Chapter 508: 504. Are you teaching me how to do things? (Seeking subscriptions and monthly tickets!)

If one were to really speak of it, the Forbes of this world has also been influenced by Zhang Ran to some extent.

Although the founding of this magazine had nothing to do with Zhang Ran, Zhang Ran made them pay attention to the group of Huaxia tycoons ahead of time.

Therefore, long ago, Forbes had already begun publishing a rich list in Huaxia, including Huaxia tycoons in the ranks of the world's wealthy.

No Hurun Rich List ever emerged; it has always been the Forbes Rich List.

Because they have been compiling these lists for years, Forbes magazine has a fairly decent relationship with the vast majority of tycoons.

Sending someone from Forbes to approach Zhang Ran this time was also a relatively appropriate choice.

Hanke and William were not ordinary employees, but in the eyes of tycoons like Zhang Ran, their status within the company was practically nothing, so neither of them introduced themselves too much.

Hearing Hanke say this, Zhang Ran suddenly laughed: "Are they having you come over to sue for peace?"

Hanke was suddenly struck dumb. You really dare to think that? Sue for peace?

"Well, I'm not clear on that, but it is true that these people from Iron Fir Capital want to sit down and have a chat with you, Mr. Zhang," Hanke said with a dry laugh.

He dared not touch that topic; if it reached the ears of those people at Iron Fir Capital, would he still have a job?

You have to know that when they compile these statistics on the wealth of tycoons, especially those in Europe and America, most of them have to rely on these capital groups to grant them some face.

Otherwise, based on the operations of these capital groups, it would be very difficult for them to figure out exactly how much money those tycoons have.

That is why Hanke spoke very cautiously.

William had not said a word from start to finish, but at this moment he spoke up: "Mr. Zhang, Iron Fir Capital has come with sincerity this time. If things continue like this, it will only result in mutual destruction. I believe this is not the outcome Mr. Zhang wants."

Zhang Ran looked at William and said: "Your Forbes is also participating in such matters? What? Is your reputation too small, and you want to increase it a bit more?"

Although Zhang Ran had a smile on his face, Hanke felt a tightness in his heart and hurriedly said: "No, no, Mr. Zhang, please don't misunderstand. William didn't mean that."

William, however, frowned and spoke again: "Mr. Zhang, I don't understand what you mean. I believe you know the strength of capital groups like Iron Fir Capital and the Meisheng Consortium. Dragging this out is not good for anyone, especially for you."

Zhang Ran narrowed his eyes: "Are you teaching me how to do things? Are you threatening me?"

"I don't mean that; this is just a reminder for Mr. Zhang," William said calmly.

"Heh, does your Forbes really think it can control all the tycoons?" Zhang Ran sneered.

Hanke's face had changed drastically; he absolutely did not expect William to say such things at this time.

If these words of Zhang Ran's were to spread, their Forbes would likely suffer immense pressure, and some tycoons might even vigorously suppress them because of it.

"Mr. Zhang, please don't misunderstand..."

"Misunderstand? Could it be that I understood it wrong?" Zhang Ran said indifferently.

Sweat broke out on Hanke's forehead, and he gritted his teeth and said: "Mr. Zhang, we will give you an explanation."

Zhang Ran looked at William and suddenly smiled: "I don't know who instructed you to say that, or if it was just you yourself, but since the words came out of your mouth, you must bear the consequences that follow."

William frowned and said: "I don't understand what you mean, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Ran said: "You will understand soon enough. Hanke, is it? You take William's words from today back to those people at Iron Fir Capital. I want to see if this is really what they mean."

Hanke immediately said: "Rest assured, Mr. Zhang, I will definitely convey it."

He hated William to the core at this moment. If he had known it would be like this, he wouldn't have brought this guy over for anything. No wonder this fellow begged him to come along.

William, however, had flickering eyes and did not speak.

To this, Zhang Ran just sneered and said no more. Did he really think he was so clever, or did he think those capital groups were philanthropists?

"Alright, have them set a time, and we'll sit down and talk then." Zhang Ran couldn't be bothered to say anything more.

As for William, someone would deal with him.

Upon hearing this, Hanke was overjoyed. He had thought Zhang Ran would take the opportunity to fly into a rage, but he didn't expect Zhang Ran to agree after all. Since his purpose for coming had basically been achieved, he hurriedly said: "Then I will go notify them right away. Thank you, Mr. Zhang."

Although he was just a messenger, if one didn't play the role of messenger well, one would also suffer some repercussions, especially when it involved such a major matter.

Everything that needed to be said had been said, so Zhang Ran picked up his tea to see his guests out. Hanke respectfully said goodbye to Zhang Ran again before leaving.

After leaving the residential complex, Hanke looked at William with a gloomy face and said: "Who told you to say those things?"

William said: "No one. I was just speaking the truth."

"Heh, I knew he had ulterior motives for having you come along. Don't think that everyone has to give us face. Do you really think these tycoons are all fools?" Hanke sneered.

William frowned: "What of it? Wasn't what I said the truth? Can a single Zhang Ran go head-to-head with these capital groups? Is there a problem with me saying that?"

"Whether there is a problem or not, you can explain it to the higher-ups yourself. Also, think about how to spend the money you received; you might not have the chance to spend it in the future." After Hanke finished speaking, he ignored William and left directly.

William, however, had a solemn expression. He actually knew that this would be difficult to handle, but he didn't think a big tycoon like Zhang Ran would bother with a small character like him.

But clearly, he had guessed wrong. Zhang Ran couldn't be bothered to deal with him personally, but the words Zhang Ran had Hanke take back indicated one thing: he would let those people at Iron Fir Capital deal with him.

This also proved that the words he said today didn't have the intended effect at all; Zhang Ran hadn't directly fallen out with Iron Fir Capital and the others.

Zhang Ran, on his side, was silently drinking tea. He knew the purpose of Iron Fir Capital and the others this time. Although he had no intention of reconciling, it was still necessary to take the opportunity to probe their bottom line and their resolve.

The current Zhang Ran was indeed unable to contend with financial groups like Iron Fir Capital, but one had to understand one thing: Zhang Ran could bet everything he currently had, but Iron Fir Capital and the others could not.

They could only put up a small portion; even with such a large cake placed in front of them, it was impossible for them to stake their entire net worth to oppose Zhang Ran.

If they were truly able to make such a firm resolution, Zhang Ran would just admit defeat and be done with it, but clearly, they would not do that.

At the same time, this was also a smoke bomb. Zhang Ran had never looked down on these capital groups; he would definitely utilize everything he could.