ALL NOVEL Chapter 38: Racing to Commit Suicide
Apologies for the delay in publishing yesterday's chapter.
Mayor Zhao quickly held a short meeting.
The people from the city government were all ecstatic.
Secretary Wu squinted his eyes: "This Lu Chengwen is clearly a stingy businessman, why is he so generous today? He will definitely propose requests that are difficult for us to accept."
Mayor Zhao nodded: "Naturally, businessmen, won't get up early without profit. But for this project, someone has to do it. Dozens of buildings have already been erected, we can't just let them stand there and be exposed to wind and rain, wasted and used as toilets!"
"Such a big change, we need to consult with the provincial authorities."
"I'll handle that aspect of the work, you just need to stabilize Lu Chengwen. If the approval comes down and he refuses to pay, then it's embarrassing."
"Yes."
In the meeting room.
Mayor Zhao returned to the meeting room.
Secretary Wu continued to chair the meeting, asking everyone to state their opinions.
The results didn't change at all, everyone was still hesitant, only saying what sounded good, not willing to spend a single penny.
Finally, Hu Shuhui spoke up again: "Lu Chengwen, why did you go out to answer the phone as soon as the meeting started? You don’t even show respect to Mayor Zhao! We've all stated our positions, you're the richest in Xuecheng, you should take the lead, and we'll follow! State your position!"
Hu Shuhui had Lu Chengwen figured out.
Just now, he realized that by competing with Lu Chengwen, he had dragged down more than a dozen other companies here. They could only unify their stance: Lu Chengwen pays, we pay.
Originally, they didn't have to say these things, but now everyone wanted to drag Hu Shuhui out and beat him up.
So, Ifsave to face, Hu Shuhui could only firmly target Lu Chengwen.
He was sure, Lu Chengwen would never agree to pay.
Just him? A heartless businessman.
You ask him to speculate and take advantage, he has more means than anyone else. you ask him to pay for city construction, especially for something like this where money is going down the drain, he would never agree.
If he doesn't agree, then nobody has to pay.
Lu Chengwen looked around and smiled, "Is everyone in agreement?"
A few people responded sparsely.
Lu Chengwen chuckled, "I grew up in Xuecheng since I was young, Xuecheng is my home, the people of Xuecheng are my elders and compatriots. I may not have much else, but I also know how to write the words 'loyalty' and 'righteousness'. I still have some sense of loyalty to the monarch and the country. For this project, my Lu family will take the lead and take it on!"
There was an uproar in the room.
Leng Qingqiu widened her eyes in disbelief.
She thought Lu Chengwen was just talking nonsense yesterday, nobody would touch such a deal.
Chen Mengyun was also incredibly surprised, while Xu Xuejiao narrowed her eyes, feeling that Lu Chengwen must have ulterior motives.
Now the dozen or so entrepreneurs couldn't sit still, they all started speaking up, causing chaos.
Hu Shuhui angrily questioned, "Lu Chengwen, are you colluding with Mayor Zhao to deceive us?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone was shocked and looked at Mayor Zhao.
Secretary Wu immediately responded angrily, "Hu Shuhui, what are you saying!? Have you lost your mind?"
Hu Shuhui also panicked, "Sorry, Mayor Zhao, I... I was in a hurry and said nonsense. But this Lu Chengwen... he's a heartless businessman, even more ruthless than me. How could he possibly spend money on such a losing deal? There must be a trick!"
Lu Chengwen said, "In business, it's true, I never do deals that lose money. But this slum redevelopment project is not just business. As businessmen and entrepreneurs, when facing major issues of right and wrong, only thinking about personal interests is too narrow-minded. I see this project, it's not just business, it's national policy, it's livelihood, it's an important project for urban development, it's the road to prosperity for our hometown! I work hard and save money for what? It's precisely for moments like this, to give back to society, to benefit my hometown!"
Mayor Zhao remained as steady as a rock, and at this point, he took the lead in applauding, "Well said! If all entrepreneurs could have the awareness and vision of Mr. Lu, our construction in Xuecheng will surely lead the nation! Let's applaud Mr. Lu!"
