Chapter 640: Investing in Qingshui County

Kong Jie still gave Chen Yang face, transferring from the city finance bureau an about-to-retire Deputy Bureau Chief Zhang to manage the finances of Commoners Meat Industry Limited Company.

What surprised Chen Yang was that the Provincial State-owned Assets Commission also sent over an about-to-retire Deputy Director. They didn't even specify a particular post.

This abnormal performance left Chen Yang puzzled. But he couldn't really sideline them. He handed over the production‑overseeing business to this parachuted‑in Director Wang.

A few days passed, and the company's operations ran smoothly. The two parachuted‑in Vice Presidents basically just focused on their own duties.

"Director Chen, Vice President Wang and Vice President Zhang seem easy to get along with—did we overthink things?" Lu Guojie found that after the personnel adjustments, his work remained smooth and his mood relaxed.

"As long as they don't cause trouble, just try to cooperate with their work!" Although Chen Yang didn't understand Huo Yunyan's maneuver, he didn't want the internal atmosphere to become too tense, since excessive infighting only hinders the company's development.

Lu Guojie asked Chen Yang, "Should we still keep control of our out‑of‑province business?"

Seeing him relax his guard so quickly, Chen Yang solemnly reminded him, "That's your trump card—don't play it unless absolutely necessary. Those two Vice Presidents are just puppets; who can guarantee that the people behind them won't change their stance later?"

Lu Guojie thought Chen Yang made sense. He had only just taken office, and the company had already undergone two major personnel reshuffles. If he didn't keep a backup, perhaps a third reshuffle would come soon.

He said with a hint of regret, "If we keep suppressing the out‑of‑province business, the company's path to going public could become much slower."

Chen Yang calmly smiled and said, "The purpose of going public is to raise funds for expansion, but we're not short of money and there's plenty of room to grow. What's the rush?"

Lu Guojie spoke earnestly, "Director Chen, I've made a promise to the Governor that I will definitely push the company to go public."

Chen Yang reminded him, "As long as the company stays profitable, going public is just a matter of time. You should still think about your own future."

"Now I'm the Chairman, and you have absolute managerial authority. Once the company goes public, my position will be replaced. By then, will you, the lowest‑ranked Vice President, still be able to call the wind and summon the rain?"

"Of course, if you plan to return to the Finance Department waiting for a new opportunity, then just pretend I never said anything."

Lu Guojie is a smart person; he couldn't fail to see that Chen Yang was helping him. He said gratefully, "Director Chen, thank you."

Chen Yang waved his hand and said earnestly to Lu Guojie, "Old Lu, Commoners Meat Industry Limited Company is something I built from scratch; I hope it can become even stronger under your management."

Lu Guojie nodded vigorously. Compared with the former East River Textile Factory, Commoners Meat Industry Limited Company offers far better conditions. If he messes up, he won't have the face to return to the Provincial Finance Bureau.

After giving Lu Guojie his advice, Chen Yang prepared to make a trip to Qingshui County. The commercial‑street investment project there had been urged several times by Zhou Zhengyang; if he didn't go, he'd feel a bit embarrassed.

The drive from Commoners Meat Industry Limited Company to Qingshui County Government is exactly one hour.

However, as soon as he entered Qingshui County's territory, Chen Yang saw the welcoming party organized by County Party Committee Secretary Zhang Tianhe and County Magistrate Fan Yu already waiting at the intersection. He immediately had his bodyguards stop the car, then quickly got out to greet them.

"Secretary Zhang, Magistrate Fan, I've been busy with official duties lately, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Director Chen, a good meal doesn't fear being late—Qingshui County will surely become strong with your support!" Zhang Tianhe had invested a thirty‑billion‑yuan real‑estate project in Qingshui City, his envy making his mouth water. Even now, standing before Chen Yang in person, he still strives to suppress his emotions.

Zhang Tianhe understood clearly that only after getting Chen Yang's designated commercial‑street project done well would there be room for larger investments later.

"Secretary Zhang, why didn't Deputy County Magistrate Zhou show up?" Chen Yang glanced over the welcoming party, noticed Zhou Zhengyang was absent, and curiously asked Zhang Tianhe.

After all, he was investing in the commercial‑street project out of respect for Zhou Zhengyang's face; if they sidelined Zhou, the investment would lose its meaning.

Zhang Tianhe naturally understood Chen Yang's meaning and immediately said, "Director Chen, Deputy County Magistrate Zhou is overseeing the commercial‑street planning site. I have official duties to attend to, but I'll have Magistrate Fan accompany you to take a look shortly."

"Alright, then I won't disturb Secretary Zhang while he handles affairs." Upon hearing that Zhou Zhengyang was still in charge of the commercial‑street project, Chen Yang felt relieved.

Qingshui County's Commercial Street—he had strolled through it a few times in his previous life. In the first few years after opening it was still prosperous, but later, as more migrant workers went out to work and online shops rose, business gradually declined.

But for Zhou Zhengyang, as long as the early development goes well, he can reap a fine political achievement.

As a friend, Chen Yang is still happy to lend him a hand.

However, when Chen Yang arrived at the site with the motorcade, he found that the Commercial Street planned by Qingshui County Government was twice as large as in his previous life.

It was obvious—this was aimed at the money in his pocket.

Chen Yang was used to this. Since his identity as the richest man was exposed, local governments cooperating with him have been eager to sell all their land to Commoners Financial Investment Company for development.

Zhang Tianhe and Fan Yu originally approached Chen Yang with the goal of developing real estate; after being rejected, they opted for the commercial‑street instead.

Qingshui County's old Commercial Street is merely a lane under one kilometer long. Even if completely demolished, the developable space would be limited.

Therefore, Chen Yang could understand their desire to expand the investment scale.

However, expanding the Commercial Street's scale requires sufficient foot traffic to support it; otherwise it would become a stalled project.

The best way to gather a stable consumer base is to build a commercial‑residential community near the Commercial Street.

Chen Yang glanced at Zhou Zhengyang's planning diagram, then pointed to the site east of the Commercial Street near the Qingshui River and said to Fan Yu, "Magistrate Fan, can this parcel be used to build an upscale residential community? You can have someone else do it, or you can do it for me. The main point is to attract people and provide a solid foundation for the Commercial Street's development."

Fan Yu's mind raced. If he did it for Chen Yang, quality and brand value would be guaranteed, but he wouldn't make much profit. If he gave it to a local developer in Qingshui County, and if it went against Chen Yang's original intent, would it affect future investments?

"Director Chen, building a commercial‑residential community near the Commercial Street is a great idea. But this project is important; I must first meet with Secretary Zhang and the county's leadership team to discuss it before I can give you a reply."

Chen Yang actually wasn't interested in that commercial‑residential community project. Being eyed by a bunch of corrupt officials, even with a deep background, one still has to shed a layer of skin.

As long as the Commercial Street has a steady flow of people, he really doesn't want to meddle in other matters.