Project 167, the old city renovation project, has run into problems.
Cai Feng's words made Ah Xin's body stiffen, and her eyes instantly turned cold. However, when she turned to look at Cai Feng, her eyes were filled with a bewitching charm.
"Oh? So you're that interested in the Gu family's wealth!"
Ah Xin's words were devoid of any emotion. She looked at Cai Feng with those captivating eyes, and Cai Feng couldn't figure out what she was thinking. He just stared at her blankly. This woman truly had a bewitching charm that could steal one's soul. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he reached out and pulled Ah Xin into his arms.
Upon closer inspection, this woman bore a resemblance to Nan Lan, which made Cai Feng even more unable to control himself. His hands roamed over her back, and just as he was about to touch her front, he was stopped by A Xin's hand.
"Sir, you still haven't told me whether you really have that much interest in the Gu family's wealth?"
Nestled in Cai Feng's arms, Ah Xin blinked her large eyes at him, her captivating gaze mesmerizing him. He lowered his head to kiss her alluring red lips, but Ah Xin turned her head away to avoid it.
"Sir, why have you become so impatient?"
With a charmingly innocent expression, Ah Xin placed one hand on her lips and looked at Cai Feng. Cai Feng sighed inwardly, thinking, "This little devil is getting more and more troublesome!"
He reached out and pinched Ah Xin's face, then leaned back in his seat, his eyes filled with intense hatred.
"Let alone the Gu family's assets, I wish Gu Huaikun were dead!"
Nestled in Cai Feng's arms, Ah Xin paused slightly upon hearing his words, then let out a charming laugh.
"Sir's thoughts are exactly the same as mine, we are truly of one mind!"
Back then, he fell in love with Nan Lan, the eldest daughter of the Nan family, but Gu Huaikun snatched her away. Over the years, whenever he thought of this, Cai Feng felt an indescribable hatred in his heart!
Because of this incident, he went to South Africa and lived a dog-like life for more than ten years. Now he finally has wealth and power, but he was driven back from South Africa by the Fu family. Cai Feng touched the scar on his arm, and the hatred on his face became even stronger.
Because of Nan Lan, he was disliked by the Fu family and driven away like a drowning dog. All of this was because of Gu Huaikun and Nan Lan. He would first seek revenge on the Gu family, and then settle scores with the Fu family!
He wouldn't let any of those who looked down on him or despised him get away with it! Cai Feng was so lost in thought that he didn't even hear what A Xin was saying.
Ah Xin called out to him but received no response. The charming smile on her face slowly disappeared. Although she was still nestled in Cai Feng's arms, there was a hint of coldness in her eyes as she looked at him.
In the president's office of Longteng Company, Bai Zixuan angrily swept everything off the table and onto the floor. He sat exhausted on the sofa, panting heavily.
He can't have children! How ridiculous it is to say that! It turns out he's been looking down on Gu Mingxia for so many years, but he was wrong. The one who can't have children isn't her, but himself!
Bai Zixuan looked up, tears streaming down his face. Gu Mingxia had just said those words that he found humiliating. What could be more cruel than a man being told to his face that he was infertile?
Years ago, to save Gu Mingxia who had fallen into the lake, he jumped into the icy water in the dead of winter. Gu Mingxia was unharmed, but he himself was rendered infertile by the cold. He thought that by risking his life to save her, the Gu family would value him for that act of kindness. However, he never expected that in the Gu family's eyes, he was just a sycophant trying to curry favor with the wealthy. Yes, he wanted to rise to the top. Was that wrong?
Why should Gu Mingxia be able to be with other men so brazenly after he has done so much for her?
Gu Huaikun and Gu Mingxia's words constantly stimulated Bai Zixuan's nerves, making him want to get back together with Gu Mingxia even more.
Ye Xiaorou! Bai Zixuan gritted his teeth as he thought of that name. Just for the bastard child in her belly, he had actually been bewitched into plotting Gu Mingxia's affair and then making a scene about getting a divorce!
It's all this woman's fault, it's all her fault! Thinking this, Bai Zixuan immediately got up and wanted to leave, but as soon as he opened the door, he saw his assistant Amy rushing towards him with documents in her arms. Bai Zixuan frowned, straightened his clothes, and closed the office door behind him.
"Amy, why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen?"
"President, there's a problem with the old city redevelopment project."
Amy has short, neat hair and a rather plain face, but her eyes gleam with shrewdness. Over the years, Bai Zixuan has been fortunate to have her by his side. Whenever the company faces a crisis, it is Amy who has single-handedly resolved it.
"What problems could possibly arise? Didn't Director Ye keep saying there were no problems after his inspection?"
