Back to the prime of life

Chapter 187 Selling
In Hailan Bay, besides Zuo Shuya's temporary departure, Lu Xiaohui's return home is also a significant matter.

She was originally in charge of managing the group of people responsible for sanitation and logistics. With her shrewishness and cunning, she managed them quite well. Now that she has suddenly left, Lu Changge has to find someone else.

The job posting has already been posted.

As for daily operations, things are actually fine now that we've entered a stable period. There aren't any particularly important issues that require them to get together and discuss solutions every day.

However, the plan to open another branch was indeed on his desk, but his mind was not on it for the time being. He was just waiting for Zuo Shuya to go back and continue to push it forward, and it wouldn't make a difference if he took a little more time.

However, Wang Hongcheng seems to have lost his mind lately; this house builder has started eyeing swimming pools.

In Lu Changge's office, he put forward this idea: "...Commercial property projects paired with Hailan Bay Swimming Pool are a good fit and there is no problem. However, I have been thinking recently about whether to pair residential projects with Hailan Bay as well. In fact, I have been thinking about developing high-end residential projects for the past few years, but I have never been able to figure out where to start. I just feel that to reflect high-end, we have to do something different."

Lu Changge was stunned. "Real estate developers really make a lot of money. From what you're saying, you're planning to build a swimming pool as an amenity for every residential project? Isn't that a bit too extravagant?"

"Tsk, you don't understand the feeling of those nouveau riche. You have to give them a sense of luxury. The cost can be covered by the house price. Anyway, the target users of high-end residences are not price-sensitive." In the middle of the conversation, he suddenly raised his eyebrows again, "Hey, Mr. Lu, how about you sell me the controlling stake in Hailan Bay?"

"Are you kidding me in broad daylight?" Lu Changge genuinely laughed. "You just went through a life-or-death crisis, and you haven't even had a few days to relax before you want to spend money again?"

"Because the Cuijingyuan project is now settled. Construction has already begun after the funds were injected. You can go and take a look when you have time; several hundred workers have already entered the construction site."

This guy started getting all excited again.

"I'm telling you, since you're so focused on being a tech genius and not really interested in the swimming pool, you might as well sell it. That way you can concentrate on your studies. Let me tell you, when raising funds, investors also have requirements regarding whether the founder is dedicated to the investment project."

Lu Changge's heart skipped a beat. No matter how unreliable Wang Hongcheng's idea was, what he said in the end was correct.

You can understand this by putting yourself in their shoes. Who can tolerate someone who takes a large sum of money from you not devoting themselves to running the company?
Even disregarding that, selling Hailan Bay itself isn't necessarily a bad idea. He initially invested in it because of his love for swimming and a spur-of-the-moment decision. However, in terms of industry prospects and potential, a swimming pool is not even as good as Luman, let alone Pulsego.

Unexpectedly, Wang Hongcheng started plotting again, saying, "...At that time, you can use the Hailan Bay project as an investment in my company, and we can work together to create a good product, starting from design and planning."

Lu Changge rolled her eyes. "So you're trying to get something for nothing? Even at its worst, Hailan Bay is still profitable every month. Do you think I'd give up my cash flow and let you pay with equity?"

"Stop talking nonsense. What's a little cash flow? You're not the kind of person who cares about that."

In fact, Lu Changge probably knew Wang Hongcheng's ultimate goal, which was that this guy always wanted to get him to partner with him.

This matter cannot be understood from the perspective of friendship. Although they have some acquaintance, when it comes to making money, if someone actively tries to get you involved, you should be wary.

It's probably mainly because they have some value to themselves.

Lu Changge crossed his arms, leaned back, and asked, "What exactly are your thoughts?"

Wang Hongcheng, who had been sitting idly on the table, immediately pulled up a chair and sat up straight when Lu Changge asked him this. He gestured earnestly and said, "Changge, I really believe in you, so I've wanted to work with you for a long time. Now that almost a year has passed, my belief has only grown stronger."

