The Pan family of three returned to the hotel, while Han Lie headed back to Dream Garden alone.

Niu Ben was squatting by the roadside, smoking and looking enviously at the two high-rise buildings. Most people in Dream City knew about this ultra-high-standard residential complex. Someone like him, well-connected and always navigating the social scene, could even recite Pan Dajun's network by heart.

But that was of no practical use; Pan Dajun existed only in their booze-fueled conversations, not in their actual lives.

"Brother Lie!"

The moment he saw Han Lie, Niu Ben quickly snuffed out his cigarette, rubbed his hands together, and stood up.

"Come with me."

Han Lie tilted his head and walked straight towards the sales office, which was merely an empty shell.

Niu Ben followed Han Lie with trepidation and soon laid eyes on the real estate tycoon, Pan Dajun.

Brother Dajun was waiting in the lobby, with several company executives behind him. Everyone greeted Han Lie with the utmost enthusiasm, leaving Niu Ben utterly dumbfounded on the spot.

He had tried his best to estimate his old classmate's standing, but unfortunately, his imagination still fell short.

Han Lie shook hands with Pan Dajun and the others, then introduced with a smile, "This is my classmate, Niu Ben. Please arrange for him to join the company. You can decide which department to place him in."

Niu Ben was stunned, and Pan Dajun almost instantly understood Han Lie's meaning.

"Alright, then let Little Niu start with the engineering department. He can get familiar with the construction process and then logically move on to the renovation side."

Man, working with smart people really saves you a headache.

In reality, Niu Ben was just an overseer. What could he do? Nothing, really. But Han Lie had deliberately placed such a person there to remind Pan Dajun: The project is basically mine now, and you need to ensure the finishing touches are done well, both in quality and quantity.

After the main structure of the buildings was capped, it wasn't all smooth sailing; many troublesome tasks still lay ahead: waterproofing, insulation, landscaping, garages, amenities, renovations... There was room to cut corners almost anywhere.

Pan Dajun placing Niu Ben directly in the engineering department without asking any questions was a clear statement: Rest assured, I'm open and aboveboard; our partnership will not encounter any problems.

Was Niu Ben important? Not really. As a newcomer who understood nothing, what could he possibly discern? Those old foxes, full of sly tricks, could fool him with utmost ease.

But Han Lie's attitude was important. Pan Dajun didn't need to be wary of a mere Niu Ben, but he would definitely consider carefully how to maintain a long-term relationship with Han Lie and whether this would be their only deal.

Even if he decided to make it a one-time transaction, that was fine—the contract would surely include a final payment clause. The total price was 1.15 billion, to be paid in two or three installments. The final payment, at least 150 million, wouldn't be settled until the high-quality renovations were all inspected and approved.

If the work isn't done beautifully enough, we'd dock your pay. Let's see who loses more.

So, Niu Ben was, in fact, just a tool, a prop for passing messages between them.

Of course, for Niu Ben himself, this was a rare opportunity. Whether he could seize it, learn something valuable by leveraging the project owner's attention, and make a name for himself—it all depended on him.

As for his so-called gangster background and streetwise habits...

To be honest, they weren't worth Han Lie's concern at all. If he's capable, he stays; if not, he gets lost. So easy.

「…」

In the afternoon, back home, Han Lie summoned his maternal uncle and his Third Brother.

Han Zhiyuan arrived swiftly. His maternal uncle, Ma Long, however, was halfway through a drinking session and rushed over, only arriving home after dark.

The main reason for calling them was to discuss property management. Dream Garden's property management would definitely be outsourced to a professional team. However, it was also a matter of course to place one of their own—someone who would only supervise and not do any actual work—in the General Manager role.

Some people always think that nepotism isn't good, that it's not modern enough, and that problems are tricky to handle when they arise. But management studies have long taught us how to strike a balance between institutional management and personal relationships in management.

—Symbolic yet cushy positions should preferably be filled by loyal yet mediocre insiders, whereas positions with significant responsibility and actual work should preferably be filled by professionals.

For instance, a CFO must certainly be a top-tier financial expert. The Chief Accountant under the CFO should be a rigorous and traditionally-minded professional. Meanwhile, the head of the internal finance department should be a trustworthy relative. This creates a healthy structure.

In a position like the legal representative of a property management company, even if you let that person embezzle as much as they could, how much money could they really siphon off? The real work would be done by the property manager. If offered good treatment and tasked with managing just two buildings plus amenities like the clubhouse, gym, and garage, what major problems could arise?

Actually, the real role of this legal representative was to undertake external liaison functions, providing a channel of communication for the tycoons who had bought their properties. The real benefits lay not in the modest fees collected by property management, but in the homeowners themselves.

After Han Lie clarified the situation, Ma Long was particularly interested. Han Zhiyuan, on the other hand, was eager to go to Magic Capital to broaden his horizons. So, in the end, his maternal uncle was chosen for the role.

With that, another matter was resolved.

「…」

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Han Lie essentially did nothing but spend the whole day being lovey-dovey with Pan Ge.

Panzi and Annie went to the provincial capital. It was a rare visit for them, so it was a good opportunity to see friends and partners there. Han Lie once again experienced the profound depth of Panzi's connections.

In the afternoon, urged by Old Ma to come home for dinner, the couple ran into Liu Lianlian in the corridor.

Little Tiger Teeth had actually seen Pan Ge from upstairs several times already, but it wasn't until they came face-to-face that she truly comprehended Miss Pan's formidable, suppressive aura.

Good grief, utterly defeated.

Pan Ge, however, was very friendly towards these kinds of pretty young women who posed no threat.