Chapter 2196: Playing for such high stakes? (4000 words)

Gu Minglan was indeed exhausted from the past few days, and after Yuan Liying left, she went to rest.

Yuan Liying went to check on the baby in Zhou Andong's room before returning to her own room.

An Jing stood before the crib, bending over slightly to look at the little one, clicking her tongue in wonder.

"This little thing, eyes are eyes, nose is a nose, mouth is a mouth."

Zhou Andong stood beside her, speechless. "Regardless of anything else, this is still a human being."

An Jing paused for a second, then burst into laughter.

Jian Qiu couldn't help but chuckle as well, then gave her husband a massive eye-roll.

"You two stay here, I'm going to keep Tang Lin and Zhang Zuo company."

Zhou Andong walked out, exited the rear building, and arrived at the second courtyard.

The kitchen was busy cooking, and the scent of stewed meat wafted out. Zhou Andong took a deep breath.

Tang Lin and Zhang Zuo were squatting under a tree at the main gate, chatting and smoking with Wang Wentian and the others.

"What are you talking about?"

"Chatting about the World Cup that just ended," Tang Lin said, taking a drag of his cigarette. "Baggio missed the penalty, Brazil won the title."

Zhou Andong had no interest in football. The only match he had ever watched was the 2002 World Cup.

The Chinese team's performance had been truly outstanding: three matches, three losses, nine goals conceded, zero points—a memory he found truly unforgettable.

Zhou Andong pointed forward. "How are the negotiations going with those dozens of households in the alley ahead?"

As soon as this was mentioned, Tang Lin became spirited. "They've all been settled. We're swapping for apartments. As for the tenants, we're providing apartments too; the rent is naturally a bit higher than in the crowded courtyards, but they've accepted it and signed two-year contracts."

Zhou Andong asked, "When are they moving out?"

"They're even more anxious than we are," Tang Lin laughed. "They're packing up, and they'll be moving out in the next two days."

Zhou Andong nodded. "Once they move out, take advantage of the few months before winter to get the underground pipe network done. Tear down the public toilet in the southeast, build the boiler room first, and we can have heating by next winter."

"Why not just dig the underground parking lot at the same time?" Tang Lin suggested with a smile. "We can finish all the underground work before winter next year."

"It's up to you." Zhou Andong lit a cigarette and walked toward the alley entrance. "I'm going to take a look at the front."

Tang Lin followed. "The clubhouse repairs are nearing the end; it should be finished in about half a month, then we'll start repairing the row of private courtyards."

Zhou Andong said as he walked, "You're getting married in a few days. Don't come over tomorrow; go take care of whatever you need to."

"Everything that needs preparing has been arranged. Even the wedding photos are done."

Tang Lin took a cigarette from his pocket, lit it skillfully, took a deep breath, exhaled the smoke, and continued.

"Nie Wen went to Shanghai. The contract for No. 12 The Bund is signed; you didn't participate in that one. But No. 4 The Bund is a joint venture between You Shuodesuan and Qiu Dongfang. Qiu Dongfang holds 60% of the shares, and You Shuodesuan holds 40%. Nie Wen went to sign the contract.

Also, the team responsible for business expansion in Shanghai has secured several more old Western-style houses, and those contracts need signing too. Last night, I called Nie Wen and told her the good news about you and Qiu-jie having a daughter. She was very happy. Things over there are mostly handled, and she should be back the day after tomorrow."

As they talked, they arrived at the alley entrance for the clubhouse. The sign reading "Si Yatou Alley" had already been hung on the wall.

Zhou Andong looked at the five characters "Si Yatou Alley" and asked, "When was this sign hung up?"

"Three days ago."

Sunlight filtered through the mottled leaves, casting patches of light and shadow. Zhou Andong and Tang Lin stood at the alley entrance, which no longer looked so dilapidated, smoking.

"Anqiu Alley, Si Yatou Alley, Wenlin Alley—once the residents of those two alleys in front move out, their names will be changed too."

Zhou Andong, standing to the side, said casually, "One will be called Zhou Le Alley, and the other Zhou Yu Alley!"

Tang Lin took a drag of his cigarette. "That's fine. I'll make a trip to the Place Name Office tomorrow to handle it. Once the residents move out, we'll hang the signs."

Zhou Andong couldn't help but laugh. "I was just saying that casually! You're actually taking it seriously!"

Tang Lin didn't mind, laughing along. "I actually think it's quite good. Maybe in a few hundred years, behind the names Zhou Le and Zhou Yu, there will be many wonderful and moving stories passed down through generations!"

