Rushing to Their Deaths

Mayor Zhao quickly held a short meeting.

Everyone at the city hall was ecstatic.

Secretary Wu narrowed his eyes, "Lu Chengwen, that stingy, unscrupulous businessman, why is he being so generous today? He's definitely going to make a demand we can't accept."

Mayor Zhao nodded, "Naturally. Merchants don't rise early without profit. But this project has to be done by someone. We've already put up dozens of building frames; we can't just leave them to rust and be used as toilets!"

"With such a big change, we need to get approval from the province."

"I'll handle that. You just focus on keeping Lu Chengwen stable. If the approval comes through and he refuses to pay, that would be truly embarrassing."

"Understood."

Conference Room.

Mayor Zhao returned to the conference room.

Secretary Wu continued to preside over the meeting, asking everyone to state their position.

The result was no different. Everyone was still evasive, saying only pleasantries, and no one wanted to contribute any money.

Finally, Hu Shuhui jumped out again, "Lu Chengwen, why are you leaving to take a call as soon as the meeting starts? Have you no respect for Mayor Zhao? We've all stated our positions. You're the richest in Xuecheng, so you pay the lion's share, and we'll pay the smaller portion! What's your stance?"

Hu Shuhui was certain he had Lu Chengwen cornered.

He had just realized that in his attempt to compete with Lu Chengwen, he had dragged over a dozen other companies down with him. They could only present a united front: if Lu Chengwen paid, they would pay.

They wouldn't have had to agree to this originally, and now everyone wished they could drag Hu Shuhui out and beat him until he was crippled.

Therefore, to save face, Hu Shuhui could only target Lu Chengwen.

He was convinced that Lu Chengwen would absolutely refuse to pay.

Him? A black-hearted businessman.

If you let him speculate and take advantage, he'd be more resourceful than anyone. But if you asked him to invest in building the city, especially in something that looked like throwing money into a black hole, he would die before agreeing.

If he didn't agree, then no one else would have to pay.

Lu Chengwen looked around and smiled, "Is that everyone's sentiment?"

A few people responded sparsely.

Lu Chengwen laughed heartily, "I grew up in Xuecheng. Xuecheng is my home, and the people of Xuecheng are my elders and kin. I, Lu Chengwen, may not have much else, but I know how to spell 'loyalty' and 'righteousness.' I still have some loyalty to the nation and the desire to serve. This project, my Lu Family will lead and take over!"

The entire room erupted in shock.

Leng Qingqiu's eyes widened in disbelief.

She thought Lu Chengwen had been bluffing yesterday, that no one would touch such a business.

Chen Mengyun was also extremely surprised, while Xu Xuejiao narrowed her eyes, feeling that Lu Chengwen must have a hidden motive.

Now, the more than a dozen entrepreneurs couldn't sit still. They all started speaking, and the scene descended into chaos.

Hu Shuhui angrily questioned, "Lu Chengwen, aren't you in cahoots with Mayor Zhao to trap us?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, everyone was stunned and looked towards Mayor Zhao.

Secretary Wu immediately said angrily, "Hu Shuhui, what are you saying?! Did you even think before speaking?"

Hu Shuhui also panicked, "I'm sorry, Mayor Zhao, I... I was just anxious and spouted nonsense. But this Lu Chengwen... he's a black-hearted businessman, much more so than me. How could he possibly pay for such a losing venture? There must be a trick!"

Lu Chengwen said, "In business, it's about profit. That's right, I, Lu Chengwen, never do business at a loss. But this shantytown renovation project, it's not just business. As merchants and entrepreneurs, when faced with issues of great importance, only thinking about personal gain shows a lack of vision. I see this project not as business, but as a national economic plan, a matter of public livelihood, a crucial project for urban development, and a necessary path to hometown prosperity! What am I working so hard and meticulously to earn money for? It's precisely so that at critical moments, I can give back to society and benefit my hometown!"

Mayor Zhao, who had been as steady as a rock, took the lead in applauding, "Well said! If all entrepreneurs had the awareness and vision of CEO Lu, the development of our Xuecheng would surely be at the forefront nationally! Let's give CEO Lu a round of applause!"

Everyone applauded reluctantly.

Sweat dripped from Hu Shuhui's forehead.

He'd fallen into the trap just like that?! This lunatic wanted to die and drag all of them down with him?

"Lu Chengwen, you speak passionately, it sounds convincing. I ask you, how much are you paying? Don't even bother if it's less than five billion, it's not enough!"

Lu Chengwen snorted, "Look at your limited vision. Our Great Sage Group will invest at least fifty billion!"

Upon hearing this, Mayor Zhao's eyes lit up, and he turned to look at Secretary Wu.

Secretary Wu also became excited and nodded at Mayor Zhao.

This time, it truly exploded.

At first, everyone thought Lu Chengwen wouldn't pay a single cent.

Then they thought he was just saying pretty words, playing a leading role, and would symbolically pay a small amount to get by.

Fifty billion!

That was money they could never spend in a lifetime!

Secretary Wu quickly said, "Everyone, please quiet down, ah, quiet down. We've all seen it. CEO Lu is truly a model of Xuecheng's business community. This time, he's truly offering timely help with open hands. We should all learn from his noble character of loving the country and hometown, disregarding personal gain."

Then, very smoothly, he transitioned, "Since CEO Lu has stated his position, do you all remember what you said earlier? Please, everyone, state your position."

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

Hu Shuhui was stunned.

He didn't understand, completely unable to comprehend.

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What's wrong with Lu Chengwen? Is he crazy? Is he stupid? Has he gone senile?

