Chapter 200: With family support as his backing, Lu Qingshan hesitates but is full of ambition

After returning home, the whole family was waiting for them.

Wang Guilan had already warmed the food, to help the two old men who had been drinking sober up, while Lu Qingyuan, Lu Qingjun, and Lu Xiaoyu gathered in the living room, their eyes full of anticipation.

"Second brother, what's he like? What kind of person is Chen Lao?" Lu Qingjun asked eagerly.

"Very kind and very approachable." Lu Qingshan sat down, took the hot tea his mother handed him, "He has no airs at all, just like a kindly old neighbor."

"What did you all talk about?" Lu Xiaoyu asked curiously.

Lu Qingshan thought for a moment, picked out some things he could say: "We talked a lot, mainly about our views on national development. Chen Lao and the others highly approved of my performance in Hong Kong Island and also support my development in the mainland."

Lu Hua added from the side: "Lu Qingshan's performance today satisfied several leaders, especially his views on technological development, which made them look at him anew."

"Lu Qingshan, do whatever you want to do; the family will fully support you." Lu Hua looked at his son, eyes full of pride, "But you must keep in mind your identity as a Chinese citizen and never forget where your roots lie."

"Dad, I know, I'll be careful." Lu Qingshan nodded solemnly, "I plan to go back to Baishan the day after tomorrow—to check on the factory's progress there, and to bring Yue E and Xiao Xue to the Capital City to meet the family."

Upon hearing that Lu Qingshan would bring Lin Yue'e and Lu Xiaoxue to the Capital City, Wang Guilan's eyes lit up at once: "Great, I've long wanted to meet my daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Lu Qingshan, you must bring them back safely."

"Got it, Mom." A warm feeling rose in Lu Qingshan's heart, "Yue'e has always wanted to see you and Dad, as well as all the older brothers and sisters."

"By the way, Lu Qingshan, how were Yue'e and Xiao Xue doing while you were in Hong Kong Island?" Wang Guilan asked concernedly.

"Very well. Yue'e now manages all the factories of the Shanwan brand, she's very capable. Xiao Xue has grown a lot taller, she's smart and sensible." Speaking of his wife and daughter, Lu Qingshan's face broke into a happy smile.

Lu Qingjun's eyes shifted: "Second brother, didn't you say you'd take me to Hong Kong Island in November?"

"Right, when the time comes you'll go with me, and this time there's an investment opportunity." Lu Qingshan patted his fourth brother on the shoulder, "This time I'm back, I still have many plans to carry out, and I can't let up on Hong Kong Island either."

Lu Xiaoyu interjected: "Second brother, could you bring me some Hong Kong Island souvenirs too? I heard from classmates that the chocolate there is especially delicious."

"Of course, maybe you won't even need to wait a few days for me to go to Hong Kong Island—the gifts sent from Guangdong Province will arrive in a few days." Lu Qingshan ruffled his sister's hair, "But you need to study hard; your exam scores mustn't fall behind."

"I'll make sure to get it done!" Lu Xiaoyu gave a playful salute, making the whole family burst into laughter.

The next morning, Lu Qingshan was at home discussing with Lu Qingyuan the details of renovating the two courtyards of Fuqiang Hutong, when the home phone suddenly rang.

"Hello, may I speak with Mr. Lu Qingshan?" a middle-aged man's voice came from the other end of the line.

"This is he. Who may I ask is calling?" Lu Qingshan answered the phone.

"I'm Wang Zhengqing from the Capital City Planning Bureau. Yesterday I talked with Director Liu of the Construction Bureau and Chief Zhang of the Land Bureau, and we said you want to purchase the Xiu Shui Market and that building."

Lu Qingshan's spirits lifted: "Chief Wang, how's the situation?"

"After preliminary talks, the Land and Planning bureaus basically agree to your purchase request, but you need to go to the Land Bureau to pay and complete the formalities." Chief Wang's voice sounded formal, "Because the procedures for buying land and the structures on it are rather complicated, we've already contacted the relevant people—when you arrive at the Capital City Land Bureau, just get in touch with Chief Zhang."

"Great!" Lu Qingshan felt elated, "Chief Wang, when would be a good time for me to come over?"

"Anytime works; Chief Zhang has already prepared the relevant documents." Chief Wang said, "But Mr. Lu, this transaction involves a large sum, so you need to be mentally prepared."

After hanging up, Lu Qingshan immediately sought out Lu Qingyuan and Lu Qingjun: "Big brother, Qingjun, let's go, we're heading to the Land Bureau!"

"What big move is this now?" Lu Qingyuan looked at the excited Lu Qingshan, a little curious.

"Things are shaping up for the Xiu Shui Market!" Lu Qingshan said while putting on his coat, "This is a major deal—if we miss it, it's gone."

Lu Qingjun gloated on the side: "Big brother, are you ready? Our second brother never holds back when he acts—don't get scared later."

"I've become immune to Lu Qingshan spending money." Lu Qingyuan gave a wry smile and shook his head, "Anyway, it's astronomical figures—just listen and treat it as a story."

The three brothers drove straight to the Land Bureau, while A Qiang and the others followed in an off‑road vehicle.

On the way, Lu Qingshan was in a great mood, even humming a little tune.

"Second brother, you're so happy—could it be that you've thought of another way to make money?" Lu Qingjun asked curiously.

"Not just thought of—it's about to be realized right away." Lu Qingshan gave a mysterious smile, "Qingjun, do you know what it means to be a step ahead?"

"I know—it's doing something before anyone else even thinks of it." Lu Qingjun replied.

