Financial freedom starts with smiling at life

Chapter 395: For the wealthy, it's just a big toy!
"Zhang Bureau!"

"Beicheng, no, Mr. Jiang, please have a seat." Director Zhang of the Social Organization Administration Bureau invited Jiang Beicheng into his office.

When the first branch of Beicheng Hotel opened, he went to support Jiang Beicheng under the guise of researching the influencer economy, out of respect for Jiang Tao and Hailin, and to intimidate the leaders of the catering association at the time.

I never imagined that Jiangbei City would climb so high in just over a year.

Not long ago, I was also met by the Municipal Committee and had a face-to-face exchange with the Secretary to discuss the economic development of Jiangnan City.

It has been reported on both the internal network and television.

Although I am a division-level cadre, I still feel that my rank is a bit too low when I am serving in Jiangbei City.

Jiang Beicheng knows many bureau-level leaders, not to mention leaders of the municipal party committee and government.

So I changed the way I address him to "General Manager Jiang" because it's no longer appropriate to call him "Beicheng" as before.

However, Zhang Ju of Jiangbei City was not concerned with the title of his name, and he himself respected being addressed as "Zhang Ju".

"Director Zhang, what is your attitude towards the report I submitted?" Jiang Beicheng asked.

Director Zhang first brewed Jiang Beicheng a cup of tea, then sat down and slowly explained, "President Jiang, to be honest, I can't guarantee that this dockside chamber of commerce will be approved by the higher-ups."

If we were to apply our vetting criteria, very few of the members of the dockside chamber of commerce would pass.

I believe you know the reason.

The social composition is somewhat complex, which is a challenge.

“I understand, Director Zhang.” Jiang Beicheng nodded and shared his thoughts, “Director Zhang, most of these members are entrepreneurs recognized by the district and county governments, and they have government backing.”

Moreover, they maintain a relatively good relationship with the local government.

My idea is to first gather this social force together, and then guide it.

You can't deny that their business is closely connected with the grassroots.

If we let them continue down their old, unorthodox methods, they might one day cross the line, ultimately harming our ordinary people.

Director Zhang considered, "President Jiang, what if members of the dockside chamber of commerce overstep their bounds in the future..."

Jiang Beicheng said directly, "Prosecute them directly according to the law."

Director Zhang, how many corrupt officials are eliminated from the system every year?

We are a social organization that accepts the leadership of the government and contributes to social development.

Bringing them under our control is also to prevent some people from challenging the law for profit.

“President Jiang, I’m a little worried that you’ll end up taking the blame for them, which will damage your image,” Director Zhang said.

He can be considered an "angel investor" in Jiangbei City. The higher Jiangbei City climbs, the more it will help his future career to some extent.

I really don't want Jiang Beicheng to get involved in this mess; there's no need.

Just establish yourself as an "Outstanding Young Entrepreneur of Jiangnan City".

Within the system, what they often seek is a mindset that avoids making mistakes.

Jiangbei City has taken a rather big step.

"Director Zhang, have you seen Jiangnan City's tourism performance report for this National Day holiday?" Jiang Beicheng said directly, "Jiangnan City's ability to rise from negative public opinion, turn the tide, and finally maintain its position as the city with the highest number of tourists in the country is inseparable from this social force."

You know I'm a venture capitalist. Risks can be mitigated through hedging and other methods, but you won't see any returns unless you get involved.

Director Zhang nodded.

I took a few sips of tea.

After thinking for a moment, he replied to Jiang Beicheng, "Okay, you prepare the materials, and I'll write a report and see what the leaders think."

Mr. Jiang, I'm taking a cautious approach to this matter..."

Jiang Beicheng smiled and said, "I understand, Director Zhang. No need for further explanation. Just follow the procedures."

"Then Mr. Jiang, just wait for my news," Director Zhang said with a smile.

"Let's get together for dinner this weekend, just me and a few old acquaintances like Uncle Hailin," Jiang Beicheng said.

