Even though Luke's learning ability was known to be strong, David couldn't help but be a bit surprised.

What a freak.

...

Next day at noon.

Nearby the Palisades Community, Mao Family Cuisine Restaurant.

Last night, Zhang Jianguo proactively called and invited Luke for a meal.

Luke drove to the restaurant, and the Zhang brothers were already waiting at the entrance.

Whatever else can be said, their attitude was impeccable.

As soon as Luke parked the car, the Zhang brothers approached, "Mr. Li, we saw your car from afar, I must say, your aura really matches this car."

Zhang Jianguo spoke in Chinese, while Luke smiled and replied, "Hearing your familiar hometown dialect makes me feel at home."

The three casually chatted as they went up to the private room on the third floor.

Zhang Jianguo said to a nearby server, "You can start bringing out the dishes."

"Certainly, Mr. Zhang," the server responded and left the room.

Zhang Jianguo handed the menu to Luke, "Mr. Li, I've already ordered the restaurant's signature dishes. If there's anything else you want, let's add it."

Luke didn't hesitate, picked up the menu, glanced over it, and added two dishes.

Carrying a box of white liquor, Zhang Jianmin grinned, "Mr. Li, I heard you don't like the flavor of sauce, so I brought a box of 30-year-old Qinghua Fen."

Luke nodded, "This liquor has a nice taste."

Zhang Jianmin poured three glasses of liquor, and the three toasted with a glass.

Because the dishes were pre-ordered, they came quickly.

After the server left, Zhang Jianguo invited Luke to eat.

A dish of braised pork sat in front of Luke, which is a must-order at the restaurant, along with chopped chili fish head, bamboo shoots with cured pork, black goat, braised turtle, roast goose, oil-drenched seasonal vegetables, Long March chicken, and salmon sashimi.

The dishes were abundant and tasted pretty good.

Luke preferred the braised pork, chopped chili fish head, and bamboo shoots with cured pork; sometimes delicious dishes aren't necessarily expensive, the key is that they feel comfortable to eat.

A few glasses downed, and the relationship between both sides became closer, Zhang Jianmin couldn't sit still, pouring another drink for Luke, "Mr. Li, yesterday people from Jinlang Materials Company called threatening us again, we still need your help on this matter."

Luke used a Detection Card, confirming the Zhang brothers weren't recording, and then said, "Just what I was planning to mention. Yesterday, I met up with a friend from the Anti-Gang and Anti-Drug Division, he's the deputy team leader mainly responsible for handling gang affairs; it's more appropriate for him to handle this.

I explained the situation to him, and he has his concerns too.

Cleaning up gang members isn't hard for him, but a cornered dog may jump over a wall, let alone people.

Without any conflicts of interest, he doesn't want to provoke the other side either."

"Mr. Li, we understand your friend's perspective, and we definitely won't let him work in vain." Zhang Jianmin held a heavy gift bag with both hands and placed it in front of Luke, "Mr. Li, isn't it almost Dragon Boat Festival? I prepared some zongzi for you and your family to take home and try.

If your friend has any requirements, please let us know."

Luke didn't reach for the gift, looking at the silent Zhang Jianguo beside him, he smiled, "Gentlemen, zongzi are good, but it's only April, Dragon Boat Festival is a while away.

Eating them now seems untimely."

Feeling Luke's attitude, Zhang Jianguo quickly stood up, waving his hand at his brother, signaling him to put the items away, "Yes, yes, I mentioned it, giving zongzi is too tacky. Next time, we'll send some red wine."

Zhang Jianmin flashed an awkward smile, putting the gift away.

Zhang Jianguo raised his glass, "Mr. Li, another toast to you."

Luke was great at drinking, never refusing, drinking a glass with them.

This matter seemed brushed over.

Zhang Jianguo put down his glass and asked, "Mr. Li, what does your friend mean, then?"

Luke replied, "My friend has some money, has always wanted to do some business but doesn't have the energy for it, so he's looking for a reliable company to invest in.

