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

Chen Dong closed the document in his hand and casually placed it on the sofa beside him. He smiled and looked at Ji Lianjun, "Mayor Ji, this document is very detailed. It's clear that you put a lot of effort into investigating and revising it."

Ji Lianjun's smile remained unchanged, neither humble nor arrogant. Facing Chen Dong's probing gaze, there was no need to hide anything now that things had come to this. He nodded frankly, "Yesterday I heard from the municipal government that Mr. Chen encountered some setbacks in his investment in Shanghai. I was thinking about whether I could secure an opportunity for Ningcheng, so I stayed up all night to draft this agreement. What does Mr. Chen think of Ningcheng's terms?"

Chen Dong picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and instead of directly answering Ji Lianjun's question, asked in return, "Mayor Ji, what are your responsibilities in Ningcheng?"

"Industry and transportation, as well as investment attraction," Ji Lianjun answered crisply. "I've worked in Ningcheng for almost twenty years, rising step by step from the grassroots level. I know the situation in the industrial sector better than anyone else."

Ji Lianjun's words were absolutely true. As he spoke, he observed Chen Dong's expression, but he couldn't tell anything from that young face. That composure and control made even this old man who had been navigating the officialdom for decades feel a little uneasy.

"The conditions offered by Ningcheng are indeed more favorable than those offered by Hucheng," Chen Dong said, putting down his teacup. "Two years of tax exemption, five years of 50% tax reduction, smooth land approval process, and no decision-making power required, but..."

Chen Dong stopped abruptly after saying "but," which made Ji Lianjun's heart leap into his throat. He knew that what Chen Dong said after "but" was the real key.

"But Mayor Ji, do you have the final say in Ningcheng?"

Chen Dong's question was quite direct, catching Ji Lianjun off guard. Seeing Ji Lianjun deep in thought, Chen Dong continued, "I'm planning to invest 500 million US dollars in Shanghai. If any problems arise with the project, I can find the decision-maker with just one phone call. What about Ningcheng? If I encounter the same problem, who should I contact? You, or the Party Secretary of Ningcheng?"

After listening, Ji Lianjun broke his silence. It turned out that this was the problem Chen Dong was worried about. He understood what Chen Dong meant. He was worried that no matter how good the conditions he offered were, if he couldn't make a decision at the crucial moment, all the agreements would be worthless, and the current wrangling in Shanghai would be repeated.

But Ji Lianjun had worked in Ningcheng for twenty years and knew every aspect of the business like the back of his hand. He knew better than anyone that once the project was launched, the municipal party secretary or even the provincial party secretary would have to personally go to the airport to pick up Ji Lianjun.

He could confidently assure Chen Dong that all the approval processes, cross-departmental coordination, and bureaucratic wrangling would be resolved single-handedly once the project was officially launched.

Just kidding. Ji Lianjun invited such a big shot of wealth to invest in Ningcheng. The municipal party secretary, Cai Shengju, can protect Chen Dong like a treasure. Whoever dares to hold back on Xiaochi's project, Cai Shengju can get rid of them without even the provincial party secretary, Liao Yueming, getting angry.

You probably don't know the true value of a $500 million investment!

"Mr. Chen," Ji Lianjun suppressed his excitement. Before Chen Dong mentioned five hundred million US dollars, Ji Lianjun was still thinking about trying to negotiate, but now, he was going all out.

"Regarding your concerns, I can assure you here, and we can even include it directly in the agreement. If Ningcheng breaches the contract in any way, you can choose to withdraw your investment!"

Chen Dong smiled as he looked at Ji Lianjun in front of him. From his tone and demeanor, it was easy to tell that Ji Lianjun was a cadre who did things efficiently and had a very strong ability to execute tasks, which was something Chen Dong admired about him.

Chen Dong has the money and is willing to invest. To be honest, although the conditions proposed by Ji Lianjun are slightly more favorable than those in Shanghai, they are nothing in the eyes of a wealthy man like Chen Dong.

What Chen Dong values ​​is not the discount figures on paper, but the people behind those figures, and whether they can hold the line for him at crucial moments.

"Mayor Ji," Chen Dong leaned forward slightly, looking at Ji Lianjun with a sense of pressure, "the problem in Shanghai is not that the conditions are not favorable enough, but that the decision-making level is too slow. When I discuss projects, I like to be direct, and I also like to cooperate with people who can actually get things done."

"I've been in Shanghai for almost ten days now, and I only met the city's Party Secretary and Mayor yesterday. My first impression of Shanghai's leadership is that it has many levels, many departments, and complicated relationships. What about Ningcheng?"

Ji Lianjun took a deep breath, pulled his chair forward, so close they could almost hear each other's breathing. "Mr. Chen, the situation in Ningcheng is different from that in Shanghai. If you are willing to invest in Ningcheng, I guarantee you that all approval procedures will be completed within three months. The government will be responsible for the land acquisition, infrastructure, and site preparation. As for the equity ratio, you have the final say!"

Chen Dong didn't reply immediately. He took out his cigarette case, handed one to Ji Lianjun, lit it himself, and slowly smoked it. The smoke swirled around him, making it impossible to tell what he was thinking. Ji Lianjun didn't urge him either. He took the cigarette but didn't smoke it. He just sat there waiting, his palms already slightly sweaty.

"Mayor Ji, don't you plan to report this $500 million investment to your Party Secretary by phone?" Chen Dong asked after a long pause. Ji Lianjun was taken aback, then replied with a serious face, "Mr. Chen, I am in charge of investment promotion. I would like to hear your wishes first before reporting to the Municipal Party Committee."

"Mayor Ji, I've accepted this document," Chen Dong said, picking it up again. "After you get back, call the Party Secretary of Ningcheng and ask him if the conditions you agreed to can be implemented. Then come back and let me know, and I'll give you a clear answer!"

Even with his years of composure, Ji Lianjun's heart was pounding wildly at this moment, as if it were about to leap out of his throat. He pinched his thigh hard to keep himself from showing too much excitement, and stood up to grasp Chen Dong's hand.

"Mr. Chen, I will go back and report to my superiors immediately. I will be able to give you an answer by tomorrow at the latest," Ji Lianjun said, gripping Chen Dong's hand tightly. Chen Dong smiled and saw Ji Lianjun out, waving goodbye to him.

Lai Zhanggao followed behind Ji Lianjun. After entering the elevator, Ji Lianjun, who had been smiling the whole time, suddenly felt weak in the knees. Fortunately, Lai Zhanggao caught him in time, preventing Ji Lianjun from collapsing in the elevator.

"Boss, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Ji Lianjun, supported by Lai Zhanggao, waved his hand with a smile and said, "It's alright, Xiao Lai. I was just too emotional and got a little carried away. Let me calm down and I'll be fine."

Seeing that Ji Lianjun's hand was still trembling slightly, Lai Zhanggao hurriedly asked, "Sir, did you... reach an agreement?"

"Um!"