Chapter 159: Minister of Agriculture Calls for a Personal Meeting, Lu Qingshan Harbors Hidden Ambitions!

The four of them walked around the market once, and Lu Qingshan memorized the entire layout. The market wasn't large, about fifty or sixty stalls, and only about half were open now. If this place could be revitalized, it would definitely be a good business.

Watching the dejected stall owners, Lu Qingshan calculated in his mind. These people now think business is hard, but once he puts his plan into action, this will become the Capital City's emerging commercial hub. Then those stall owners will probably regret their complaints today.

Leaving Xiu Shui Market, it was already past three in the afternoon. Lu Qingshan suggested finding a nearby place to eat and discuss the next step of the plan.

The group found a small restaurant, sat down, and ordered a few dishes. Lu Xiaoyu lifted her teacup, took a sip, frowned and said, "Why is this tea so bitter? It's not as good as our family's jasmine tea."

"Xiaoyu, you're now someone who's seen the world, yet you're still picky about tea," Lu Qinghe said with a smile, shaking his head. "When second brother makes it big in Beijing, he'll buy you good tea every day."

"I'm not that delicate," Lu Xiaoyu pouted, "just saying it casually."

"Second brother, I think we should have a backup plan," Lu Qinghe said while eating, "in case we can't secure this location, we'll need an alternative."

"Makes sense," Lu Qingshan nodded. "Yuanchao, you're more familiar with Beijing; what other places are suitable for an office?"

Zhang Yuanchao thought for a moment: "The area near Wangfujing is also good—heavy foot traffic and a strong commercial atmosphere. There's also Qianmen, which is a traditional commercial district."

"Wangfujing is a good spot, close to home, but competition is fierce and prices are certainly higher," Lu Qingshan shook his head. "Qianmen is lively, but it feels a bit old‑fashioned, not matching our brand positioning."

"Brand positioning?" Lu Xiaoyu blinked. "Second brother, you sound quite sophisticated. You didn't learn that from a book, did you?"

Lu Qingshan was almost choked by the tea; the girl really says anything. "Xiaoyu, doing business now isn't just about profit; we must consider brand image. Our products expand the market, and the styles that attract customers should be low‑margin, high‑volume, but the product line should have both high and low tiers, and we also need a high‑end route; the shop's location and décor must match that positioning."

"Second brother is right," Lu Qinghe agreed wholeheartedly. "The spot outside Jianguomen looks more modern than Qianmen, and it's not too far from home, making management convenient."

Zhang Yuanchao set down his chopsticks and said seriously, "Brother Qingshan, actually I think there's another advantage to this location. The surrounding area consists of new buildings, with few old‑brand shops. If you move in, you won't have to compete with those historic merchants."

"That's an unexpected gain," Lu Qingshan smiled. "Seems my eye is not bad."

Just then, the group rode their bikes back to Fuqiang Hutong.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, Lu Qingshan smelled the aroma of home‑cooked food. Voices came from the courtyard; it seemed his parents and older siblings were home.

"Qingshan, you're back," mother Wang Guilan greeted, holding a slip of paper. "There was a call for you earlier; I wrote down the number."

Lu Qingshan took the slip, glanced at it, and saw an unfamiliar number. A wave of nervousness rose in his mind—could it be bad news?

"Mom, did the caller say anything?"

"He just said to call him back after you return, nothing else," Wang Guilan looked at her son's expression. "What's up? Is there something?"

"Nothing, probably work‑related," Lu Qingshan walked to the phone, feeling a faint sense of anticipation.

He dialed the number, and a familiar voice came from the other end: "Is this Comrade Lu Qingshan? I'm Xiao Tian from the Ministry of Agriculture Office."

Lu Qingshan's heart rose to his throat; he quickly straightened up as if the other could see him, and said, "Secretary Tian, hello."

"Comrade Lu, regarding the matter you mentioned this morning, Minister Lin has already been briefed," Xiao Tian's tone revealed no emotion. "Please come to the Ministry at ten o'clock tomorrow morning; Minister Lin wishes to meet you in person."

Minister Lin wants to meet in person?

Lu Qingshan was so excited he almost jumped up, his hands trembling. "Alright, alright, I'll be there on time tomorrow."

"Minister Lin asked me to tell you that tomorrow's discussion will involve some specific issues; you'd better bring all relevant materials."

"Understood, I'll be fully prepared."

"That's all, see you tomorrow."

He hung up, and Lu Qingshan let out a long sigh, trying to calm his excitement. Minister Lin meeting him in person shows the matter has real stakes!

In the courtyard, Lu Qinghe, Lu Xiaoyu, and Zhang Yuanchao craned their necks, awaiting news.

Even Wang Guilan, who was picking vegetables, stopped her work and stared intently at her son.

"How is it?" Lu Qinghe asked anxiously.

"It's promising!" Lu Qingshan lowered his voice but couldn't hide his excitement. "Minister Lin will meet me tomorrow."

"Great!" Lu Xiaoyu was so excited she almost jumped. "Second brother, you're really going to soar now!"

Zhang Yuanchao also smiled, "Looks like your reputation really works. Having a minister meet you personally isn't a privilege ordinary people get."

At that moment, Lu Hua stepped out of the house, hearing his sons talk about a minister's meeting, and curiously asked, "What are you talking about? Which minister?"

Lu Qingshan quickly gave a brief rundown of today's events; after listening, Lu Hua's face showed a satisfied smile. "Qingshan, you've really made your father proud. But when you meet the minister tomorrow, you must mind your conduct and not lose propriety."

"Dad, don't worry, I know what to do."

"It's not luck," Lu Qinghe adjusted his glasses, grinning. "It's my second brother's strength! Getting the Ministry of Agriculture Minister to meet us personally shows what? It shows the Lu Family is about to make a name for itself!"

Wang Guilan listened nearby, her face both happy and worried. "Qingshan, when dealing with high officials, you must be careful. Remember to stay humble like a common folk, and don't provoke the wrong people."

"Mom, you're overthinking," Lu Qingshan grasped his mother's hand. "Times have changed; as long as we run a legitimate business, no one can harm us."

In high spirits, Lu Qingshan called out, "Let's go, I'm happy today, it's my treat. The four of us will go to Quanjude for roast duck, pack some for home so Mom and Dad can try it."

"Long live second brother!" Lu Xiaoyu cheered, "I've been wanting Quanjude's roast duck for ages!"

Lu Hua waved his hand, "Qingshan, don't waste money; we have vegetables at home."

"Dad, today is a joyous day; let's have a good meal to celebrate." Lu Qingshan took his father's hand. "You and Mom have toiled for most of your lives; now you should enjoy some happiness."

The four laughed and chatted as they left, heading toward Quanjude. On the way, Zhang Yuanchao couldn't help but remark, "Brother Qingshan, this change is unbelievable. The last time I saw you in Baishan City you were already impressive, but I didn't expect the Minister of Agriculture to meet you personally now."

"Yuanchao, that's just the beginning," Lu Qingshan's eyes sparkled. "Once I finish the business in Beijing, our venture will grow even bigger."

Lu Qingshan silently vowed to see this through, laying a solid foundation for the Lu Family's future.

Tomorrow's meeting will determine whether the first step of his Beijing layout succeeds.

If this step is taken steadily, the road ahead will be much smoother.