"Then why don't you provide us with vegetables, not just vegetables but also your estate's chickens, fish, and sheep? That way, your estate will have income, and we won't be so badly off."

Ling Zhenfei laughed and then said, "Why should I!"

Everyone was stunned after hearing this; they really didn't expect Ling Zhenfei to refuse so directly.

Everyone looked at Ling Zhenfei, and their expressions weren't very pleasant because they all knew very well what Ling Zhenfei's refusal in such a manner meant at this moment.

At this moment, Ling Zhenfei continued, "Why should I provide our Xishan Manor's vegetables to you? What benefits will you give me?"

Ling Zhenfei's words eased the atmosphere at the scene quite a bit.

Tan Wangdong chuckled, his previously sullen face now much more relaxed, and said, "Of course, using the vegetables and fish and poultry from Xishan Manor comes with conditions; we are all very clear on that."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Ladies and gentlemen, let's not beat around the bush. I know you want the vegetables and fish and poultry from our estate, but let me say this: the number of fish and poultry from our estate is very limited.

Even our Xi Shan Restaurant is very careful when using these fish and poultry. The fish can be considered okay, but we've just started with beef and lamb, so the quantities are very limited.

There's also another very important matter; I think you all know that the reason our Xi Shan Restaurant does good business is that the ingredients, from vegetables to meat, are very particular.

This is also the foundation of our restaurant. If you all use the vegetables and fish and poultry from Xi Shan Restaurant, then what will happen to our Xi Shan Restaurant? I can't let your restaurant succeed at the expense of ours, right?"

Tan Wangdong said, "We can use just a portion of your estate's vegetables, can't we?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "Even if it's just a portion of the vegetables, that's very easy. But if I have to supply so many restaurants, our vegetables will be in very tight supply."

Tan Wangdong's face turned unpleasant again, and even with a hint of anger, he said, "Mr. Ling, stop making excuses. You just don't want to provide us with vegetables."

Ling Zhenfei laughed and said, "That's not it at all. I just want to offer the vegetables in a different way, a way where I have the final say."

Tan Wangdong said, "Then tell us, how do you want to offer the vegetables?"

Ling Zhenfei glanced at Chen Qian, meaning to ask what method Chen Qian should suggest to offer the vegetables.

After a moment's thought, Chen Qian said, "Why don't we use an auction method? Auction off the rights to the vegetables; how about that?"

The others were bewildered and asked, "What do you mean by auction method?"

Chen Qian said, "For example, take a type of vegetable like potatoes. Once they're out, we start bidding. Whoever bids the highest in the end gets the opportunity to sign a potato order with Xi Shan Restaurant."

As soon as Chen Qian finished speaking, someone protested, "No way, no way. This will drive up the price of potatoes. How can we make money then?"

"Exactly, you're just deliberately setting us against each other. That's no good."

In fact, as soon as Chen Qian spoke, Ling Zhenfei knew what Chen Qian meant. It was a way to make money and also divide up Xi Shan Restaurant's vegetables.

If each could only get one or two types of vegetables, it wouldn't pose any threat to Ling Zhenfei's Xi Shan Restaurant at all.

Moreover, it was a tactic to sow discord and create conflict within their small organization, preventing them from uniting against Ling Zhenfei.

Tan Wangdong said, "No, this definitely won't work. We won't pay high prices for vegetables."

Ling Zhenfei laughed and said, "You kept saying to give you a way out, but now that victory is within reach, why are you unwilling?"

If you don't want to, then forget it. I've given you the opportunity, but you didn't take it, so don't complain about Xi Shan Restaurant."

Ling Zhenfei's ultimate goal is just that: to give them face, only to have things fall through in the end. That's the best outcome.

Tan Wangdong's face was sullen. He was the leader of this group, and if he didn't make some special contribution, he wouldn't be able to hold his head high among these people.

Tan Wangdong said, "Ling Zhenfei, you're not being sincere. We know the prices for your vegetables used in some restaurants in Binyang; don't think we know nothing."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Yes, some restaurants in Binyang use our vegetables at not-so-high prices, some of which are just seven or eight times the market price, but the profits are significant.

But they are the ones who supported me at the start of my entrepreneurship. Originally, I could have terminated those restaurant contracts, but I didn't, because I'm a nostalgic person.

But now, our Xi Shan Restaurant no longer sells vegetables externally. I'm already going against my principles by giving you an auction opportunity. Participate if you want, if not, then forget it."

Ling Zhenfei's words left everyone shocked because his words were so resolute, yet it was the truth.

The fact is that since Ling Zhenfei said it, he's quite capable of doing it, and there's no denying it's indeed an opportunity.

Tan Wangdong said, "Ling Zhenfei, do you know what consequences you would face if you offended us?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "I never consider the consequences when I act. If you want to play, then play by my rules. If not, then forget it; there will be no chance in the future."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze, and even the air was filled with a killing aura.

Both parties were now a little angry, almost to the point of being irreconcilable.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and as the knocking continued, someone pushed the door open and walked in.

Lu Pin walked in with a large plate, seeming completely unaware of what was happening inside.

With a smile on his face, he said, "Today's visit by Mr. Ling brings glory to this place. We don't have much to offer, so here's a plate of Emperor's Meat for everyone to try."

After speaking, Lu Pin put the large plate on the table.

It was a plate of Bluefin Tuna meat, already sliced, with sauce on top.

Ma Long laughed and said, "Boss, you're really partial. I've been here so many times and never saw you offer Emperor's Meat."

Lu Pin said, "That's different. This time, you're benefitting from Mr. Ling's presence. You all eat, and I'll be going now."

Lu Lin's entrance and exit slightly eased the earlier tense atmosphere.

Ling Zhenfei, somewhat puzzled, asked, "What is Emperor's Meat?"

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