Chapter 58: I Am the Protagonist

As Lu Chengwen stood up, the room fell silent.

Today, Lu Chengwen had completely transformed.

The mischievous glint in his eyes was gone, and his sly smile had disappeared.

Now, Lu Chengwen was elegant, confident, and poised, though the stench of rotten eggs filled the entire conference room.

Lu Chengwen spoke, "Did everyone see what just happened? My suit was torn by an old lady, and my face and neck were scratched. Why? Because her grandson couldn't get into school, her son broke his leg while delivering food, leaving the family without income, and because she herself is sick and can't afford medicine. So... I became her punching bag."

"Ahem." Mayor Zhao quickly interjected, "Sometimes, people act out of desperation when life gets tough. Ultimately, it's because we, the government, haven't done enough..."

Lu Chengwen boldly raised his hand, cutting off Mayor Zhao.

This not only surprised Mayor Zhao but also Secretary Wu and all the entrepreneurs present.

"Sorry, Mayor Zhao, please let me finish."

Lu Chengwen continued, "But there was one thing the old lady said that struck a chord with me. She shouted in my face, 'You rich people drive luxury cars and live in mansions, but do you ever think about the poor?'"

Lu Chengwen clapped his hands, "That's the truth of it, from ancient times to now. Today, I, Lu Chengwen, solemnly declare!"

Everyone held their breath.

Lu Chengwen spoke firmly, word by word, "The shantytown project—Dasheng Group will see it through to the end..."

As soon as Lu Chengwen said this, Mayor Zhao let out a sigh of relief, showing just how much pressure this project had been putting on him.

Leng Qingqiu, Xu Xuejiao, and Chen Mengyun were all shocked.

This Lu Chengwen was someone they no longer recognized.

Was this the same Lu Chengwen who always sought to gain the upper hand and never took a loss?

Hadn't he just been threatened by Long Aotian yesterday?

Long Aotian had a terrifying assassin organization backing him, yet Lu Chengwen was still...

Lu Chengwen's eyes burned with determination, "Dasheng Group may lose everything, but we will ensure that every elderly person in Snow City can afford their medicine! Every child can go to school! Every working-class citizen has a safety net!"

Mayor Zhao was moved!

This was a true entrepreneur with a conscience!

If Lu Chengwen could keep these promises, he would be a hero to Snow City!

A business leader who could restore the people's faith in the government!

Just as Mayor Zhao was about to lead the applause, Lu Chengwen angrily added, "And one more thing! I want to overhaul the farmers' market!"

Everyone was stunned. What did the farmers' market have to do with this?

Lu Chengwen shouted indignantly, "Don't sell rotten eggs to old ladies! I propose that vendors selling rotten eggs be charged with the crime of selling biochemical weapons—execute them first, then arrest them, and then poke their fingernails with bamboo sticks, followed by soaking them in saltwater..."

Mayor Zhao quickly stood up, "Alright, alright, let's not go after the rotten egg sellers. Everyone, let's give Mr. Lu a round of applause! Thank him for his dedication to the people of Snow City!"

Lu Chengwen, still fuming, turned to Mayor Zhao, "This suit was expensive, and now it's ruined. How embarrassing..."

"Yes, yes, I'll personally reimburse you for the suit!"

"But the smell, Mayor Zhao, you have to smell it..."

"Enough!" Mayor Zhao was both exasperated and amused, "Careful, or I might just hit you!"

Lu Chengwen continued, "And one more thing! I request that the working group immediately compile a list of all those facing financial difficulties. Dasheng Group will cover their rent for the past three years in one go! For children who can't attend school, you need to figure out a solution—how can kids not be in school? They should have been allocated housing! And for shantytown residents who can't work due to illness or injury, we need specific policies to cover their medical expenses. Our Ninth Pharmaceutical Factory can collaborate closely, offering cost-price support to those in need..."

"Wonderful!" Mayor Zhao excitedly shook Lu Chengwen's hand, at a loss for words, patting his shoulder repeatedly, "Chengwen, on behalf of Snow City's residents, I thank you!"

"And the rotten egg sellers..."

"Enough! Can you forget about the rotten egg sellers for now?"

"But this smell, Mayor Zhao, you have to smell it..."

Mayor Zhao was nearly driven mad, "Damn it, where's the new suit? Can someone shut this guy up already?"

Mayor Zhao was beaming.

Even the most skilled housewife can't cook without rice. The city's economy had been struggling for the past two years.

Since taking office two and a half years ago, Mayor Zhao had many plans but no funds.

The shantytown redevelopment project had been suffocating everyone.

If this project could be realized...

Snow City would undoubtedly welcome its spring!

Getting entrepreneurs to open their wallets was no easy task.

Not only did the government lack funds for this project, but there were also historical debts that needed to be acknowledged. It was like begging for help, but no one was willing to throw hundreds of billions into what seemed like a bottomless pit.

Countless solutions had been considered, but a leader was needed to step up.

Thankfully, Lu Chengwen had a moment of madness—no, a moment of noble integrity and righteousness.

Otherwise, this project would have dragged on for years, and Snow City might have missed its chance for development.

Mayor Zhao immediately held a press conference to announce the news to the city.

Meanwhile, Lu Chengwen instructed Li Meiqin to transfer the 5 billion received yesterday into the city government's shantytown project account.

With this money in hand, Mayor Zhao stood tall!

When I first arrived in Snow City, the city's development wasn't as rapid. We lacked major financing projects, a flagship enterprise, and most importantly, funds.

I went to the provincial leaders for help, and guess what they said?

