Chapter 1671 - 677: Birthday (Part 3)_2

Chapter 1671: Chapter 677: Birthday (Part 3)_2

"Brother Zhou, it’s been a long time."

Upon seeing Zhou Wang again, Guo Wangshan was as sincere as ever, directly giving Zhou Wang a hug, and next was Young Master Zhang’s mother, Zhang Shiling, who also looked at Zhou Wang with a kind eye.

However, the emotions of the other four were somewhat complicated, even a little bit restrained.

This stemmed from two aspects.

On the one hand, they already knew that Zhou Wang was most likely the "seventh person" of the secret organization Wangjiang Association in Magic City, the leader who secretly controlled everything. Yet, Zhou Wang was much younger than them, creating a peculiar contrast that made them feel uncomfortable.

On the other hand, it was because of the incident after the charity gala, where Zhou Wang gave them a small but significant warning. Although he later visited each of them to placate them, which they paid a corresponding "price" for, the subtle barrier remained.

"Please have a seat, everyone."

Zhou Wang invited everyone to sit down and had Yun Rou and Yun Lan serve tea before starting the seemingly meaningless small talk session.

Though it was all superficial conversation, this was a necessary part of social interaction, the subtle networking habit of the Huaxia people, where no one would dive directly into business... It was very different from the efficiency-focused interaction patterns abroad.

Only after Yun Rou and Yun Lan refilled tea for the second time did Guo Wangshan smile and speak:

"Brother Zhou, today is your birthday, and although our individual gifts have been sent in advance, we discussed and felt that, personally, we should make a special gesture..."

Zhou Wang was taken aback, unexpected that they prepared additional gifts for him.

Previously, among the pile of gifts at the entrance, there were already those from the Guo Group and He Group, sent in the name of the enterprises but essentially gifts from Guo Wangshan and others, each of substantial value.

For example, the gift from the Guo Group was the highest-level "Black Card" from their auction company.

The auction company operated by the Guo Group was not only leading in Magic City but also gained some international reputation. Such a VIP card might seem to have no account value, but if Zhou Wang indeed participated in auctions, the saved transaction fees would amount to a considerable sum, making it a practical gift for the wealthy.

Usually, one must spend hundreds of millions at the Guo Group’s auction company to have the eligibility to be invited to receive such a "Black Card."

Similarly, the gift from Lingxi Group was an entire case of Romanee Conti wine. Although the vintage was relatively recent, the combined value was still in the seven figures.

So at this moment, hearing Guo Wangshan wanting to give other gifts, Zhou Wang immediately intended to refuse.

However, Guo Wangshan probably anticipated Zhou Wang’s reaction and quickly interjected with a laugh: "Brother, don’t rush to refuse. I assure you, you will like this gift."

"Oh?"

"Brother, take a look at this."

Seeing Zhou Wang’s skeptical expression, Guo Wangshan motioned to Zhang Shiling, who, smiling, reached into her handbag and pulled out a document envelope, then handed it to Zhou Wang.

Zhou Wang raised an eyebrow, picked up the envelope, and opened it to reveal a document.

After a glance, Zhou Wang’s face showed astonishment, and his firm intention to refuse suddenly wavered.

"Magic City Bund No. 3 ’5-6 Floor’ Property Transfer Contract."

At such a critical moment, this was truly a gift Zhou Wang could not refuse.

The Bund architectural complex in Magic City was known as the "Magic City business card," with each building carrying significant history and legend.

For example, from No. 1 to No. 10, the Asia Building No.1 was built in 1916, formerly the British Asia Petroleum Company, now the Magic City Jiushi International Art Center and a nationally protected cultural heritage site.

No. 2 was once the Magic City Club, now the Waldorf Hotel; No.3 was once the United Building; No.4 was once the Riqing Building; No. 5 was the historic establishment of Huaxia’s first independently funded bank, the former site of Tongshang Bank Building...

The gift was timely because Zhou Wang originally planned to establish the headquarters of Wangyuan Commerce Magic City branch on the Bund, but the reality was... he couldn’t find a suitable location.

Small buildings didn’t appeal to Zhou Wang, nor did they fit the prestige Wangyuan Commerce should have. Most notable buildings were already owned, not an issue solvable merely by money.

The historical trading background and the complexity of ownership structures made it difficult for Zhou Wang to find a suitable location for setting up a clubhouse on the Bund.

Originally, Zhou Wang planned to settle elsewhere, using "a super luxurious European-style manor with 10 acres of private land" which was initially a compensation gift from the six people, now a group asset, somewhat suitable for a clubhouse.

But if given a choice, the buildings on the Bund were undoubtedly Zhou Wang’s ideal location, especially for iconic buildings like Bund No. 3.

Two entire floors, with a spacious observation terrace, were more than sufficient for establishing a large-scale clubhouse, ensuring privacy and style.

"This... seems like something I can’t refuse. Thank you all."

After a moment of silence, Zhou Wang could only shake his head with a smile, "But I understand the value of this gift. Accepting it without compensation would seem too shameless. I hope to conduct a market rate transaction... Even then, I would still be taking a great advantage."

Guo Wangshan exchanged smiles with Zhang Shiling, who then said, "Mr. Zhou, we never said it would be free."

"Oh, what do you want?"

"I wonder if this ’pledge’ is valuable enough to offset our membership fees?"

Zhang Shiling hinted at this point.

Zhou Wang glanced at the eager and expectant He Jinglun, Shen Li, and others, finally realizing their intention.

Although Zhou Wang previously promised, when formally establishing Wangyuan Commerce Magic City’s branch, they would be the first batch of founding members.

But everyone was experienced businessmen, such promises were to be taken lightly. If anyone thought they could just wait at home for founding membership qualifications to be delivered, they wouldn’t deserve their current wealth and status.

The "Little Blue Bottle" was expected to launch on New Year’s Day, and recently, with various forces in Beidou pushing its marketing towards select circles, the momentum had been overwhelming, felt directly by those in Magic City.

With their own information channels, they learned some unknown insider information and became eager to "board the ship". Although missing out on the first bite, they were determined to taste the second serving.

Today being Zhou Wang’s birthday presented the social opportunity they were waiting for, hence the urgency to come together and offer congratulations while seeking reassurance.

The asset that even Zhou Wang couldn’t secure without pulling strings, the Bund building ownership, was easily done by them jointly, showcasing "resource complementarity."

Therefore, under their eager gaze, Zhou Wang weighed the "property transfer contract" in his hand and, after a brief reflection, brightened up with a smile:

"More than sufficient."

Upon hearing Zhou Wang’s positive commitment, everyone smiled, lightening and relaxing the atmosphere in the reception room.

Seeing it nearing lunchtime, Zhou Wang, due to the unexpected development, reconsidered his original plans and then smiled at the six, saying:

"Originally, I was going to invite you to the luncheon, but if you don’t mind, perhaps we should wait a little longer; there might be other guests coming..."