Mayor Zhao held a quick side meeting with his team. The city officials were ecstatic.
Secretary Wu narrowed his eyes. "This Lu Chengwen, notorious for being a stingy profiteer, is suddenly so generous? He's bound to make demands we can't meet."
Zhao nodded. "Of course. He's a businessman—no profit, no deal. But this project needs someone to take it on. We can't let those dozens of half-built structures sit there, rotting in the rain, turning into public toilets!"
"We'll need provincial approval for such a major change," Wu said.
"I'll handle that," Zhao replied. "Your job is to keep Lu Chengwen on board. If we get the approval and he backs out, we'll be the laughingstock."
"Understood."
Back in the meeting room, Wu resumed hosting, pressing everyone to commit. Nothing changed—everyone offered polite excuses, unwilling to spend a dime.
Finally, Hu Shuhui jumped in again. "Lu Chengwen, why do you slip out to take calls during the meeting? No respect for Mayor Zhao! We've all spoken—you're the richest in Xuecheng. You take the lead, and we'll follow with smaller shares. Make your stance clear!"
Hu Shuhui was certain he had Lu Chengwen cornered. By dragging him into the spotlight, he'd forced the other dozen entrepreneurs to follow his lead, claiming they'd invest only if Lu Chengwen did. They hadn't wanted to commit at all, and now they wanted to throttle Hu Shuhui for pulling them into this mess. To save face, he doubled down on Lu Chengwen, convinced the notorious profiteer would never agree to fund a losing venture like this.
Lu Chengwen scanned the room and grinned. "Is that what everyone thinks?"
A few mumbled affirmations followed.
He laughed heartily. "I grew up in Xuecheng—it's my home, and its people are my family. I, Lu Chengwen, may not have much, but I know the meaning of 'loyalty' and 'righteousness.' I have some sense of duty to serve my country and city. This project? The Lu family will take the lead and pick it up!"
The room erupted in shock.
Leng Qingqiu's eyes widened in disbelief. She'd thought Lu Chengwen was just spouting nonsense yesterday—no one would touch this deal.
Chen Mengyun was equally stunned, while Xu Xuejiao narrowed her eyes, sensing something fishy.
The entrepreneurs couldn't sit still, their voices overlapping in chaos.
Hu Shuhui, furious, demanded, "Lu Chengwen, are you colluding with Mayor Zhao to screw us over?"
The accusation silenced the room, all eyes turning to Zhao.
Wu snapped, "Hu Shuhui, what are you saying? Did you even think before speaking?"
Hu Shuhui panicked. "Sorry, sorry, Mayor Zhao, I got carried away. But Lu Chengwen—he's a ruthless businessman, greedier than me! Why would he fund a losing deal? There's got to be a catch!"
Lu Chengwen replied, "In business, we talk profit, sure. I've never done a losing deal. But the shantytown project isn't just business. As entrepreneurs, when faced with big issues, thinking only of personal gain is small-minded. This project is about the nation, the people, the city's progress, and the path to our hometown's prosperity! Why do I hustle and pinch pennies? To give back to society and my city when it matters most!"
Zhao, composed until now, led the applause. "Well said! If every entrepreneur had Mr. Lu's vision and integrity, Xuecheng would lead the nation in development. Let's give Mr. Lu a hand!"
The applause was reluctant, forced.
Hu Shuhui's forehead glistened with sweat. He's fallen for it!? This lunatic wants to die and drag us all down with him?
"Lu Chengwen, you sound all noble, but how much are you actually putting in? Less than fifty billion won't cut it—it's peanuts for this project!"
Lu Chengwen snorted. "Peanuts? Dasheng Group will invest at least five hundred billion!"
Zhao's eyes lit up, glancing at Wu, who nodded excitedly.
The room exploded. No one had expected Lu Chengwen to commit, let alone throw in a fortune. They'd assumed he'd dodge or offer a token sum to save face. Five hundred billion? That was a lifetime's wealth!
Wu seized the moment. "Everyone, quiet down. Mr. Lu has shown he's a pillar of Xuecheng's business community, stepping up with extraordinary generosity. We should all emulate his patriotism and selflessness."
He smoothly transitioned. "Since Mr. Lu has committed, I trust you all remember your promises. Let's hear your pledges."
All eyes turned to Hu Shuhui, who felt their glares like daggers, ready to tear him apart.