Everyone clapped reluctantly.
Hu Shuhui had beads of sweat on his forehead, feeling like he was in hell. "What kind of plot is this? I called a meeting and ended up losing 30 million!"
Am I going to be scolded by my father when I go back?
And Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu are like a pair of devils, Mayor Zhao is cunning and Secretary Wu is ruthless. You say a word, they've got the contract ready on their end.
Hu Shuhui unknowingly became a tool for Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu.
At this moment, Hu Shuhui was almost just a figurehead.
Initially, he was the one willing to spend money, now he's the first one signing contracts.
With Hu Shuhui as the example, the others couldn't escape.
Want to leave this meeting room? See that? It starts at 30 million!
Hu Shuhui signed the contract, his face turned green.
"Everyone, I've signed it! For the sake of hometown construction! It's what I, Hu Shuhui, should do."
Mayor Zhao applauded again with a smile, "Thanks to Mr. Hu, for showing such integrity."
Now all the other people were stunned.
Secretary Wu saw the opportunity and now that Lu Chengwen took the lead and Hu Shuhui followed, the next step was to pressurize each one, starting from the big to the small.
"Mr. Xu," he looked at Xu Xuejiao, "the Houde Group, shouldn't you also state your stance?"
Lu Chengwen smiled, "Mayor Zhao, Secretary Wu, there's no need to ask others. For this entire slum redevelopment, I, Lu Chengwen, will fund it myself. For other friends in the business community who are interested in investing, they can come to me to discuss. If they're not interested, I won't force them. I just hope that when the Lu family is implementing this project, if we need help from you, our friends, I hope everyone can lend a hand."
Mayor Zhao was deeply moved, almost on the verge of tears.
Previously, everyone had criticized the eldest son of the Lu family as a heartless businessman, greedy and ruthless, always taking advantage, but now this really surprised him.
He felt like he was acting just like a beggar, trying to force everyone to pay, and now Lu Chengwen single-handedly took care of it, saving him from offending all the business leaders.
The other entrepreneurs were also excited.
No need to spend money!
Awesome!
Hu Shuhui led them into trouble, Lu Chengwen led them out of it!
Everyone sincerely stood up and shook hands with Lu Cheng
wen, expressing their gratitude.
Lu Chengwen smiled, exchanging pleasantries one by one, displaying a royal demeanor.
Mayor Zhao also walked over, smiling and shaking hands with Lu Chengwen, "Chengwen, on behalf of the municipal party committee, the municipal government, and the three million people of our city, thank you!"
"Mayor Zhao is too kind."
At this moment, Leng Qingqiu suddenly stood up, "The Qianfeng Group is willing to invest in the slum area project, hoping Mr. Lu will give us a chance."
Today's surprises were one after another.
Lu Chengwen was being reckless, but now with Leng Qingqiu stepping up, it was another story.
And voluntarily jumping into the pit!?
Leng Qingqiu continued, "But the Leng family can't come up with too much cash at the moment, Mr. Lu, please don't look down on us."
Lu Chengwen, who had just taken charge, now faced a different situation with Leng Qingqiu taking the initiative in front of Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu.
Lu Chengwen was stiff, not knowing how to respond.
Mayor Zhao glanced between Lu Chengwen and Leng Qingqiu.
He thought to himself: Are they getting engaged? It seems they are a united couple. But is today's matter really so simple?
Just at that moment, Xu Xuejiao also stood up, "Brother Chengwen, why didn't you call me for doing good deeds? The Xu family is willing to participate in the slum redevelopment project."
Dozens of heads in the room turned back and forth, hoping to find answers from others' faces, but all they saw were blank expressions.
Finally, Chen Mengyun also stood up, "The Chen family will certainly not stand by, and in the future, we'll rely on Mr. Lu for guidance."
Lu Chengwen was dumbfounded.
[What are you all doing!]
[Are you all serious?]
[Are you all competing to commit suicide!?]
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