As they left the meeting room, Mayor Zhao gripped Lu Chengwen's hand, his excitement palpable. "Chengwen, you saved my reputation today! Now I can face the provincial leaders, my colleagues, and Xuecheng's people with confidence."
"Oh, it's nothing," Lu Chengwen mumbled, his mind still reeling, trying to process what had just happened.
Zhao could tell Lu Chengwen was distracted and didn't press further. He leaned in close. "This year's honors are yours, no question. Get ready. The blueprints will be approved by the higher-ups soon—very soon. Whatever you need, just tell me. We'll form a dedicated shantytown task force to support Dasheng Group. I promise you, from the city's side, it's all green lights for you. We've got your back."
"Thank you, Mayor Zhao, Secretary Wu."
Wu smiled. "President Lu, our mayor's gratitude is genuine. Come by more often, chat with the leadership."
"Will do, will do."
Lu Chengwen walked out of the building in a daze. Zhao Gang opened the car door, and Lu Chengwen paused, glancing back at the towering City Hall, feeling like he'd just woken from a dream.
The final investment breakdown was staggering:
Lu Family: 50 billionXu Family: 20 billionChen Family: 12 billionLeng Family: 4.9 billion
Total: 86.9 billionAdditionally, Hu Shuhui's group pledged 30 million for the construction of all public restrooms in the shantytown.
It happened faster than Lu Chengwen could believe. That same afternoon, the provincial government approved the plan. Hearing that the shantytown project had been taken up by Xuecheng's four major families, with over 86 billion committed, provincial leaders dropped everything to discuss it. Not only were the blueprints approved, but a professional advisory team was dispatched to finalize the details.
At the golf course, Lu Guanghong, Leng Tianhao, Xu Zhiyun, and Chen Qingbin—heads of Xuecheng's four major families—were playing a round.
Lu Guanghong hit a solid shot, beaming with pride. "It's been a while since we've all gotten together like this, hasn't it?"
Leng Tianhao, adjusting his glove and cleaning his club, scoffed. "Cut the crap. We're all here to dodge the heat."
Xu Zhiyun laughed. "No choice. Mayor Zhao's been hounding everyone to take on that messy shantytown project. Best to lay low for a bit."
Chen Qingbin grinned. "Old Lu, your kid's been making waves. Heard he quietly acquired a high-tech company. That boy's fearless—what does he even know about tech?"
Lu Guanghong's face soured. The other three families inherited their wealth—old money, aristocratic roots. Lu Guanghong, however, was a self-made man. He'd started his business in his twenties, elevated Dasheng Group to Xuecheng's elite by his thirties, and made it a northern powerhouse by his forties. A serious illness in his fifties forced him to hand the reins to Lu Chengwen.
Oddly, despite Lu Chengwen's lack of formal education, he was a sharp businessman, rarely losing deals and always coming out ahead. Still, both father and son lacked the "culture" the other families prided themselves on, earning them subtle jabs and mockery as nouveau riche.
Lu Guanghong snorted. "High-tech, schmi-tech. All big business is just people doing deals. Nobles and kings—born, not made? One day, my son will buy out all those self-righteous, bloated companies you aristocrats run."
The other three exchanged glances, their disdain barely concealed. Money, sure, you've got that. But culture? Pedigree? You're just a jumped-up peasant.
Chen Qingbin said, "Say what you want, but the shantytown project is a death trap. Whoever touches it is done. Your heirs better know that."
Xu Zhiyun chuckled. "No kidding. You all sent your CEOs to that meeting. I sent my youngest daughter, the VP. Zhao will get the hint."
Leng Tianhao swung, cursing as the ball went awry. "Damn shot!" He tossed his club to the caddy. "Chengwen told me he's taking on that project."
"Him?" Lu Guanghong laughed. "My son's sharper than a monkey. He'd never touch a cursed deal like that."
Just then, Long Aotian approached, accompanied by Hua Xuening in athletic wear.
Leng Tianhao smiled. "Let me introduce a young talent—Long Aotian. Back from the frontier, full of strategy."
Long Aotian bowed. "A pleasure to meet the heads of Xuecheng's four families."
Lu Guanghong eyed him. "Isn't this the kid who stirred trouble at my place? Tianhao, why's he hanging around you?"
Leng Tianhao grinned. "I needed help with a plot of land. He's been a big asset. Sharp guy."
Lu Guanghong huffed. "Why not ask your future son-in-law instead of an outsider?"
