Chapter 18 The Gloomy Little Poor Boy of the 1970s

"There's one last thing."

The people from the Huaicheng Municipal Party Committee have been trying to attract investment these past few days. They say there are some poorly performing factories that need help, so the factories here are all unprofitable and can't compare to those outside.

But this is to do them a favor, and it will be easier to do things in the future. I'm investing hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time.

I've been given a list of factories; take a look and give me any you like, consider it a donation.

Ms. Shen, you may not be aware of this since you're new here, but in the current environment, we overseas Chinese don't actually have any advantages. If we want preferential treatment, cooperating with the government is the best option.

Otherwise, where do those differentiated treatments come from? The relationship between the two parties is mutually beneficial.

"In the end, it all comes down to money. We make money so easily, but if we invest here, who knows when we'll ever get our money back."

"I won't be picky about these factories; I'll just donate some money to help with the construction."

"These factories are basically dead, that's why they're being put up for sale. It's like trying to revive a dead horse. Who would be eager to take them over? We wouldn't even take them if they were given to us for free."

From the conversation, Shen Ci understood that this was a factory released by the government, which actually needed these people to invest money and do each other a favor. These overseas Chinese were paying money to buy peace of mind.

"Let me see which factories there are."

I've just joined our association and don't know much about these things yet.

Shen Ci took the list, which contained all sorts of factories in Huaicheng that were barely surviving, unable to continue operating, and on the verge of bankruptcy. These factories were mostly state-owned, and those that couldn't continue operating had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. These overseas Chinese were essentially the ones who took over the losses.

A familiar phrase popped into Shen Ci's mind.

I, Wang Duoyu, have invested in this project!

Isn't this the best way to farm system coins? What others see as a business that will only lose money after taking over is a money tree for Shen Ci!

After quickly browsing through the list, Shen Ci circled a factory with his pen. "I've invested in this factory, so I'll take over it. It's my contribution to the Federation as a newcomer."

She calmly put the list back, and the president took it and looked at it.

"Five hundred thousand?"

Ms. Shen is truly generous, giving away 500,000 yuan in one go. On behalf of the Federation and the factory, I thank you. We will arrange for someone to contact you tomorrow.

The contract is here.

The president took out the contract, and Shen Ci had the system scan it quickly. She didn't care whether it was a loss or a gain; to her, spending money was making money. Without saying a word, she quickly signed her name.

"Ding-dong!"

The time-limited task has been completed, and the tenfold return of 5,000,000 has been deposited into the host's legitimate bank card.

The Cadillac has been issued.

After she successfully signed the agreement, the 500,000 yuan instantly ballooned to 5 million yuan! Her own regular spending would only trigger the system's normal tenfold inflation bonus, but only spending money on the bound villain would trigger a hundredfold inflation bonus.

"Ms. Shen, I admire you greatly!"

"A true master doesn't reveal his abilities, Ms. Shen. Let's keep in touch in the future."

"With Ms. Shen joining us, our association will definitely get better and better. We look forward to more cooperation with you."

It was obvious that no one wanted to waste money, but Shen Ci remained calm and composed, casually handing over 500,000 yuan, which shocked everyone present. It's true that everyone has money, but they are all businessmen, and a shrewd businessman would not do such a losing business.

Unless 500,000 is as insignificant as 50 cents to her, she wouldn't be so indifferent.

Shen Ci smiled and exchanged pleasantries. Finally, the food was served. She skillfully used a knife and fork to eat her steak. Shen Ci didn't know that this was also one of the association's methods to observe whether members truly understood etiquette. It was one of the invisible barriers they had set up.

Shen Ci's performance made them reassess him in their minds. He was probably an old nobleman with immense wealth, on par with them, or even richer than them.

Everyone is willing to join the association in order to expand their network and facilitate their career.

"System, where's my car? Where is it?"

Shen Ci silently ate her steak, thinking to herself, "Great, great! I finally don't have to ride a bicycle anymore!" Bicycles can be good for your health if you ride them occasionally, but riding them around every day is really unbearable!

The family's original bicycle was given to Zhou Huai for school, and later she bought another one, because riding a bicycle was not a good idea for carrying bodyguards.

"Host, it's parked not far from the door."

Do you need a driver assigned by the system, or would you like to use your bodyguard as a driver?

The system inquired.

"Bodyguard? You mean Zhou Zheng? He's a veteran, can he even drive?"

The system grunted twice, "Yes, he knows how to repair cars and has experience."

"Then let Zhou Zheng do it. You'll take care of the arrangements, right?"

Her silence was perceived by others as aloofness and arrogance; this unapproachable demeanor suggested she came from a wealthy family!

Meanwhile, Zhou Zheng, who was idle at home, suddenly received a notification that he needed to pick up Shen Ci, and Uncle Guan also gave him a car key, saying that someone had delivered it to his door.

He was increasingly surprised. Just who was his cousin's ex-wife? How powerful was she? This key looked like a car key. She actually owned a car!

It seems that using only bicycles before was a test for him. After all, rich people are suspicious and don't flaunt their wealth. He was too cautious, so he had to perform better!

Don't assume that being a relative will make him more favored. His surname is Zhou, and he is a relative of the Zhou family. Shen Ci didn't fire him and continued to employ him. This trust has already made Zhou Zheng extremely grateful, and he wished he could worship Shen Ci.

Federation.

After everyone finished their meal, the chairman said a few words and then prepared to leave, coming out in twos and threes.

"Ms. Shen, may I ask where you live? If it's convenient, would you do me the honor of escorting you home?"

As soon as they stepped outside, someone extended an olive branch. A man who looked very British asked.

"No need."

Shen Ci looked around and sure enough, he saw Zhou Zheng standing outside, and the understated yet luxurious Cadillac behind him.

She walked straight over, and the people behind her didn't move. She knew that they were still observing her strength.

"You've arrived!"

Zhou Zheng quickly stepped forward and opened the car door ahead of time. Heaven knows how surprised he was when he saw the car. Even if you haven't eaten pork, you've seen pigs run, right? What kind of car is this from abroad? He had heard people brag about it before, saying that if you could ride in this kind of car once, you could brag about it for a lifetime.

This car has the classic design of an American luxury sedan. Its large size, extensive chrome trim, and vertical taillights all indicate that it is an imported vehicle.

Before Shen Ci came out, Zhou Zheng nervously went inside to familiarize himself with the car. The velvet seats were like old-fashioned sofas, and the most impressive thing was that the car had a climate control system! This really surprised Zhou Zheng; he had only ever heard of such things before!

There's also a sunroof, independent reading lights throughout the car, power windows, central locking, audio system, dashboard... one surprise after another! Back then, he had the honor of driving for a leader, and that car was similar to this one, just not as luxurious.