Shen Dong said, "Director Li, the main reason I came to Yandu this time is to inspect the various projects invested in by our Tengfei Group. After the welcome banquet, I will not go with the main group."
Li Fuming said, "I understand. After lunch today, the old man will meet with everyone at the Zige Pavilion. Then, starting tomorrow, we will take the inspection team to visit some places. Your projects are in those places, so whether you go or not is no longer relevant to you."
Shen Dong said, "I helped the government make so much money before, so I have to get some benefits from the old man."
Li Fuming smiled and said, "The old man has always spoken highly of you, saying that a little Shen is equivalent to an army group in the economic field."
Shen Dong smiled and said, "That's a bit modest. It should be several army groups."
Li Xinxin lightly slapped him and said, "Can't you have any shame?"
"Ha ha ha ha"
Li Fuming burst into laughter.
Even the driver in front couldn't help but smile, thinking that this super-rich man was quite humorous.
Upon arriving at the Diaotai Hotel, Consul General He, who was in charge of economic affairs, personally treated everyone to a meal to welcome them.
Shen Dong kept a very low profile, and sat down below Guo Shengli with Li Xinxin.
However, with your strength and status, no matter how low-key you are, you will still attract special attention from others.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Commander He looked at Shen Dong and said with a smile, "Mr. Shen, I have long admired your name. I didn't get to meet you last time I was on a visit abroad, but this time I'm finally able to make up for it."
Shen Dong put down his chopsticks and said, "President He has already received the award. Mine is just an empty title, and the key is that my reputation isn't very good either."
"Ha ha ha ha"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Consul General He smiled and said, "Your reputation with the U.S. government is indeed not very good, but in our Xia government, everyone is very grateful for what you have done for the inland areas. And Ms. Li's charitable foundation has helped thousands of children change their lives in just three months, making her a role model for women in this era."
"Mr. Shen, Ms. Li, I would like to offer a separate toast to you both, wishing you a long and happy marriage and all the best."
Shen Dong and Li Xinxin raised their glasses, clinked them together with General Manager He, and drank the wine in their glasses in one gulp.
The banquet lasted for more than an hour, and General Manager He's attitude towards Huo Yingdong and Shen Dong was noticeably more cordial than towards the other wealthy people.
After the banquet, Chief Commander He led everyone to the Purple Pavilion and met the old man.
The old gentleman focused on explaining the future policies and guidelines that the mainland government will adopt towards Hong Kong Island, and expressed his welcome to Hong Kong tycoons investing in the mainland.
"Mr. Huo, Sir Li, I am truly delighted to hear that you two have joined forces with dozens of influential tycoons in Hong Kong to establish the Xia Guo Chamber of Commerce. Although Hong Kong has developed well over the past few decades, it is clear to anyone with eyes to see that its economy and finance are actually controlled by foreign conglomerates. The fact that you have been able to unite and form an alliance is of epoch-making significance in breaking the economic monopoly of foreign conglomerates over Hong Kong."
Huo Yingdong smiled and said, "Our chamber of commerce was established at a banquet hosted by the Xia Hua Society. Without the strong support and assistance of our government, this chamber of commerce would not have been established."
The old man waved his hand and said, "Hong Kong's economy still needs the joint efforts of you local businessmen; the mainland can't play a significant role."
Li Ka-shing said, "Sir, to be honest, we have some funds at hand, the only problem is the investment direction. Do you have any good suggestions?"
The old man said, "There's a saying in the Xia Kingdom: 'If you want to get rich, build roads first.' Highways are a great project, and with the development of the inland economy, they will definitely generate huge profits in the future."
Upon hearing this, all the wealthy people fell silent.
Highways require too much investment and take too long to recoup costs, making them not the preferred investment choice for the wealthy.
Seemingly sensing a slight awkward silence, the old man looked at Shen Dong and smiled, "Little Shen, what do you think?"
Shen Dong countered, "Will the government loosen investment restrictions on highways?"
The old man nodded and said, "Of course."
Shen Dong said without hesitation, "Guangcheng and Pengcheng are developing very well, with heavy traffic. If the government agrees, I can fund the construction of a highway between the two cities."
In the previous life, the expressway between Guangcheng and Pengcheng was built six years later.
At its peak, the fees could reach 35 million per day.
What does this mean?
In other words, it only takes one year to recoup the costs.
Therefore, the Guangpeng Expressway is the most profitable highway in the entire Xia Kingdom, without exception.
Shen Dong had completely forgotten about it, but the old man's suggestion reminded him.
A glint of light flashed in the old man's eyes, and he laughed heartily, saying, "Your judgment is as accurate as ever."
Shen Dong smiled and said, "Grandpa, does that mean you agree?"
The old man thought for a moment and said, "I agree in principle. You can discuss the specific construction plan with the Pengcheng and Guangcheng governments. However, I must remind you that you must put real money into building this investment highway; you are absolutely not allowed to take out bank loans."
Shen Dong said, "A highway of about 120 kilometers would cost between HK$8 billion and HK$9 billion, and I can come up with all of that money. However, I have two conditions."
The old man asked, "What are the conditions?"
Shen Dong said, “First, there’s the issue of taxation. The government can’t collect taxes from me before I recoup my costs. Second, there’s the issue of loans. Once this highway is officially completed and open to traffic, the government can’t prevent me from taking out a mortgage loan from a bank.”
The old man waved his hand and said, "No problem."
Shen Dong said, "Then it's settled. When I return to Yandu, I will immediately establish a Tengfei Highway Group to be specifically responsible for this project."
Huo Yingdong smiled and said, "Grandpa, Mr. Shen, your project seems to have a very promising future. Would you mind if I also got a piece of the pie?"
Without a second thought, Shen Dong said, “I mind very much. Mr. Huo, a chicken is best served by only one owner. If you like, you can invest in building other highways.”
Huo Yingdong said, "Mr. Shen, you've always been generous, why are you being so stingy now?"
Shen Dong said, "If I were to give you this good deal, I'd be no different from an idiot. You know, being stingy and being an idiot are two different things. I'd rather be called stingy than an idiot."
"Ha ha ha ha"
Everyone burst into laughter.
After the meeting, the old man kept Huo Yingdong behind.
Guo Shengli smiled and said, "Mr. Shen, have you met the old man before?"
Shen Dong nodded and said, "I've seen it. The investment of hundreds of billions was something that the old man and I agreed on."
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