Reborn with Consumption System-Chapter 662 - 286: You Little Runt, Just You Wait!

After bidding farewell to Chief Qiu, Han Lie checked the time. It was only 8:50.

The day's meetings, over drinks and then tea, had been extremely efficient. Old Zhang's involvement had truly saved Han Lie a great deal of mental effort.

It was no exaggeration to say that if anyone else had handled this, they might have gone back and forth five times and still not succeeded.

Indeed, even if that person had been the esteemed Brother Xu, it wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

Why should people trust you, just like that?

There was an interesting detail, not widely known to outsiders: from the day Brother Xu moved his company to the Magic Capital until his arrest, his relationship with the local financial circles there had always been somewhat distant.

The so-called 'Magic Capital's local financial circle' was primarily composed of high-level talents from the Fu-Jiao Financial institutions, which formed the core of the Magic Capital's state-owned financial enterprises.

The reason wasn't that everyone looked down on Brother Xu for his grassroots origins, but rather due to three factors:

Firstly, Brother Xu was introverted, not adept at socializing, and didn't proactively try to integrate into the circle.

Secondly, from the mid-stage of his career, Brother Xu started playing a bit too recklessly, so those who cherished their reputations were unwilling to associate with him.

Lastly, Brother Xu's connections belonged to a different faction and were, frankly, quite average in terms of hierarchy.

This disconnect was clearly perceptible even from Zexi's products:

Its few public funds were managed by entities like Shandong Trust or China Resources Shenzhen Investment Trust; not a single one had a local trustee.

Consider this: Brother Xu surpassed Han Lie in fame, wealth, track record, professional skills, and talented subordinates by a significant margin. Yet, ultimately, it was Han Lie who smoothly integrated into the core circle and accomplished things Brother Xu couldn't. Why?

It was precisely learning from Brother Xu's cautionary tale that Han Lie understood how to adjust his approach.

Establishing a foundation of trust is the most challenging initial step, often more difficult than the actual execution of tasks.

Those pragmatic individuals with exceptional professional abilities but lacking in worldly wisdom often struggle to reap additional benefits.

In scientific research, such dedicated focus is essential.

But in finance... please. If your EQ isn't up to par, what are you even doing messing around in this field?

Just stick to being a trader and make your money off the rookies in the market!

Therefore, Han Lie paid meticulous attention to his 'performance' and 'sharing'. From the very beginning, every encounter with an important figure was an occasion where he put forth his utmost effort.

From Panzi to Annie, from DouDou to Old Xing, from the Jin Family sisters to Fatty Huang, then from Old Huang to Huang Xing, from Little Jin to Jin Hang, and also Old Zhang, Liu Minghao, Gu Yong, Director Guan, right down to young ladies like Tang Xintian and Bai Yuqiu...

Han Lie never let his guard down, meticulously cultivating his personal image and brand.

In this world, every influential person is a potential investor.

If you want them to invest in you, you not only need to demonstrate strength and potential but also convey the message: 'We can be long-term friends. Being friends with me is safe, stable, and offers many advantages.'

Countless people wished to offer gifts to those in power but couldn't even find an 'in'.

Take Mr. Xin, for example. His contributions to the disaster-stricken areas were undeniable. Regardless of his underlying motives, his actions themselves were commendable.

However, when he wished to donate to his hometown, hoping to use the opportunity to connect with influential figures, the officials he ended up interacting with were of a relatively low rank.

Don't be fooled by his provincial 'May Fourth Youth Medal' or his title as an 'outstanding young representative.' When he engaged in charitable activities, it was typically the Youth League committees handling matters out of official duty. He had very few interactions even at the municipal level, and those were marked by caution and distance.

Consequently, his enthusiasm for donating to his hometown wasn't particularly high. He donated over two hundred million yuan externally but only eight million yuan internally—a situation that was understandable, yet also somewhat laughable.

It couldn't be helped; it was simply cause and effect, he supposed.

Being overly arrogant and focusing too much on publicity stunts meant that high-level individuals would naturally exclude him from their circles of association.

Furthermore, being dedicated to swindling money with 'sugar water' products rather than genuinely contributing to his hometown's development, why would local leaders ever treat him as a prized asset?

Who wouldn't be afraid that the pile of crap he was sitting on might suddenly explode, splattering all over them?

Brother Xu's predicament stemmed from the same roots and reasons.

The saying 'A just cause enjoys abundant support, while an unjust one finds little' has never been mere empty words.

If a person's path is crooked, those aspiring to advance will inevitably distance themselves to ensure their own safety.

This is simply human nature.

And Han Lie's most unbeatable advantage was his clean background. He made money legitimately and possessed a maturity in speech and action far beyond his years. Investing in him felt incredibly secure.

Thus, with one success leading to another, everything was falling into place, and his momentum was about to snowball dramatically.

...

Seeing it was still early and with no other plans for the day, 'Dog Lie,' a mischievous glint in his eyes, grinned slyly and called Pan Shengwu.

"Uncle, are you home? Nothing major, just to give you a work update!"

Old Pan had been out at a social engagement but decisively cut it short and headed home early.

Did he not know how crucial this 'son' of his was?!

Upon receiving a definite affirmative, Han Lie immediately sent a message to Pan Ge: "Good girl, wait for Daddy at home! Punishment for your misbehavior is about to be express delivered!"

Pan Ge was terrified. "What are you planning to do this late at night?"

Han Lie chuckled mischievously but did not reply.

He intentionally let her stew in the fear of the unknown...

Sure enough, a short while later, she sent another message, a refusal: "Don't you dare mess around! My mom's home!!!"

Han Lie pondered for a moment, then replied, "Isn't that even better? When you're trying your hardest not to make a sound, you always seem to enjoy yourself more, and for longer, don't you think?"

Pan Ge's brain felt like it was overheating. She threw her phone aside and started rolling around on the bed.

AHHHHHH!

Scoundrel! Beast! Animal! You're not human!

As she rolled around, she suddenly pulled the blanket over her head, shivering with a sensation that was both sweet and terrifying.

She was scared, but... she also liked it.