"Son-in-law?" Leng Tianhao wiped his club. "Can I count on him? That stingy guy? I'm starting to wonder if my daughter should even get engaged."
Lu Guanghong bristled. "Old Leng, what's that supposed to mean?"
"What do I mean?" Leng Tianhao smirked. "Whoever gets me that land gets my daughter's hand. That's what I mean! Your son's too arrogant, doesn't give me any face."
Lu Guanghong fumed, cursing his son's lack of tact. "I'll handle him. I'll talk to him when I get home."
Long Aotian smiled. "News just came in. Quite a surprise."
"What news?" Lu Guanghong asked, preparing to swing.
"Lu Chengwen announced at the meeting that he's investing 50 billion in the shantytown project."
Lu Guanghong's swing went wild, his club flying to the ground.
The other three rushed to help him up, barely hiding their glee.
Xu Zhiyun laughed. "Old Lu, why so worked up? Your son's a visionary—he must've spotted a goldmine! Haha, 50 billion, though—what a bold move. Hope you recoup it, hope, haha!"
Chen Qingbin piled on. "Exactly! Even if it flops, no big deal. The Lu family's loaded. Fifty billion? Just call it charity. Xuecheng will thank you and your spendthrift son!"
Lu Guanghong clutched his lower back, furious. "Get lost! You're all just kicking me while I'm down."
The two laughed harder, but Leng Tianhao said coldly, "Nice. Your kid's not broke—he just doesn't respect me. Fifty billion for the government, but he drags his feet on my land deal. Hmph."
Lu Guanghong winced in pain. "Old Leng, something's off here. I'll get answers from him and get back to you."
"No need. He clearly doesn't care about his future father-in-law," Leng Tianhao sneered. "The Lu family's days are numbered. The shantytown? He actually went for it. Acts so clever, but caves under pressure and throws money away. Visionary? More like a fool."
Lu Guanghong gritted his teeth. "What're you blabbering about!?"
Leng Tianhao said, "Without your Lu family, I'll still get that land. Aotian!"
"Yes, Mr. Leng," Long Aotian replied.
"I've spoken with the sales office. That land's yours for 1.9 billion, approved for commercial use. Congratulations, Mr. Leng. With that prime plot, the Leng family will rake in profits for years."
Leng Tianhao looked at Lu Guanghong. "Hear that? Without the Lu family, the Lengs will rise again! My Qingqiu's the real visionary. While your son wastes money on the government, my daughter's focused on big moves. Sons? Useless compared to my girl!"
Lu Guanghong, wracked with pain and stung by Leng Tianhao's words, had no retort. The news was undeniable.
Long Aotian received another message, his eyes widening. "What?" Leng Tianhao asked, preparing to swing.
"Leng… Qingqiu announced she's investing 4.9 billion in the shantytown project."
Leng Tianhao's swing mirrored Lu Guanghong's—club flying, body crumpling.
Xu Zhiyun and Chen Qingbin helped him to a seat beside Lu Guanghong, struggling to suppress their laughter.
Leng Tianhao, drenched in sweat, gasped, "What's Qingqiu thinking!?"
Long Aotian sighed. "Lu Chengwen must've egged her on."
Leng Tianhao, wincing, glared at Lu Guanghong. "Did you know about this?"
"Look at my back!" Lu Guanghong snapped. "You think I'd fake this!?"
Both men were deflated, their hearts heavy.
Xu Zhiyun and Chen Qingbin were loving it. One was a nouveau riche bully, the other a fading has-been pretending to be their equal. Now they were both in the same boat, their kids engaged and squandering their fortunes. How delightful! How unexpected!
The caddy set up the ball, and Chen Qingbin gripped his club, grinning. "What a great day! Why am I in such a good mood?"
Xu Zhiyun laughed. "Obviously! Lu Chengwen's a genius, Leng Qingqiu's a prodigy. They're the perfect pair, making us all jealous!"
The two laughed as Lu Guanghong and Leng Tianhao clutched their backs, seething.
Chen Qingbin lined up his shot. "Golf's an aristocratic sport—not for upstarts or crumbling dynasties. One bad swing, and you're out with a bad back!"
Long Aotian received another message and showed it to Leng Tianhao, who grabbed his wrist, whispering through gritted teeth, "Wait till he swings to tell him."
_
If you want to support me and read advanced 100+ chapters of this story and also other stories join: patreon.com/Caluem