Spring Breeze Twenty Years

Chapter 1028 Swords and Shadows

There was a knock on the door. Xiaowei got up and opened it. Chen Hui walked in. Xiaowei hung up the phone with Xiaohong, and the two sat down on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and Chen Hui asked, "Xiaohong?"

Xiao Wei said, "Yeah, we should remember to bring back some local specialties for everyone when we go back. We also need to pay attention to how we get along with the people here in the future; it's very important."

Chen Hui nodded and said, "My mother also mentioned this. She said that leadership is an art. It's not about how capable you are, but whether you can lead a team well."

Xiao Wei said, "I reckon you'll have to do this; I'm definitely not as good as you."

Chen Hui said, "My dad has something to do, so let's make our own arrangements for dinner tonight. What should we eat?"

Xiao Wei said, "Let's ask Wang Jiwei and the others. I'm fine with anything. Let's see what they want to eat."

……

The next day, the two met with leaders from the investment promotion bureaus of the three districts in a small conference room at the hotel.

The three groups of people were a little stunned when they met, and then their expressions changed drastically. They stared at each other warily and suspiciously, and the room became tense and oppressive. Suddenly, they felt a chill.

In that era, Kyoto also faced a heavy task in attracting investment. It did not yet have the same political and leading advantages as other places later on, although its private sector development was ahead of the curve.

Xiao Wei and Chen Hui ushered the three groups into the conference room, served tea and cigarettes, and after everyone introduced themselves, they got down to business.

"Good morning, leaders," Xiao Wei said. "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with us. I'll get straight to the point. We want to acquire land in Kyoto for development, mainly to operate shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants, with some residential units. We'd like to understand the specific conditions and requirements of each district."

The leader from Fengtai looked at the people from Haidian and Chaoyang, coughed, and said, "We certainly welcome this. However, the situation is rather complicated, and specific details need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. This is not something that can be explained in just a few words."

The representative from Haidian said, "We are building the largest national-level high-tech park in the country, relying on the universities within the district. I'm sure Mr. Zhang and Mr. Chen have heard about it. We have nationally unified policies and measures in place. Mr. Zhang and Mr. Chen are welcome to visit us, and then we can discuss the specifics, okay?"

Chaoyang said, "In the future, our district will be developed as an international business office district for the country and even the capital. The China World Trade Center, with an investment of US$500 million, has already opened. Our area is definitely the most suitable place for the future development of standard commercial companies."

Fengtai is in a hurry: "We will immediately start building the largest and most advanced railway station in Kyoto, which will become the new gateway to Kyoto. Standard commercial companies need more ordinary consumers, and people from all over the country will gather here."

Chen Hui glanced at the three groups staring at each other like fighting cocks, thought for a moment, and said, "Don't be in a hurry. Maybe I didn't explain it clearly yesterday. We plan to invest three to five hundred million in each of your three districts."

We've brought you all here today to save time, not to try and get a discount. I originally wanted to contact the city government directly, but my dad said we should talk to your district government first.

The leader in Chaoyang asked, "Who is your father?"

Chen Hui said, "My dad is Chen Jianguo, he works in the power industry."

The leader thought for a moment, then asked with a smile, "Um, where does your father work? Would you mind telling me? We're in low-ranking positions, and we don't have a lot of information."

Chen Hui said, "He's the executive director of the Ministry of Electric Power, and he came from Fengtian."

All three parties nodded in agreement; they were aware of the news regarding the restructuring of the Ministry of Electric Power Industry.

Chen Hui said, "Our company has projects all over Northeast China, and most of our real estate is for our own use, including shopping malls, logistics, hotels, food, and restaurants. My parents came here, so we thought it would be more convenient for them to come over in the future. I'm an only child."

The Chaoyang district leader asked, "Is the property you're developing for your own use?"

Chen Hui nodded and said, "Yes, mostly for our own use. We have developed a total of 4,500 mu of land in Fengtian, more than 200 mu in Xidu, more than 400 mu in Bingcheng, and about 300 mu in other cities on average. We plan to build three sites in Beijing, about 100 mu each, and 200 mu in Tianjing."

The leaders in Haidian District asked, "What kind of company is yours?"

Chen Hui said, "It's a private company, a group company, run by the three of us. We're currently accepting foreign investment and financing. The basic framework has been agreed upon, and we should be able to update the information before the end of the year."

The leader in Haidian raised an eyebrow: "Are you sure? Which country?"

Chen Hui said, "The UK, not Hong Kong. To be honest, as the company has grown, management has fallen behind. They are indeed stronger in this area, and there's nothing we can do about it. So many people below us are waiting for their salaries to eat."

All three leaders nodded in understanding. During this period, the company indeed had many management problems, and the country's vigorous introduction of foreign investment also stemmed from a desire to learn from others.

Xiao Wei said, "That's basically our situation. The land development is a comprehensive commercial plaza, which includes a self-operated shopping mall, a supermarket, a free market, a five-star hotel, office buildings, upscale restaurants, and residences. Then the food factory will follow, and we will open more than 150 shops throughout the city."

Chen Hui said, "Except for management positions, all positions will be filled locally, and we will provide training and guidance."

The leaders of Fengtai asked, "After you raise funds, who will be the controlling shareholder?" This was an inquiry into who would have the final say after foreign investment entered the market.

Xiao Wei said, "After they come in, we will have a joint ownership structure. We will become a shareholder of the foreign company and continue to manage the domestic business. Rest assured, leaders, what we agreed on will not change. We guarantee that."

The three leaders exchanged glances, and now they were all on the same side again, their communication completed in a few moments. The Fengtai District leader said, "Well, I need to go back and report to my superiors. It might take a few days to communicate, and then we'll come up with a corresponding policy based on your situation. It should take about three or four days, how about that?"

Xiao Wei said, "It's okay, there's no rush. Just give us a definite answer before the New Year. If it's okay, we'll do it; if not, we'll think of another way."

The leaders of Fengtai District smiled and said, "It won't be that long. The country is now making every effort to attract foreign investment and requires us to provide you with efficient and high-quality services. Approvals and construction will be given the green light all the way. We're serious about this. You can rest assured."

Chen Hui said, "By the way, we're planning to buy a courtyard house in either the Dongcheng or Xicheng district. We need one with full property rights, preferably a three-courtyard house, so it'll be convenient for us to settle down here in the future. Our staff can also work here until the project is finished. Could the leaders help us think of a solution?"

The leader in Chaoyang asked, "Are there any specific goals? Or any specific requirements?"

Chen Hui said, "We don't have a specific target location, and we're not familiar with this area, so we're asking you leaders for help. The location shouldn't be too remote, and it just needs to be easily accessible by car. Of course, it would be best if it were a place that wouldn't be affected by future urban redevelopment, to save us trouble."

The leader from Chaoyang nodded and said, "Okay, we'll discuss it and help you find someone. It shouldn't be difficult."

After exchanging a few more polite words, the three parties said their goodbyes and left. Chen Hui said, "Now they've reached an agreement; they're going to find a place to discuss things further."

(End of this chapter)