Chapter 60: Land Auction

Three days passed quickly, and Director He Yujin of the Land Bureau acted swiftly. The main approval documents were soon finalized, and He Yujin came to deliver them to Zhou Ming and Du Peng.

"Boss Zhou, Young Master Du, the documents for the land you requested have been sent to the city government for approval. It should be approved within a day or two. Here's a copy of the approval document for your review," He Yujin said, handing the documents to Zhou Ming and Du Peng. It's worth noting that He Yujin's actions were technically improper, but sometimes, such irregularities were the most effective.

Du Peng, who wasn't very familiar with these procedures, handed the documents directly to Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming glanced over them and nodded, saying, "Everything looks fine."

Seeing Zhou Ming's approval, He Yujin felt relieved. He said, "Congratulations, Boss Zhou and Young Master Du. I wish you success with your development project and hope your real estate venture thrives."

Du Peng raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who told you we're doing real estate?"

He Yujin was stunned. "Weren't you planning to develop real estate on the land?"

"Not at all," Zhou Ming clarified. "In fact, the reason we asked Director He here today is to discuss this matter. We're actually planning to hold an auction for this land. Since you, Director He, are the head of the Land Bureau in Nanjiang, we hope you'll honor us with your presence."

"An auction?" He Yujin's eyes widened in surprise. He felt like a country bumpkin who couldn't keep up with the modern world, unable to grasp the thinking of these young men.

Zhou Ming nodded and explained, "Yes, since neither Du Peng nor I have experience in real estate, we thought it would be better to auction off the land to someone more capable and knowledgeable. Director He, what do you think? The documents should indicate that we are allowed to transfer and sell land use rights, right?"

He Yujin nodded vigorously. "Of course, as long as it's within the scope of land use rights, Boss Zhou and Young Master Du can handle it as you wish."

Seeing the documents, Zhou Ming and Du Peng felt reassured. Although it was generally safe as long as Du Peng had contacted the mayor directly, having the documents in hand provided additional peace of mind.

After seeing off He Yujin, Zhou Ming and Du Peng went to Dongmen Hotel to finalize the arrangements for the auction venue.

The hotel staff was surprised when they heard that Du Peng was organizing an auction. "Young Master Du, we're impressed by your ambition, but may I ask what you're auctioning? Antiques? Jewelry?"

Du Peng shook his head. "No, it's land—the vacant lot near the Third Garden."

The hotel manager and staff were stunned. They couldn't believe that land, which was typically state-owned, could be auctioned. It seemed like something from a bygone era of feudal landowners. Was Du Peng perhaps thinking of something else?

Unperturbed by their confusion, Du Peng toured the hotel's banquet hall and asked Zhou Ming, "How does this place look? Can we manage it here?"

"This is the best hotel in Nanjiang. If it can't accommodate us, then we're out of options," Zhou Ming joked. "By the way, since the land has been approved and the venue is set, we need to send out invitations to several real estate companies quickly and also advertise as soon as possible. The mayor, Chen Yunfei, will be attending, right?"

Zhou Ming's commanding tone left everyone stunned, especially the hotel manager. Zhou Ming's demeanor was bold, even considering that Du Peng could easily call the mayor "uncle." It raised questions about Zhou Ming's own status.

Du Peng nodded. "The invitations are ready and just waiting for you to send them out. Mayor Chen has confirmed he'll attend. What about the advertisements?"

The hotel manager was taken aback by the dynamic between Zhou Ming and Du Peng. How could Zhou Ming command such authority? Du Peng's apparent deference to him only added to the intrigue.

"Advertising is simple. Just put up a large poster in the busiest areas. We need as many people as possible to see it," Zhou Ming said.

"Will that be effective? People in those areas might not have the money to buy land," Du Peng questioned.

Zhou Ming explained, "The posters are meant to create buzz and make everyone aware of the auction. A crowded event helps build excitement and makes participants feel that higher bids are justified. Plus, we might attract some potential wealthy buyers."

Du Peng and the others were impressed by Zhou Ming's strategic thinking. They hadn't anticipated that something as simple as a poster could have such a profound impact.

The hotel manager looked at Zhou Ming with a mix of admiration and disbelief, wondering if this young man in his early twenties was indeed as extraordinary as he seemed.

Following Zhou Ming's advice, Du Peng quickly organized the posters, and soon the auction became a hot topic throughout Nanjiang.

In the afternoon, while Zhou Ming was enjoying tea at the trade center, Tang Ran arrived excitedly and said, "Ming Ge, the poster is amazing! Everyone at my office has been talking about the land auction all day. They're all planning to attend in groups!"

Zhou Ming looked at Tang Ran, whose cheeks were flushed with excitement and her nose glistening with a light sheen of sweat from rushing over. He handed her a glass of iced tea and used a napkin to wipe her sweat. Once she calmed down, he asked, "What are your colleagues saying?"

"They're saying that this is something they've never heard of before. They're all curious to see who would dare to auction land," Tang Ran replied. Then, with a mischievous smile, she added, "They even joked that Ming Ge must be a former landowner from the old society, making a comeback in a new form."

Zhou Ming laughed, "What kind of talk is that? Are you sure they're not comedians?"

Tang Ran shrugged, "I'm not sure, but the auction will definitely be interesting, right?"

"Whether it's interesting or not, I can't say for sure. But judging by the enthusiasm of your colleagues, the scene will definitely be lively. Be careful, you might have trouble finding a seat," Zhou Ming said.

Tang Ran's face fell when she heard this, and she looked at Zhou Ming with a pleading expression. "Ming Ge, could you help me get a good seat?"

"Of course I'll arrange it. Since the mayor will be there, I'll make sure you're seated next to him," Zhou Ming teased.

Tang Ran shook her head. "No, I want to sit next to Ming Ge."

...

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the auction. Early in the morning, a large crowd gathered outside Dongmen Hotel, eagerly awaiting the first land auction. The banner outside the hotel attracted a lot of attention and sparked conversations.

"I can't believe there's actually a land auction today. I thought the posters were just for show!"

"How could it be just for show? The company spent a fortune on advertising. I heard just the cost of the posters was several thousand yuan. Even the wealthiest person wouldn't spend so much just for fun."

"That's true. But I wonder if the police will come and shut them down for this. It seems like a throwback to the old landowner days…"

As the organizers of the auction, Zhou Ming and Du Peng stood at the entrance, waiting to greet the mayor and other officials. Tang Ran was beside Zhou Ming, feeling nervous from the crowd's murmurs. Zhou Ming reassured her, "Don't worry, Tang Ran. This auction is legal and aligns with central policies. The police won't come. And with a prominent figure from Beijing here, there's no need to worry."

Tang Ran glanced at Du Peng and muttered, "Just because he's here doesn't make me feel any better."

Du Peng, feeling slighted, protested, "Tang Ran, what did I do to offend you? I'm a revolutionary descendant too; give me some credit!"

Tang Ran pouted, "It's just that Ming Ge is more impressive. If it weren't for him, you might have been tricked in Nanjiang."

Du Peng, humbled by Tang Ran's remark, remembered how Zhou Ming had warned him about a scam. Upon investigation, it turned out to be a fraudulent company aimed at deceiving him. Du Peng was often confident in other areas, but he acknowledged Zhou Ming's exceptional skills.

Just then, a commotion broke out in the crowd. Zhou Ming raised an eyebrow and said, "It must be Mayor Chen arriving."