Chapter 1085: Pleasant Cooperation

The two had not sat alone drinking like this for a long time, speaking freely, and without realizing it, they had emptied two jin of alcohol. Lu Qi was still longing for more and planned to go out and buy some. But just then, his wife, Yu Li, called. The woman had recently become pregnant and her temperament was somewhat changed; Yu Li had been particularly clingy lately.

Xu Chunliang told him to hurry home to avoid making Yu Li angry.

Lu Qi went to settle the bill, only to find out Xu Chunliang had already paid it while he was in the restroom.

Lu Qi wanted to return the money to Xu Chunliang, but Xu Chunliang pushed him out, called a taxi and stuffed him inside, instructing the driver to ensure Lu Qi got home safely.

Xu Chunliang’s home wasn’t far away; he was almost there when Hua Zhuyue called, asking if he had finished eating. Zhang Hengyang had attended the banquet tonight, their side had already ended, and she and Zhang Hengyang planned to drink some more at the Marriott lounge.

Hua Zhuyue had booked a room at the Marriott but hadn’t used it last night; she slept at Xu Chunliang’s place.

Initially, Hua Zhuyue wanted her assistant to pick him up, but Xu Chunliang said there was no need; it wasn’t far, he would walk over.

Xu Chunliang arrived at the executive lounge at the Marriott, where Hua Zhuyue and Zhang Hengyang were already waiting, having a good conversation.

Seeing Xu Chunliang arrive, Zhang Hengyang quickly got up to greet him: “Director Xu, why didn’t you come tonight?”

Hua Zhuyue teased, “Giving me no face.”

Xu Chunliang chuckled, “Whose face would I dare refuse, especially President Hua’s? I had other engagements.”

After they sat down, the trio clinked their glasses.

Hua Zhuyue said, “Zhang and I have already decided to cooperate.”

Zhang Hengyang said, “Thanks to President Hua for the honor, I will certainly do my best.”

Xu Chunliang thought to himself that nobody would refuse money. He raised his glass, “Then congratulations to you both, may your collaboration succeed and achieve great things.”

Zhang Hengyang put down his glass and got to business, “Da Heng’s internal situation is very chaotic now, I estimate it will crash soon. At times like this, negotiating with them might get us a lower price; but the key issue with Da Heng is their breach of promises to Dongzhou. If the Dongzhou leadership holds them accountable, we can minimize the cost.”

Xu Chunliang nodded; Zhang Hengyang didn’t need to elaborate for him to understand. Of the three, he was familiar with Wang Jianming and best positioned to act.

Zhang Hengyang handed a document folder to Xu Chunliang, containing Da Heng’s internal materials, obtainable only through Zhang’s channels.

Zhang Hengyang’s departure from Da Heng was timely, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t resentful towards his old employer. The rewards promised by the group weren’t fulfilled; in business, betrayal for profit is commonplace, especially since Da Heng wronged him first.

Shortly after handing over the documents to Xu Chunliang, Zhang Hengyang excused himself and left; he knew well when it was appropriate to leave.

Xu Chunliang glanced at the scarf around Hua Zhuyue’s neck and couldn’t help but laugh.

Hua Zhuyue glared at him, “You still dare to laugh? I almost couldn’t go out.”

Xu Chunliang teased, “Such a simple thing, a cupping mark can cover that.”

Hua Zhuyue responded, “That’s just making it worse.” She put down her glass and whispered, “Is that person reliable?”

Xu Chunliang replied, “He wouldn’t dare; trust the people you use and don’t use those you distrust.”

Hua Zhuyue nodded, agreeing with the principle.

Xu Chunliang asked, “Satisfied with the results of the assessment?”

Hua Zhuyue said, “We’ve already decided to place our New Star Film and Television Base there.”

That essentially gave the answer, and Xu Chunliang raised his glass, “To our pleasant cooperation.”

Hua Zhuyue retorted, “How can you be sure our cooperation will be pleasant?”

Xu Chunliang, eyeing her ample bosom, replied, “Deep cooperation must be pleasant.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “I need to know more about you to decide whether to work with you closely.”

Xu Chunliang concluded, “Tired, let’s go home.”

Hua Zhuyue shook her head, “I’m staying here tonight.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t sleep well at your place, always worried you might sneak in at night.”

Xu Chunliang laughed; he had indeed thought about it, but he was never one to force. He murmured, “I didn’t break in last night; are you mocking me as being worse than a beast?”

Hua Zhuyue laughed, “If you dared to sneak in, I’d kick you out.” Her gaze softened, “Chunliang, give me some time, okay?”

Xu Chunliang nodded, “Zhuyue, I respect whatever decision you make.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “Don’t call me that, it’s so corny!”

At this moment, someone walked up to them. Xu Chunliang recognized him as Wang Hongfeng, the general manager of Mu Tian Group. He and Equatorial Capital had jointly taken over the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital project, and his hot spring resort was also under development and construction.

Wang Hongfeng habitually greeted, “Town Mayor Xu!”

Xu Chunliang smiled, “President Wang, I’m no longer the town mayor.”

Hua Zhuyue helped explain, “Now Town Mayor Xu has become Director Xu.”

