Chapter 38: Rushing Headlong into Disaster

Mayor Zhao quickly held a brief meeting.

Everyone at the city government was ecstatic.

Secretary Wu narrowed his eyes. “This Lu Chengwen is clearly a stingy, unscrupulous businessman. Why is he suddenly so generous today? He’s bound to make demands we can’t accept.”

Mayor Zhao nodded. “Of course. Businessmen don’t work without profit. But this project has to be done by someone. Dozens of buildings have already risen; we can’t just leave them exposed to the elements and let people use them as public toilets!”

“With such a major change, we need to report to the provincial government.”

“I’ll handle that part. You focus on keeping Lu Chengwen steady. If the approval comes through and he refuses to pay, that would be utterly humiliating.”

“Yes, sir.”

Back in the conference room, Mayor Zhao returned.

Secretary Wu resumed chairing the meeting and asked everyone to state their positions.

No one changed their tune. They all hesitated, carefully choosing their words but unwilling to contribute a single cent.

Finally, Hu Shuhui jumped out. “Lu Chengwen, why do you leave the meeting to take calls? Show some respect to Mayor Zhao! We’ve all expressed our positions. You’re the richest man in Xuecheng, so you pay the lion’s share, and we’ll chip in the smaller part! Speak up!”

Hu Shuhui was certain about Lu Chengwen.

He realized that by comparing himself to Lu Chengwen, he had dragged a dozen other companies into this mess. The only way was to speak with one voice: if Lu Chengwen pays, everyone pays.

Originally, they didn’t have to utter that vow. Now, everyone was itching to drag Hu Shuhui outside and beat him senseless.

So, to save face, Hu Shuhui stuck to his guns against Lu Chengwen.

He was convinced Lu Chengwen would never pay.

That man? A heartless businessman.

He could be crafty in profiteering, but when it came to investing money in the city—especially in a project that looked like throwing money into a bottomless pit—he’d never agree.

If he refused, then no one else would pay either.

Lu Chengwen glanced around and smiled. “Is that everyone’s true feeling?”

A few weak responses came from the group.

Lu Chengwen laughed heartily. “I grew up in Xuecheng. It’s my home, and its people are like family. I, Lu Chengwen, may lack many things, but I do understand the meaning of loyalty and righteousness. I have some patriotism and loyalty to my country. I’ll take the lead and take on this project for the Lu family!”

The room erupted.

Leng Qingqiu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

She thought Lu Chengwen was just talking nonsense yesterday—no one would touch such a deal.

Chen Mengyun was equally shocked, while Xu Xuejiao squinted suspiciously, sensing something fishy.

The dozen or so entrepreneurs shifted uneasily, the room descending into chaos.

Hu Shuhui angrily accused, “Lu Chengwen, are you in cahoots with Mayor Zhao to cheat us?”

At those words, everyone was stunned and turned to Mayor Zhao.

Secretary Wu instantly snapped, “Hu Shuhui, what are you saying? Have you thought before speaking?”

Hu Shuhui panicked. “Sorry, Mayor Zhao. I was just anxious and spoke rashly. But this Lu Chengwen... he’s a heartless businessman, far worse than me. How could he possibly pay for such a losing venture? There must be a trick!”

Lu Chengwen calmly replied, “In business, I never do unprofitable deals. But this shantytown redevelopment is more than business. As a businessman and entrepreneur, focusing solely on personal gain in matters of great importance is shortsighted. This project isn’t just business—it’s vital for the country’s economy, people’s livelihoods, urban development, and the prosperity of our hometown! I work hard and count every penny so that, at crucial moments, I can give back to society and benefit my hometown!”

Mayor Zhao, steady as ever, led the applause. “Well said! If all entrepreneurs had the awareness and vision of Mr. Lu, Xuecheng’s development would surely be among the nation’s best! Everyone, please applaud Mr. Lu!”

Reluctantly, everyone clapped.

Sweat dripped down Hu Shuhui’s forehead.

Was he really falling into this trap? This madman wants to die alone but drag us all down with him?

---

“Lu Chengwen, your words are stirring, but how much will you actually put in? If it’s less than five billion, don’t even bother speaking—it won’t be enough!” Hu Shuhui challenged.

Lu Chengwen snorted. “Look at your narrow vision. Our Dasheng Group will invest at least fifty billion!”

Mayor Zhao’s eyes lit up immediately. He glanced at Secretary Wu, who nodded excitedly back.

The room exploded.

At first, everyone thought Lu Chengwen wouldn’t pay a dime.

Then they thought he’d just say some flattering words, take the lead symbolically, and chip in a token amount to get by.

Fifty billion!

That’s a fortune that could never be spent in a lifetime!

Secretary Wu quickly called for order. “Everyone, quiet down. As we see, Mr. Lu is truly a model in Xuecheng’s business world, offering help in times of need with generous support. We should all learn from his noble character, loving the country and hometown without regard for personal gain.”

He smoothly transitioned. “Since Mr. Lu has spoken, you all remember your earlier words, right? Please state your positions.”

