Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

Chen Wei'an's fingers tightened around the edge of the folder.

She tried her best to keep her tone steady while translating this sentence.

After listening, Lin Dong remained silent for three seconds.

Then he laughed.

"Mr. Rossi," Lin Dong began, speaking calmly, "if I accept 51%, then this company will forever remain just a 'San Francisco-based logistics and security company'."

"You'll be very comfortable, with a steady stream of large service fees every year, and you can continue doing what you're good at on your own turf."

Mr. Wu Ming will accept it because he just wants the goods to get out smoothly.

Mr. Jamal would accept it, because his only concern is whether the strategic materials can safely reach their destination.

He paused.

"and then?"

"Three years later, five years later, when our cargo volume doubles or triples, when we need to replicate this 'safe passage' model in Los Angeles, Long Beach, or even the Port of New York..."

Lin Dong looked into Michael Rossi's eyes.

"Does the Rossi family also own 51% of those ports?"

The study fell silent.

Michael Rossi's fingers stopped tapping on the table.

"You've guarded this port for thirty years,"

Lin Dong continued, "You know better than anyone: the rules in San Francisco are ironclad here. But do those rules still apply outside this bay?"

"In the future, our cargo will become more and more abundant and valuable. All major ports on the West Coast will need this high level of secure logistics services. This is a long-term business worth tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions of dollars, every year."

Lin Dong's voice wasn't loud, but it was like nails, hammering into the oak tabletop one by one.

"Mr. Wu Ming wants cash, Mr. Jamal wants an exclusive channel, and Mr. Anderson wants to get rid of it as soon as possible."

He met Michael Rossi's sharp gaze.

"And you, Mr. Rossi, what you really want is to transform the Rossi family's name from 'local bullies in San Francisco' to 'the legitimate authority in the high-end logistics security field across the United States'."

"The 25% equity stake was exchanged for that entry ticket."

"A 51% stake, in exchange for being forever tethered to this bay."

After Lin Dong finished speaking, he picked up the glass of water in front of him that hadn't been touched and took a sip.

After translating the last sentence, Chen Wei'an felt a tightness in her throat.

She saw that the condescending scrutiny in Michael Rossi's eyes was being replaced by something else.

That wasn't a compromise; it was a reassessment of Lin Dong's words.

a long time.

Michael Rossi leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Mr. Lin," his voice remained steady, but his tone had changed, "is this your first time in San Francisco?"

"Yes."

"How many days have you been here?"

"It should take about a week!"

Michael Rossi looked at him and remained silent for a few seconds.

Then he turned to old Jackson and said, "Bring that contract over."

When old Jackson got up, his steps were a little faster than usual.

Ten minutes later, Michael Rossi signed his name in the designated place on the document.

He put down his pen and looked up at Lin Dong.

"Mr. Lin," he said, "25% is the figure I signed today. But later, when your business expands to Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York Harbor..."

He paused.

"I hope the Rossi family can still be at the negotiating table."

Lin Dong stood up and extended his hand.

"You'll be the first one invited."

The two hands are clasped together.

As we left the estate, the afternoon sun of San Francisco broke through the clouds.

Chen Wei'an got into the driver's seat, started the engine, and let out a long breath.

"Mr. Lin," her voice still held a hint of tension, "you just mentioned Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York Harbor... is that a real plan, or...?"

"It's a real plan." Lin Dong smiled as he looked out the window at the rapidly receding Italian-style garden. "But not now."

He offered no further explanation.

Chen Wei'an glanced at him in the rearview mirror but didn't ask any more questions.

The car drove onto the highway, heading towards the city center.

Lin Dong took out his phone and dialed Anderson's number.

"Mr. Anderson, is it convenient for us to meet? In an hour, at the Peninsula Hotel's tea lounge."

A sharp, jerky sound came from the other end of the phone as a chair was suddenly moved.

"All done... all done?"

Anderson's voice sounded like someone was choking him, or like a drowning person suddenly stepping onto solid ground—rapid, hoarse, and trembling with disbelief.

"Lin, are you kidding me? It's only been one day—"

"We'll talk when we meet," Lin Dong said, hanging up the phone.

4:20 p.m., Peninsula Hotel Tea Lounge.

Anderson practically stormed in.

His tie was crooked by half an inch, his hair was more disheveled than yesterday, and there were dark circles under his eyes, clearly indicating that he hadn't slept all night again.

"Lin! Lin!"

He rushed to the seat in three strides, disregarding all etiquette, and placed his hands on the table, staring intently at Lin Dong.

"What do you mean by 'settled'? Wu Ming signed? Gulf Capital signed? The Rossi family signed too? Everything's settled? In just one day?! In just one day?!"

Chen Wei'an gently pushed the summaries of the three documents in front of him.

Anderson lowered his head.

His gaze swept over the first, the second, and the third serving.

Wu Ming's signature.

Jamal's signature.

Michael Rossi's signature.

His fingers began to tremble.

"This...this..."

He looked up at Lin Dong, his eyes suddenly reddening.

"Lin...Fuck..."

Something was stuck in his throat, and he couldn't utter a complete sentence for a long time.

"Fuck... how did you do that...?"

Lin Dong picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Luckily, they were all reasonable."

"Reasonable?!"

Anderson's voice suddenly rose, drawing the attention of several guests sitting nearby.

He didn't care at all.

"I talked to Wu Ming for a long time! He just kept dodging my questions! The people from Gulf Capital won't even meet with me! I can't even get a word in with the Rossi family!!"

He pointed at the three documents, his fingers trembling like withered leaves in the wind.

"You got them all to sign in just one day! In just one day!!"

He suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Lin Dong.

"Forest!"

When he uttered that syllable, his voice was so hoarse it almost cracked.

"I……"

He took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently.

"Thank you..."

He paused, his throat bobbing as if he were desperately trying to suppress something.

"Thank you so much..."

His voice lowered, trembling with a choked sob, as if he had survived a catastrophe.

"You are my benefactor... Lin... You are my benefactor..."

He reached out and grasped Lin Dong's hand tightly.

Holding on too tightly.

It caused Lin Dong to feel pain.

Chen Wei'an lowered her eyes.

She knew that wasn't an exaggeration.

That shipment held up Anderson's entire fortune, every penny he had borrowed, and his reputation built up over twenty years in the business.

If this deal falls through, he will not only go bankrupt, but also be burdened with debts he can never repay in his lifetime.

For Lin Dong, this was a brilliant business move.

For Anderson, this was like being pulled back from the brink of disaster.

"Lin," Anderson released his grip, wiped his face vigorously, and tried to make his voice normal again, "I don't know how to thank you..."