The Benefits of Getting Involved

Xia Xiang rode his bicycle along the small path on both sides of the Bais姓河 (Bai River) heading north. The Bai River was an artificial river, constructed in 1995, which took four years and over 2 billion yuan to complete. At the time, the city government claimed it would serve as an "artificial lung" for Yanshi, improving the dry air and poor air quality. Unfortunately, after its completion, no one mentioned whether the air quality had improved, and based on Xia Xiang's personal experience, there was no noticeable difference. However, in the first year after its completion, the river claimed eight lives in a short period.

Oddly enough, every year thereafter, the Bai River continued to claim about a dozen lives. By 1998, a total of 30 people had drowned, including both young and old, men and women. A curious individual listed the names of all the victims and discovered that none of them shared the same surname. This led to a rumor that the true meaning of the Bai River was to drown at least one person from each of the surnames listed in the "Hundred Surnames." As the rumor spread, the Bai River became known as the "River of Drowned Surnames."

Despite the city government's efforts to implement various measures and increase public awareness, the Bai River continued to claim lives. Even a decade later, Xia Xiang remembered that a total of over 150 people had drowned in the river.

In June, the heat in Yanshi was scorching. Walking along the banks of the Bai River, the cool breeze provided some relief from the heat. The development of a city always comes with a price. In Xia Xiang's view, this expensive artificial river was more symbolic than practical, a mere political achievement that did not contribute to Yanshi's development. Instead, it wasted a significant amount of funds due to the costs of relocation and bridge construction. However, in the political world, the mayor who initiated the Bai River project was promoted to the position of party secretary in a neighboring province, and later even became the governor.

The current mayor, Chen Feng, was a true doer. He vigorously promoted the renovation of urban villages in Yanshi, personally leading teams to persuade stubborn residents and opening up many dead-end and T-junction roads, significantly improving the city's environment and traffic. Although some urban village residents viewed him as harsh and domineering, most people in Yanshi considered Mayor Chen to be the most capable and charismatic mayor in decades.

Ironically, despite his good reputation, Chen Feng did not have a good ending. Later, he offended Gao Chengsong for some unknown reason. Under Gao's instruction, Chen was framed and eventually sentenced to ten years in prison for corruption. Even after his imprisonment, the people of Yanshi remembered his contributions. Stories circulated about his life in prison, saying he maintained a positive attitude, continued to study, and even became the librarian, affectionately referred to as "Librarian Chen."

As Xia Xiang cycled along the Bai River, passing through one urban village after another, he suddenly realized that it was 1998, and Chen Feng had just become the mayor. He had not yet started the major urban village renovation. The urban village renovation was likely the catalyst for Chen's downfall, possibly because it threatened Gao Chengsong's interests.

Since becoming the provincial party secretary, Gao Chengsong had not only purged dissenters but also extended his influence into the business sector. This was not uncommon, as long as everyone followed the unwritten rules and did not overstep. However, Gao was flamboyant, and his wife and son were no different, treating the entire province as their personal fiefdom. They not only monopolized profits but also forbade anyone from entering their chosen fields.

Gao's wife interfered in the provincial construction market, using her power to bring a southern construction company into Yanshi, which soon squeezed out several local companies. One of the main reasons for Chen Feng's downfall was likely the conflict of interest during the urban village renovation.

Gao's son, Gao Jianyuan, was even more brazen, inserting himself into any profitable industry. In the future, it was well-known in business circles that Gao Jianyuan had shares in Jiajia Supermarket.

Standing in front of a large construction site, looking at the partially built Jiajia Supermarket, Xia Xiang mused that Gao Jianyuan probably didn't see much potential in the then-unknown Jiajia Supermarket. But now, Jiajia Supermarket was in a critical phase, facing a severe shortage of funds. If Xia Xiang had a substantial amount of money, investing in Jiajia Supermarket could yield a significant return within two years.

