Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

Lu Yang had some other ideas as well.

It's just not convenient to say right now, because if I did, it might not work anymore.

He squinted at the setting sun in the distance, lightly tapping his knuckles on the gunwale, and said, "Old Mou, to be honest, regardless of whether this negotiation with Arctic Ocean Soda goes through, I've already decided to enter the beverage industry. As the living standards of ordinary people in China improve, I believe this industry has a bright future. So I want to open another shell company in Hong Kong specifically for investing in this sector. We'll be using US dollars, which is equivalent to enjoying preferential treatment for foreign investment..."

At this point, Lu Yang turned his head to look around, ignoring Xiao Jun, and focused his gaze on Mu Qizhong, chuckling lightly as he said, "How about it, want to chip in and have some fun together?"

He has limited energy; it's impossible for him to take on every industry and every business.

Even if it's just an investment and not starting a business from scratch, as long as a certain share is reached, such as achieving controlling interest in the invested company, it will definitely take up some of his energy in the future operation of the company. Finding someone to cooperate with is also an opportunity to have someone help him share the burden.

As for...

Why Mu Qizhong?

Yes, why can't it be Xiao Jun?

Lu Yang just turned his head and glanced at him, then looked away. How much does he look down on this guy?

No explanation needed.

Because Xiao Jun will soon lose his composure.

"What about me, what about me?"

The guy raised his left hand, bent his index finger backward, pointed at his own nose, and yelled.

Lu Yang shook his head. "You can't do it."

His next plan, which involves a covert maneuver, will require the use of Mu Qizhong's connections in Sichuan, not Xiao Jun's local connections in Shenzhen.

Moreover.

He turned around and said with a smile, "Do you have money? 1000 million, in US dollars. If you can pull that out right now, I'll treat you to some fun this time, how about it?"

When Xiao Jun heard that it was just registering a shell company in Hong Kong, yet so much foreign exchange was required, his expression immediately fell.

He had already used all his money to secure his original shareholding during the second round of financing for the child prodigy.

Now, let alone asking him to pay 1000 million, even if it's in US dollars, or even 1000 million RMB, he still wouldn't be able to come up with it.

When Mu Qizhong saw his face fall, he laughed loudly and said, "You little brat, you still want to freeload? If you don't have money, go play in the mud. Only I am worthy to work with Brother Lu on such a big project. The two of us will play with the foreign capital and fight it. We won't care if we lose everything. Brother Lu, don't you think so?"

It was clearly because he had great confidence in Lu Yang, who had never lost money in his business history. But he just loved to show off, especially in front of his cronies like Xiao Jun.

"cut."

Xiao Jun turned his face away, unwilling to talk to him anymore, and squatted down to play with the fish in a sullen mood.

"Fine, don't bring it then. I hope you all lose everything, lose everything..."

That's a bit sour.

It's obvious that even he himself doesn't believe it, mainly because Lu Yang's record over the past few years is too strong.

Mu Qizhong laughed triumphantly a few more times before leaning close to Lu Yang and whispering, "Um... Brother Lu... money is no problem, what do you say we do?"

Look, it's still Lao Mou. No wonder he's the richest man in China on the surface.

Lu Yang nodded in satisfaction. "No rush. You should gather the money first, and I'll let you know when the time comes."

Negotiations with the Arctic Ocean haven't even started yet, so no one can say for sure what the outcome will be. Lu Yang hasn't decided yet whether to proceed with the follow-up plan.

Because once this plan is launched, it will be tantamount to breaking ties with foreign beverage giants, and what follows could be a life-or-death struggle.

It's best to leave some suspense until the very last moment. If you reveal your hand too early, is it still a hand?
Mu Qizhong nodded happily, "Okay, okay, whatever you say, I'll do it. I promise I'll raise the money for you within a month and transfer it to HSBC Hong Kong..."

This is what makes a qualified businessman: he never lets emotions dictate his decisions; once he sets his sights on something, he acts swiftly, accurately, and decisively.

He didn't even flinch at Lu Yang's behavior of keeping him in suspense.

Instead, he secretly admired him, thinking, "No wonder my brother Lu is so successful in business, with almost no failures. Look how tight-lipped he is, even I can't get him to talk. Goodness, it seems I'll be making a fortune following Brother Lu again this time."

Lu Yang looked at the distant horizon where the sea and sky merged into one, and the setting sun gradually descended. He said calmly, "Let's turn back; it's getting dark."