Zhou Andong burst into laughter and walked into the alley. The four interconnected three-courtyard complexes had their original outer walls fully repaired and cleverly joined together to form a single entity. The only thing preserved was the main gate of the first courtyard.

Zhou Andong reached out and gently pushed open the heavy red gate, which let out a slight creak. Although it was the first courtyard, because the four courtyards had been completely opened up, the space had become extremely expansive.

Looking around, various flowers, plants, and trees were distributed in a staggered and orderly fashion throughout the garden, competing in beauty, while small, exquisite pavilions and towers were dotted among them, adding a touch of elegance and charm.

The designer had cleverly used modern techniques to display the essence of classical gardens, perfectly interpreting the unique aesthetic of classical garden design.

Every detail had been meticulously carved, creating a tranquil, peaceful, and leisurely atmosphere. Being in it made one forget the noise and disturbances of the mortal world.

Zhou Andong walked in front, Tang Lin followed behind, and the two wandered through the courtyards, first passing through the first courtyard to the second, then stepping into the third and fourth.

The winding stone path extended toward the other three connected courtyards. Zhou Andong walked along the path, feeling as if he were in a park; the surrounding scenery blended perfectly with nature, without the slightest sense of incongruity.

Zhou Andong took a deep breath, feeling the fragrance of flowers and grass in the air, and said,

"An-shu's students really have skill. This garden design has given me a huge surprise."

Tang Lin pushed aside a branch blocking the way. "An-shu's students are indeed very capable, but the even more capable one is Cao Yi.

The clubhouse renovations and furniture were all handed over to 365. When Cao Yi saw the design drawings, she felt there were some areas that could be improved, so she led her team to make modifications."

Zhou Andong really didn't know about this, and no one had told him. "Cao Yi changed the design plan without authorization; didn't An-shu say anything?"

"Cao Yi is Xiaobei's girlfriend. What do you think An-shu could say?" Tang Lin smiled. "Besides, don't you know how famous Cao Yi is in the design industry?"

Zhou Andong rubbed his nose, feeling a bit awkward. "I know a little, but not much."

"I don't know what to say. You're a truly unqualified big brother." Tang Lin sighed helplessly. "I heard it from An-shu. Cao Yi's reputation in the global design industry is quite significant.

Many of An-shu's students have heard of Cao Yi's name. Think about it: with a top expert like Cao Yi personally helping them modify their design drafts, how could they dare to say anything? Besides, I didn't pay them a cent less."

Zhou Andong nodded, reached out to push open a room door, and walked in.

Tang Lin followed him in. "Take a look and see if anything is missing in the room!"

Zhou Andong glanced sideways at Tang Lin. "Say whatever you want to say."

Tang Lin chuckled. "It's missing ornaments. Contribute some of your treasures, and the clubhouse's class will immediately go up a notch."

"In your dreams!" Zhou Andong rolled his eyes. "Go find some fakes; I won't feel bad if they get lost or broken."

"You're so stingy!" Tang Lin pointed at the room. "Look at this renovation, look at this design. If you put fakes in here, won't people who know their stuff laugh at us if they see them?"

"Let them laugh." Zhou Andong said impatiently. "Those are treasures, the gems of our Chinese cultural heritage.

If they accidentally get broken, money is a trivial matter; the main thing is that every piece lost means a loss of culture."

"Fine, fine, fine!" Tang Lin waved his hand, muttering, "I can't win an argument with you. I'll find some reliable channels another day to get some high-quality replicas; I don't mind paying a higher price."

Actually, Zhou Andong really wasn't being stingy. If he were building a private museum, he would absolutely take those treasures out.

Because anyone visiting a museum wouldn't need to be reminded to be careful and cautious.

But a clubhouse is different, because the mindset of the people entering is different; they are here to relax and unwind.

If you put antiques everywhere, even if you remind them, it's hard to avoid accidents while they are eating, drinking, and relaxing.

Next, Zhou Andong went to check other rooms. Because there were too many rooms, he didn't know where the repair workers were resting, and after walking around, he didn't see anyone.

After coming out, Zhou Andong walked toward the alley in front. It was the afternoon, and the sun was scorching, but fortunately, there were a few spots of shade along the walls in the alley.

A group of workers were sitting together; some were chatting and joking, while others were lying on the ground with their eyes closed, taking a short rest.

The foreman was Liu Zhanyong, who had dug the underground garage for Zhou Andong before. Seeing Zhou Andong coming, he hurried to greet him, his face full of smiles.

"Chairman Zhou, it's been a long time." Liu Zhanyong said, while reaching out with both hands to firmly shake Zhou Andong's hand.

Zhou Andong smiled. "Yes, it has been a while."

