Chapter 161: 200,000 Rent Paid, 20-Year Lease in Hand!

Minister Lin stopped his pacing, turned to look at Lu Qingshan, and his expression shifted from contemplation to determination.

"Comrade Qingshan, your thinking is clear; the future looks promising."

Minister Lin's voice was booming and decisive as he said, "I previously served as a clerk in the Capital City government and still have contacts with old friends in the planning department. I can give them a heads‑up; Secretary Xiao Tian will tell you the relevant procedures, and you can handle them directly."

Lu Qingshan was so excited he nearly jumped out of his chair, but he still forced his ecstatic heart to settle and said, "Minister Lin, you mean that…"

"My meaning is clear."

Minister Lin walked up to Lu Qingshan, patted his shoulder, and said, "Your project will be taken as a pilot by the ministry. If the Shanwan Model can truly be rolled out, it will serve as a demonstration for agricultural industrialization across the nation."

Secretary Tian recorded the conversation nearby, a smile appearing on his face.

Having followed Minister Lin for so many years, he rarely saw his senior leader support a project so wholeheartedly.

"Minister Lin, I…" Lu Qingshan's voice choked, "I don't know how to thank you!"

"Don't rush to thank me."

Minister Lin waved his hand, returned to his seat, and said, "Communicate any subsequent matters promptly; if difficulties arise, come to us immediately. You may go ahead freely— as a pilot project of the ministry, we will definitely support and promote the Shanwan Model. If any obstacles arise, bring them up and we'll find a solution."

Lu Qingshan bowed deeply and said, "Minister Lin, your kindness, I, Lu Qingshan, will never forget!"

Leaving the Ministry of Agriculture, Lu Qingshan felt as light as if walking on clouds.

Secretary Tian handed him an envelope and said, "Inside are the contact details of the relevant departments and the Introduction Letter; follow this order to complete the procedures."

"Secretary Tian, this really has troubled you."

Lu Qingshan solemnly tucked away the envelope.

"It's my duty, it's my duty."

Secretary Tian smiled, "By the way, Minister Lin asked me to tell you that if you encounter any obstruction during the process, just cite his name."

In the following days, Lu Qingshan was like a man on a high, leaving home at seven each morning, racing between various Capital City departments with Minister Lin's Introduction Letter.

The first stop was the Municipal Planning Bureau.

"Are you Comrade Lu Qingshan?" Deputy Director Wang of the Planning Bureau glanced at the Introduction Letter, his demeanor instantly warming, "Minister Lin called me specifically yesterday, saying your project is very forward‑looking."

"Director Wang, I trouble you," Lu Qingshan said respectfully.

"No need for formalities, no need," Deputy Director Wang sized up Lu Qingshan, "The young fellow is quite youthful; I didn't expect him to undertake such a grand venture. We've already preliminarily reviewed your project; there are no issues, and the procedures can be completed quickly."

The second stop was the Municipal Construction Bureau.

The situation at the Construction Bureau was a bit more complex; the ownership of that building still needed to be re‑sorted.

However, with the Ministry of Agriculture's recommendation, the comrades at the Construction Bureau paid extra attention.

"Comrade Lu, this project is indeed good," Director Li of the Construction Bureau flipped through the files, "But the building was previously a factory dormitory; converting it to commercial use requires a new approval."

"Approximately how long will it take?" Lu Qingshan felt a bit uneasy.

"The normal procedure takes a month, but since it's Minister Lin's recommended project, we can make an exception and finish it in half a month."

The third stop was the Dongcheng District Land Management Department.

The procedures here were the most cumbersome, involving changes to land use rights.

Nevertheless, with the cooperation of the previous departments, efficiency here had noticeably improved.

"Comrade Lu, how many years do you intend for this lease term?" Section Chief Zhang of the Land Bureau asked.

"The longer the better," Lu Qingshan said without hesitation, "I hope to lease for twenty years."

"Twenty years…" Section Chief Zhang pondered, "That term is indeed not short, but considering your project's scale and investment, I think it can be considered."

After a week, Lu Qingshan had lost several kilograms, yet his spirits were remarkably high.

All departmental procedures progressed orderly, only the final payment step remained.

That evening, Lu Qingshan returned to Fuqiang Hutong, where his family sat around the TV watching the news broadcast.

"Qingshan, how's it going?"

Lu Hua set down his tea cup and asked concernedly.

"Dad, the procedures are basically done! Only the payment remains!" Lu Qingshan said excitedly, "I've already called, asking Yue E to wire the funds to the bank; I'm ready to pay tomorrow."

"Great!" Wang Guilan beamed, "My son really has promise!"

Lu Xiaoyu hopped over, "Second brother, when will we move to Beijing to live?"

"Move to Beijing?" Lu Qingshan patted his sister's head, "Xiaoyu, aren't you going to university?"

"I can attend university in Beijing! There are plenty of universities in Beijing!" Lu Xiaoyu said, blinking.

Lu Qinghe adjusted his glasses, "Second brother, now that the Beijing matter is settled, what's the next plan?"

Lu Qingshan sat on the sofa, already sketching the next steps in his mind: "First, lay a solid foundation here in Beijing, get the office and market running. Then…"

He paused, a hint of profound light flashing in his eyes, "Then we will extend our reach to more cities— Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen; those are our targets."

"Ambitious, aren't you," Lu Hua laughed, shaking his head, "But ambition is good, yet we must stay grounded."

"Dad is right," Lu Qingshan nodded, "One step at a time; first do the current tasks well."

Early the next morning, Lu Qingshan went to the bank and withdrew 200,000 cash.

Seeing the suitcase brimming with banknotes, he felt both excited and nervous.

This was his entire fortune; failure would mean total ruin.

But he had no regrets, for he knew this was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance.

At three p. m., in the Dongcheng District government conference room, Lu Qingshan formally signed the lease contract.

The U‑shaped office building on Jianguomen Outer Street and the adjacent Xiushui Market were leased for twenty years, with an annual rent of 180,000.

"Comrade Lu, congratulations!" the Dongcheng District leader shook his hand warmly, "We hope your project succeeds and contributes to Dongcheng District's development."

"Thank you for the leadership's support!" Lu Qingshan said excitedly, "I will certainly not disappoint everyone's expectations!"

After signing the contract and paying, Lu Qingshan held the bright red lease certificate, feeling his hands tremble.

That piece of paper signified his official rooting in Beijing!

Walking out of the government building, Lu Qingshan took a deep breath of Beijing's air.

The sun set in the west, on Chang'an Street carriages and horses flowed like a dragon; this ancient yet modern city was about to witness the soaring of his life.

Now it was time to return to Shanwan; he would bring this good news back and begin preparations for the next phase of industrial planning.