This is called: When you become powerful, great scholars will naturally come to debate the classics for you!

The Arctic Ocean soda negotiation team arrived faster than expected.

The cruise ship that had sailed out to sea from Luyang had just docked.

His secretary, Xu Siqi, had already called him: "The group has received a fax from Beibingyang Soda Company in Beijing. Their negotiation delegation has already bought their plane tickets and will arrive in Pengcheng tomorrow. Boss, the president asked me to ask you if we should make preparations in advance?"

Lu Yang, holding the phone in his hand, smiled at Mu Qizhong beside him and said, "It's here."

Mu Qizhong nodded at him as well.

Expressed understanding.

He picked up his mobile phone and went to the side to call the Nande Company under his name.

Try to find a way to raise money.

Lu Yang raised the mobile phone in his hand again and put it to his mouth, saying, "I know your boss. Tell our female president to relax and proceed with the plan as usual. She will receive the negotiation team. As for Mr. He from Beibingyang in the negotiation team, I will personally receive him. I will take him to meet someone tomorrow at noon."

Hang up the phone.

Lu Yang pulled Mu Qizhong and Xiao Jun over, and the three of them huddled together, whispered a few words, and then went their separate ways.

They asked someone to bring the sea fish they had caught.

Lu Yang asked Xiao Jiu to drive him to the district government.

They found He Weijun, who had just gotten off work. "Old man, this is some fresh catch I just caught at sea. I'm giving it to my aunt to try, and we can come over for a meal. That's not too much to ask, is it?"

He Weijun knew Lu Yang; this kid never came to him without a reason. Since he had come to see him, he must have something to talk about.

He instructed his secretary not to take him home.

He got straight into Lu Yang's car, clean and efficient, without any attempt to avoid suspicion.

And frankly, there's no use in him trying to avoid suspicion. Things like the Futian District CBD project, the Century Tower project (Asia's tallest building), the nationally renowned science and technology innovation enterprise, the prodigy who's a major taxpayer…

These projects that have gone viral and brought significant political achievements to the local area were all crammed into his mouth by this young man, like feeding him, ever since he was transferred to Shenzhen to serve as a district-level leader.

Although this behavior is mutually beneficial, if people go out and say that the two of them have no relationship and are completely innocent, who would believe them?
It's not that this kid has been labeled as He Weijun, but rather that the surname He has been labeled as this kid surnamed Lu.

What might we do?
Just admit it.

Fortunately, this kid is currently shining brightly like the sun, illuminating those around him. His capital is accumulating more and more, and he's constantly setting small goals. I can also benefit from his success to some extent, and maybe I can even climb a little higher before I retire.

And this was also his opportunity.

"You little rascal, I've finally caught you. Old Wei was still calling me today, saying that you promised him you'd attend a few classes, but you only went to Shenzhen University once and then disappeared. What, does he, the president of Shenzhen University, have to personally come to your company to catch you skipping class?"

As soon as he got in the car, the old man started making fun of Lu Yang.

Lu Yang chuckled twice. He was thick-skinned anyway, and then he said the purpose of his visit: "I'm busy, old man. You have to put in a good word for me with Old Wei. I have a business deal here. If it goes through, maybe you, Old He, can really move up a notch. If you're willing to help me, I'll give it to you."

He Weijun's eyes lit up, and his eyebrows, which had turned half white, stood up on their own.

He leaned closer and said, "Tell me, how big is the project?"

Lu Yang deliberately kept everyone in suspense, saying, "The specific details haven't been finalized yet. Their negotiation team should be arriving tomorrow. I'm planning to invite their CEO to dinner alone, and have you, old man, accompany them to help us make a good impression. He's the CEO of a state-owned enterprise, and if everything goes smoothly, the project is expected to be worth no less than that."

Lu Yang meaningfully raised his index finger and waved it in front of the old man.

"One hundred million?"

"No, ten million."

He Weijun's smile gradually disappeared. "Are you kidding me? Only ten million?"

Ten million is not a small amount, but Lu Yang has spoiled this old man with his tastes.

Ok.

That's how that expression came about – it was because of preconceived notions.

Lu Yang joked, "What, you think it's not enough? Then forget it."

The voice just fell.

The old man in front of him immediately smiled again.

Grabbing Lu Yang's hands with both of them, she shook them vigorously. "No, no, no, how can it count? It can't count, it absolutely can't count... Look, old man, I admit my expression was a bit off just now. How about I do it again, and you say it again?"

Spending time with Lu Yang has made this old man start to act mischievously.

