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

"Mr. Huang, can't a $500 million initial investment be exchanged for policy support and tax breaks from the central government?"

Huang Bin's hand remained pressed on the plan, hesitant to open it. He knew what was written inside; the terms, the promises, the conditions offered by Ningcheng with all its might—all of them told him a fact he already knew: Chen Dong had no shortage of places, no shortage of choices, and no shortage of leverage.

He has already eliminated Shanghai!

When Guo Yifu heard Chen Dong announce the investment amount of five hundred million US dollars, his hands clenched so tightly under the table that they ached. This was a huge investment of five hundred million US dollars, and he was just about to watch it slip away.

Gao Yueming glanced at Guo Yifu, the municipal party secretary, with regret and some annoyance. Now look what happened, the $500 million investment has gone up in smoke.

I told Yang Guoliang to negotiate a 20% equity stake with Chen Dong. I told him to be bold, withstand the pressure, and make a quick decision. The contract would have been signed today, and there wouldn't be this mess of Chen Dong wanting to withdraw his investment and go to Ningcheng.

It's all your fault, Guo Yifu!

"Zai Dong," Huang Bin pushed the document back to Chen Dong, his voice much more subdued than when he arrived, "What Ningcheng can offer, Shanghai can offer too. What Ningcheng can't offer, Shanghai can offer as well. Just tell me what you want."

"Mr. Huang, it's not a matter of conditions," Chen Dong said calmly as he took the plan. "It's a difference in execution. Ningcheng promised to handle all land approvals, with the government responsible for infrastructure development and site preparation. The government will handle all the procedures, so Xiaochi won't need to knock on any doors."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Huang Bin's shoulder before landing on Guo Yifu and the other Shanghai city leaders. "To be frank, I find it hard to believe that the supporting infrastructure projects after construction starts can be completed on time. This will slow down the development of our Xiaochi Company."

Huang Bin took a deep breath, leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, his gaze had returned to its usual sharpness. "Zai Dong, you're right. The problem in Shanghai isn't the conditions, it's the efficiency. I will personally oversee this matter. The Ministry of Industry and the State Planning Commission will also supervise the entire process and form a special project supervision team."

"I still hope you can give them another chance."

"Mr. Huang, I've already had the captain apply for the flight route. We'll be flying to Ningcheng tomorrow!"

This statement clearly told everyone present that the situation was beyond repair. Huang Bin sighed and spoke in a hoarse voice, "Zai Dong, it's a loss for Shanghai if it loses this opportunity, but can you be sure that Ningcheng can really take on a $500 million project?"

Chen Dong answered frankly without hesitation, "Whether I can handle it or not, I'll have to see for myself to know. But Mr. Huang, Mayor Ji Lianjun gave me an excellent first impression. I'll choose to trust my intuition this time!"

Huang Bin had nothing more to say. Chen Dong had already said so much, and there was no point in continuing the argument; it would only increase the animosity. The meeting ended earlier than anyone had expected.

Huang Bin, his face dark, led the way out of the Peace Hotel. Guo Yifu and Gao Yueming followed closely behind, looking extremely dejected. They had ruined a $500 million project.

After getting into the car, Huang Bin closed his eyes and pretended to doze off. The car drove towards the municipal government building. Just before the car stopped in front of the building, Huang Bin spoke, "Could you contact Ji Lianjun and have him come see me?"

Guo Yifu looked at Gao Yueming, who nodded. "Comrade Ji Lianjun is currently staying at the guesthouse. I'll have someone inform him right away."

"Mr. Huang, could you persuade Comrade Lianjun to give up...?"

Before Guo Yifu could finish speaking, he was silenced by Huang Bin's murderous glare. Huang Bin was too lazy to even scold him. This guy got the $500 million investment through his own abilities, and you want him to give it up with just one sentence? What a big face you have!

Even if Ji Lianjun agrees, the Ningcheng Municipal Party Committee and the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee refuse. Huang Bin also believes that Ningcheng and Hangzhou have already received this news and may have already started the approval process.

Ji Lianjun arrived quickly. The moment Huang Bin saw Ji Lianjun, he felt that this cadre was indeed as Chen Dong had said: capable and pragmatic. This could be seen from his attire.

"Comrade Lianjun, please sit down," Huang Bin gestured for Ji Lianjun to relax. After Ji Lianjun sat down, Huang Bin said, "I spoke with Chen Zaidong of Xiaochi today. He's interested in investing in your Ningcheng. Comrade Lianjun, the Ministry of Industry supports this project!"

"Thank you for your strong support, Mr. Huang," Ji Lianjun said with a smile. He had already spoken with Chen Dong, who had given him a clear answer. So Ji Lianjun was not surprised at all that Huang Bin had said it.

"Comrade Lianjun, the establishment of Xiaochi's engine plant in your Ningcheng is not just a simple matter of one plant. I believe that the supporting plants that follow Xiaochi will also be located in your Ningcheng in the future. You must take good care of them!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Huang, Ningcheng will treat all these supporting manufacturers equally and will never treat them unfairly in terms of policies and taxes," Ji Lianjun said with increasing confidence. "I have already discussed with Mr. Chen that the area around the auto city will be reserved for these supporting manufacturers, and we will do our best to provide them with better convenience and services."

"Well, if you say that, then I'm relieved," Huang Bin said with a smile, handing Ji Lianjun a special-supply cigarette. "Comrade Lianjun, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, just call me. I'll do my best to help Ningcheng."

Ji Lianjun took the cigarette and said gratefully, "With your words of encouragement, Elder Huang, I'm even more motivated to work in Ningcheng."

"Work hard and don't let this $500 million investment go to waste!"

The following day, at the Hongqiao Airport tarmac

Ji Lianjun, accompanied by his secretary Lai Zhanggao, rode in the car that was escorting Chen Dong to the airport. Even while still in the car, they saw the red and yellow Viscount aircraft parked on the tarmac. Lai Zhanggao excitedly shook his hand, as this was his first time flying.

Ji Lianjun was also very excited. Chen Dong was indeed a big spender. Look, he even has a private jet. How rich must he be to own a plane in his own name?

As Chen Dong got out of the car and prepared to board the plane, he smiled at Ji Lianjun and said, "Mayor Ji, we'll have to rely on you to guide us on the way to Ningcheng, hahaha!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen, I guarantee you a smooth journey without any bumps or knocks," Ji Lianjun replied confidently, and boarded the plane with Chen Dong and his group.

Chen Dong glanced back at the Hongqiao Airport building behind him. The sky was overcast and it started to rain again. Guo Yifu, Gao Yueming, and others did not come to see him off. Chen Dong did not care. He took one last look at the sky over Shanghai.

Goodbye, Shanghai!