Upon hearing that there were problems with the old city renovation, Bai Zixuan's brows furrowed involuntarily. Thinking of the mess in his office, he turned around and led Amy into the conference room next door.
"Tell me, what exactly went wrong with the project?"
After sitting down, Bai Zixuan asked nervously. He had invested all of the company's funds in the old city renovation project. If something went wrong, all his years of hard work would be for naught.
Amy sat down next to Bai Zixuan, put the documents she was holding on the table, then took out a financial report, opened it, and pointed at it with her fair finger.
“During this period, Longteng and all other companies have invested approximately 5 billion yuan in compensation for the demolition of the old city area. The 10 billion yuan promised by the government in the initial bidding process has not yet been delivered. For the past few months, Longteng has been operating at a loss. If this continues, our company will go bankrupt in less than two months!”
Fifty billion! In just three short months, the old city renovation project has already absorbed a huge sum of fifty billion!
Bai Zixuan looked at the financial report and confirmed that, as Amy had said, the company hadn't made any profit in the past two months and wasn't even paying its employees' salaries each month. He then reviewed other reports, including those on the old city redevelopment project.
The demolition in the first phase wasn't even completed, let alone the construction of resettlement housing and other community support services. Now it seems that the huge profit sphere we saw back then was more like a bottomless money pit.
"President, if the government's funds are delayed, the resettlement housing project cannot start next month. If it cannot start on schedule, we will have to pay the construction team a considerable amount of construction fees every day."
Bai Zixuan understood everything Amy said. He had been thinking about how to remarry Gu Mingxia these days, and seemed to have neglected the company's affairs. It seemed that he couldn't just focus on the matter of remarrying her!
What do other companies think?
When Fu Heng voluntarily gave up undertaking the old city renovation project, Bai Zixuan was secretly pleased for a while, thinking that with one less party to share the profits, Longteng would be able to get more benefits. Now it seems that perhaps Fu Heng saw the problem with the project all along!
"It was you, President, who spearheaded the urban renewal project. This morning, the heads of those companies called to say they'd like to come over this afternoon to discuss what to do next. I've scheduled a meeting with them at 3 p.m. in the conference room."
Amy frowned. Over the years, Longteng had experienced many crises, but none of them had ever depleted the company's cash flow to the point that the company still owed the bank tens of millions of dollars.
"Okay, you go ahead and get busy. I'll look at the documents here."
Bai Zixuan was not just a pretty face. Although Gu Huaikun had been lenient with Longteng, his own efforts and abilities were ultimately crucial to its development. Amy responded and left. Bai Zixuan tossed the documents in his hand onto the table, leaned back in his chair weakly, and gently rubbed his throbbing temples.
This time, Longteng is indeed in great danger, and he needs to handle it carefully! Let's put Gu Mingxia and Ye Xiaorou's matter aside for now and deal with it after the company's affairs are resolved!
Bai Zixuan took out his phone and dialed Director Ye's number. As soon as the call was connected, he immediately smiled.
"Director Ye, hello. I'm Xiaobai from Longteng!"
"Oh, it's Xiaobai. What's up?"
Director Ye responded to Bai Zixuan with utter official jargon. Although Bai Zixuan was displeased, considering the current situation, he continued in a somewhat obsequious voice.
"It's like this, during the recent company financial review, we discovered that the preliminary payments for the old city renovation project have not yet arrived. I would like to ask when the initial 10 billion yuan will arrive? We are all small and medium-sized companies undertaking projects, and we cannot afford such advance payments. I hope you can understand."
"You mean this? I was just about to call you about it. Our municipal government is facing some financial difficulties lately, but despite the difficulties, the initial funding for the old city renovation project will still be provided to you. Please tell the other company leaders not to worry!"
Director Ye spoke earnestly, and even though it was over the phone, Bai Zixuan could still feel his official authority. But what could they do when they needed his help?
"That's what I told them too. I said Director Ye seems like a reliable leader, so why are you so worried about us just putting in a little money? But they insisted that I ask them, saying they wouldn't feel at ease if they didn't ask!"
"But when it comes to construction, it's always good to be careful! How about this, I have a meeting right now, why don't you invite all the representatives from the winning companies to my house tonight? I'll personally explain the details to you then, so you can feel at ease, and I can too, right?"
"Okay, then Director Ye, you can go ahead and get busy. We'll definitely be at your house on time tonight."
"See you tonight then, okay? I won't accept any gifts, just come and sit down!"
After hanging up the phone, Bai Zixuan snorted coldly. All he wanted was money, yet he acted all high and mighty, saying he wouldn't accept gifts, only money!
"Amy, check how much money our company has left. I need it tonight."
At 3 p.m., Bai Zixuan met with the heads of the companies that had jointly bid with him for the old city renovation project in the conference room.
