Chapter 143: A Profit—An Incredible Win This Time

In this world, as long as you have money, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.

Before this, Ye Aotian had also believed that this operation would not be easy. There was no way Lin Li would obediently hand over part of the Tianxin District project simply because he was asked to.

When Ye Aotian learned that Lin Li intended to build a vast residential community there, he could only conclude that the man was completely insane.

Such an excellent project was actually going to be used merely to build some residential community. True, it would improve the lives of ordinary people in River City—but what benefit would that bring Ye Aotian?

In his view, even if one wanted to help ordinary people, one should first make a fortune and then donate the money to them.

Besides, Ye Aotian had guarded the frontier for so many years. What was wrong with wanting to enjoy himself now? Was that somehow a mistake?

Thus, in Ye Aotian’s subjective mind, he had already taken this matter as a direct affront to himself. That was what had led to the chain of events that followed.

“It seems Ning Yurou really wasn’t lying to me. She has already reached an agreement with Lin Li. Now, as long as my funds arrive, the matter can be settled.”

…

Three days later, the donation meeting was held as scheduled.

This time, nearly several dozen companies and groups of all sizes from across River City had been invited.

That alone showed how seriously Wang Qisheng regarded the matter.

To Wang Qisheng, the Tianxin District project was the most important undertaking of his entire term in office. Under no circumstances could anything go wrong.

In fact, Wang Qisheng was doing everything possible to prevent any potential mishaps.

So far, the overall situation had not changed much from what he had anticipated.

He knew that since the Qin Group had dared to take on the project, it must have had a way to resolve the difficulties.

And Lin Li had indeed given him a satisfactory answer.

In such a short time, he had successfully elevated the project’s infrastructure development by an entire level. Everything that followed would be much easier.

Although Wang Qisheng had been the one to call everyone here, most of those present were quite pleased with the arrangement as well.

The most important among them were the Four Great Families.

At this moment, however, the people gathered here formed a striking contrast. The members of the Four Great Families wore broad smiles.

The smaller companies, on the other hand, were far from happy.

If they had been allowed to choose, they would never have donated a single cent. But with the Four Great Families participating, the smaller companies no longer had any choice.

They could, of course, refuse to invest—but they would then have to bear all the negative consequences on their own. Whoever they were, they understood that in this situation, there was no real choice.

Wang Qisheng sat in the seat of honor and looked at everyone before him.

“I’m delighted that everyone was able to come today. From this alone, it is clear that you all care deeply about the future development of River City.”

“The Tianxin District project has now reached its most critical stage. I have gathered everyone here for a very simple reason.”

“I hope that, through discussing this matter with all of you, we can find a better solution.”

As he spoke, Wang Qisheng glanced toward the Four Great Families.

Everyone at the table remained silent. Not one person took the initiative to speak.

At that moment, Xiao Qimin rapped his knuckles against the table.

“Mr. Wang, I believe you already know why we have come here.”

“What I can say with certainty is that the Xiao family is willing to contribute eighteen million.”

This was the result of an immediate discussion within the Xiao family after they learned the truth.

Originally, Xiao Meier had promised Lin Li only ten million. But afterward, they had carefully reconsidered the matter, and the Xiao family had unanimously decided to contribute an additional eight million.

Several small companies nearby stared in disbelief.

“What is the Xiao family trying to do? This matter has nothing to do with them, yet they’re behaving like shameless attention seekers.”

Everyone sighed, evidently finding the Xiao family’s present decision utterly bewildering.

The matter clearly had no connection to them, yet the Xiao family was being unusually eager.

“What else could it be? They did some unsavory things in River City recently, and their reputation has suffered. Now they’re trying to use this as an emergency public-relations campaign.”

“Otherwise, they would be completely alienated from the people of River City.”

The crowd murmured among themselves, clearly discussing the Four Great Families.

Several old men from the Four Great Families heard every word, but they merely kept their eyes closed and said nothing.

Lin Li, meanwhile, simply smiled as he looked at the people present.

“Old Master Xiao, your willingness to donate so much to the Tianxin District project proves that you truly have the people’s welfare at heart.”

“For that, I have to admire you.”

As he spoke, Lin Li had his assistant bring out another contract.

“However, we certainly have no intention of taking advantage of you. This is a parcel of land we have prepared.”

“From now on, it will be placed entirely in the hands of the Xiao family for development.”

The Tianxin District project was enormous; Lin Li could not possibly handle it all alone. Using part of its resources to win over these people was a perfectly normal strategy.

In fact, Lin Li’s arrangement was indeed extremely wise.

When Xiao Qimin stood up, he had already prepared himself for the worst. But he truly had not expected Lin Li to be willing to give them a parcel of land.

He glanced at the contract and signed it without hesitation.

At that moment, Ning Rusheng did not stand. Instead, Ning Yurou rose in his place.

“Mr. Lin, I imagine the project requires a very large investment.”

Ning Yurou looked at Lin Li with a faint smile.

“The development of the Tianxin District project is extremely difficult. The Qin Group alone would indeed struggle to manage it. We truly need a substantial amount of investment right now.”

Everything had already been discussed, so Lin Li was in no hurry.

Earlier that morning, Ning Yurou had received a sum of money from Ye Aotian.

At the time, Ning Yurou had made it clear that the land could not be placed under Ye Aotian’s name.

It could only be developed in her name, so that Lin Li would not target it.

Ye Aotian had been somewhat wary at first.

But after thinking it over, he realized that given his current relationship with Ning Yurou, what did he have to fear? Besides, Ning Yurou had only recently learned medical techniques from him.

Ning Yurou should understand that if she wanted to learn more advanced medicine, she could not afford to offend him.