Lu Yang rolled his eyes at him, pulled his hand back in disgust, and said irritably, "Alright, alright, stop pretending. You're not acting like an actor anymore. I was just lying to you. It was indeed 1000 million, but the unit was US dollars. Think about it carefully. Once this joint venture factory is located in your Futian District... tsk tsk tsk..."

He Weijun's expression changed several times. "You're not lying to me, really?"

Lu Yang turned his face away and looked out the window, saying, "Believe it or not, it's up to you. If you're not free tomorrow, then forget it. I'll go find Mayor Fu and ask him if he's available."

"Don't."

He Weijun got anxious. "I have time, I have time. I'll quit all my meetings tomorrow and stay in the office all day waiting for you to treat me to dinner. Is that alright?"

If we alarm Old Fu, he'll be eaten alive by the city.

Lu Yang shrugged and said, "That's more like it. Old man, you'd better be sensible. I'll have my aunt cook me a good meal later. I'll let it go this time. Otherwise, even if this project succeeds, I'll have to invest in building a factory elsewhere."

He Weijun glared and puffed out his beard: "Nonsense, why are you calling me sister-in-law? Call me master's wife."

Lu Yang turned around, glared at him, and said, "Old man, are you trying to take advantage of me?"

He Weijun said in a serious tone, "What do you mean by 'taking advantage of you, kid'? Isn't that what we've always called it? You trying to cheat, aren't you?"

When Lu Yang first visited the old man's house, the old man's wife mistook him for the old man's student several times.

In addition, he also had a tail. Xu Siqi, his eldest niece, was originally this old man's student. She was used to calling his wife "Classmate Lu." Even after she learned that Lu Yang was not her old man's student, but had started his own business at a young age and was the boss of a large company in her old man's jurisdiction, she was too lazy to change her address. Because calling him that made it sound more intimate.

The old man and the young man bickered in the car the whole way until their luxury sedan stopped in front of a residential building belonging to the district government.

Lu Yang personally went to the trunk and quickly pulled out a ribbonfish that was nearly 2 meters long. It was an astonishing size, even among the super-large ribbonfish caught by fishermen at sea, it was one of the largest. What's more, Lu Yang had caught it himself with a fishing rod.

He proudly waved the ribbonfish in his hand, which looked like a belt, and said smugly, "How about that? This is good stuff. We'll use it as a snack with our drinks tonight."

Besides these, there were also some grouper and sea bass, but because they were small, Lu Yang didn't bother to introduce them.

He Weijun knew Lu Yang's personality and let him show off.

Since he also likes to eat fish, he couldn't resist running to the trunk of the car, pushing past Lu Yang, and peering intently into the plastic box that was already filled with water, even starting to rummage through it.

A short while later, to my surprise, I pulled out a fish that looked similar to a regular grouper, but with a different color. The fish was covered with bright red spots, and its body was flatter and oval in shape. It was also slightly smaller than a regular grouper; the one in front of me was probably less than the size of two palms.

The old man took the fish and proudly waved it in front of Lu Yang, then boasted, "You little brat, you don't know anything about fish! Do you even know what kind of fish this is? It's called a fire-spotted grouper, scientifically known as the red-spotted grouper, also called the king of groupers. Its flesh is more than ten times more delicious than ordinary grouper. This one in my hand, don't let its small size fool you, it's worth ten of those ribbonfish you have. Yours isn't anything special, fishermen can catch it anytime they go out to sea. This one is rare. If you want to eat it, you'll have to make a reservation even at a high-end restaurant, and you might not even get to eat it..."

As she spoke, she nimbly ran upstairs with the flaming fish in her hands, afraid that Lu Yang would get angry and try to snatch the fish from her.

Lu Yang looked at the huge ribbonfish he was holding, which was taller than himself, and then at the small grouper in the old man's hand, which was less than two palm-sized pieces.

Laughing dumbly.

He couldn't help but shake his head, finding the old man's behavior utterly incomprehensible.

Does it really matter what has high or low value, or whether it's worthless?
For an angler, shouldn't they just show off whichever fish is big enough and impressive enough?

This old man, instead of praising me, he even mocks me. Is he stupid?

His expression changed several times. Holding the huge ribbonfish that was longer than himself, he couldn't help but shout upstairs, "Old man, are you still going to eat this fish? If not, I'm taking it away."

"Eat it, bring it up."

Is this fish? It's a $1000 million project – will it even come to fruition?!

(End of this chapter)