Although he currently lacked the funds, making a connection with one of the founders of Jiajia Supermarket was still a valuable opportunity. Xia Xiang, with his background in architecture, was familiar with construction sites. He easily found the manager's office in a temporary building and knocked on the door.

The friend introduced by Wen Yang was named Feng Xuguang, a tall and rather heavy man, weighing around 90 kilograms. Upon hearing that Xia Xiang was introduced by Wen Yang, Feng Xuguang warmly extended his hand: "Welcome, welcome, you must be Xia Xiang? Wen Yang told me about this. On behalf of Jiajia Supermarket, I welcome you. However, I should be upfront: we are currently facing a severe cash crunch, and the construction is almost at a standstill. The construction company said they won't continue unless they get paid. This is a critical moment. If we can get through this, there will be great opportunities ahead. If we can't, I'll be in trouble, and I won't be able to fulfill the job offer."

Feng Xuguang's straightforwardness earned Xia Xiang's respect. He seemed both shrewd and sincere, able to clearly state his position without exaggeration or evasion. No wonder Jiajia Supermarket thrived and remained strong in the supermarket wars; Feng Xuguang's personal capabilities played a significant role.

"If I invest 1 million, what percentage of shares can I get, Mr. Feng?" Being honest, Xia Xiang directly posed a challenging question, given his favorable impression of Jiajia Supermarket and Feng Xuguang.

A flicker of disbelief crossed Feng Xuguang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and picked up a calculator, doing some quick calculations.

Five minutes later, Feng Xuguang smiled and said, "We've invested 3 million in the land, 5 million in the main structure, and 2 million in miscellaneous expenses, totaling around 10 million. If you invest 1 million now, it would be less than 10%, but since this is a critical moment, your 1 million could help us overcome our current difficulties. I can give you 10%. But, Xia Xiang, do you have the money?"

Feng Xuguang's estimate was close to Xia Xiang's own, confirming his honesty and further solidifying Xia Xiang's resolve.

Xia Xiang spoke the truth: "I don't have the money."

Feng Xuguang remained calm: "So, can you find someone to invest 1 million?"

Xia Xiang shook his head: "Probably not."

Feng Xuguang's expression remained composed: "Then you're not here to apply for a job, but to help me, right? Whatever method you use, if you can solve my current problem, I'll give you 10% of the shares as we discussed."

Xia Xiang smiled, impressed by Feng Xuguang's intelligence. However, since it was their first meeting, he couldn't reveal too much. He nodded and asked, "Mr. Feng, may I ask a personal question? How did you and Mr. Wen meet?"

A hint of amusement appeared in Feng Xuguang's eyes: "I used to work at the Provincial Youth League, and Wen Yang and I were colleagues."

"How is your personal relationship with Mr. Wen?" Xia Xiang tapped the table lightly, looking at Feng Xuguang with a half-smile.

Feng Xuguang looked at Xia Xiang with interest, thinking that despite his young age, he handled himself with poise and confidence, step by step, and seemed very sure of himself.

He replied, "Our relationship is okay. We occasionally have meals together and usually just chat on the phone. Our friendship is simple, like water, right? Personal relationships and business are separate. Each has its own way, and they shouldn't be mixed, right?"

Reassured, Xia Xiang extended his hand: "Can I have your business card, Mr. Feng? I'd like to stay in touch."

Leaving the Jiajia Supermarket construction site, Xia Xiang looked at the chaotic scene, finding it hard to imagine that in just six months, the area would be bustling with vehicles and people, with countless manufacturers vying for a prime spot. A year later, the first branch of Jiajia Supermarket would open, followed by the second, third, and so on, expanding until 2010.

Xia Xiang was delighted. He hadn't expected that before the completion of Jiajiao Supermarket, there would be this financial crisis. He knew that even without his involvement, Feng Xuguang would eventually overcome the difficulty. But without his presence, how would the benefits come to him?

Realizing it was getting late, Xia Xiang decided to head home and get some rest. Halfway through his journey, his pager beeped. It was a call from the company. He quickly found a public phone and called back. It was Xiao Jia.