Chapter 105 - Failed
Su Tian was dumbfounded.
What in the world was happening?
He couldn't seem to grasp the situation.
Typically, after donating a million yuan to the school, he would expect the teachers and leadership to greet him with warm handshakes and expressions of gratitude, even posing for photos with him.
But now, things were different.
“He only donated a million yuan, and we're supposed to thank him?”
“That million could fix up the school's bathrooms.”
“Showing off with just a million?”
A few vice principals and directors murmured among themselves.
They were all sharp cookies.
Ordinarily, the school's administration would be grateful for his million-yuan donation.
But Su Tian had a rocky relationship with Su Ming, which naturally put him in their crosshairs.
Su Tian had thought this would be his chance to shine, but the school leaders' comments blindsided him.
Were schools so flush with cash these days?
The leaders appeared to accept his donation begrudgingly.
It seemed the school was so well-off that his million yuan was merely earmarked for bathroom repairs.
What was their endgame?
Su Tian blinked in confusion.
The school leaders paid him no mind.
The villagers did the same.
Standing there alone, he felt the sting of embarrassment.
Things weren't unfolding as he had pictured.
“What's the meaning of this?” he demanded.
Fong Yuemei was livid. “My son gave your school a million yuan!”
Principal Ding blinked, his impatience evident. “Do you have any idea how much Mr. Su Ming donated?”
At that, Fong Yuemei scoffed. “How could he donate? He's broke.”
“Mr. Su Ming donated 20 million yuan.”
Both Fong Yuemei and Su Tian gasped in unison. “How much?”
“That can't be right. Principal Ding, you're lying on his behalf!”
Fong Yuemei quickly shook her head as she regained her composure.
Su Tian shared her disbelief, but one look at Principal Ding and the teachers' faces told him everything he needed to know.
The principal was telling the truth.
But where on earth did Su Ming find that kind of money?
Su Tian himself was worth only twenty million yuan. He had donated a million today to make his parents proud and one-up Su Ming.
He never anticipated Su Ming outdoing him by such a margin.
Amidst Su Tian's awkwardness, a figure approached.
Zhang Chongyang had arrived.
He's been here handling business for the past couple of days without leaving.
He's keen on opening several bank branches in town, so the locals' ability to save is crucial.
If everyone banks with him, there'll be a substantial amount of money.
Plus, the bank could offer a variety of services, like loans and retirement insurance.
His bank might not earn much just in this town, but if residents from all the nearby towns deposit their money with him, his bank could amass assets in the hundreds of billions.
Su Ming had reached out to Zhang Chongyang to join him for a meal today. But Zhang was tied up in a meeting and missed the call.
Post-meeting, his secretary mentioned the missed call. Realizing it was Su Ming, Zhang quickly returned the call.
Invited to dinner by Su Ming, he made his way there promptly.
“Vice President Zhang?”
Su Tian was taken aback to see Zhang Chongyang.
What brought Vice President Zhang here?
He approached quickly, “Vice President Zhang, what brings you here personally? If there was an issue, I would've come to the bank myself. Why the long trip?”
Su Tian assumed Zhang Chongyang had approved a bank loan.
He also knew Zhang was in the area on business.
He thought Zhang had come specifically for him.
But Zhang Chongyang asked, “Who are you?”
“I'm Su Tian,” he replied hastily.
“I remember you. Let's discuss your matter later.”
Zhang Chongyang spoke with a hint of impatience and then briskly made his way to Su Ming, “Mr. Su, my apologies for being late. I'll make it up with three drinks on me.”
What?
Su Tian was utterly stunned by Zhang Chongyang's deferential behavior towards Su Ming.
He was even more astonished.
Zhang Chongyang was the vice president of the biggest bank in Eastsea City.
Zhang was an influential figure, rarely seen by the average person. Even Su Tian's father-in-law would respectfully address him as Mr. Zhang.
Yet, here he was, treating Su Ming with such respect.
What kind of incredible fortune had Su Ming stumbled upon?
“Who's that?” Fong Yuemei whispered from the side.
“Mom,” Su Tian replied, swallowing hard. “That's the Vice President of Tianhua Bank I mentioned before.”
“What?” Fong Yuemei's eyes widened in shock.
Zhang Chongyang was a high-profile figure, someone she'd only ever seen on television. Yet there he was, in the flesh, right before her eyes, treating Su Tao and Lee Sumei with such caution. What in the world was happening with this infuriating family? Just days ago, they were scraping by, begging for loans left and right. How had they become so wealthy overnight?
It was clear they were not just affluent but also held significant social standing. Meanwhile, Su Tian and his mother were left standing awkwardly to the side, ignored by everyone. The villagers were enjoying their meal, and the schoolteachers were engaged in merry conversation over drinks. The mother and son duo, however, were isolated in their own solitary shadow.
Even Su Hai, with great care, edged closer to Su Tao.
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