Chapter 31

“Naive?” Barry echoed, glancing at Robert. “What do you mean?”

Robert tapped the table with his fingers. The tapping echoed in the room.

“Barry,” Robert said, standing up, “I assumed that starting your own company meant you had original ideas. Clearly, you don't understand the market's needs. You dare to discuss future development without even realizing what Yrinas needs? As a developing city, Yrinas is one of only two government-approved tourist destinations, yet you focused on urban comfort. Was this to inflate house prices? Do you know the city's brain drain? The number of immigrants? Its strengths and weaknesses? You don't understand basic policy. Why should I cooperate with you? You bought this so-called ‘excellent’ proposal—treating Yrinas like trash?”

He threw Barry's proposal onto the table. The sound startled everyone.

Barry trembled. He knew nothing about Robert's questions, nothing about Yrinas as a tourist city.

Robert stared at Barry's dumbfounded expression. “Barry, learn to walk before you run. Other companies had the same idea. Don't bring me something you think is good. What you consider ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ is trash in the current market! Carlos, I don't want to see any more proposals like this!”

Robert strode toward the reception room, Carlos following close behind. Barry instinctively stepped aside as Robert passed.

The company executives in the reception room didn't dare look up. They were surprised by the imposing aura emanating from such a young man—almost as if they’d faced a giant corporation.

Robert's tense face relaxed once he left the hall. This was his first experience like this. He’d maintained intense focus to avoid appearing as an immature Zabinski heir. His efforts had paid off; the meeting attendees were clearly subdued. They saw him as young, decisive, and independent. What they didn't see was the sweat drenching his back.

As a scion, spending money was easy; earning his parents' trust of their vast resources required far more effort.

He slumped into his office chair. Carlos entered, smiling, and closed the door.

“Mr. Zabinski was quite dashing today,” Carlos teased.

Robert smiled wryly. “Carlos, don’t tease me. For the Zabinski family, this was a minor event, right?”

Carlos nodded. “In terms of identity, these people are insignificant in the Yrinas Business District. However, you must be equally careful with them as with those of higher status. Many people are watching you right now.”