How could he possibly pay this money? Is the Lu family trying to court disaster?

Lu Chengwen smiled and said, "Mr. Hu, I don't have any other requests for you. I'll take on all the large projects and constructions. You just need to contribute some money for charity."

"Huh? Charity? How... how do I do charity?"

"Here's how, I'll give you two options. First, you invest fifty billion according to the proportion. I'll invest five hundred billion, and we'll split the profits according to the proportion. Second, we've planned over two hundred public restrooms here, and you'll pay for them. Each one costs two hundred thousand, totaling around thirty million. You choose."

Hu Shuhui was on the verge of tears.

Fifty billion. If Lu Chengwen invested fifty billion, it wouldn't be a big deal for Hu Shuhui. But if he had to pay fifty billion himself, it would definitely cripple him.

What's more, this money could very well be thrown into the sea!

On one side was a fifty billion venture capital investment, and on the other was thirty million for charity.

Thinking that fifty billion could potentially be lost entirely, Hu Shuhui gritted his teeth. "Fine! What's said is done! I'll build the toilets in the shantytown!"

As Lu Chengwen and everyone else expected, Hu Shuhui chose to avert disaster by losing money. He'd rather spend thirty million on charity than risk fifty billion alongside Lu Chengwen's perceived madness.

Mayor Zhao was very astute. As soon as he heard Hu Shuhui's commitment, he immediately gave Secretary Wu a look.

Secretary Wu immediately walked over with the investment contract. "Alright, Mr. Hu, please sign here."

Hu Shuhui felt like crying his eyes out.

What kind of situation was this? He came to a meeting and ended up shelling out thirty million!

His father would scold him to death when he got back!

Moreover, Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu were a pair of cunning foxes. Mayor Zhao was deeply strategic, and Secretary Wu was ruthless. The moment you agreed, they already had the contract prepared for you.

Unknowingly, Hu Shuhui had become a tool for Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu.

At this very moment, Hu Shuhui was essentially setting the precedent.

He was the first to agree to pay, and now he was the first to sign the contract.

With Hu Shuhui as the example, the others wouldn't be able to escape.

Want to leave this conference room? See that? It's thirty million to start!

Hu Shuhui signed the contract, his face turning green.

"Everyone, I've signed! It's for hometown construction! It's what I, Hu Shuhui, should do."

Mayor Zhao smiled and applauded again. "Let's thank Mr. Hu for his noble integrity."

At this point, all the others were stunned.

Secretary Wu saw that the time was right. Lu Chengwen had played the role of the initiator, and Hu Shuhui had played the role of the sacrificial lamb. Now, it was time to confront them one by one, from largest to smallest, and apply pressure.

"Mr. Xu." He looked at Xu Xuejiao. "Shouldn't Houde Group also state its position?"

Lu Chengwen smiled. "Mayor Zhao, Secretary Wu, you don't need to ask anyone else. I, Lu Chengwen, will personally fund the entire shantytown construction. Other business friends who are interested in investing can come and talk to me. If you're not interested, I won't force you. I only hope that when the Lu family executes this project, if we need the help of our friends, you will extend a helping hand and support the Lu family."

Mayor Zhao was so moved he was about to cry.

In the past, everyone had criticized Lu Chengwen, the "Boss" of the Lu family, as incompetent, a stingy businessman who wouldn't give an inch and was quick to take advantage of others, but slow to do actual work.

Today, this sudden move had truly surprised him.

He felt like a begging monk, coercing and enticing everyone to pay and take over the project. Now, Lu Chengwen had handled it all himself, saving him from offending all the business leaders.

The other entrepreneurs were also ecstatic.

They didn't have to pay!

Fantastic!

Hu Shuhui turned people into ghosts, but Lu Chengwen turned ghosts into people!

Everyone sincerely stood up and shook Lu Chengwen's hand, expressing their gratitude.

Lu Chengwen smiled, greeting each of them with a regal demeanor.

Mayor Zhao also walked over, smiling as he shook Lu Chengwen's hand. "Chengwen, on behalf of the Municipal Committee, the Municipal Government, and the thirty million citizens of this city, I thank you!"

"You're too kind, Mayor Zhao."

At this moment, Leng Qingqiu suddenly stood up. "Qianfeng Group is willing to invest in the shantytown project. I hope Mr. Lu will give us an opportunity."

One strange event after another was happening today.

Lu Chengwen's seemingly suicidal move, not forcing others to join or dragging anyone down with him, had already made everyone feel overwhelmed.

Now, Leng Qingqiu had also stepped forward.

Was someone actually jumping into the pit voluntarily?

Leng Qingqiu continued, "However, the Leng family cannot come up with too much cash right now. I hope Mr. Lu won't mind."

Lu Chengwen's earlier offer to take on everything himself was one thing, but Leng Qingqiu actively stepping forward in front of Mayor Zhao and Secretary Wu now carried a different implication.

Lu Chengwen froze in place, unsure how to speak.

Mayor Zhao glanced from Lu Chengwen to Leng Qingqiu.

He pondered, They're getting engaged, it seems they're united. But is today's matter really that simple?

Just then, Xu Xuejiao also stood up. "Brother Chengwen, why didn't you call me to do good deeds? The Xu Family is willing to participate in the shantytown renovation project."

Dozens of heads in the room turned, looking for answers on others' faces, but all they saw was bewilderment.

Finally, Chen Mengyun also stood. "The Chen Family certainly won't stand idly by. I ask for your guidance, President Lu, from now on."

Lu Chengwen was stunned.

What are you guys doing!?

Are you all serious?

Are you rushing to die, and competing to do it first!?