After I mentioned your construction contracting firm, he was quite interested and wanted to know if your company needs investment."

The Zhang brothers exchanged a look, as Zhang Jianmin asked, "Mr. Li, how much does your friend intend to invest in our company?"

Luke responded, "I didn't inquire in depth since I didn't know your thoughts, but his intention is to acquire a twenty percent stake."

Zhang Jianmin sensed something was off; not mentioning the investment amount, just talking about stake ratio, felt like asking for free shares.

He glanced at his brother again.

Zhang Jianguo understood; Luke wasn't refusing money, but considered such tactics too lowbrow; he sought longer-term benefits.

No wonder he could live in a luxury home at such a young age; he truly knew how to calculate.

Seeing the brothers a bit tense, Luke smiled, "My friend was just proposing, you brothers needn't take it seriously. Since it's business, it should be mutually agreeable; if your company doesn't need investment, I'll directly decline him and suggest other industries for investment; it's merely a word."

Luke wouldn't directly accept the Zhang brothers' money; it's too hot to handle.

If the Zhang brothers have long-term vision, everyone can collaborate together.

If it doesn't work out, there's no need to force; this matter was their proactive request, not something Luke sought out.

Zhang Jianguo thought for a moment, asking, "Mr. Li, Zhang Brothers Construction Company, currently only has my brother and me as shareholders; your friend's investment isn't out of the question.

I also wish to find like-minded partners to grow the company, so what are your friend's expectations for the company's future development?"

Luke sipped his Maojian, joking, "He's just a rough guy; what kind of expectations could he have? The company's operations are still for you brothers to manage, he doesn't involve himself.

However, if anyone causes trouble, pulls tricks, uses unfair means to compete, that's his specialty to handle."

Zhang Jianguo understood, cautiously stating, "Mr. Li, I personally think this cooperation model is worth considering, but I don't know your friend, compared to him, I'm more inclined to cooperate with you, after all, we both have Chinese blood, I trust you more.

If we really exclude you and work directly with him, I wouldn't feel at ease."

"You and my friend both thought alike; he wouldn't feel at ease working solely with you either, hoping I'd invest alongside him; he hopes to hold one of the twenty percent shares."

Zhang Jianmin asked, "Mr. Li, I'm also a straightforward guy, so I'll speak frankly.

If you invest in our company and solve this problem,

what if people cause issues in the future, and you find it bothersome and don't want to assist?

Would you demand more shares?"

"You're asking two questions; I'll first answer the first one. If we invest in Zhang's Construction Company, the profits include us, and if anyone causes trouble affecting the company's normal operations, they damage our interests; we won't be lenient with them anytime.

The second question, regarding stake proportion, neither my friend nor I are greedy; we don't understand running a company. You do certain work, receive certain pay, and hold certain share.

With obligations unchanged, we won't ask for higher stake proportion.

As long as we cooperate to expand the operation, that would be the best."

"Right, Mr. Li is correct," remarked Zhang Jianguo with some fervor, "as long as the company expands, what do twenty percent shares matter?

I think the investment idea is worth considering."

Zhang Jianmin pursed his lips, refraining from comments.

Luke was observing the brothers, raising his glass, "About investment, let's pause here for today; there's no rush to decide, go back and think it over carefully.

After all, it's not a one-time deal; we aim for long-term cooperation, and I don't want anyone to feel uneasy.

Always the same line, if it feels right, let's work together.

If there are concerns, tell me directly.

My friend's interest is rather spontaneous, with only a brief interest in investing.

Us meeting was fate, today we'll drink until we're merry; come, I toast to the two Zhang bosses."

This construction company is the Zhang brothers' labor of love; Luke didn't expect to seal the deal over one meal, surely allowing time for them to deliberate and buffer.

Collaboration must be built on mutual consent.

Zhang Jianguo raised his glass, drained it, "Mr. Li, I'm very interested in you and your friend's investment, we'll discuss thoroughly after returning and respond to you promptly."

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