A Life of Attributes Starting as a Nobleman in the Republic of China Era

"Your father started discussing the acquisition of a 49% stake in the Peace Hotel with me as soon as you arrived in Shanghai." Gong Xin said with a slightly apologetic smile. "Today, Mr. Zhao and Mr. Richard were willing to provide financing, and it should have been the day the deal was finalized, but who knew this would happen."

"Strictly speaking, the body was found on the 'outer wall' of the hotel today, not 'inside' the hotel." Manager Zhao rarely saw Gong Xin, so of course he wanted to flatter him and help his boss raise the prices.

"Shut up," Gong Xin said coldly to Manager Zhao, who then withdrew.

"Regardless of what happened today, the Peace Hotel will use all its resources to investigate it thoroughly." Gong Xin looked at Chen Qichuan and said sincerely, "Moreover, regardless of whether our transaction takes place or not, I hope that Young Master Chen can continue to stay at the Peace Hotel. After all, it is still the safest place in Shanghai."

"Moreover, the room fee is completely waived," Gong Xin continued.

"Che'er, what do you think?" Chen Qichuan turned to Chen Che.

Chen Che's mind raced:

"Firstly, the Peace Hotel's ability to stand firm in Shanghai for so many years is inseparable from the powerful shareholders behind it, including Hong Kong tycoons, foreign firms, and local dignitaries. The investment of the four major families is a good way to open up connections between different regions and help them quickly increase their influence in Shanghai."

Secondly, Manager Zhao's point is valid; strictly speaking, Huang Su did not die "inside" the Peace Hotel. Therefore, the impact on the Peace Hotel's reputation, and consequently its future business, might not be as significant as imagined.

Thirdly, Father has been discussing the acquisition with Gong Xin for over two months. This is the first major move by the four major families in Nanjing. If they withdraw or lower the price because of something happening at the Peace Hotel, it will damage the reputation of the four major families in Shanghai.

Moreover, Dad must have already made a decision and has his own ideas.

He asked me in front of everyone, essentially putting me in the spotlight in front of so many powerful figures in Shanghai, "Do you want me to say yes or no?"

"He certainly wanted me to say yes, so I could start building good connections in Shanghai's elite circles."

Thinking of this, Chen Che felt a warmth in his heart. "Father, are you finally starting to accept me?"

Chen Che raised his head, met his father's gaze calmly, and smiled slightly.

"Father has considered everything so thoroughly. I can only learn from your experience and dare not offer any comments," he said modestly at first, then changed the subject, "However, since Father has asked, I will humbly offer a few of my humble opinions."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Gong Xin, Manager Zhao, as well as Zhao Yuping, Richard, and Lü Mai present. His voice was clear and steady:

"The Peace Hotel has stood in Shanghai for a century thanks to its adherence to 'rules.' Today's events, occurring on the hotel's exterior wall, do not strictly break those ironclad rules. But..."

He looked at Gong Xin: "I suggest that the safety perimeter be extended by fifty meters, because this shows that the Peace Hotel cares not about the rules on paper, but about the people behind the rules."

A hint of appreciation flashed in Gong Xin's eyes, and he nodded slightly.

Chen Che continued, "As for the acquisition..."

He turned to his father, his tone respectful yet firm: "Father has been talking with Boss Gong for two months, and today both Head Zhao and Mr. Richard are willing to provide financing, which shows that not only the four major families are optimistic about this deal, but also the capital in Shanghai. If we back down because of an unexpected event, outsiders will say that we can only share the sunshine, not the storm."

He smiled with the youthful vigor characteristic of young people: "As for my accommodation, just as Aunt Gong said, this is the safest place in Shanghai. Shouldn't I stay and prove myself to the market?"

After these words were spoken, the hall was silent for a few seconds.

Gong Xin was the first to applaud, his smile becoming more genuine: "Young Master Chen, you have great insight! Boss Chen, your son is truly remarkable!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Chen Qichuan's face, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction and pride.

He reached out and patted Chen Che's shoulder, the force neither too light nor too heavy, yet Chen Che felt that approval.

"Alright, then so be it," Chen Qichuan said with a smile, then turned to Gong Xin, "Boss Gong, let's continue the transaction."

Gong Xin smiled and called out, "Manager Zhao."

Manager Zhao quickly stepped forward: "Yes, sir."

"Go to my office and bring me that equity transfer agreement," Gong Xin said. "Also, have someone from the legal department come over with an inkpad."

Zhao Yuping put down his teacup and said with a smile, "Boss Gong is very generous! The financing for my Xianfeng Trading Company will be available anytime, just waiting for the signatures."

Richard also raised his glass: "HSBC Bank is fully committed to assisting this acquisition."

Lü Mai also smiled and said, "With me at the Industry and Commerce Bureau, there won't be any mistakes."

Chen Qichuan smiled and patted Chen Che on the shoulder, which said it all.

Shortly after, Manager Zhao returned in a hurry with a black leather briefcase, followed by a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and carrying a briefcase.

"Boss Gong, the documents are here," Manager Zhao said respectfully.

Gong Xin took the folder, but instead of opening it, she looked at Chen Che.

The legal representative stepped forward and spread the documents out on the coffee table.

Chen Qichuan bent down to examine it closely, while Chen Che stood to the side, his gaze sweeping over the densely packed clauses without uttering a word.

After a while, Chen Qichuan looked up, pointed to a number, and looked at Gong Xin.

"Mr. Gong, 49% of the shares, is that price right?"

"Boss Chen," Gong Xin interrupted him with a smile, "the price we've been negotiating for two months remains unchanged today. But there's one condition."

Chen Qichuan's gaze sharpened: "Please speak."

Gong Xin looked at Chen Che with a deep smile: "Your son must stay in Shanghai for three years. During these three years, he must stay at my Peace Hotel."

Chen Che paused slightly, then frowned: "Boss Gong, this..."

"Don't be in a hurry, Mr. Chen." Gong Xin waved his hand. "I'm not holding back a candidate; I'm valuing talent."

She looked at Chen Che with the loving gaze of an elder looking at a younger man: "Shanghai is a place with deep and turbulent waters. Let your son stay here for three years. If he wants to leave after three years, I will personally see him off; if he wants to stay..."

She smiled and said, "The beach in Shanghai is huge; he can stand wherever he wants."

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Chen Che looked at his father.

Chen Qichuan remained silent for a long time before finally speaking:

"Che'er, you decide."

Chen Che took a deep breath and looked at Gong Xin.

"Aunt Gong, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm so grateful for your kindness." Chen Che smiled slightly. "I'll stay."

Gong Xin then burst into laughter.

"Okay!" She picked up the pen on the table and handed it to Chen Qichuan. "Boss Chen, sign this!"

Chen Qichuan took the pen and glanced at Chen Che.

He bent down and signed his name on the contract.