Chapter 434
I nodded. "Yeah, I get it, but we gotta spend money to make money. This investment will pay off big time down the road."
"I get where you're coming from, but we only have $180 million in the bank right now. The Media and New Media Departments have done all they can, and those orders are only partially filled. Lauren's still bidding in Joyville County. The land that could've been ours for $120 million is now more expensive because Horizon Realty Group got involved."
I frowned. "Horizon Realty Group?"
"Yeah, they're another real estate company in Sevan City, worth about $6 billion!"
"So, how much do we need to secure that land?"
"At least $135 million, to be safe."
"An extra $15 million? That's not too bad."
"You're missing the point." Marry sighed. "We're new to real estate. Compared to Horizon Realty Group, our credibility isn't great. Who do you think the sellers would prefer?"
I said, "In real estate, the land transfer fee is covered by bank loans, and contractors build the houses. Developers don't feel the pressure."
Marry replied, "But we're a new company. Our credentials aren't complete, and our connections are weak. To get this land, we have to spend more."
That was when I realized how naive I was; the real estate game was tough. "Don't worry, let me make a call."
I dialed Charles's number. He had real estate experience and knew the area well. After some back and forth, Charles said, "This is easy. I know Joyville County well. I'll make a call for you."
I was grateful. "Thanks, Charles!"
Charles said, "No problem. But remember, real estate is tricky. If you do well, you can make a lot of money. If not, it can be a headache."
I nodded. "Got it."
"Actually, you should call Mr. Allen."
"With your help, Charles, that's enough."
Charles laughed. "Well said!"
After hanging up, Marry said, "Actually, it's best to talk to my dad, but he's about to retire, and it's hard for him to handle many things."
I shook my head with a smile. "Mr. Walker has done enough. It's not right for him to get involved. We need to handle this ourselves. The first time is always tough, but it'll get easier. By the way, how's the bank loan coming along?"
Marry replied, "It's in the approval stage. We should hear something in the next couple of days."
After discussing business, Marry looked a bit upset. "Why didn't you answer my call last night? Are you avoiding introducing me to your parents?"
Cold sweat instantly soaked my back. I quickly explained, "No way! You saw how busy it was yesterday; it wasn't the right time. How about this, once things calm down, I'll take you home for a few days."
"You better mean it," Marry huffed, "Don't lie to me!"
I buried my face in her chest and mumbled, "I wouldn't lie to you." After some cuddling, Marry left with a red face.
As soon as she left, Mia sneaked in. "Why didn't you answer my call last night? Why didn't you let me meet your parents?"
I slapped my forehead, knowing she was here for this. "It wasn't convenient yesterday. How about I take you home next time?"
"Are you hiding something from me?" she asked, sniffing me. "Why do you have Ms. Walker's perfume on you?"
I quickly said, "I spend all day with you guys; it's impossible not to get your scent on me. Smell me, I even have Ava and Aisling's perfume on me!"
Mia pouted. "Who knows where your perfume scent comes from."
I pulled her into my arms. "Mia, don't be mad. Aurora already knows about you. Do you think my parents wouldn't know?"
"You mean, Aurora has already told them privately?"
I nodded. "Aurora works right in front of you. What are you worried about?"
"I just want your family to like me."
"Don't worry, you'll have plenty of opportunities to impress them. Just don't get annoyed when the time comes."
She rolled her eyes at me and started wriggling, rubbing against me nonstop. "I won't! Mr. Cena, do I look beautiful today?"
As she spoke, she unbuttoned two buttons. The pink lace lingerie was very clear, and I could even see the tiny blood vessels and the kiss marks that hadn't faded.
I swallowed. "Do you want to have sex with me again?"
"Isn't that the usual routine?" Saying that, she kissed me, and we happily had sex.
Afterward, Mia left satisfied, and I felt very weak. I had been overworked these past few days and needed to rest for a couple of days. So I had Ava take me to Joyville County.
Lauren was there with her assistant, and as the boss, I had to go check it out. Facing those experienced people must have been very stressful for her.
Starlight Haven Hotel was the only three-star hotel in Joyville County, and Lauren was staying there. Seeing me, Lauren was very happy and hugged me. "Why are you here?"
I glanced at Ava, who sensibly closed the bedroom door. "Of course, I'm here to see you!"
She blushed. "To see me naked, right?"
I chuckled awkwardly. Honestly, I hadn't thought about that; Mia couldn't compare to her. "No, I really came to see you and check on the work progress."
"But I want to have sex with you." Lauren never hid her desires. "That night, I was so dizzy, I didn't feel anything!"
I swallowed, seeing Lauren's eyes light up as she looked at me, and my legs felt weak. "It's not a good idea, Ava is still outside."
Lauren pressed on, pushing me onto the bed and laughing. "Come on, do you think I don't know about you and Ava? And you've been with Aisling too, right?"
"No, how could that be!"
"John, do you think I don't understand your thoughts? Why don't you call Ava in and have some fun together?"
I swallowed. "I really have nothing with her."
She smiled. "I'll give you ten seconds to think about it. If you miss this chance, don't regret it! One! Two! Three!"
My mind was filled with images of having sex with her and Ava together. I thought, 'Is this a trap? But it doesn't make sense; if it were a trap, she wouldn't need to take off my clothes.'
"Nine!" Before she could say ten, I couldn't resist the temptation! "You said it!" I gritted my teeth.
Lauren covered her mouth and laughed. "You're still hiding from me. If I'm not mistaken, your relationship with Mia from the New Media Department isn't ordinary, right? And Aria from the E-commerce Department seems to like you a lot too. Does Ms. Brown from the Media Department also have something with you?"