"President Bai, you need to quickly ask Director Ye when the government's 10 billion yuan preliminary project payment will arrive. If this continues, my small company will go bankrupt and be finished."
As Boss A spoke, he sighed repeatedly, probably regretting in his heart that he had bid against Bai Zixuan.
"That's right, my company can no longer afford to advance funds."
Boss B also regrets that he was greedy for small gains and suffered a big loss. If he hadn't wanted to skim some profits from the government's projects, how could he have ended up having to sell cars to raise money to pay his employees' salaries?
Seeing everyone's worried faces, Bai Zixuan stood up and smiled at those sitting down.
"I spoke with Director Ye on the phone before you arrived. He clearly told me that the initial project funding had been secured, but there are still some specific matters he hopes we can discuss at his home tonight."
"It's just a project payment, why do we have to go to his house to discuss it in detail?"
"Yeah, what exactly is Director Ye thinking?"
"Don't you understand? It's obvious they want us to go to their house for a detailed discussion because they want us to give them gifts!"
"What? Gifts? The project funds were allocated by higher authorities according to explicit regulations. Why do we have to give them gifts before they even reach us?"
"Sigh, officials have two mouths, they're all corrupt!"
"Alright, now that everyone understands, let's go to Director Ye's house together tonight. You know, we've already advanced 5 billion yuan for the project. Let's spend a little money to secure this major part, and then we'll all have our chance to profit later!"
Everyone present was shrewd and naturally understood the unspoken meaning behind Director Ye's suggestion to visit his home for a detailed discussion. Bai Zixuan thought this was for the best, saving him the trouble of saying anything more.
Once this money delivery is completed, the initial project payment of 10 billion yuan will be in place, thus completely resolving his company's financial crisis. Thinking about this, Bai Zixuan was quite excited!
"These days, you have to give gifts to get government projects, no matter how much. But Mr. Bai, do you even know what Director Ye likes? Since you're going to give gifts anyway, just cater to his tastes. You're going to spend money anyway!"
Upon hearing what Boss B said, Bai Zixuan smiled and looked at him. He really knew how to conduct himself. Before giving a gift, one must do one's homework, otherwise, if the money is spent and no good is received, then the gift will be a waste.
The highest level of gift-giving is when both the giver and the receiver are happy. Clearly, Boss B is a master of the art of gift-giving!
"Director Ye said he doesn't accept gifts!"
Bai Zixuan spoke with a smile, and everyone looked at each other in surprise. Not long after, Boss Yi slammed his hand on the table and looked at Bai Zixuan with a strong voice.
"Since you won't accept gifts, then just give me money! I refuse to believe there's anyone in this world who doesn't love money."
Bai Zixuan nodded. They had just finished discussing gift-giving when a man appeared who was clearly a womanizer.
"I'll just give Director Ye my Yangzhou 'skinny horse' too. I refuse to believe that a young man like him wouldn't love money and women!"
"Haha, Old Wang, you're really something!"
"However, Old Wang's suggestion is quite good. Look at Madam Ye's appearance... sigh, she really can't go to bed without the lights on. We really should send a beautiful Yangzhou slender horse to Director Ye to change things up."
Bai Zixuan still wore a smile; these people's ideas were indeed sound. Although Director Ye had said he wouldn't accept gifts, money and women were indeed irresistible to any man.
As expected, men can understand men's thoughts. Bai Zixuan nodded with a smile.
"In that case, how much money does everyone plan to give Director Ye?"
Upon hearing this question, everyone began to whisper among themselves. After a while, they all looked at each other and nodded. Then, Boss B spoke up again.
"Mr. Bai, as you know, we've all been practically bankrupt because of the advance payments. We just discussed it and decided that each of us would contribute two million. What do you think, Mr. Bai?"
Each person contributes two million, and there are fifteen heads of small companies here, plus their own Longteng, totaling thirty-two million!
Thirty-two million plus a beautiful Yangzhou "slender horse" (a euphemism for a prostitute) should be enough to satisfy Director Ye's appetite!
"Okay, how about this, everyone give all the money to my assistant Amy, and then I'll open a new bank account. How about we all go to Director Ye's house together tonight?"
This time, there was no further discussion; everyone nodded. Two million each was indeed a bit low, but when combined, three thousand two hundred was quite a lot.
After finishing this task, everyone went to Amy's office to transfer the money. Soon, Amy appeared in Bai Zixuan's office with a brand new bank card.
"Mr. Bai, here is thirty-two million."
"Not bad, very fast."
Bai Zixuan took the heavy bank card with a smile on his face. He played with the thin card in his hand. As long as he delivered this to Director Ye, he would be able to get 10 billion yuan in project funds. It was really ironic. When did money that was rightfully his have to be given away have to be given as a gift?