"Get out! No money here, but plenty of tasks! If you think our heads are worth anything, go sell them for cash!"

"If I had money, why would I need you? If you can be mayor, you can find the money!"

"Otherwise, go home and take care of your kids. Don't embarrass me here!"

That's how I ended up reaching out to the four major families, led by Lu Chengwen.

Now, with 5 billion in the account...

Money in hand, I stand firm!

Without this funding, how could I dare to hold a press conference?

Dream on!

Of course, this was Mayor Zhao's internal monologue.

It must be said that Mayor Zhao was highly efficient with spending.

Why?

Because this project had been weighing on him for so long. The basic calculations and various plans had been reviewed multiple times—there just wasn't any money!

Now, with funds available, he could finally address the people's concerns.

The shantytown had around 200,000 residents, roughly 70,000 households based on an average of four people per household.

Providing a rental subsidy of 4,000 yuan per household per year would amount to 280 to 290 million. Over three years, that's nearly 1 billion.

The remaining 4 billion could be used for employment subsidies, education subsidies, and medical subsidies to compensate the residents for their losses over the past three years.

In short, the 5 billion should be more than enough, with some surplus.

The key was that this would quell public dissatisfaction, boost confidence in the project, and genuinely help the people.

Lu Chengwen insisted on not attending the press conference.

Despite Mayor Zhao's repeated assurances that not a single rotten egg would be allowed in, Lu Chengwen still declined.

...

Lu Chengwen gathered Leng Qingqiu, Xu Xuejiao, and Chen Mengyun in the conference room and presented them with three contracts.

These were guarantee contracts, ensuring that regardless of the project's outcome, Dasheng Group would cover their principal investments.

The three women realized that Lu Chengwen had gone mad.

He was willing to spend all his money on helping Snow City's residents rather than let Long Aotian benefit.

But this move would undoubtedly provoke Long Aotian.

Based on previous events, Long Aotian had dark forces backing him and wouldn't let Lu Chengwen off easily. Leng Qingqiu glanced at the contract, smirked, and tore it up.

Lu Chengwen was shocked, "Qingqiu, what are you doing?"

Leng Qingqiu replied, "I have money now. Why would I need your guarantee? I only invested less than 5 billion. If it's lost, so be it. If I signed this contract, what kind of person would I be?"

She then glanced at Xu Xuejiao and Chen Mengyun.

Chen Mengyun smiled faintly and also tore up her contract, "A mere 20 billion? I can afford to lose it. Besides, it's not necessarily a total loss. If the shantytown project takes off, we might even make a profit."

Lu Chengwen said, "Mengyun, this is a big deal. You should discuss it with your family."

Chen Mengyun was annoyed, "Do you think I'm not as capable as Leng Qingqiu?"

Leng Qingqiu smirked, deliberately provoking Chen Mengyun to tear up the contract.

Lu Chengwen explained, "That's not what I meant. This isn't a competition..."

"It is a competition!" Chen Mengyun retorted, "You trust Leng Qingqiu but not me!"

Leng Qingqiu looked over and noticed that Xu Xuejiao had already signed her contract and was examining it with satisfaction.

Leng Qingqiu snorted, and Chen Mengyun turned to see, surprised.

Xu Xuejiao walked over to Lu Chengwen with the contract, slung her arm over his shoulder, and teased, "Little Lu!"

"What did you call me?"

Xu Xuejiao grinned mischievously, "Well, today you owe me a huge favor!"

With that, she tore up the contract she had just signed and stuck her tongue out at Lu Chengwen.

Lu Chengwen suddenly felt a warmth in his heart.

What he was doing would undoubtedly make him many enemies.

Yet, these three women were all supporting him so wholeheartedly.

What did true support mean? It meant putting real money on the line, treating it as nothing, and sharing the burden of massive losses. That was genuine support!

Xu Xuejiao giggled, "Little Lu, what's your plan now?"

Lu Chengwen looked at her, "Stop being so casual with me. You're a girl; act more properly."

"Oh, really?" Xu Xuejiao teased, "Hey! I heard your dad called my dad!"

"So what?"

"Don't you want to know what they talked about?"

"Not really."

Lu Chengwen said, "Why are you all still here? Go home."

Leng Qingqiu approached, "Chengwen, what's your next move? Long Aotian won't let this go."

Xu Xuejiao rolled her eyes dramatically.

Leng Qingqiu glanced at her but ignored it.

Lu Chengwen laughed, "We'll face whatever comes our way. If my head rolls, so be it. I've beaten him before. I want to see if this bastard is truly invincible."

Chen Mengyun said, "You should hire more bodyguards. It's safer."

Lu Chengwen smiled.

[What's the use of bodyguards? Long Aotian's men could easily handle a few bodyguards.]

[I'm probably in a no-win situation now. Before I die, I need to finish what I started.]

[If I can't change anything, I might as well go all out! In your world, Long Aotian, you're the protagonist. But in my world, I am the protagonist!]

[I may not be able to change much, but if I can make the shantytown project a reality before I die—if I can see skyscrapers rise and thousands of families live in peace—then my life won't have been in vain!]

[Long Aotian! I've been avoiding you, but today, I've decided to face you head-on!]

[These girls need to keep their distance from me. They shouldn't be dragged into this.]

With that thought, Lu Chengwen turned around and sternly said, "Alright, the contracts are signed. All of you, get out of here. Don't bother me unless it's important. I can't stand being around you girls."

After speaking, Lu Chengwen noticed that none of the three women were upset. Instead, they were all smiling at him.

Lu Chengwen was baffled.

[Are they all idiots?]