Li Jiaming asked, clenching his fists in frustration. "I understand the importance of gauging Qi Lin's character, but just seeing him smirk makes me want to punch him." Li Zhou remained indifferent, "I never said he’d enjoy a peaceful meal. Testing someone’s depth requires provoking them a bit." "When he arrives, have the maid comment about lacking disposable slippers, making Qi Lin walk barefoot." "When it’s time to eat, I'll have the maid accidentally drop a steak meant for him and let the dog eat it." Li Zhou outlined his plan calmly, "If he gets upset and leaves immediately, he’s shallow-minded. If he leaves after the steak incident, he’s somewhat savvy but not deeply cunning. If he withstands both, then he’s likely a calculating individual." "He’ll pretend nothing’s wrong while brewing schemes in secret. However, reaching our goal is what matters — making him uncomfortable and understanding his true self. It’ll be a learning experience for you." Li Jiaming felt a chill at his father’s words — a man who had built an empire with bare hands. Thankfully, he was his father’s son, for he wouldn’t have survived otherwise. The more cunning his father was, the less likely Qi Lin could surpass him. Understanding this strategy, Li Jiaming smiled, "Since you’ve planned it all, I’ll follow your lead." The doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. "Sorry for being late, traffic was terrible," Qi Lin apologized as he stood at the door, presenting small gifts. "I didn’t want to come empty-handed. Please forgive me, Jiaming, and Mr. Li." The maid looked to Li Zhou, who maintained his usual expression, merely giving her a slight wink.