Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

When Yang Guoliang came out of Mayor Gao Yueming's office, his steps were light and quick, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his face. He ran into a few acquaintances in the corridor, and he took the initiative to nod and greet them, which made those people feel a little uncomfortable.

He returned to his office at the Planning Commission, closed the door, sat down, and read the draft document again. 1.7 square kilometers, a satellite city with tens of thousands of people, supporting hospitals, schools, and various commercial facilities—these words were like golden keys to him, capable of opening every door in his career. He steadied himself before picking up the phone and dialing the number for the Peace Hotel.

After the call was transferred, the receptionist at the Peace Hotel informed Yang Guoliang that Chen Dong was out and hadn't returned yet, and asked if there was anything else he needed to be transferred to. Yang Guoliang simply hung up the phone.

He leaned back in his chair, lit a cigarette, and the smoke slowly dissipated in the office. Since they were going to intercept the Shanghai bus, he should act sooner rather than later and contact Chen Dong as soon as possible. Thinking of this, Yang Guoliang couldn't sit still any longer. He got up, grabbed his briefcase, and hurriedly left the office, riding his bicycle towards the Peace Hotel.

Shortly after Yang Guoliang hung up the phone, Chen Dong and Chen Zaixing walked into the hotel lobby at the same time. When the receptionist saw them return, she came over and told Chen Dong that someone had called looking for them.

Chen Dong didn't ask for specific details, but thanked the receptionist and took the elevator to the eighth floor with Chen Zaixing. After the door opened, Chen Zaixing followed him into Chen Dong's room.

After the two sat down, Chen Dong tossed a cigarette to Chen Zaixing and asked with a smile, "Fifth Brother, how was your shopping today? Did you see anything suitable?"

After lighting a cigarette, Chen Zaixing slowly exhaled smoke and said, "I've asked many locals about Nanjing Road, and they all say it's the most prosperous area in Shanghai. I've got my eye on an old building, and I plan to go to the neighborhood office tomorrow to ask for the owner's contact information. I want to buy the whole building and renovate it in the style of our Huaxingsheng Supermarket."

Chen Dong had a high opinion of Chen Zaixing's business acumen, so he asked, "How many floors does that building have? What is its exact size?"

"Four floors. I took a quick look, and each floor is about 350 square meters. If we renovate it directly and add elevators or something, we can open the supermarket in two months," Chen Zaixing said confidently. For him now, money is no longer an issue.

The two brothers were talking about the future supermarket building when there was a knock on the door. Chen Zaiqi got up and went to open the door. Wang Xuewen, who was standing guard at the door, said, "Fifth Brother, this comrade claims to be from the Shanghai Planning Commission and wants to come and talk to the boss about some things."

Yang Guoliang approached Chen Zaixing with great enthusiasm and immediately shook his hand. "Hello, comrade, I am Yang Guoliang, the director of the Shanghai Urban Planning Commission. I've come to see Mr. Chen Zaidong to discuss the Pudong land use planning. I'd like to have a detailed talk with Mr. Chen Zaixong."

Chen Zaixing turned to look at Chen Dong, who was sitting on the sofa. Chen Dong nodded, got up, walked to the door, and extended his hand to Yang Guoliang. "Hello, Director Yang, I am Chen Zaixing. Please come in."

"Hello Mr. Chen," Yang Guoliang walked from the spot Chen Zaixing had cleared to Chen Dong and excitedly shook Chen Dong's outstretched hand. "I am here on behalf of Mayor Gao of the Municipal Government. Mayor Gao has authorized me to discuss the land use and shareholding issues in Pudong with you directly."

A smile appeared on Chen Dong's face, somewhat surprised but also somewhat expected. Shanghai Automotive and Bai Jianbo had set up a stage to invite him over, but he didn't expect the Shanghai Municipal Government to bypass Shanghai Automotive and come directly to talk to him from the stage.

Chen Dong didn't mind. Anyway, the factory in Shanghai was going to open, so it didn't matter who he talked to. Chen Dong pointed to the sofa and said to Yang Guoliang, "Director Yang, let's sit down and talk. There's no rush."

After the three of them sat down, Chen Dong personally poured Yang Guoliang a cup of tea. Yang Guoliang didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point as soon as he sat down, "Mr. Chen, Mayor Gao asked me to tell you that the land issue is negotiable. If 2500 mu is not enough, we can have more. The city fully supports the 'employee community' that Xiaochi Company wants to build. However, the city wants to discuss the shareholding issue directly with Xiaochi."

Chen Dong took a sip of his tea, holding his teacup unhurriedly. "Director Yang, what about Shanghai Automotive? We've already reached a preliminary agreement with them on the equity issue. It's not good for the municipal government to interfere directly."

Yang Guoliang smiled, a smile that carried a hint of seasoned shrewdness. "Mr. Chen, Shanghai Automotive is Shanghai Automotive, and the city is the city. This project is too big for Shanghai Automotive alone to handle. Even if you, Xiaochi, reach an agreement with Shanghai Automotive in the end, the land still needs the approval of our municipal government. It would be better for the city to participate directly, which would be good for both Xiaochi and the project."

Chen Dong put down his teacup and looked at him calmly. "Director Yang, I suppose you've already learned the specific details of the shareholding division between me and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation since you came to talk to me. As for the municipal government's shareholding division, how do they want it divided?"

Yang Guoliang held up two fingers. "The city wants 20%, will not participate in decision-making, and will only receive dividends, but the ownership of public facilities such as hospitals and schools must belong to our Shanghai Municipal Government."

Chen Dong did not immediately express his opinion. Chen Zaixing, who was next to him, took out a Huazi cigarette and handed one to Yang Guoliang. Chen Dong was familiar with the policies implemented in China at that time. For public facilities such as hospitals and schools that were related to the people's livelihood and the interests of the masses, there was only one rule: private ownership was not allowed!

It is essential to ensure that these public facilities are subject to direct government jurisdiction and governance, and that they serve every member of the public. You may say they are slow, but you cannot honestly say they have nothing.

After consideration, Chen Dong replied to Yang Guoliang's proposed conditions: "Director Yang, Xiaochi Company can accept the 20% shareholding proposed by the municipal government. As for the hospital and other community public facilities, the ownership must belong to Xiaochi, and the land must be allocated in one lump sum, not in installments. In addition, the city shall be responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and communications outside the factory area."

Yang Guoliang was somewhat at a loss. After carefully considering his words, he suggested, "How about this, Mr. Chen, let's not get bogged down in these trivial details. I have a suggestion, what do you think?"

"Director Yang, please speak."

"I have a plan to directly establish a 'Automobile City Social Welfare Investment Company'. Xiaochi Company will fund the construction, the government will contribute land as equity, the company will be responsible for operating the schools and hospitals, and profits will be distributed according to shareholding. It is agreed that after 20 years, the government will have the right to repurchase Xiaochi Company's existing shares at the appraised value."

"Mr. Chen, what do you think of my proposal? If possible, the city will set up a special project team to fully support Xiaochi's construction!"

Chen Dong smiled, stood up, and extended his hand. "Director Yang, Xiaochi agrees to the proposal put forward by the Shanghai Municipal Government."