People within the system, especially those with some real power, do not have extensive contact with businessmen and other members of society in private.

In private, my social interactions consist of the same few acquaintances.

First, the risk is low; second, all other people combined probably don't reach the level of these few acquaintances.

So there is no need.

Jiangbei City holds a relatively high position in the hearts of many leading cadres. "Alright, we'll keep in touch. I won't keep you for lunch in the canteen today; I have to go out to inspect the work of several social organizations later," Director Zhang said.

Jiang Beicheng smiled and shook hands with him.

I said goodbye to Director Zhang first.

After leaving the Social Organization Administration Bureau, Jiang Beicheng called Miao Zhi and asked her to mobilize and compile a list of merchants and submit it to him as soon as possible.

He instructed Secretary Shen to prepare the necessary materials and submit them together.

"Xie Jun, go to the Wanguo Luxury Car Mall," Jiang Beicheng instructed the driver.

Yesterday, Mr. Feng from the luxury car dealership sent him a message saying he had found him a Land Rover Defender 90 single-cab pickup truck with two doors.

Recently, he has taken a liking to studying vintage cars.

This car is suitable for casual driving.

There's a saying in the automotive world: Land Rover pickups aren't suitable for carrying people or cargo; they're only good for looking cool.

Whether it's going out for a casual getaway to a street cafe or going camping, the Land Rover Defender single-door pickup truck is perfect for these leisurely occasions.

"General Manager Jiang, welcome to provide guidance."

Mr. Feng greeted Jiang Beicheng with a smile, shook hands with him, and offered him a cigarette, saying, "Mr. Jiang, have a smoke."

Jiang Beicheng accepted it with a smile.

I went with them to look at cars.

Mr. Feng said, "Mr. Jiang, it took a lot of effort to get it back from a collector."

This is a limited edition Tomb Raider car commemorating its 60th anniversary, complete with markings on the body.

There's nothing wrong with the car. The original owner was a collector, and the car had only run a few thousand kilometers.

I cherish it very much.

Jiang Beicheng smiled as he looked at the miniature retro pickup truck. Not bad.

It matches his aesthetic preferences for retro cars.

Only two hundred of these cars were ever released, and they sold out instantly.

Most of them were bought by wealthy players and collectors.

For wealthy gamers, they treat cars as big toys; for collectors, they treat them as works of art.

The number of these vehicles currently in use in China can be counted on two hands.

Jiang Beicheng opened the car door, revealing a strong British style.

The British have always prioritized prestige and aesthetics when building cars, with comfort taking a backseat.

"Has it been inspected for the annual inspection?" Jiang Beicheng asked.

"It's been approved, but it can't be registered locally," Mr. Feng said truthfully.

According to the new regulations on motor vehicle management, the 15-year scrapping limit for these non-commercial vehicles has been abolished, and the limit has been changed to 60 kilometers.

This Land Rover Defender 90 single-cab pickup truck is about the same size as many low-speed electric vehicles, so it can be registered as a small off-road vehicle, which means it has no scrapping deadline.

It only needs to be reviewed annually.

Jiang Beicheng thought it would be perfect to buy it and play with it as a big toy.

"Mr. Feng, name your price!"

"Mr. Jiang, you can check out the market. This car has a very low ownership rate in China, and the market price is around 180 million..."

Jiang Beicheng raised his hand and said, "Mr. Feng, are you being so verbose in doing business these days?"

Mr. Feng smiled and said, "166 million, I'll make a small profit on you."

"Issue an invoice." Jiang Beicheng smiled and patted President Feng on the shoulder.

General Manager Feng called over the finance department and quickly completed the property transfer for Jiangbei City.

After having lunch with General Manager Feng, Jiang Beicheng drove away.

My good friend Azhuo organized a gathering of backpackers and invited me to come and eat roasted whole lamb.

(End of this chapter)