It seems that being a businessman is indeed not as lucrative as being an official! Bai Zixuan's expression was inscrutable. No wonder the Gu family was unwilling to deal with the government. It turned out that they had long seen through the darkness of officialdom. It's just that they wanted to use this big project to help Longteng take another step forward. Now, even if they regret it, it seems that it is too late.
"Mr. Bai, as your assistant, I feel it's necessary to remind you that bribery is illegal, and we're currently in the midst of an anti-corruption campaign. I hope you can think this through."
Bai Zixuan found Amy's words laughable. What good was being in the midst of the anti-corruption campaign? Director Ye was still only after money.
"Then Amy, tell me, besides this method, do you have a better way to get the initial payment for the project?"
A question made Amy blush slightly. Indeed, she didn't have a good solution. Indeed, that 10 billion was related to the future and fate of 16 companies. Anyone would probably choose to bribe someone to gamble on a better future for the company.
“President Bai, I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and I think we’ve fallen into a trap from the very beginning. Urban redevelopment is a bottomless pit, and Director Ye’s seemingly supportive actions toward small and medium-sized enterprises are more like his way of making money for himself.”
Even if they know it's a trap, what can they do? Can they back down now? Bai Zixuan sighed helplessly.
"Alright, Amy, don't think too much about it. Let's do our best. If you have to blame someone, it's that I didn't see things clearly. I was laughing like an idiot when Fu Heng announced his withdrawal. Turns out he already knew this project was not worth taking!"
"Mr. Bai, this is also my fault. I didn't check it beforehand."
"It's none of your business. Go home and rest."
Bai Zixuan put away the bank card, checked the time, and by the time he gathered everyone to go to Director Ye's house, it was already quite late.
Amy looked at Bai Zixuan, feeling worried but helpless, and could only sigh in the end.
"President Bai, if we're going to offer bribes, we need to leave some evidence. If Director Ye denies it later, we'll still have something to hold against him."
"Alright, hurry up and go home from get off work for your date, you're just destined to be a worrywart!"
Bai Zixuan walked around the desk and led Amy out of the meeting room, then went to his office to change his clothes.
"Mr. Bai, I hope you can successfully receive the initial payment for the project this time!" Amy watched Bai Zixuan's retreating figure and prayed silently in her heart.
Director Ye's home was resplendent in gold and jade. Mrs. Ye greeted each visitor with a smile.
Once everyone had arrived, Director Ye gave Madam Ye a wink, and Madam Ye smiled and spoke.
"Please make yourselves at home. I'll go to the kitchen to see how dinner is going."
"You've gone to so much trouble, Madam."
Bai Zixuan stood up and nodded to Madam Ye. Madam Ye smiled, and only Director Ye and Bai Zixuan remained in the large living room. Director Ye leaned back on the sofa with an air of official authority.
"Xiao Bai, the main reason I asked you to come here tonight is to talk to you about the old city redevelopment. I hope you won't blame me for making you come all this way!"
"Director Ye, what are you saying? It's our honor to be guests at your home. How could we possibly blame you?"
"Yes, it is an honor for all of us to be guests of Director Ye!"
Director Ye wore an expression of enjoyment, clearly relishing this flattery. In his mind, being an official was all about enjoyment; if he couldn't enjoy himself, he might as well have gone into business from the start, and he wouldn't have needed to marry such an ugly woman and go through all that trouble to climb the ranks!
Life is so short, so enjoy it to the fullest! Even if he gets caught someday, at least he won't feel like he's lived in vain!
"Director Ye, regarding the issue of the initial project payment, what do you think..."
"That's true. The initial 10 billion yuan project funding has been received, but there are still some minor paperwork issues to complete. That's why I've been asking you all to come up with a solution!"
Bai Zixuan understood perfectly what Director Ye meant by "finding a solution," and reached into his pocket to take out an envelope and place it in front of Director Ye.
"Before coming to your house, we discussed what to do together. The specific solution is in this envelope. I wonder if you will be satisfied after you take a look?"
Director Ye glanced at Bai Zixuan, then picked up the envelope on the table with a puzzled look. He opened it and saw two cards lying quietly inside. Director Ye took the cards out and found a bank card and a room key card.
He first took the bank card out and saw a sticky note stuck to it, which clearly read "32 million," while the room key card had nothing written on it.
"The solution is passable. How about this, we won't have dinner at my house tonight, so as not to be accused of colluding with government officials. Let's go to a hotel instead. As for the project payment, I will urge the relevant personnel to handle it as soon as possible when I get to work tomorrow. At the latest, the 10 billion yuan project payment will definitely be in place on schedule by tomorrow afternoon!"
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