Chapter 479: Zhao Ruilong

Xu Jiang looked at Shanshui Manor with a smile; it was much larger than his previous Baijinhan, and with Zhao Ruilong's status here, no one with eyes would dare come to cause trouble.

Although there was no longer a source of gray income, there was also no need to split profits with outsiders, so they were not earning any less; Xu Jiang felt very fortunate to have come to Handong with Zhao Ruilong.

Just like that, time flew by to a year later, and Shanshui Manor had already taken root in the Handong Thirteen Cities, becoming the undisputed hegemon of entertainment venues in Handong Province.

"Hahaha, Young Master Zhao, Handong is truly great; Handong is the place to be."

Xu Jiang had originally thought that moving to the Mainland would mean a downgrade in consumption, but he never expected that these Handong Thirteen Cities would be his gods of wealth.

Even in Shisannmei Alian, which had relatively poorer development, the economy was still a leader compared to cities in other provinces, so Shanshui Manor was now making money hand over fist, bringing them unimaginable profits.

"That's right, Handong has the foundation laid by my father; the economic development of each city is advancing side by side, no distinction between them, and it's no slower than the coastal cities that opened up early."

"Yes, yes, yes, that's why they say our uncle has such foresight."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Ruilong laughed proudly; it was only by relying on his father's legacy that Shanshui Group could sail so smoothly in Handong.

"Young Master Zhao, shall we develop some other industries as well?" Xu Jiang was earning a lot now and was feeling quite inflated.

"Hmm, that's true. Money in hand is ultimately a dead object. So, which industry do you think we should develop?"

"It has to be real estate, or contracting government projects. Of course, opening internet cafes is also an option."

"Forget about real estate; government projects are feasible. Internet cafes? How much money can an internet cafe make? It would be better to open a food court."

"..."

There were already several real estate companies in Handong now, such as Huilong Group, Dalu Group, and so on, and the market was basically carved up; if they entered at this point, they wouldn't be able to make much money.

"Young Master Zhao, don't look down on internet cafes. They are also entertainment venues; if run well, the returns won't be worse than our manor."

Xu Jiang had always paid attention to entertainment venues and had done research; he had wanted to open internet cafes last year, but at that time, they were busy setting up Shanshui Manor and funds were tight.

Opening one or two didn't have much significance; a chain would be best, so he had held back until now, mainly so that the brothers who had followed him could also have a place to be settled.

"Is it really as good as you say?"

Zhao Ruilong's face showed surprise; he found it hard to believe. It was just an internet cafe; how could it compare to the manor?

"It's true, Young Master Zhao. We can't just throw our money into the water, right? I've done the research, take a look."

Zhao Ruilong took the business plan Xu Jiang had made, looked at it carefully, and slapped the table:

"This thing has potential. Tomorrow we'll split into two groups; I'll go handle the internet cafe licenses, and you're responsible for choosing the locations."

"You got it."

The next day, the two acted separately; Xu Jiang had already chosen the locations, all of which were near schools.

In just a short month, nearly forty Shanshui Internet Cafes were opened across the Handong Thirteen Cities.

The areas weren't very large, all around four or five hundred square meters, divided into smoking areas, non-smoking areas, private rooms, and so on.

Xu Jiang's nearly one hundred brothers were all dispersed among them, responsible for the daily operations of the internet cafes.

"From now on, you are all internet cafe managers. Learn more about computer knowledge. Twenty percent of my share of the monthly profits will go to you. All of you, work hard."

"Brother Xu..."

"Enough, don't be so soft. Since you are following me, I won't treat you unfairly. Remember, from now on, we are in a legitimate business; don't go around fighting and killing."

"Generally, no one will dare to provoke our Shanshui Group. Of course, if you encounter trouble, try not to use force; report to Public Security first, then notify me."

"Yes, Brother Xu."

"Go get busy."

The result was just as Xu Jiang had said; the money-making speed of the internet cafes was no worse than Shanshui Manor. Although the total amount couldn't compare, the profit ratio was even higher.

In less than half a year, they had almost recovered their entire cost investment, which made Zhao Ruilong hold Xu Jiang in even higher regard.

Zhao Ruilong had previously thought he was just a brute; he didn't expect him to have a business mind, not inferior to his own.

Zhao Lichun had also seen Zhao Ruilong's performance over the past half year, and he had specifically asked Zhao Lidong about Xu Jiang's character.

"How should I put it regarding Xu Jiang? He is bold in his actions and values loyalty, but the original accumulation of capital certainly had some dark sides."

"However, on the whole, he is still good. Now he has cut ties with the past and is law-abiding in Handong. Look at how well Shanshui Group is developing now."

"Hmm, it's all a limitation of the era; it's understandable, as long as he isn't committing major evils."

Zhao Lichun did not doubt Zhao Lidong's words and agreed. Even he himself was the same; at the beginning, he was crossing the river by feeling the stones. If one were to follow current laws and regulations, he himself had many irregularities back then.

Zhao Lidong breathed a sigh of relief inwardly; he hadn't expected that brute Xu Jiang to actually make something of himself after leaving Jinghai.

Besides Xu Jiang, there were also Bai Jiangbo, Heiluzi, and others who had cashed out and run away. They were a grade lower than Xu Jiang; they didn't even know who their protective umbrella was.

Time quickly arrived at the end of the year. During the winter break, the internet cafes exploded; every day they were packed with people, and money came in clattering. Not counting internet fees, just the drinks, instant noodles, ham sausages, and "Tang Seng Meat" snacks alone made them pots of gold.

"Hahaha, brother, you really have a way."

Zhao Ruilong and Xu Jiang sat in a car and checked three internet cafes in Jingzhou, laughing with satisfaction as they looked at the bustling crowds.

"This is all because Secretary Zhao laid a good foundation; otherwise, a place like an internet cafe is a mix of fish and dragons, and it would be hard to say."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Ruilong was very satisfied with Xu Jiang's attitude; no matter what, he had indeed benefited from his father's light.

"What do you think if I open a food court here in the university town? At that time, barbecue, snacks, restaurants, etc., will all be concentrated together, and we'll just collect rent."

"This is good, but the money might not come as fast as these two."

"Eh~ we can't just look at money. As a local Handong group, we must also make some contributions to the development of each city in Handong."

"Good, I'll listen to Young Master Zhao."

"That's settled. After the New Year, we will directly set up a food court in the university town of each city."

Zhao Ruilong didn't know what had gotten into him; the food court that wasn't built at Yueya Lake had become his obsession. Now that he had spare money on hand, he couldn't help but want to build one.

The year 2006 passed quickly, and Zhao Ruilong took his food court business plan and found Li Dakang again.

"Happy New Year, Li Ge. I've come to trouble you again."

"It's Ruilong. How is the old leader's health? I've been so busy during the New Year that I haven't managed to go to Linhu to visit the old leader."

"My father is doing very well; although he is no longer in Handong, he still cares about the development of Handong."

"Indeed, the old leader always keeps the masses in his heart. The way Handong looks today is all thanks to the solid foundation laid by the old leader."

"Hahaha, Li Ge is right. Isn't that why I've come to contribute to Handong? Please, take a look and give me your expert opinion."

"Oh?"

Li Dakang took the proposal from Zhao Ruilong and began to read it carefully. To be fair, although it was still a food city, this time it actually looked like the real deal.

"Ruilong, this proposal of yours has high feasibility. Not only can it unify planning, but it will also bring about a great change to the city's appearance."