Chapter 209: Naming the Xinghan Tower, the Brothers Share Their Views

The city's morning light streamed through the car window onto Lu Qingshan's face, and the three brothers sat in the back seat chatting.

Lu Qingshan watched the buildings rushing past outside the window, mentally planning today's schedule.

The early‑morning stall in the alley had already begun to emit fragrance, the cries of vendors rose and fell, and the entire Capital City was slowly waking.

"Qingshan, your car is really nice," Lu Qingyuan said, patting the leather seat. "Driving a car like this in Capital City certainly draws a lot of attention. The old men and women we passed earlier almost had their eyes pop out."

"Brother, that's nothing; after a while we'll buy even better cars," Lu Qingshan said with a smile. "In this era, if you have money you should spend it generously; hoarding is just hoarding. Besides, we're already people of some standing, so we needn't be too shabby, nor overly pretentious."

Lu Qingjun interjected, "Second brother, I agree with your idea. But tell me, what exactly should we do next? I saw you reading those newspapers last night—do you have a new plan?"

"Step by step," Lu Qingshan said, looking out the window. "First we solidify the foundation in Capital City, then consider other matters."

A Qiang drove ahead, occasionally checking the rear‑view mirror for traffic. He knew the boss had meetings today and couldn't afford any carelessness. Seeing the brothers so engrossed in conversation through the mirror made him happy for the boss.

The car soon arrived at the office building of Capital City First Construction. It was a five‑story brick‑concrete structure that looked a bit dated but impressive. A few construction vehicles were parked at the entrance, and workers came and went, creating a lively scene. Many people couldn't help glancing at Lu Qingshan's luxury car, and some whispered among themselves.

"Lu, the boss is here!" Receptionist Xiao Liu recognized Lu Qingshan from afar and jogged over. "Manager Zhang is waiting for you in the office. After you left yesterday afternoon, Manager Zhang had us prepare, saying today we must settle your matters properly."

Manager Zhang was a man in his forties, slightly plump, and his speech carried a Capital City accent. When he saw Lu Qingshan enter, he immediately stood up to greet him, a smile plastered on his face. Several certificates were displayed in the office, indicating the company indeed had some strength.

"Lu, we studied yesterday's matter all night," Manager Zhang said, pouring tea. "We will definitely take on your project; after all, it's such a huge undertaking with such high quality requirements. To be honest, a big client like you is the first we've encountered."

Lu Qingshan lifted his tea cup and took a sip, "Manager Zhang, when can we start on site? My schedule is rather tight."

"Well… the engineering department is waiting," Manager Zhang mused. "We can definitely start within a week, but according to protocol, you need to pay a thirty percent entry fee first. That's industry practice, you understand."

"How much?" Lu Qingshan asked directly.

"Around eight hundred thousand," Manager Zhang said cautiously. "That's the industry rule; you know materials and labor must be prepaid. Rest assured, Capital City First Construction's reputation is guaranteed."

Lu Qingshan nodded; the price was within his expected range. Ultimately, the development rights were in First Construction's hands, so he just needed to go with the flow for a win‑win. However, his cash on hand was indeed tight, as most of his funds were invested in the stock market and factories.

"Fine, no problem," Lu Qingshan turned to Lu Qingjun, "Qingjun, tomorrow go contact Hong Kong Island and transfer part of the funds over."

Lu Qingjun was startled, "Contact Hong Kong Island?"

"Yes." Lu Qingshan's eyes flashed with a hint of meaning. Although the Hong Kong Island matter wasn't fully settled, the necessary framework had to be put in place first.

Manager Zhang, upon hearing "Hong Kong Island," showed a clear flash of admiration in his eyes. "Lu has business on Hong Kong Island too? That's impressive. I heard money there is much easier to earn than on the mainland."

"Just a modest venture," Lu Qingshan said modestly. "Manager Zhang, it's settled then—start within a week, and may our cooperation be pleasant."

Leaving Capital City First Construction, it was already past ten in the morning. Lu Qingshan checked the time and decided to handle Xiao Xue's kindergarten matters first.

Donghua Gate Kindergarten was near his home, next to the Supreme Procuratorate, a five‑ or six‑minute walk away. It was a renowned kindergarten, reportedly attended by many children of prominent families. The sycamore leaves at the entrance were turning yellow, and autumn was deepening.

The guard, seeing three people approach, was a bit puzzled. Usually parents came by bicycle or bus; it was rare to see a luxury car arrive like this.

Lu Qingshan stepped forward and explained, "My surname is Lu; I would like to arrange enrollment for my daughter."

"Oh, please wait a moment, I'll make a call," the guard walked slowly into the teaching building, returned after a few minutes, and immediately said, "The director has been waiting for you for a long time, please come in!"

The director, a woman in her fifties surnamed Liu, exuded a cultured demeanor. Upon seeing Lu Qingshan, she immediately rose to greet him.