Everyone looked at Hu Shuhui, wishing they could skin him alive and feed him to the dogs.

Hu Shuhui was dumbfounded.

He couldn’t comprehend it at all.

What’s wrong with Lu Chengwen? Crazy? Foolish? Demented?

How could he possibly pay that kind of money? Was the Lu family courting death?

Lu Chengwen smiled. “Mr. Hu, I have no other demands. I’ll take on all the major projects and constructions. You just need to put in some money for charity.”

“Charity? How... charity?”

“Here, I’ll give you two options. One: you invest five billion proportionally to my fifty billion, and we split profits accordingly. Two: we plan over two hundred public toilets here, and you pay for them at two hundred thousand each—about thirty million in total. Choose one.”

Hu Shuhui nearly burst into tears.

Fifty billion from Lu Chengwen is no big deal, but fifty billion from him would be crippling.

And that money might just go down the drain!

On one hand, a five-billion venture capital investment; on the other, thirty million charity.

Thinking about potentially losing fifty billion outright, Hu Shuhui bit his lip. “Fine! A promise made is a debt unpaid! I’ll build the shantytown toilets!”

As Lu Chengwen and the others expected, Hu Shuhui chose to lose thirty million in charity rather than go crazy and invest fifty billion alongside Lu Chengwen.

Mayor Zhao was shrewd. Once Hu Shuhui made a commitment, he signaled Secretary Wu.

Secretary Wu quickly brought over the investment contract. “Mr. Hu, please sign.”

Hu Shuhui was ready to cry.

What kind of farce is this? I come to a meeting and end up throwing away thirty million!

How would his father react?

Moreover, Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu were a pair of masterminds—Mayor Zhao was cunning, Secretary Wu ruthless. As soon as Hu Shuhui spoke, the contract was ready.

Unconsciously, Hu Shuhui became their tool.

At this moment, he was the leading example.

He was the first to promise money and the first to sign the contract.

With Hu Shuhui as a precedent, no one else could back out.

Want to walk out of this room? Remember: thirty million is the starting point!

Hu Shuhui signed, his face turning green.

---

“Everyone, I’ve signed! For the sake of hometown development! It’s what I, Hu Shuhui, should do.”

Mayor Zhao smiled and applauded. “Thank Mr. Hu for his high moral standard.”

Everyone else was stunned.

Secretary Wu sensed the moment was ripe. Now that Lu Chengwen had set the high standard and Hu Shuhui the low, it was time to confront others from large to small and apply pressure.

“Mr. Xu,” he addressed Xu Xuejiao, “Shouldn’t Houde Group also state their position?”

Lu Chengwen smiled. “Mayor Zhao, Secretary Wu, no need to ask others. I, Lu Chengwen, will fund the entire shantytown redevelopment. Other business friends interested in investing may come talk to me. If not, no pressure. I only hope that when the Lu family executes this project and needs help, friends will lend a hand and support us.”

Mayor Zhao was nearly moved to tears.

In the past, everyone cursed Lu family patriarch as a stingy, heartless businessman who took advantage of others and fled when work got tough.

Today, this stunned him.

He felt like a beggar, coercing and tempting everyone to pay, but now Lu Chengwen had handled everything alone, sparing him the trouble of offending all business leaders.

The other entrepreneurs were ecstatic.

No need to pay!

Wonderful!

Hu Shuhui turns people into ghosts; Lu Chengwen turns ghosts into people!

Everyone sincerely stood and shook Lu Chengwen’s hand, expressing gratitude.

Lu Chengwen smiled gracefully, exchanging pleasantries with the air of a king.

Mayor Zhao approached, smiling and shaking Lu Chengwen’s hand. “Chengwen, on behalf of the municipal party committee, government, and thirty million citizens, thank you!”

“Mayor Zhao, you’re too kind.”

Suddenly, Leng Qingqiu stood. “Qianfeng Group wishes to invest in the shantytown project and hopes Mr. Lu will give us a chance.”

One strange thing followed another today.

Lu Chengwen’s reckless acceptance without binding or dragging others down was already bewildering.

Now Leng Qingqiu also stepped forward willingly.

Someone willingly jumping into the pit?

Leng Qingqiu continued, “But the Leng family can’t provide too much cash for now. Mr. Lu, please don’t despise us.”

Lu Chengwen’s solo commitment was one thing, but Leng Qingqiu’s proactive move before Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu meant something else entirely.

Lu Chengwen froze, unsure how to respond.

Mayor Zhao glanced between Lu Chengwen and Leng Qingqiu, thinking: They’re engaged, a united front. But is today’s matter really that simple?

At that moment, Xu Xuejiao stood. “Brother Chengwen, why didn’t you invite me to do good deeds? The Xu family is willing to participate in the redevelopment.”

Dozens of heads turned, searching faces for answers, only to find confusion.

Finally, Chen Mengyun also stood. “The Chen family certainly won’t stand aside. Mr. Lu, please guide us in the future.”

Lu Chengwen was dumbfounded.

What are you all doing!?

Are you serious?

Why are you all so eager to court disaster!?