A Life of Attributes Starting as a Nobleman in the Republic of China Era

Wang Zhongning smiled slightly, picked up a document from his desk, and handed it to Chen Che: "Young Master Chen, please take a look. This is an official document that arrived yesterday; the ink isn't even dry yet."

Chen Che took the document and quickly glanced through it. Just as Wang Zhongning had said, the document clearly stated: "To enhance Shanghai's international image and promote Sino-foreign cooperation, all newly constructed large-scale projects must introduce overseas capital, and the proportion must not be less than 30%." The document was stamped with the bright red seal of the municipal government.

"This is a decision made by higher-ups, and I'm just following the rules." Wang Zhongning returned to his seat, placing his hands crossed on the table. "I've reviewed the plans for the Zhabei Martial Arts School project, and it's indeed a good thing for the country and its people. But rules are rules; without overseas investment, I can't get the project approved."

Chen Che placed the documents back on the table, quickly calculating in his mind. The Central Martial Arts Academy branch was a project that Li Jinglin attached great importance to, and its funding came entirely from donations from domestic businessmen. Where could they find overseas capital? Moreover, even if they could find it, 30% was not a small amount.

"Mayor Wang, this new regulation came so suddenly, isn't there any way to work around it?" Chen Che asked tentatively.

Wang Zhongning adjusted his glasses, his shrewd eyes peering through the lenses at Chen Che: "There are alternative methods...it's not that there aren't. It's just..." He paused, then stood up and walked to the window, his back to Chen Che, "Things in Shanghai are complex in some ways, and simple in others. The key is who handles it and how they handle it."

Chen Che understood the unspoken meaning, stood up, walked to Wang Zhongning's side, and followed his gaze to the window. Fuzhou Road was bustling with traffic; rickshaw pullers, shirtless, ran through the cold wind, while well-dressed foreigners strolled leisurely along the sidewalks.

"Mayor Wang, please speak frankly," Chen Che said.

Wang Zhongning turned around and patted Chen Che on the shoulder: "Young Master Chen is young and promising, and with Chairman Gong's favor, his future is limitless. I can help you think of a way to handle the Zhabei martial arts school matter. However..." He lowered his voice, "Regarding overseas capital, I suggest you look for foreigners in the concessions. For example, Mr. Richard, who has a good relationship with your Chen family, didn't he just open a trading company in Shanghai?"

Chen Che's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "Thank you for your guidance, Mayor Wang."

"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance," Wang Zhongning said with a smile as he returned to his desk. "Here's what I'll do: I'll give you three months. If you find overseas capital within three months, I'll immediately approve your project. If not..." He spread his hands, indicating that he couldn't help.

Chen Che nodded, took his leave, and departed.

As he stepped out of the office building, Uncle Qian immediately came to greet him: "Young Master, how was it?"

Chen Che didn't answer and got into the car. Uncle Qian understood and instructed the driver to drive back to the Peace Hotel.

Throughout the journey, Chen Che pondered Wang Zhongning's words. Richard was indeed a suitable candidate; he had a powerful background and numerous connections in Europe. However, the problem was that allowing Richard to invest was tantamount to relinquishing a portion of the martial arts school's control. A martial arts school was a place for training martial artists, involved in the transmission of martial arts principles; was it appropriate to let foreigners interfere?

Besides, would Richard agree? Although he is the Chen family's partner in Europe, business is business, and he might not be interested in a martial arts school, which doesn't make money.

Back in his room, Chen San was waiting for him.

"Young Master, how is it?"

Chen Che briefly recounted what Wang Zhongning had said.

Chen San frowned: "Foreign capital? Isn't this making things difficult for us? What does our martial arts school have to do with foreigners?"

"Rules are rules, but people are flexible." Chen Che took off his suit jacket and tossed it onto the sofa. "Go find Richard and arrange to meet him tomorrow."

"yes."

Just as Chen San was about to leave, Chen Che called him back: "Wait."

"Is there anything else you need, young master?"

Chen Che was silent for a moment, then said, "Never mind, I'll go myself."

The next morning, Chen Che arrived at Richard's trading company.

It was a three-story villa with a sign that read "Richard Trading Company" hanging at the entrance. As Chen Che entered, a blonde, blue-eyed female secretary greeted him.

"Sir, who are you looking for?"

"Find Richard," Chen Che said. "Tell him Chen Che is visiting."

The female secretary nodded and went upstairs to report. A short while later, Richard came downstairs to greet her personally.

"Chen! My friend!" Richard opened his arms and gave Chen Che a warm hug. "Long time no see, you look great!"

Chen Che smiled and patted him on the back: "Mr. Richard, sorry to bother you."

"Don't say 'disturbing,' please come upstairs!"

The two went up to the third floor. Richard's office was tastefully decorated, with several oil paintings on the walls and bookshelves filled with various books. There was a sofa by the window, and sunlight streamed in through the glass, making it feel warm and inviting.

"Tea or coffee?" Richard asked.

"Tea."

Richard instructed his secretary to make tea, and then he and Chen Che sat down on the sofa.

"Chen, you've come to see me, there must be something you need. Tell me, how can I help?"

Chen Che didn't beat around the bush and directly told everyone about the martial arts school.

Richard listened, remained silent for a moment, then smiled: "Chen, this is a good opportunity."

"A good opportunity?"

“Yes.” Richard stood up and walked to the window. “You know what? When I was in Europe, I always wanted to find an opportunity to get involved in Chinese charity work. This would not only help the Chinese people, but also help Europeans better understand China. A martial arts school is a great starting point.”

Chen Che was somewhat surprised: "You mean, you're willing to invest?"

"Chen, what do you think?" Richard asked.

Chen Che stood up, walked to Richard, and extended his hand: "Mr. Richard, on behalf of the four families of Jinling, I thank you."

Richard shook his hand and smiled, "Between friends, there's no need for thanks."

The two smiled at each other.

Over the next few days, Chen Che and Richard began preparing for the martial arts school. With Richard's involvement, everything went smoothly. Wang Zhongning kept his promise and quickly approved the project proposal.

A month later, at the construction site in Zhabei, all kinds of excavators and pile drivers started up, creating a bustling scene.

Standing in front of the construction site, Chen Che suddenly felt a sense of unease. He had only met Richard a few times, yet Richard had agreed to a project like the martial arts school, which required long-term investment and whose returns were uncertain, without any explanation. Moreover, the funds had arrived quickly. Chen Che wondered what this foreigner was planning.

At the end of the year, Mother Nature was very stingy, only letting out two light snowfalls, which was far from satisfying.

After leaving the Peace Hotel, Chen Che had been living a peaceful life, without any mysterious pursuits or any troublesome matters.

The only thing he wasn't sure about was the movements of Yu Ban and the Huaxing Society.