Chapter 38: Racing to Dig Their Own Graves

Mayor Zhao quickly convened a brief meeting.

Everyone at the city government was overjoyed.

Secretary Wu narrowed his eyes: "This Lu Chengwen, clearly a stingy, unscrupulous businessman, why is he so generous today? He must have some unacceptable demands."

Mayor Zhao nodded: "That's natural, businessmen don't get up early for no profit. But this project must be done by someone. Dozens of building frames have already been erected, we can't just let them sit there, exposed to wind and rain, turning into public toilets!"

"Such a major change requires us to seek instructions from the provincial government."

"I'll handle that aspect. You focus on keeping Lu Chengwen steady. If the approval comes down and he refuses to pay, it will be a huge embarrassment."

"Understood."

Conference Room.

Mayor Zhao returned to the conference room.

Secretary Wu continued to chair the meeting, asking everyone to state their positions.

There was no change; everyone still hemmed and hawed, saying nice things but not willing to contribute a single penny.

Finally, Hu Shuhui jumped up again: "Lu Chengwen, why do you always step out to take calls during meetings? Show some respect for Mayor Zhao! We've all stated our positions. You're the richest in Snow City, you take the lion's share, and we'll chip in the smaller part! State your position!"

Hu Shuhui had Lu Chengwen pegged.

Earlier, he realized that by comparing himself to Lu Chengwen, he had dragged a dozen businesses into this mess. They could only agree on one thing: if Lu Chengwen pays, we'll pay.

They hadn't needed to make such a commitment, and now everyone wished they could drag Hu Shuhui out and beat him to a pulp. To save face, Hu Shuhui had to pin it all on Lu Chengwen.

He was certain that Lu Chengwen would never pay.

Him? A black-hearted businessman.

If it's about cutting corners and profiting, he's got all the tricks. But asking him to spend money on city construction, especially on something that looks like a money pit? He'd never agree.

If he doesn't agree, then none of us have to pay.

Lu Chengwen looked around and smiled: "Is this everyone's position?"

A few people mumbled in response.

Lu Chengwen laughed heartily: "I grew up in Snow City, it's my home. The people of Snow City are my fellow townsfolk. I, Lu Chengwen, may not have much, but I know how to write the words 'loyalty' and 'righteousness.' I have a heart for serving the country. This project, the Lu family will take the lead and take it on!"

The room erupted in murmurs.

Leng Qingqiu's eyes widened in disbelief.

She thought Lu Chengwen was just spouting nonsense yesterday; no one would touch such a business.

Chen Mengyun was also shocked, while Xu Xuejiao narrowed her eyes, sensing something fishy about Lu Chengwen.

Now, the dozen or so entrepreneurs couldn't sit still, all speaking up, causing chaos.

Hu Shuhui angrily questioned: "Lu Chengwen, are you and Mayor Zhao conspiring to scam us?"

This statement shocked everyone, and all eyes turned to Mayor Zhao.

Secretary Wu immediately angrily retorted: "Hu Shuhui, what are you saying!? Did you even think before speaking?"

Hu Shuhui panicked: "Sorry, sorry, Mayor Zhao, I... I was just flustered and spoke nonsense. But this Lu Chengwen... he's a black-hearted businessman, even worse than me. How could he possibly spend money on such a losing venture? There must be a trick!"

Lu Chengwen said: "In business, we speak of business. True, I, Lu Chengwen, never do losing deals. But this shantytown renovation project is not just business. As businessmen, as entrepreneurs, when faced with major issues of right and wrong, only thinking of personal gain shows a lack of vision. I see this project not as business, but as a matter of national policy, people's livelihood, a crucial urban construction project, a necessary path to the prosperity of our hometown! Why have I worked so hard, pinching every penny? To give back to society and benefit my hometown at critical moments!"

Mayor Zhao, who had been as steady as a mountain, now took the lead in applauding: "Well said! If all entrepreneurs had the awareness and vision of Director Lu, Snow City's construction would surely be among the best in the country! Everyone, applaud Director Lu!"

Everyone reluctantly clapped.

Hu Shuhui's forehead was dripping with sweat.

Are we really falling into this trap? This lunatic wants to die and drag us all down with him?

"Lu Chengwen, you talk a good game, sounding all noble. Tell me, how much are you putting in? If it's less than five billion, don't even mention it, it's not worth considering!"

Lu Chengwen snorted: "Look at your petty vision. Our Dasheng Group will invest at least fifty billion!"

Hearing this, Mayor Zhao's eyes lit up, and he turned to look at Secretary Wu.

Secretary Wu was also excited, nodding at Mayor Zhao.

Now the room was in an uproar.

At first, everyone thought Lu Chengwen wouldn't pay, not a single penny.

Then they thought he was just spouting nice words, taking the lead, and would symbolically contribute some money to get through this. Fifty billion!

This is an amount you couldn't spend in a lifetime!

Secretary Wu quickly said: "Everyone, quiet down, please. We all see that Director Lu is truly a model for Snow City's business community. This time, he's really providing timely help, generously contributing. We should all learn from his noble character of loving the country and his hometown, disregarding personal gain."

Then he smoothly transitioned: "Since Director Lu has stated his position, do you all remember what you said earlier? Please state your positions."

Everyone looked at Hu Shuhui, wishing they could skin him alive and feed him to the dogs.

