I'm incredibly ambitious after being reborn.

Chapter 18 Seeking the Upper and Obtaining the Middle
Raising 24 million for the ancestral hall opening ceremony is definitely not feasible; the amount is too large. However… 4 million is still worth considering.

The Zhang family was not a wealthy or prestigious family, and their ancestral tradition was a "pseudo-traditional family of farming and studying." Therefore, when it came to making any major decisions, both the main family and the collateral branches would consult with each other.

Even if the adopted sons or foster sons of the direct descendants entered the family, they were considered family members. In the old days, the more male descendants the better. It was not like a real family that had been established for generations, where there were so many rules and regulations.

When Zhang Qiding saw Zhang Daxiang propose 20 million to build a gas station, he immediately guessed that his brother's grandson probably only wanted to raise 4 million.

“Young man, you know the rules when speaking in the main hall. As long as you have a plan, and everyone thinks it's a legitimate business that can make money, then people will definitely contribute money and effort. It's the same for people in the big and small businesses who want to go abroad or become officials.”

Zhang Qiding spoke, which was enough to set the tone.

Moreover, Zhang Qiding's identity is rather special. He is the adopted son of Zhang Zhixu of the Three Ranks. In the eyes of the Big Ranks and the Second Ranks, he is not considered a true member of the family. Of course, in the eyes of the people in the Three Ranks, Zhang Qiding is family, after all, it was decided by the old master.

This delicate relationship meant that the uncles and brothers in the second and third tiers of college had no objection to Zhang Qiding's fair statement.

"Don't worry, Grandpa, I've already made copies of the project proposal. There are two sets in total, and they're all made. The thicker one is for opening a gas station, and the thinner one is for running a cold storage business."

Well-prepared, Zhang Daxiang distributed the plan to the old men. The few remaining great-grandfathers of the "Zhi" generation also took a copy to review. They were not making decisions now, but because of their high prestige and wide connections, their attitude could increase the chances of success in ensuring that their great-grandfather Zhang Qiheng's official position and benefits could be passed down to the fourth generation.

Zhang Daxiang seeks benefits for his future sons or daughters, but the people he asks for are either their parents or grandparents. However, for those of the "Zhi" generation, it's just a matter of informing their children and grandchildren.

There is a fundamental difference, and it also saves on gift money.

"You said you wanted to open a factory, and you've already raised over 200,000 yuan. Business is indeed good, and many women in our Zhang family have earned money nearby to support their families. You, little rascal, are capable and have a conscience."

"But more than 20 million... that's really too much. If anything happens, we're not exactly rolling in money, so the pressure won't be small."

"We need to look at things separately. I think Little Elephant's plan is still feasible. Now that 'Shizipo' is gaining momentum, those drivers who travel around are also hesitant and afraid of taking advantage of others. 'Shizipo' has fair prices and doesn't overcharge acquaintances, and it can also prevent fuel theft and roadblocks. It will definitely expand further in the second half of the year. As for opening a gas station, it's only a matter of time. If we don't open one, others who aren't blind will open one."

"How about we start this business on a smaller scale, like a small gas station, and then sell it later if a big company comes to acquire it?"

The older generation generally has good judgment. They know that many businesses can make money, but it also depends on who does it and whether they have the courage and ability.

Just like Zhang Daxiang selling fast food at "Wujiatan," which is basically just setting up a stall to sell boxed lunches, the method is clear and worthless, but Zhang Daxiang didn't bother with it, and Zhang Shicun just didn't have anyone else in mind.

At the same time, even if they went to set up stalls, not many people would think of turning "itinerant merchants" into "stationary merchants." After Zhang Daxiang took a small piece of metasequoia forest, his momentum was quite strong. The elders in the family knew that this junior was capable.

The confidence to raise 200,000 yuan for Zhang Daxiang was based on two factors: Zhang Daxiang's ability and the proven profitability of "Shizipo".

That's considered zero risk.

But now, it's not zero risk.

Twenty-four million... If we want to share the risk, we should definitely gather opinions from everyone in Zhangshi Village who shares the surname Zhang, and then discuss it. Those who are interested can contribute money, and those who are willing but don't have money can contribute their labor. If each family contributes ten or twenty thousand, we can definitely raise the money.

One of the advantages of having a large group is that the risks are spread over a small family, rather than being as heavy as a mountain.

Before long, the men in charge of the household started smoking, pondering whether to go all in or give a gift at a wedding.

Perhaps the atmosphere had reached a certain point, Zhang Qiding spoke again: "Little Elephant, the proposal you've put forward involves two businesses. Putting over twenty million upfront is too risky. But if we don't pursue these businesses, those with foresight will definitely be eyeing them. How about this: for the gas station business, we'll first ask 'Wujiatan' for land, securing a foothold; for the cold storage business, since you've acquired shares in 'Jin Sangye,' and we're related by marriage, it's only four million. I'll offer three hundred and fifty thousand, and I'll have your two uncles write you IOUs later..."

Upon hearing the old man's elder brother speak up, Zhang Daxiang grinned, "Grandpa, you're a former school principal after all. What you've said makes more sense and is safer. Next year, when I have more funds, I can still set up the gas station facilities."

The grandfather and grandson, who had clearly not communicated, were singing in unison in the ancestral hall. The wise elders had already seen through the trickery, but they didn't say anything.

It's an unnecessary thing, and it's not a losing proposition; it can actually make money.

Furthermore, as Zhang Daxiang's business grows, his family can also benefit.

Right now, in the Zhang family, regardless of which branch, there are women who have lost their husbands and are raising their children alone while serving their parents-in-law, all working for Zhang Daxiang.

A few hundred yuan a month is enough to cover expenses. Most importantly, Zhang Daxiang doesn't overwork people, which is a perfect contrast to his peers.

"Shizipo" is not a shady business; it can't rip off outsiders, nor can it rip off its own people.

However, the older generation was still taken aback by Zhang Qiding's actions. Taking out 350,000 yuan directly, they were afraid he had used his life savings.

Little did they know that the 350,000 yuan was originally part of Zhang Qiding's plan. He just had an opportunity to witness it in the ancestral hall and make his stance clear.

If Zhang Daxiang's business grows bigger and stronger, it will be because Zhang Qiding has a keen eye for talent and is indeed worthy of being a former school principal. He's just that awesome.

“Uncle Qi Ding, you’re offering 350,000? I only have 280,000 on hand. Keep 30,000 for emergencies, and lend the 250,000 to Little Elephant.”

"I only have a few hundred and twenty thousand yuan, which I won't need for a while, so let's keep the exact twenty thousand."

“My father and I together have 110,000 yuan, so we're considered one family.”

"Damn it... I only have five thousand copper coins in my pocket. I should have known better than to buy a motorcycle. Ah Xiang, I don't save much from my job, so consider it five thousand. Don't think it's too little, but I'll come help out when we start work..."

After it started, there were plenty of people in the family willing to bet on Zhang Daxiang. In the end, when the ancestral hall's accountant tallied the numbers, the amount was much more than four million.

(End of this chapter)