"You are Comrade Lu Qingshan, aren't you?" Director Liu grasped Lu Qingshan's hand. "We've known for a while; the education committee took note this morning. We know she is the granddaughter of Comrade Lu Hua, and we will definitely take care of Xiao Xue's matters."

Lu Qingshan was a bit surprised, "Director, that is truly much appreciated."

"You're welcome, you're welcome," Director Liu produced a form. "Please fill this out, and Xiao Xue can be brought over tomorrow. Our teachers are very experienced; Xiao Xue will adapt quickly. By the way, how old is your Xiao Xue?"

"Three and a half years old," Lu Qingshan replied while filling the form. "She's rather lively, just a bit shy with strangers."

"Three and a half is perfect; the children in our small class are very friendly and will quickly play together," Director Liu said with a smile. "Bring her before eight tomorrow; on the first day you and the child's mother can stay to help her adjust to the environment."

After completing the paperwork, Lu Qingshan felt considerably more relaxed. At least Xiao Xue's education issue was resolved, which was one of his primary concerns.

"Second brother, you really have a big face; the school let us in right away," Lu Qingjun exclaimed nearby. "That's the power of our father's influence. The guard's attitude changed drastically in a short time."

"Of course," Lu Qingyuan patted his younger brother's shoulder. "Our father is an old revolutionary; his network in Capital City runs deep, everyone gives him face. When you hustle in Capital City later, remember, the brand of being Lu Hua's son must not be tarnished."

At two in the afternoon, the three brothers arrived at the Xiu Shui construction site. From a distance, the tower crane could be seen busy, and workers were laboring intensely. The whole site was bustling, with the roar of machines never ceasing. Several workers recognized Lu Qingshan and waved from afar.

"How's the progress?" Lu Qingshan asked the on‑site engineer.

"Very smoothly; at this rate, the main structure's exterior will be completed by the end of next month." The engineer pointed to the drawings and added, "Quality is also strictly meeting the specifications, with no issues. Look, the concrete casting is so even."

Lu Qingshan inspected the construction quality carefully and found no problems. The concrete exterior molding was cast evenly, and the rebar tying was up to standard.

"Big brother, you manage really well," Lu Qingshan praised, "The quality exceeds my expectations."

"That's obvious; this is our flagship project," Lu Qingyuan said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "By the way, you should give this building a decent name. Right now the project is still registered as Xiu Shui Building, but after the paperwork is completed in a few days, the tower and that huge market will be ours, and we can't keep calling it Xiu Shui Building forever, can we?"

Lu Qingshan scratched his head; it was indeed an issue. Naming has never been his strong suit—he even takes half a day to name his own dog.

"This… really needs careful thought," Lu Qingshan said with a wry smile. "Naming is truly a technical art. I spent three days just naming Xiao Xue."

"How about calling it Qingshan Tower?" Lu Qingjun suggested. "Simple and clear."

"Too commonplace," Lu Qingyuan shook his head. "For such an important project, the name must carry meaning. How about Huaxia Tower? The meaning is good."

"Then what should we call it?" Lu Qingshan was truly puzzled. "Let's call it Xinghan, taken from 'the stars shine brilliantly, as if emerging from within,' implying a vastness like the Milky Way. What do you think?"

"Second brother, the name 'Xinghan' is really good!" Lu Qingyuan's eyes lit up. "It has grandeur and culture, better than Huaxia Tower."

"I agree," Lu Qingjun nodded. "Xinghan shines brilliantly, as if emerging from within; the meaning is grand. Second brother, your cultural level is truly high."

Lu Qingshan smiled, "Then it's settled: Xinghan Tower."

The workers on the site recognized Lu Qingshan and greeted him enthusiastically.

Everyone knew he was the boss; though young, he was generous and never delayed wages.

In the evening, the three brothers returned home. The courtyard echoed with Xiao Xue's bell‑like laughter and Jin Hu's bark.

"Daddy's home!" Xiao Xue ran to Lu Qingshan, "I learned to make dumplings with Grandma today! I did a great job; Grandma said my dumplings look like little ingots!"

"That's impressive!" Lu Qingshan lifted his daughter, "Tomorrow Daddy will take you to kindergarten, where many kids will play with you."

"Really?" Xiao Xue's eyes lit up, "Can I bring Little Bear with me?"

"Of course," Lu Qingshan pinched his daughter's little nose, "but you must listen to the teacher."

Lin Yue'e stepped out of the house, smiling, "Is the kindergarten matter settled?"

"All set; we can bring Xiao Xue over tomorrow," Lu Qingshan said.

Just as he was about to go inside and tell his father that Xiao Xue's enrollment paperwork went smoothly, Lu Qingshan pushed open the living‑room door and froze.

In the living room sat two familiar figures—Zhang Jianshen and Wang Shanghong. The two were talking with their father about something, and the atmosphere seemed very harmonious. On the coffee table lay a half‑full tea cup, clearly having waited for a while.

Zhang Jianshen saw Lu Qingshan return and immediately stood up: "Qing Shan, you finally came back. We've been waiting for you for a while."