"Exactly. Right now everyone thinks the Xiu Shui Market is just a small goods market, but I see its potential." Lu Qingshan pointed at the buildings outside the window, "In ten years, this place will become one of the most prosperous districts in the Capital City."

In the Land Bureau office building, Lu Qingshan quickly found Chief Zhang.

He was a man in his fifties, tall and thin, wearing a pair of thick glasses, looking quite sharp.

"Mr. Lu, you've come!" Chief Zhang greeted him warmly, "Chief Wang already told me you want to buy the Xiu Shui Market and the building."

"Yes, Chief Zhang, what's the exact situation?" Lu Qingshan asked directly.

Chief Zhang pulled out a stack of documents: "Before, because the Xiu Shui Market and the building were under renovation, we had done a price assessment—the original price was 7.6 million. Considering you are a returning foreign‑investment investor, according to relevant policy you can obtain the land and building rights at a price above the appraisal through auction."

7.6 million!

Lu Qingyuan sucked in a breath of cold air beside him—this number was simply astronomical for him.

"No problem." Lu Qingshan nodded without hesitation, "Exactly how much do we need?"

"Our bottom line is 8 million; if you can accept that, we can close the deal right away." Chief Zhang said.

"I can accept that." Lu Qingshan readily agreed, "When can the paperwork be finished?"

Chief Zhang looked a bit embarrassed: "The procedures will take a long time, involving approvals from multiple departments, possibly several months. However, since you've already paid the annual rent, it won't delay your current renovation and use—you can go ahead with the design modifications, and when the procedures are finished come over right away to pay and complete the settlement."

"That's wonderful!" Lu Qingshan readily agreed, "Chief Zhang, once the procedures are done I'll come over immediately to make the payment."

Lu Qingjun muttered under his breath: "Second brother, saying you'll spend 8 million like it's nothing—you don't even blink."

"What's there to blink about?" Lu Qingshan glared at him, "Money that isn't spent is just waste paper; only when you spend it can it turn into more money."

After leaving the Land Bureau, Lu Qingyuan still couldn't quite believe it: "Lu Qingshan, you just spent another 8 million today, adding to yesterday's 3.5 million makes a total of 11.5 million. Isn't that spending a bit too fast?"

"Big brother, this isn't spending—it's investing in the future." Lu Qingshan gazed at the distant Xiu Shui Market, excitement flashing in his eyes, "Within ten years the value of these places will increase dozens or even a hundredfold. If we don't buy now, buying later after the price rises will be too late."

Lu Qingjun gave a thumbs‑up on the side: "Second brother, your vision is spot‑on. Although the Xiu Shui Market does decent business now, the surroundings are still rather barren—but just think, it's right next to the Gate of Nation‑Building; in the future it will surely be incredibly valuable land."

"Qingjun's right." Lu Qingshan nodded, "And I have even bigger plans. These are just the foundations; the real big moves are still to come."

Lu Qingyuan suddenly thought of something: "Lu Qingshan, you've bought so much real estate—how are you going to manage it all? You can't just leave it empty, can you?"

"Big brother, you don't need to worry about that." Lu Qingshan said confidently, "I've already worked it out in my mind: after the renovation of the Fuqiang Hutong courtyards is finished, the various compounds numbered 23 will be for the family to live in, the three courtyards of compound No. 1 I'll use myself, the factory building and dormitory will serve as corporate offices, and can also be rented out or used for other purposes. As for the Xiu Shui Building, I plan to re‑plan it into a high‑end commercial complex, with the market becoming a nationwide specialty‑products fair."

"A commercial complex?" Lu Qingyuan said, unfamiliar with the term.

"It's a large building that combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and office space all in one." Lu Qingshan explained patiently, "It's already very popular abroad, but still a blank slate domestically. If we can be the first to pull it off, we'll definitely attract a lot of people."

That evening, Lu Qingshan and Lu Qingyuan were at home discussing the upcoming arrangements in detail.

"Big brother, big sister, brother‑in‑law, second sister—when will they finish the paperwork and return?" Lu Qingshan asked.

"About another week or so." Lu Qingyuan thought for a moment, "The situation over at Fang Fang's side is more complicated; it requires coordination with the local relevant departments."

"That's perfect; keep overseeing the construction quality at Fuqiang Hutong, and after big sister and second sister return, the household matters will be handed over to you." Lu Qingshan said.

"Alright, you can go without worry." Lu Qingyuan nodded, "I'll see to it that the household affairs are arranged."

"Got it, big brother." A warm surge rose in Lu Qingshan's heart, "With you all supporting me from behind, I'm not afraid of anything."

Wang Guilan entered carrying a midnight snack: "Qing Shan, you're leaving tomorrow; eat more so you have strength on the road."

"Mom, I won't be away long this time; I'll soon bring Yue E and Xiao Xue back." Lu Qingshan took the bowl handed by his mother, "Then you'll be able to enjoy the familial bliss of three generations together."

"Alright, alright, I'm waiting." Wang Guilan grinned broadly, "I've already prepared a welcome gift for Xiao Xue, and one for Yue E as well."

Night was deep, and Lu Qingshan lay on the bed, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

Tomorrow, he will return to Shanwan Village, to fetch his beloved wife and daughters.

Thinking that he will soon see Lin Yue'e and Lu Xiao Xue, Lu Qingshan's heart was filled with anticipation.

This time, he will bring them back to Capital City, so they can feel the warmth of a big family.

At the same time, he wants everyone to see that Lu Qingshan is not only successful in his career but also a good husband and good father at home.