Chapter 158: Golden Location Battle, Hidden Business Opportunities in Xiushui Market!

Coming out of the district government, the four of them all looked somewhat dejected.

"Second brother, it looks like this matter won't be easy," Lu Qinghe shook his head.

"Don't give up so early," Lu Qingshan's eyes flashed with light, "Third brother, do you remember what Comrade Han Sizhang said yesterday?"

"What words?"

"He said Minister Lin is paying close attention to me, and Minister Lin had also told me before that if I have any difficulties I can approach his secretary," Lu Qingshan patted his third brother's shoulder, "I think now is a good opportunity."

"Exactly!" Lu Qingshan nodded, "When Minister Lin was in Baishan City, he indeed said that if there are difficulties one can come to him. Now is the right time."

Zhang Yuanchao listened, eyes wide open: "Brother Qingshan, you know the minister?"

"Not just know him," Lu Qingshan smiled mysteriously, "Perhaps this time we can ride his influence to take off!"

Lu Xiaoyu jumped up excitedly, "Second brother, you're really clever! With the Ministry of Agriculture's support, the district government will surely agree!"

The four immediately changed direction, heading straight for the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Ministry of Agriculture building was more imposing than the district government, with guards posted at the entrance.

"May I ask if Minister Lin's secretary is present?" Lu Qingshan asked the reception desk.

"What business do you have with Secretary Tian?" the messenger asked warily.

"I am Lu Qingshan from Shanwan Village, Baishan City, Jilin Province; Minister Lin asked me to find his secretary."

When the messenger heard Lu Qingshan's name, his attitude changed immediately: "Ah! You are Comrade Qingshan! Please wait a moment, I will call Secretary Tian right away."

A short while later, a young man hurried down the stairs.

"Comrade Lu Qingshan!" the young man shook hands enthusiastically, "I am Minister Lin's secretary Xiao Tian. We have met before; the minister instructed that whatever assistance you need, I will fully cooperate."

Lu Qingshan felt a surge of joy; it seemed Minister Lin indeed remembered him.

"Comrade Tian, I would like to consult about something," Lu Qingshan briefly explained the site selection situation, "I wonder if the ministry can help coordinate a bit?"

Xiao Tian listened, pondered for a moment: "This matter is indeed somewhat complicated. But since you raised it, I can help contact the Dongcheng District Government."

"That's greatly appreciated!" Lu Qingshan said excitedly.

"Please don't be eager to thank yet," Xiao Tian smiled, "I can only help with the contact; the actual outcome depends on Dongcheng District's attitude. Go back and wait for news; I'll handle it now."

Leaving the Ministry of Agriculture building, Lu Qingshan let out a long sigh.

"Second brother, do you think this can be accomplished?" Lu Xiaoyu asked nervously.

Lu Qingshan gazed at the distant blue sky, his eyes flashing with resolve: "Xiaoyu, some matters aren't about whether they can be done, but about that they must be done."

"Why?"

"Because this is the Lu Family's first step toward going national," Lu Qingshan's voice carried undeniable determination, "If we can't take this step, the road ahead will be even harder."

Zhang Yuanchao nodded beside him, "Brother Qingshan is right. The beginning is always hard, but once it starts, the rest becomes smoother."

Lu Qinghe pushed his glasses, his eyes also ignited with fighting spirit: "Second brother, regardless of the outcome, we will fully support you."

The four stood at the Ministry's entrance, looking at the bustling capital, their hearts filled with anticipation and unease.

The site selection in Beijing is not merely a storefront issue; it also concerns the Lu Family's future commercial map. This step must be taken well.

When Lu Qingshan left the Ministry of Agriculture, his mind felt like it held fifteen buckets—up and down.

Minister Lin's secretary Xiao Tian was indeed courteous; after hearing his request, he simply said lightly, "I will report the situation to Minister Lin and will inform you when there's news," then told him to go back and wait.

That waiting is indeed a torment.

"Second brother, do you think this can succeed?" Lu Xiaoyu tugged Lu Qingshan's arm, eyes wide, and asked.

"Who knows," Lu Qingshan shook his head, uncertain inside, "We've said everything that needed saying, we've asked the right people; the rest is up to fate."

Lu Qinghe adjusted his glasses, analyzing: "Logically, since Minister Lin had a good impression of you in Baishan City, this small favor should be doable. The key is that the location is indeed excellent; I reckon many are eyeing it."

Zhang Yuanchao nodded: "Brother Qingshan, I've also seen that spot; it truly is a golden location. It's right next to Friendship Mall, heavy foot traffic, and convenient transport. If we can secure it, it will greatly boost your business."

The four walked slowly along Jianguo Menwai Avenue, Lu Qingshan's gaze occasionally flicking toward the mouth-shaped courtyard. It now looked shabby, but in his eyes it was a raw jade; with a little carving it could become a Treasure Basin.

"Brother Yuanchao, you work at the Institute of Technology and know Beijing's situation better," Lu Qingshan suddenly stopped, "How likely do you think this will succeed?"

Zhang Yuanchao pondered for a while: "If an ordinary person handled this, it would hardly have a chance. But you're different; you're now a star of the Ministry of Agriculture, featured on the front page of the People's Daily. Add your father's connections, and I think there's still hope."

"The key is whether we can afford the price," Lu Qinghe said realistically, "Such a golden location won't be cheap. Second brother, do you have a sense of the cost?"

Lu Qingshan certainly had a sense. Though in his previous life he never dealt in real estate, he knew Beijing's land prices. It is now 1981; commercial property prices aren't as inflated as later, but a spot like Jianguo Menwai still isn't cheap.

"Don't worry about the money," Lu Qingshan patted his third brother's shoulder, "I have a scale in my mind."

In fact he calculated very clearly in his mind. Now the three factories in Shanwan Village each month net profit totals about 140,000–150,000 yuan, and as sales increase, profit is steadily rising. Moreover, he has some savings and interest‑free loan funds in his account, so acquiring this building and market should not be a problem.

The key is to obtain the usage rights.

"Let's go, we'll first take a look around Xiushui Market," Lu Qingshan called everyone, "Since we're here, we need to get a full picture of the situation."

At this moment Xiushui Market was indeed quiet, a few scattered stalls selling daily goods and snacks. The vendors looked listless, business clearly not good.

"Comrade, when did this market open?" Lu Qingshan asked casually as he approached a stall selling tobacco and alcohol.

The stall owner was a man in his forties; seeing someone speak, he instantly perked up: "It only opened last year, but it's so quiet. In a day we can't even make a few yuan; if there weren't nowhere else to go, I'd have quit long ago."

"Why is it so quiet?" Lu Xiaoyu asked curiously.

"It's because the location is remote and foot traffic is low," the stall owner sighed, "Look at the Friendship Mall over there; that's what thriving business looks like. Who among us small vendors would go there for a look?"

Lu Qingshan felt a secret delight; this was exactly the effect he wanted. The market is quiet now, rent cheap; once he builds his office, foot traffic will naturally rise. Then these vendors will know what a geographic advantage is.

"Brother, is the stall rent expensive here?" Lu Qinghe pretended to ask casually.

"Twenty yuan a month; you can't say it's expensive, nor cheap. The main issue is business is tough; earnings aren't enough to cover rent."

"Twenty yuan a month?" Lu Qingshan calculated silently; the price was indeed low. After his plan is implemented, raising the rent three to five times wouldn't be excessive.

"Brother Qingshan, what are you thinking about?" Zhang Yuanchao noticed Lu Qingshan's thoughtful expression.

"Nothing much, just think this place has good potential," Lu Qingshan smiled, without elaborating.