Hu Shuhui was dumbfounded.

He didn't understand, couldn't understand at all.

What's wrong with Lu Chengwen? Crazy? Stupid? Demented?

How could he spend such money? Is the Lu family digging their own grave?

Lu Chengwen smiled and said: "Director Hu, I have no special demands on you. I'll take on all the major projects and constructions. You just need to contribute some money for charity."

"Ah? Charity? How... how to do charity?"

"Here's the deal. I'll give you two options. First, you contribute proportionally. I'm putting in fifty billion, you just need to put in five billion, and if we make a profit, you'll get your share based on the proportion. Second, we've planned over two hundred public toilets here, all funded by you. Each costs two hundred thousand, totaling about thirty million. You choose."

Hu Shuhui was on the verge of tears.

Fifty billion—Lu Chengwen spending fifty billion is no big deal for him, but for me to spend fifty billion would be a devastating blow.

And this money is very likely to go down the drain!

On one side, a five-billion venture investment; on the other, a thirty-million charity.

Thinking that the fifty billion could very well be lost, Hu Shuhui gritted his teeth: "Fine! What's said is said, and what's done is done! I'll build the toilets in the shantytown!"

As Lu Chengwen and others expected, Hu Shuhui chose to spend money to avoid disaster, preferring to spend thirty million on charity rather than fifty billion to follow Lu Chengwen's madness.

Mayor Zhao, being shrewd, immediately gave Secretary Wu a look.

Secretary Wu promptly brought out the investment contract: "Good, Director Hu, please sign here."

Hu Shuhui felt like crying.

What kind of plot is this? I come to a meeting and end up spending thirty million!

Won't my dad kill me when I get back?

And Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu are a pair of devils—Mayor Zhao is cunning, and Secretary Wu is ruthless. The moment you agree, they have the contract ready.

Hu Shuhui had unwittingly become a pawn for Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu.

At this moment, Hu Shuhui was essentially the leader.

He was the first to agree to contribute money, and now he was the first to sign the contract.

With Hu Shuhui as the example, the others couldn't escape.

Want to leave this meeting room? See this? Thirty million minimum!

Hu Shuhui signed the contract, his face green.

"Everyone, I've signed! For the construction of our hometown! It's what I, Hu Shuhui, should do."

Mayor Zhao smiled and applauded: "Thank you, Director Hu, for your noble act."

Now, everyone else was dumbfounded.

Secretary Wu saw that the time was ripe. Lu Chengwen had set the high bar, Hu Shuhui had set the low bar. Now, it was time to pressure everyone from the top down. "Director Xu," he looked at Xu Xuejiao, "should Houde Group also state its position?"

Lu Chengwen smiled: "Mayor Zhao, Secretary Wu, no need to ask others. I, Lu Chengwen, will cover all the funds for the entire shantytown construction. If other business friends are interested in investing, they can come talk to me. If not, I won't force it. I just hope that when the Lu family executes this project, if we need help, everyone will lend a hand."

Mayor Zhao was almost moved to tears.

Previously, everyone criticized the Lu family's patriarch as a scoundrel, a stingy, black-hearted businessman who would cut corners at every turn and run faster than a rabbit when it came to real work.

But today's move truly shocked him.

He had been like a begging monk, coercing and enticing everyone to contribute and take on the project. Now, Lu Chengwen had single-handedly resolved it, saving him from offending all the business leaders.

The other entrepreneurs were also thrilled.

No need to contribute money!

Awesome!

Hu Shuhui turned people into ghosts, and Lu Chengwen turned ghosts back into people!

Everyone stood up and sincerely shook hands with Lu Chengwen, expressing their gratitude.

Lu Chengwen smiled and exchanged pleasantries, exuding a kingly demeanor.

Mayor Zhao also walked over, smiling and shaking hands with Lu Chengwen: "Chengwen, on behalf of the municipal committee, the city government, and the thirty million citizens of Snow City, I thank you!"

"Mayor Zhao, you're too kind."

At this moment, Leng Qingqiu suddenly stood up: "Qianfeng Group is willing to invest in the shantytown project. I hope Director Lu will give us a chance."

Today's strange events kept coming one after another.

Lu Chengwen's reckless move, not tying anyone else down, had already left everyone's heads spinning.

Now, Leng Qingqiu had also stepped forward.

Was there really someone willing to jump into the pit!?

Leng Qingqiu continued: "But the Leng family doesn't have much cash on hand right now. I hope Director Lu won't mind."

Lu Chengwen's earlier declaration was one thing, but now Leng Qingqiu stepping forward in front of Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu was another matter entirely.

Lu Chengwen froze, unsure how to respond.

Mayor Zhao's eyes darted between Lu Chengwen and Leng Qingqiu.

He thought to himself: They're getting engaged, it seems they're united. But is today's matter really that simple?

At this moment, Xu Xuejiao also stood up: "Brother Chengwen, why didn't you call me for this good deed? The Xu family is willing to participate in the shantytown renovation project."

Dozens of heads in the room swiveled, trying to find answers on each other's faces, but all they saw was confusion.

Finally, Chen Mengyun also stood up: "The Chen family, of course, won't stand by idly. We look forward to Director Lu's guidance in the future."

Lu Chengwen was dumbfounded.

[What are you all doing!?]

[Are you serious?]

[Is there a race to dig your own graves now!?]