The Understated Dragon Lord novel Chapter 555

"So if it's not two hundred million, how much is it?" Maya inquired.

"As far as I know, the total investment for the Golden Hill tourist town project is less than fifty billion. Based on the current profit margin in the industry, the gross profit is at most ten percent. So, the most we’re looking at is five billion in gross profit. In terms of net profit, it’s at most two or three billion.

For a net profit of two or three billion, you’re looking to just take one billion away. Even if I were to get this tourist town project with your help, it would still be busy work for no gain. It's a clear case of me doing all the work while you make the money,” Wyatt almost spoke the truth. Of course, being a businessman, he naturally skewed the conversation to his own advantage.

Net profit of two or three billion would be if the tourist town was built with real materials, strictly adhering to the standard construction protocols. But someone in real estate like him would never fully comply with national standards. Any chance to cut corners would be taken without hesitation.

All construction projects are not about how long they can last; it’s about whether they can pass inspection. Once it passes inspection, everything else is inconsequential.

After all, as long as it passes inspection, the money comes in. Whatever happens afterward—whether there’re leaks, cracks, or other issues—it doesn’t matter.

As long as the buildings don’t collapse or cause any significant incidents, all issues can be considered minor. Minor problems that can be solved with a little bit of money!

Maya knew precisely whether she was exaggerating or bluffing. Wyatt, that wily old fox, wasn’t as easy to fool as one might think.

Maya didn’t react hastily. Instead, she decided to play along, smiling mischievously at Wyatt.

"What do you mean by that, Wyatt? I didn’t catch your drift! Are you saying you're not interested in the Golden Hill tourist town project? If that's the case, no problem. I just won’t take your billion and won’t bet with the country boy anymore."

Although Wyatt knew she was just trying to get the upper hand by feigning disinterest, he desperately needed to secure the tourist town project. If he landed it, his Harmony Group could continue to secure loans from the banks and keep operating.

After all, collaborating with The Perkins Organization would tremendously boost Harmony Group’s reputation.

Furthermore, as for the tourist town project itself, if he used substandard materials in the actual construction, he could still reap a net profit of twenty billion. The profit margin in construction lies in the cost difference between materials used. As long as the spread is high enough, the profit can be substantial!

Even if he charged high prices, he could use the lowest quality materials and the worst construction processes.

"Wait, don’t do that, Maya! I was just being honest with you! I’ll be running at a loss if I take on the tourist town project, but if you can help me get it, I’ll give you a billion!

Even if it means a loss, even if it feels like busy work, I don't care! I’d consider it paying tribute to our old friendship! Let's celebrate the first successful step of our collaboration as old classmates! It's a beautiful beginning—the start of us making big money together."