Wang Hongfeng shook hands with Xu Chunliang and smiled at Hua Zhuyue, “President Hua, I know you. We met in Nanjiang in the past, back when you were in charge of Blue Star’s business.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “President Wang of Mu Tian Group, I haven’t mistaken, have I?”

Wang Hongfeng laughed, “President Hua’s memory is truly remarkable. I thought you had long forgotten about me.”

Hua Zhuyue smiled, “Since you remember me, how could I possibly forget you.”

Wang Hongfeng said to Xu Chunliang, “You don’t mind if I join, right?”

Xu Chunliang gestured invitingly, and Wang Hongfeng sat down, calling over the waiter to order another bottle of wine, indicating he’d cover tonight’s bill.

Wang Hongfeng said, “I heard President Hua went to the island for an inspection?”

Hua Zhuyue said, “President Wang, you really have a keen source of information.”

Xu Chunliang felt a slight shock in his heart, instantly realizing that the news must have leaked from within the Culture and Tourism Bureau, also proving that Wang Hongfeng had connections inside the bureau.

Wang Hongfeng laughed, “I have projects on Weishan Island. The island is small, so there’s really no such thing as a secret.”

Xu Chunliang took a sip of wine, displaying a nonchalant demeanor.

Hua Zhuyue said, “It seems President Wang and I are somewhat connected by fate.”

Wang Hongfeng burst into laughter, “I’m not gossiping. I was guessing if President Hua’s visit was to investigate Da Heng’s Yiyang Hot Spring Town project?”

Hua Zhuyue suspected that Wang Hongfeng’s appearance was not a coincidence. Although her inspection of the Yiyang Hot Spring Town project had been low-key, he still knew about it. The informants from the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau were indeed effective.

Since the other party had made things so clear, there was no need for her to conceal it. Hua Zhuyue said calmly, “I’m selecting a site for the company’s film and television base, and Weishan Island is just one of my prospects.”

Wang Hongfeng glanced at Xu Chunliang and smiled, “Ever since Director Xu left Hu Shan Town, the island has undergone considerable changes. Due to the shift in development focus by Dongzhou, the island’s development has become much less active.”

Xu Chunliang said, “What do you mean by much less active?”

Wang Hongfeng said, “Before, there was a lot of talk but little action. Now, there’s no talk, and the rain is nearly stopping. A visit to the island would show that more than half of the projects are on hold, and those not yet started are either slowing development or simply withdrawing. The root cause is that people are unsure of the city’s stance—whether this national-level tourism and vacation area will even proceed. In our country, doing business hinges on policy, especially for projects on Weishan Island. If the policies don’t keep up, the larger the investment, the greater the loss.”

Although unclear of Wang Hongfeng’s real intentions, his words had expressed the concerns of many investors on the island.

Xu Chunliang said, “Who says the city’s policy has changed? Secretary Wang recently inspected Weishan Island.”

“What good is an inspection without any policies? I’m not complaining, but look at the investment in the Weishan Lake project in Jizhou, then at Dongzhou. They’re simply not in the same league, and Dongzhou’s economy is much better than Jizhou’s.”

Xu Chunliang said, “From what you’re saying, do you regret investing on the island?”

Wang Hongfeng laughed, “Not exactly. This project is a collaboration with Equatorial Capital. We mainly handle construction and operational management, and the primary investment comes from Equatorial Capital, so the risk we face is relatively small. Plus, both the environment and the hot spring quality are top-notch domestically.”

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, this guy is taking advantage and playing it humble. If it weren’t for my cooperation with Mo Han, he wouldn’t have had the chance to take this advantage.

The brewery’s hot spring is nominally under Mo Han, giving him substantial influence in this area. Previously, when Mu Tian Group tried to monopolize by refusing water supply to Xianhong Farm’s hot spring hotel, Xu Chunliang easily resolved the issue.

Hua Zhuyue said, “Has President Wang’s hot spring resort project been completed?”

Wang Hongfeng said, “The first phase is basically done, but we’re building in three phases, with the entire project scheduled to finish by the end of next year. Now, it depends on the city’s policies.” His gaze fell once more upon Xu Chunliang, not because Xu’s face held more appeal than Hua Zhuyue’s, but in hopes of gleaning more information.

For businessmen, money is more alluring than beauty, as they grasp the concept that with enough wealth, they can effortlessly win over many beauties. Even with Equatorial Capital backing Mu Tian Group, Wang Hongfeng still hopes the project will yield substantial profits. Since Wang Jianming took command, the development heat on Weishan Island has plummeted to freezing point.

Wang Hongfeng is naturally aware of Da Heng’s recent events. Initially, Equatorial Capital intended to take over Da Heng’s project as well, but the intervention of Mingde Group thwarted that plan.

Believing Da Heng’s project would rise like a phoenix from the ashes, it was unexpected that Mingde Group’s promised investment has yet to materialize. Currently, Da Heng is in a state of crisis, surrounded on all sides. Hua Zhuyue’s inspection at this time is certainly considering a takeover, as many are looking to get a deal on a good investment.

Wang Hongfeng had also considered it, but he couldn’t gauge the city’s policies. Without a clear stance from Wang Jianming, no one dares to assure the success of this national-level resort development.