244: Chapter 244 Chen Zhixun's Phone Call

After the official signing, Zhang Qun walked with a spring in his step.

Upon hearing the report that Secretary Kang Kewu and his team had hit a wall in the capital, he couldn't help but laugh and openly remarked to several officials beside him:

"I told you, it was a waste of effort, but Secretary Kang Kewu just wouldn't listen."

The officials nearby were mostly from his faction, and they chimed in with flattery and sycophancy.

Zhang Qun returned to his mayoral office, feeling invigorated. Not long after he sat down, his secretary came in to report that Chairman Chen Zhixun had arrived.

This took Zhang Qun by surprise, though he was more pleasantly surprised than anything else.

He hadn't expected Chairman Chen Zhixun to come in person. Well, he must be here to discuss some follow-up matters and details with me.

Chairman Chen Zhixun hadn't brought anyone with him, not even an assistant; he entered the mayor's office alone.

Zhang Qun was delighted. He personally brewed tea, enthusiastically invited his guest to sit on the sofa, and began making fawning and flattering remarks.

After the two sat on the sofa and chatted for a few moments, Chairman Chen Zhixun brought up his purpose:

"Mayor Zhang, now that the official signing is complete, construction will begin immediately, and our first installment of funds will arrive very soon."

"Chairman Chen Zhixun, please feel free to give any instructions. We will cooperate fully."

Chairman Chen Zhixun nodded in satisfaction. "With that attitude, Mayor Zhang, things will be easy. Let me get straight to the point: the first investment totals five billion. I hope it can be obtained through bank loans in Ningzhou. I'll need you to put in some extra effort on this."

What! Bank loans in Ningzhou? Isn't your group supposed to allocate the funds directly?

After a moment of stunned silence, he realized what was happening: this was a classic "empty-handed white wolf" scheme—they didn't want to spend a single cent of their own money.

Noticing Zhang Qun's reaction, Chairman Chen Zhixun said, "Mayor Zhang might not be aware, but this is how things are generally done in our circle. Using bank money to make money is just standard operating procedure."

"Rest assured, there is no risk. It's not the first time we've done this. The Chen Family has a massive fortune; we aren't short on this bit of money. Besides, once it's done, I can give Mayor Zhang a return of this much." He held up five fingers.

Zhang Qun asked tentatively, "Five million?"

Chairman Chen Zhixun smiled. "Mayor Zhang, you underestimate me. How could I possibly offer a mere five million? Fifty million!"

Fifty million. Zhang Qun was indeed tempted, but he also knew that if this were exposed, he would be in serious trouble.

Chairman Chen Zhixun seemed to sense his worry and said with a relaxed expression, "Mayor Zhang, if you don't say anything and I don't say anything, no one will ever know. Besides, with the Chen Family covering for you, what danger could there be? Rest easy."

That's right. They have the massive Chen Family behind them; they can smooth over any issue. Still, not spending a single cent and funding the first investment entirely through bank loans seemed a bit hard to accept.

But unable to resist Chairman Chen Zhixun's persuasion and the immense appeal of the fifty million, Zhang Qun agreed.

He comforted himself by thinking that he had heard rumors about how many people in that circle operated using "empty-handed white wolf" tactics. This was likely just standard procedure, so it should be fine.

After discussing the bank loan issue, Zhang Qun asked, "Chairman Chen Zhixun, I heard you are also planning to raise funds. Is that true?"

Chairman Chen Zhixun nodded. "Yes, that is the plan. We should all make money together, right? Mayor Zhang, you can help us promote it. We welcome anyone who wants to get rich with us with open arms."

So it wasn't just a rumor; it was true. Zhang Qun said, "I didn't expect Chairman Chen Zhixun to have such boldness, willing to bring everyone along to make a fortune. I can help you make some connections. There are quite a few powerful business owners in Ningzhou, and I think they would certainly be willing to get rich following Chairman Chen Zhixun."

The two talked for at least half an hour before Chairman Chen Zhixun left, satisfied. Zhang Qun kept feeling that something was a bit off, even wondering if the man might be a fraud, but then he reassured himself.

No, that couldn't be. He is indeed the chairman of Leyu Group and a third-generation member of the Chen Family. Then he thought to himself, people in that circle really know how to play the game—starting such a massive project without spending a single cent.

The capital. At dusk, the group sat down to eat together. Even though he hadn't eaten lunch, Secretary Kang Kewu's appetite was still poor. It was clear he was under a lot of pressure and felt somewhat dejected.

"Secretary Kang Kewu, what should we do next?"

Secretary Kang Kewu said, "As long as there is a one percent chance, we cannot give up. We will try our luck again tomorrow. If that really doesn't work, we have already booked an appointment with Minister Zhang, who can see us the day after tomorrow."

If that didn't work either, they would have to pin their hopes on Minister Zhang. Qin Chuan spoke very little because the head of that ministry was not from the Qin Family's faction, so he couldn't really interject.

After dinner, Qin Chuan did not check into the hotel but instead returned to the Qin Family residence. It was a rare trip to the capital, so naturally, he had to go see Elder Qin.

His grandson had returned, and Elder Qin was very happy, beaming with joy. The grandfather and grandson chatted for at least an hour.

Although Elder Qin had been keeping an eye on Qin Chuan's situation, he still asked about it with concern. Qin Chuan gave a detailed account of his situation, including the development of Wanshun County.

He even mentioned the purpose of his trip to the capital: accompanying the Municipal Party Committee Secretary of Ningzhou City to lobby for a project, hoping that the high-speed rail would adopt the second plan, pass through Ningzhou, and establish a high-speed rail station in Ningzhou.

Hearing this, Elder Qin was thoughtful and then said, "The high-speed rail project is being handled by people from the Chen Family."

Qin Chuan nodded. "Yes, the head of the ministry in charge is from the Chen Family."

"It seems you have high hopes for this project. Rest assured, I will give Old Man Chen a call in a bit."

"Old Man Chen" referred to Elder Chen, who was also the grandfather of Chairman Chen Zhixun. He had already retired and had once served as the deputy to Elder Qin. Now, he occasionally came over to sit and play chess with Elder Qin; the two old men had a good relationship.

Seeing his grandfather say this, Qin Chuan felt a weight lifted off his heart; he knew the matter was resolved. He slept very soundly throughout the night.

The next morning, he even had breakfast with Elder Qin. Although the old man's breakfast was very light, Qin Chuan still ate it with great relish.

After breakfast, he went directly to meet up with Secretary Kang Kewu and his team. It was clear that Secretary Kang Kewu was still under a lot of pressure; he probably hadn't slept well the night before. Although he had groomed himself carefully and combed his hair, a trace of fatigue was still visible.

"Let's go, we're heading over again. Hopefully, there will be a breakthrough," Secretary Kang Kewu said, waving his hand as he got into the car first.

Qin Chuan got into the car, and they headed toward the ministry. While in the car, he actually received a call from Chairman Chen Zhixun.

"Brother Chuan, I heard you came to the capital. That's great! I'll host; let's have lunch together, how about it?"

Qin Chuan said, "I might not have time at noon."

Chairman Chen Zhixun replied, "Then let's have a few drinks together in the evening."