Liu Zhanyong nodded repeatedly. "Exactly. Ever since the underground garage in the backyard was finished, we haven't been able to meet again."

After saying that, he enthusiastically reached out to shake Tang Lin's hand, took out cigarettes from his pocket to offer Zhou Andong and Tang Lin, and then hurriedly took out his lighter.

Zhou Andong lowered his head slightly, brought his cigarette close to the lighter Liu Zhanyong held out, and took a light puff, the tip of the cigarette glowing red.

Then, Liu Zhanyong lit Tang Lin's cigarette and said, "Tang Zong, you said you wanted to renovate the underground pipe network in this area. When exactly can we start?"

Tang Lin took a deep breath of smoke, exhaled slowly, and replied, "Chairman Zhou and I were just talking about this. We have to wait until all the residents in front move out before we can start construction. And it's not just the underground pipe network; we're also digging an underground parking lot underneath."

Liu Zhanyong's eyes lit up. Tearing down walls, building walls, garden construction, and underground pipe network renovation were already significant projects, but they couldn't compare to digging an underground parking lot.

Last time, digging the underground parking lot for Zhou Andong took over a year. This area was only larger, not smaller, and combined with the pipe network renovation, they would still have to work 24-hour shifts to finish before winter next year.

However, even if it was a bit tiring and hard, he was willing. Because working for Zhou Andong not only meant no delays in payment, but he would even get extra. Just like last time, he was given an extra 20,000 when settling the account.

Zhou Andong chatted with Liu Zhanyong for a while. By then, the sun wasn't as fierce, and Liu Zhanyong called everyone to start working.

Zhou Andong and Tang Lin wandered around the neighborhood, then went to a small shop and bought two large bags of ice cream each.

When they got home, Zhou Andong gave the two large bags to Wang Wentian, who was squatting at the gate chatting.

"Distribute these to everyone."

Then, he and Tang Lin walked into the courtyard with the other two bags of ice cream, and Zhang Zuo followed them in.

"Did it take you that long just to buy ice cream?"

"You idiot!"

"You idiot!"

Zhou Andong and Tang Lin cursed in unison.

"Big brother!"

"Daddy!"

Lao Si and Su Su ran out of the dining room, heading straight for the plastic bags in their hands.

"I want ice cream!"

"Me too!"

Zhou Andong squatted down and opened the plastic bag. "Take some yourselves."

The two little girls reached into the bag at the same time, grabbed the ice cream, and ran off.

Tang Lin looked at the backs of the two little girls and sighed with emotion. "A carefree childhood—we can never go back."

"You can go back in your next life," Zhang Zuo said inappropriately, then reached out to take an ice cream. "You can just drink rat poison, touch a live wire, jump into a river, or hang yourself now."

Tang Lin raised his foot to kick Zhang Zuo, but the idiot was prepared, laughing loudly as he dodged and ran away.

"Little brat, I know what you're up to the moment you stick your butt out."

Zhou Andong shook his head helplessly and went with Tang Lin to the living room of the rear building, where there was a refrigerator filled with fruit and drinks.

Zhou Andong put the ice cream in the fridge, then took one out with Tang Lin and sat on the sofa.

They had just taken a bite of ice cream when An Jing came down from upstairs. Seeing them eating ice cream, her eyes lit up.

"Is there any more ice cream?"

"Yes!" Tang Lin pointed to the fridge. "It's in the fridge."

An Jing took one out of the fridge and sat down next to Zhou Andong.

"Just after you went out, Chairman Wu called."

Zhou Andong lay lazily on the sofa, biting his ice cream, and said vaguely,

"What is it?"

An Jing chuckled. "The news about Xurishang going to India to build a factory has caused a huge stir. The top leaders of the central government have also taken notice and expressed their full support for the Yugong Group.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce have contacted the Yugong Group, promising that whether it's policy or resource guarantees, the state will provide full assistance and cooperation to jointly push the Yugong Group toward its goal of internationalization."

Having said this, a look of schadenfreude appeared on An Jing's exquisite face, and then she couldn't hold it back anymore and burst into loud laughter.

"Qiuqiu told me that you going to India to build a factory is actually digging a pit for Coca-Cola... Hahahahaha..."

An Jing continued laughing, "But the problem is, the whole country believes it's true, including the top leaders of the central government. Their expectations for you and the Yugong Group have reached their peak.

They even personally issued instructions requiring relevant departments below to give you full-scale support... Oh my, I'm dying of laughter. I really want to see how you're going to end this when the time comes."

Tang Lin never read newspapers. Hearing An Jing's words, he turned to look at Zhou Andong, full of disbelief.

"Dong-ge, are we playing for such high stakes?"