Chapter 8: The Bribe That Came Flying In

In short, this hand will definitely not retract for no reason at all

This cement plant, the first phase of the project, has an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons. As for the second phase, we plan to establish a kiln with a capacity of 200,000 tons. My ultimate goal is to enable this plant to reach a production capacity of 600,000 tons

Such a question could never be posed by someone like Li Fanding, a mere local bumpkin. However, if it were asked by Chen Taizhong, it is highly likely that he would calculate the annual profit of this factory.

Thus, the matter concerning Chen Taizhong has arisen once more

In his eyes, Chen Taizhong is certainly not a significant figure; being the head of a township here is definitely not a minor role. Most importantly, in the evaluation of the cadres assigned to lower levels, the assessments from the township head and the secretary will hold considerable weight.

However, this guess was incorrect, yet it caused Boss Lü to incur a small loss. He originally intended to secretly offer one thousand to deal with this young brat, but later increased it to five thousand. After further contemplation, he decided to give this fellow ten thousand instead

What people are asking is: "How much cement can a cement factory produce in a year"

A local bumpkin remains a local bumpkin. Although Li Fanding is the local emperor and scholar of Donglin Water Village, his vision cannot reach great heights due to the limitations of his environment and conditions. This is evident in the current situation, where a cigarette, a drink, and five hundred yuan are sufficient to pass the time.

Village Chief Zhang noticed that the two were somewhat at odds, and, unusually, he raised his glass and encouraged them to drink, saying, "Come, come, come, let us toast to the cooperation between the two of you!"

No businessman engages in unprofitable transactions. Boss Lü has his own calculations; spending this amount of money saves a lot of trouble, making it worthwhile. However, that said, such an investment is indeed quite substantial. It is important to note that this was in 1996

The last two sentences are somewhat similar to boasting; however, no one can truly say that he cannot achieve such a scale. Only Boss Lü understands that the water resources here are scarce. Unless a new water source is found, otherwise, 200,000 tons is the maximum limit.

At the dining table, Chen Taizhong initially focused solely on eating, while Boss Lü naturally took pleasure in pretending to be deaf and mute. However, now that the other party has spoken, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

Boss Lü is not afraid of Chen Taizhong's obstruction of the road construction; how could the deputy possibly overturn what the principal has agreed to? Moreover, he has already learned about Li Fanding's domineering behavior in the village.

However, Chen Taizhong is different

Boss Lü is quite pleased as well. A student is just a student. Kid, don’t think that just because you seem unyielding, if I throw a thousand at you, wouldn’t it still leave you seeing stars?

"Not familiar, not familiar," Boss Lü immediately responded, still wearing a smile. He had to clarify for Mayor Zhang, "It was Mayor Duan from the city who introduced us."

However, he is concerned that Chen Taizhong may cause trouble. Regardless, the arable land occupied during the road construction does not have land use certificates; indeed, the procedures are incomplete

Young man, Mayor Duan, take it easy. Even Boss Lü is a bit puzzled. Do I have a grudge against you? Why are you holding onto me so tightly?

Therefore, the deputy village head who is on a temporary assignment has always been somewhat enigmatic to Boss Lü

Chen Taizhong has always preferred to be praised by others, but being called "little brother" by the other party made him slightly uncomfortable. In the relationship between officials and businessmen, the official comes before the businessman. You are a businessman, while I am an official; do you really think you are worthy of being my elder brother?

His words were spoken with a sense of fairness and calmness, but to Boss Lü, who heard them, they sounded sarcastic and insincere. Especially the indifference on his face was perceived by Boss Lü as a form of extreme dissatisfaction.

Boss Lü shook his head slightly, indicating that there was no enmity. In his heart, it was as clear as a mirror: Hmm, she has extended her hand. If this hand does not grasp enough benefits, it will become a weapon that could strangle his vital interests!

Thus, he replied to Chen Taizhong with a smile, "Hehe, so this is the young brother Chen who has come to the city for practical training, right? Ha, indeed, he is accomplished at a young age and possesses extraordinary demeanor"

Boss Lü's regard for Chen Taizhong far surpasses his regard for Li Fanding

How could Chen Taizhong have imagined that there were so many intricacies involved in simply holding a wine glass? Seeing Mayor Zhang persuading others to drink, he couldn't help but step forward to join in the fun, saying, "Hehe, Mayor Zhang, you are quite familiar with Boss Lü, aren't you?"

The road passes through the village, and the construction party is required to hire local villagers for certain tasks, such as earthworks. Essentially, these jobs must be entrusted to the villagers, although there is no official document stipulating this; it is generally accepted by everyone and can be considered an unwritten rule.

There are hidden meanings in the words! The village chief was momentarily taken aback, as he found it somewhat difficult to grasp the meaning of this statement

However, in his heart, he still had some doubts. This fellow didn't even give face to Old Duan; which faction could he possibly belong to? The Qin faction or the Zhang faction? Or perhaps the Ji faction?

Such matters, if left unattended, naturally do not seem significant; however, if someone were to distort the issue and escalate it to an infinite height, it is indeed possible

However, this money is indeed not easy to obtain, and what follows will come in due course

Chen Taizhong was not very polite to him. He nodded and spoke frankly, "Oh, Boss Lü knows Mayor Duan, that's impressive."

Do not be deceived by Li Fanding's rustic appearance; Chinese farmers possess their own cunning, and he is unlikely to give up this lucrative opportunity

Better to incur financial loss than to invite disaster, and never provoke petty individuals! This is a maxim that Mr. Lü has always adhered to. He is a successful businessman, and spending money where it is appropriate is one of the reasons for his success.

Of course, after more than a month of training, his cultivation has improved somewhat. The most crucial point is that he understands he is now an official and does not need to haggle with merchants. Finally, he lazily nodded and said, "Oh"

Young man, though you are still quite young, you possess considerable depth. Boss Lü felt a bit irritated, but upon reflection, he realized that the other party was merely a novice student, someone he could easily handle. Ultimately, he swallowed his words with a smile.

To calculate the annual profit, one must indeed be quite ambitious.

His displeasure was almost written all over his face, and even Mayor Zhang noticed something amiss. He couldn't help but glance sideways at Boss Lü: Do you have a grudge against this fellow

Chen Taizhong received such a bizarre gift, and it was naturally impossible for him to share it with others. This was the first time in his life that he had received unexpected wealth, and he felt somewhat at a loss. He carefully calculated: applying for a civil service position had only cost him 500, yet he had inexplicably gained twenty times that amount in profit. Indeed, being an official is a lucrative business

He could never have imagined that the person in question was completely unorthodox and had no malicious intent at all

Children raised in Phoenix City are destined to have broader horizons and greater insights than Li Fanding. Moreover, considering that such a young high school graduate could stand out from the multitude of candidates in the civil service examination, who would believe that there is no background involved