Hu Shuhui was lost. He couldn't comprehend it. What's wrong with Lu Chengwen? Has he gone mad? Stupid? Senile? Why would he throw away that kind of money? Is the Lu family trying to self-destruct?
Lu Chengwen smiled. "Mr. Hu, no big demands from me. I'm taking on all the major projects and construction. You just chip in for some charity."
"Charity? What kind of charity?" Hu Shuhui asked warily.
"Two options. One: match my investment proportionally—I put in five hundred billion, you put in fifty billion, and you'll get a share of the profits. Two: we've planned over two hundred public restrooms, each costing about two hundred thousand, totaling roughly thirty million. Pick one."
Hu Shuhui wanted to cry. Fifty billion was no big deal for Lu Chengwen, but for him, it would cripple his company. And it was likely to vanish without a trace! Thirty million for charity was the safer bet.
Gritting his teeth, he said, "Fine! A promise is a promise. I'll build the shantytown's restrooms!"
As expected, Hu Shuhui chose the lesser evil, opting for thirty million in charity over a risky fifty billion.
Zhao, sharp as ever, caught the opening and signaled Wu, who promptly brought over a contract. "Excellent, Mr. Hu. Please sign here."
Hu Shuhui felt like dying. What kind of plot twist is this? I came to a meeting and lost thirty million!? My dad's going to kill me!
Zhao and Wu were a cunning duo—Zhao with his strategic mind, Wu with his swift execution. The moment Hu Shuhui agreed, the contract was ready.
Unwittingly, Hu Shuhui became their pawn. He'd been the first to pledge money and now the first to sign. With him as the example, the others couldn't escape. Want to leave the room? Start with thirty million.
Hu Shuhui signed, his face green. "Everyone, I've signed! For our city's development!"
Zhao smiled and clapped. "Let's thank Mr. Hu for his noble contribution."
The others were stunned. Wu seized the momentum. Lu Chengwen had set the bar high, Hu Shuhui had taken the bait, and now it was time to pressure the rest, from biggest to smallest.
"Ms. Xu," Wu said, turning to Xu Xuejiao. "What about Houde Group?"
Lu Chengwen interjected with a smile. "Mayor Zhao, Secretary Wu, no need to ask others. I'll personally fund the entire shantytown project. If other businesses want to invest, they can talk to me. If not, I won't force them. I only ask that when the Lu family needs support during this project, you all lend a hand."
Zhao was so moved he nearly teared up. Everyone had called Old Man Lu a heartless profiteer, always scheming for profit and dodging real work. Today, Lu Chengwen's actions stunned him. Zhao had been begging like a monk for donations, but Lu Chengwen single-handedly took it all on, sparing him the need to strong-arm the business elite.
The other entrepreneurs were thrilled. No need to pay? Amazing!
Hu Shuhui had turned them into ghosts, but Lu Chengwen turned ghosts back into humans.
They stood, shaking Lu Chengwen's hand, showering him with gratitude, his regal demeanor shining through.
Zhao approached, gripping his hand. "Chengwen, on behalf of the municipal government and Xuecheng's thirty million citizens, thank you!"
"You're too kind, Mayor Zhao."
Suddenly, Leng Qingqiu stood. "Qianfeng Group wants to invest in the shantytown project. I hope Mr. Lu will give us a chance."
The room froze. One bizarre event after another. Lu Chengwen was already suicidal, taking it on alone without dragging others down. Now Leng Qingqiu was jumping into the pit?
She added, "The Leng family doesn't have much cash flow right now, so I hope Mr. Lu won't mind."
Lu Chengwen's bold claim was one thing, but Leng Qingqiu stepping up in front of Zhao and Wu carried a different weight. He stood frozen, unsure how to respond.
Zhao glanced between them, thinking, They're engaged—must be a united front. But is today really that simple?
Then Xu Xuejiao stood. "Chengwen-ge, how could you do something good without me? The Xu family wants in on the shantytown project."
Heads swiveled, searching for answers in each other's faces, but finding only confusion.
Finally, Chen Mengyun stood. "The Chen family won't stand by either. We look forward to your guidance, Mr. Lu."
Lu Chengwen was dumbfounded.
[What are you all doing!?]
[Are you serious?]
[You're all rushing to your doom!?]
_
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