Chapter 396: Establishing a Branch in Jiangmen Town

In the early stage of Sun Changqing's rise at the Common People Agricultural Products Trading Company, he developed a strong interest in Chen Yang and began to study him in depth.

After a period of observation and analysis, Sun Changqing found that this young man not only had unique ideas and keen business insight, but also possessed the drive to forge ahead and the courage to make decisive decisions. Given time, he would surely become the top entrepreneur in Dongjiangsheng.

However, at the moment when everyone was optimistic that the real estate industry was about to enter a boom, Chen Yang had not the slightest interest. This made him feel that his judgment had gone awry.

He reminded Chen Yang: "The plan to abolish Jiangmen Town and establish a district has been put on the agenda. Laying out a real estate project here in advance will be more beneficial than harmful for you and your company. You should give it careful thought!"

Chen Yang remained unmoved, and said to Sun Changqing: "Mayor, I personally believe Jiangmen Town is currently unsuitable for real estate development; instead, we should focus more on industry and agricultural production. When industry and agriculture thrive, the people's incomes will rise, and only then will they have the means to build or purchase new homes."

Sun Changqing said: "Industry and agriculture must definitely be pursued, and the real estate sector can proceed simultaneously—there is no conflict!"

Chen Yang said to Sun Changqing: "Mayor, as far as I know, the monthly income of ordinary residents in Xingcheng is below one thousand yuan. Meanwhile, the price of a brand-new commercial apartment is at least two hundred thousand yuan. If real estate construction were promoted citywide, how many people could afford a new home? And those who can afford it—would they choose to live in the city center with better transportation, or in Jiangmen Town where transportation is relatively inconvenient?"

Upon hearing this, Sun Changqing fell silent instantly. If a choice had to be made, the urban area would undoubtedly be the homebuyers' only option.

Moreover, the problem pointed out by Chen Yang indeed hit his inner pain point.

Currently, the average income level of ordinary residents in Xingcheng is relatively low, which puts them under tremendous financial pressure when purchasing new homes.

However, the real estate industry, as a highly interconnected sector, can drive the coordinated development of numerous related industries in the city. This industrial synergy not only creates a large number of job opportunities, but also promotes economic growth and urban prosperity.

As mayor, he must consider the development of Xingcheng from a holistic perspective.

"Chen Yang, since you're not optimistic about Jiangmen Town's real estate sector, just forget it!"

Chen Yang looked at Sun Changqing with a bewildered expression; if this statement were finalized, Yuan Wei and Mayor Huang would surely hate him to death. "Mayor, I simply do not approve of pursuing real estate now. Once Jiangmen Town's economy develops, even without your reminder, I will voluntarily invest in real estate."

Sun Changqing immediately burst out laughing, and after finishing, he jokingly said to Chen Yang: "Those real estate developers are as sharp as foxes. Once they catch wind of it, you kid will probably have no chance."

Chen Yang said calmly: "As long as the people of Jiangmen Town remember our company's good deeds, it doesn't matter if we can't make this money."

Seeing that he could not persuade Chen Yang to invest in real estate, Sun Changqing turned his attention back to the vegetable greenhouse project that was being launched in Jiangmen Town. After inspecting the construction site, he gave some work instructions to Yuan Wei and Mayor Wang, then departed.

After he left, Yuan Wei immediately said to Chen Yang: "Director Chen, if the vegetable greenhouse project succeeds, you will be a great benefactor of our Jiangmen Town. All the people of Jiangmen Town will thank you."

Chen Yang said humbly: "Secretary Yuan, your words are too polite. I now reside in Jiangmen Town, which also counts as half a Jiangmen Town resident. Being able to contribute to Jiangmen Town's construction is also my honor."

Yuan Wei and Mayor Wang were disappointed that Chen Yang had overturned Jiangmen Town's real estate development plan in front of Sun Changqing, but seeing his willingness to consider himself a half-resident of Jiangmen Town made them feel happy. With the province's top economic heavyweight supporting it, Jiangmen Town's economy is bound to take off.

Yuan Wei said expectantly to Chen Yang: "Director Chen, since you are now also a resident of Jiangmen Town, whenever you have investment intentions, you must prioritize Jiangmen Town!"

Chen Yang immediately said: "Secretary Yuan, if there is a suitable place, I can build a branch of the Common People Meat Industry Limited Company in Jiangmen Town."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Wei's face instantly broke into a smile. The Common People's sausage is now a star product of Dongjiangsheng, with sales ranking first in the province. If a branch could be built in Jiangmen Town, it would be tantamount to erecting a major signboard for the town.

"Director Chen, go around town at leisure; as soon as you find a satisfactory spot, I will immediately free it up for you."

Chen Yang said: "Secretary Yuan, I have no particular requirements; any location with convenient transportation will do."

Yuan Wei turned his gaze to his partner, Mayor Wang. "Old Wang, where do you think would be more suitable to place the branch of the Common People Meat Industry Limited Company?"

Mayor Wang pondered, then said: "Secretary Yuan, hasn't the town's food processing factory been abandoned for years? Why not have Director Chen renovate it and use it as the branch of the Common People Meat Industry Limited Company?"

Yuan Wei also thought Mayor Wang's suggestion was good, so he brought Chen Yang and Shen Anna to inspect the town's abandoned food processing factory.

Apart from the site being somewhat small in area, Chen Yang was satisfied with all other aspects.

Mayor Wang is a person who gets things done. Upon hearing that Chen Yang was dissatisfied with the factory site's area, he immediately expressed willingness to communicate with nearby residents. Even the demolition and relocation fees would not need to be borne by Chen Yang.

Since they were so cooperative, Chen Yang readily agreed and immediately signed a preliminary investment agreement.

However, on the way back to the company, Shen Anna expressed concern about Chen Yang's actions.

"Boss, the development of the Common People Meat Industry Limited Company in Qingshui City has just gotten on track, and now we're hastily setting up a branch. Won't this be too rushed?"

Chen Yang said to her: "Mayor Sun just said that Jiangmen Town will soon be abolished and turned into a district, becoming an inseparable part of Xingcheng. Securing a good position in advance will save us many costs later. Besides, I never said we would have to build the branch right away!"

Shen Anna immediately gave Chen Yang a thumbs-up. "Boss, you're still the most thoughtful. Once Jiangmen Town becomes Jiangmen District, land prices will at least double."

Having said that, she suddenly became puzzled again. "If land prices in Jiangmen Town are going to rise, housing prices will surely rise as well. Then why are you still not optimistic?"

Chen Yang said: "No matter how high housing prices rise, there still need to be consumers to buy them. Even if Jiangmen Town becomes Jiangmen District, it remains the outermost district of Xingcheng. Before the city-center real estate market saturates, few people will consider buying a home here. If you were a developer, would you invest in houses you couldn't sell?"

Shen Anna shook her head decisively, yet also worriedly said to Chen Yang: "You openly opposed Mayor Sun's opinion today—will he give you a hard time?"