Chapter 157: March on the Capital City! Lu Qingshan's Capital Expansion Plan

Morning, Capital City Lu Family.

Lu Qingshan pushed open the door, inhaling the air of this ancient capital, and felt an inexplicable surge of excitement.

Today's task is clear—find a suitable storefront in the Capital City for Shanwan Village. It's not just a simple site selection; it's the first step of the Lu Family's commercial map expanding into the capital.

"Second Brother, you're up so early?" Lu Qinghe stepped out of the next room, holding his toiletries.

"Once I open my eyes I can't sleep," Lu Qingshan patted Third Brother's shoulder. "Third Brother, today's business is no small matter; are you ready?"

"I've been ready for ages!" Lu Xiaoyu hopped up from downstairs. "Second Brother, I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep! Opening a shop in the Capital City sounds amazing!"

Lu Qingshan looked at his energetic little sister and couldn't help laughing: "Xiaoyu, today we're not sightseeing; it's serious business. Don't cause any trouble for me."

"Who says I'll cause trouble?" Lu Xiaoyu pouted defiantly. "I'm clever! I might even be helpful."

Eldest sister, second sister, and older brother stayed at home helping parents tidy the courtyard; younger brother went to meet his classmate. After the three of them had a quick breakfast, they set out to find Zhang Yuanchao.

The Capital City's streets seemed especially spacious at dawn, with occasional bicycles ringing their bells as they passed. Lu Qingshan walked while carefully observing every detail of the city.

"Second Brother, do you think Brother Zhang is still asleep?" Lu Qinghe glanced at his watch. "It's only 7:30."

"He's from the Industrial University, so he definitely gets up early," Lu Qingshan said confidently. "Besides, I made an appointment with him yesterday."

Sure enough, when they arrived at Hepingli Community, Zhang Yuanchao was already waiting downstairs. The eyes behind his black‑rimmed glasses shone with excitement.

"Brother Qing Shan!" Zhang Yuanchao waved from afar. "I've been ready for a long time! Last night I even specifically studied the Capital City's commercial district layout."

"Brother Zhang, you're so thoughtful," Lu Qingshan shook his hand. "We'll rely on you to lead the way today."

"No trouble at all, it's my duty!" Zhang Yuanchao adjusted his glasses. "What's a little help?"

The four set off together, with Zhang Yuanchao riding his bicycle ahead to lead.

"Brother Qing Shan, I think the area around Jianguo Gate Outer Street looks good," Zhang Yuanchao said while turning his bike around. "The commercial vibe there is strong, you have a need to sell to foreign guests, and the transport is convenient."

"Specifically, which spot?" Lu Qingshan pedaled behind.

"At the intersection of Jianguo Gate Outer Street and Dongda Bridge Road, there's a U‑shaped enclosed courtyard building," Zhang Yuanchao said excitedly. "It's right next to Friendship Mall!"

Lu Qinghe's eyes lit up from behind: "Friendship Mall? That's the Capital City's only foreign‑oriented mall!"

"Exactly!" Zhang Yuanchao nodded. "Friendship Mall has over 9,000 square meters of floor space and is China's first large foreign‑oriented retail enterprise. Opening a shop nearby would be a definite advantage."

Lu Xiaoyu followed on her bicycle, looking confused: "What's a foreign‑oriented mall? Is it selling to foreigners?"

"Xiaoyu, you just don't get it," Lu Qinghe explained proudly. "A foreign‑oriented mall is a mall that specifically serves foreign visitors; the goods inside are all high‑end."

Lu Qingshan listened to the three of them and already formed a plan. Friendship Mall is indeed a prime spot; if they can set up a storefront nearby, they'd benefit from the mall's foot traffic and reach more foreigners. For future export trade, this is certainly an advantageous condition.

Half an hour later, the four arrived at their destination.

"This is it!" Zhang Yuanchao pointed at the building complex ahead. "See, this courtyard building is U‑shaped and has seven floors."

Lu Qingshan examined the building closely. Indeed, as Zhang Yuanchao described, it was a U‑shaped enclosed courtyard building. Though it looked a bit dated, the location was superb.

"Next to it is Friendship Mall," Zhang Yuanchao said, pointing to a nearby structure. "And over there is Xiushui Market."

Lu Qingshan followed his direction and saw a relatively quiet market.

"Why is this market so quiet?" Lu Xiaoyu asked curiously.

"Individual businesses have just been deregulated, so there aren't many merchants yet, which makes it look quiet," Zhang Yuanchao explained. "But the location is great; it will definitely develop in the future."

A spark of excitement flashed in Lu Qingshan's eyes. The currently quiet Xiushui Market, which will be booming later, fits his plan perfectly. If they can develop it into a specialty market alongside the building's offices, it would become a complete commercial system.

"Brother Qing Shan, what do you think?" Zhang Yuanchao asked expectantly.

"The location is indeed good," Lu Qingshan nodded. "But we need to first learn about the area's planning."

"Planning?" Lu Qinghe asked, a bit puzzled.

"Right, with such a prime spot, the government surely has a development plan," Lu Qingshan analyzed. "We must first get the facts before deciding what to do."

Zhang Yuanchao's eyes lit up: "Exactly, exactly, Brother Qing Shan, you've thought this through. Let's first go to the Dongcheng District Government to inquire."

The four rode their bicycles straight to the Dongcheng District Government.

People came and went in the district government office building; Lu Qingshan and his party tidied their clothes at the entrance before walking in.

"Excuse me, where is the Urban Planning Department?" Lu Qingshan asked the clerk at the reception desk.

"Third floor, turn left," the clerk said without looking up.

On the third floor, Lu Qingshan knocked on the Urban Planning Department's door.

"Please come in."

Inside the office sat a middle‑aged man, buried in documents. He looked up when he heard footsteps.

"Comrade, is there something you need?"

"Good day, I'd like to learn about the planning situation for the courtyard building at the intersection of Jianguo Gate Outer Street and Dongda Bridge Road," Lu Qingshan said straight to the point.

The middle‑aged man set aside his documents and examined Lu Qingshan closely: "Why are you asking about this?"

"I want to open a storefront there, so I need the specifics," Lu Qingshan replied honestly.

"Oh, I see," the man opened a folder on the desk. "That courtyard building is indeed within our planning scope. According to the plan, it will be renovated, has already been vacated, and will be developed into a mall and residential towers."

Lu Qingshan felt a weight in his chest; as he had suspected, this would become the future Xiushui Tower.

"What's the current progress?" Lu Qinghe couldn't help asking.

"It's still in the preliminary preparation stage; the exact start date hasn't been set," the man closed the folder. "However, Comrade, if you truly wish to do business there, I suggest you find another location."

Lu Xiaoyu heard this and showed a disappointed expression.

But Lu Qingshan didn't give up: "May I ask, is it possible to temporarily use the site before demolition?"

The middle‑aged man was taken aback: "Temporary use?"

"Yes, a short‑term lease," Lu Qingshan explained. "I can cooperate with the demolition plan and move out whenever needed."

"Well..." the man hesitated, "I've never encountered this before. Logically, if demolition is planned, it shouldn't be leased again."

"But an empty space stays empty; better to put it to use," Lu Qingshan continued. "I can even pay rent in advance, which would generate revenue for the district government."

The middle‑aged man was persuaded, but still shook his head: "I can't decide on this; I need to consult my superiors."

"Then may I trouble you to ask?" Lu Qingshan handed over a cigarette, "We can wait for the news."