Anyway, given our relationship, I won't mince words. There are two things I value about you. First, you're good at networking, and you have connections to make. I see you're quite successful and influential, with frequent contact with government leaders, and the real estate market is precisely a power-intensive industry.

Lu Changge interrupted him, "Then you can't just build houses in Jiangzhou alone, can you?"

“Start small first. Don’t interrupt me, let me finish. Secondly, through the Hailan Bay project, I can see that you know how to build a brand. To be honest, I know very well that mid-to-high-end residential properties are not easy to develop. Why would those rich people choose our project? It’s not just because it’s expensive that it’s considered high-end. I heard you say that yourself.”

Lu Changge tilted his head back with a hint of helplessness, "In the coming period of time, the more expensive the real estate, the better."

"Don't talk nonsense, I'm very serious and sincere." He was quite sincere, at least he made it clear what advantage he wanted to gain.

"If I work with you in real estate, I'll still be seen as unfocused and unable to convince investors. What's the difference?"

"The difference is that you can hardly make a name for yourself in a swimming pool if you just mess around with it, but if you mess around with it here, you can earn enough to open up several swimming pools in a year."

Ha, you're quite confident.

Lu Changge stroked his chin; his reasoning was quite valid.

In this respect, he is somewhat idealistic, which is to do high-quality residential projects in a serious manner without resorting to deceptive methods. However, real estate is not only a power-intensive industry, but also a capital-intensive one.

He doesn't have that much capital, so collaborating with others is a better option in this situation.

“I have two conditions,” Lu Changge said.

"You say it!" Wang Hongcheng's eyes seemed to light up when he heard that he was going to agree.

“Now that I’m a celebrity, I have to consider my reputation, because my reputation directly affects the other two companies. But real estate developers are a very controversial group. So I can’t promote your company, nor can I allow you to do anything that cheats people. Acquire land, do good projects, and over time you’ll naturally have a good reputation.”

Wang Hongcheng agreed, "That's no problem. That was my idea too. If I just wanted to swindle money from people, I would have gone home and inherited the family business."

The way they're saying this makes it sound like their family is cheating people.

Ignoring this, Lu Changge continued with his second point: "I want to be involved in every aspect of land acquisition, design, construction, sales, and after-sales service. I'm not interested in just being a shareholder who gets a share of the profits without any say. My interest lies in the project itself."

Wang Hongcheng hesitated for a moment, "It's not that I don't want to agree, but how can this be guaranteed? I hold all the power in the company."

Lu Changge thought for a moment, "Then let me make it clear in my agreement that I can withdraw my investment and leave at any time. Of course, I won't withdraw my investment when your cash flow is tight."

To put it bluntly, they usually discuss things together, but when Lu Changge insists on something and Wang Hongcheng firmly refuses to let him get involved, then they just part ways.

That's a pretty true statement, and it's also somewhat harsh.

Because Lu Changge is not someone who completely trusts emotions when it comes to money. His timely help at the end of last year was also based on his precise calculations. Even with a woman like Zuo Shuya who seemed to have feelings for him, he kept the Hailan Bay accounts firmly in his hands.

"You really do look a bit like my dad when he does business."

Lu Changge laughed again at this moment, "Because we have a good relationship, I can say anything. If I really wanted to be distant with you, I would carefully consider my words and phrases."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hongcheng perked up again, "Then let's not be coy, let's just say what we have to say!"

Well, the filter that Lu Changge had when he first met this guy, thinking he was quite intelligent and talented, is basically about to disappear. This guy is smart, but he's actually a bit naive at heart.

This is what happiness looks like; you must have grown up in a very warm environment.

"So what do we do now?"

"All these miscellaneous matters are settled. The subordinates will handle the transition gradually. Now I'll take you to participate in the first thing: acquiring land!"

(End of this chapter)