Free Web NovelChapter 247: Chapter 202: A Super Big Gig
For Zhou Ming, the "land first, money later" arrangement was akin to a last-ditch effort.
After all, the land was in his hands, but he couldn’t sell it or use it to secure financing.
He might as well hand it over to Lin Chu.
He had a basic level of trust in him. If trust were scored out of 100, he’d give Lin Chu at least a 70.
At the same time, Lin Chu had also backed him into a corner.
So, after careful consideration, he gave in.
Under Lin Chu’s name, there was now a company called "Chan City Mingliu Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.," of which he personally held one hundred percent of the shares.
The company’s main asset was that piece of land valued at 290 million.
The price Zhou Ming had to pay was persuading all of his company’s shareholders.
Given his control over the company, this task, while a bit troublesome, was still achievable.
The price Lin Chu had to pay, on the other hand, was the transaction tax.
This amount wasn’t very high. The bulk of the taxes in a land transaction came from the appreciated value of the land, but since the price had dropped considerably, it was only subject to the basic tax rate.
Lin Chu felt it was completely manageable.
After all, compared to the big move he was about to make, this transaction cost was just a little grease sticking to his fingers after handling pork.
...
"President Zhou, since you’re in real estate, you must know some masters who are well-versed in traditional Chinese studies, right?"
Lin Chu asked this after the transaction was complete.
Hmm?
The topic made Zhou Ming pause again. He found it strange; based on his observations of Lin Chu’s office, Lin Chu never believed in such things.
Although Lin Chu’s wording was subtle, he understood what he meant: he was looking for a consultation.
Whether due to personal preference or the nature of the industry, he did know people in that field.
Before starting a construction project, one more or less had to find someone to take a look.
It wasn’t entirely feudal superstition.
Often, it was just for peace of mind.
Just like the blessing ceremony before a film shoot begins.
"I do. I have several friends who are part of the Zhou Yi Research Association. What do you need, President Lin?"
Zhou Ming came back to his senses and asked with a smile.
"I do. Please recommend one for me. I need someone with a big name—the bigger, the better. Preferably a venerable master affiliated with the Daoist Association. I have some existential questions and would like to seek solutions in classical philosophy."
Lin Chu said nonchalantly.
This kind of request wasn’t difficult to fulfill.
Zhou Ming thought for a moment, then quickly agreed. "Sure. There’s a Master Han on Danxia Mountain. He’s a kind person and an expert in the principles of the I Ching. I visit him every year during the New Year, and sometimes I’ll stay on the mountain for a couple of days to calm my mind and practice standing meditation. Do you want to visit him, or should I ask him to come down?"
He didn’t know what Lin Chu was actually planning to do.
But he still took the matter seriously.
The person he recommended was also the one he considered most suitable.
"Please invite him down. To the club. How does the master charge for his services?"
Lin Chu asked casually.
Zhou Ming smiled calmly. "It’s by donation. Ten yuan is fine, a hundred is fine, a million is fine, and ten million is also fine."
Hmm?
’Now this is interesting,’ Lin Chu thought.
A look of interest appeared on his face as he smiled and asked, "Tell me more. What’s the deal?"
"Hahaha, there’s not much to it. That’s just how the master is—venerable, with an excellent reputation. The donation amount is all up to your sincerity. Of course, if your sincerity is lacking, he won’t involve himself in your karma next time."
Zhou Ming said with a half-smile.
Er...
Lin Chu understood and laughed out loud.
’Buddha—oh, no, the Daoist Forefather—doesn’t save the poor.’
’But that’s normal. Monastics don’t engage in worldly labor, but they still have to survive. Everyone has their own way of making a living.’
"Alright, then. Help me get in touch with him. I’ll send someone to pick him up. The sooner, the better. It’s not that far anyway; I’ll have my driver make a trip."
Lin Chu said immediately.
Zhou Ming gave him a deep look, then agreed.
He had a faint feeling that this matter was somehow related to the land sale, but he couldn’t figure out the exact connection.
Since he couldn’t figure it out, he decided not to dwell on it and just focus on making the connection for him.
In front of Lin Chu, Zhou Ming started making the call. He explained that the club had changed hands and the new boss wanted to invite the master down for a private chat, and would send a car to pick him up as soon as possible.
The person on the other end quickly agreed, saying any time was fine as the master was free recently.
Boss Zhou still had that much pull. Besides, with the club as a backer, the other party had no reason to be displeased.
So Lin Chu said, "No time like the present. Let’s do it today. The car will arrive in about four hours."
The person on the other end thought for a moment, then agreed.
Done.
"Thanks, President Zhou."
Lin Chu thanked him casually.
Zhou Ming smiled and waved his hand. "Don’t thank me; I should be thanking you. But let me give you a word of advice: metaphysics is for reference only. Don’t get obsessed."
Lin Chu pursed his lips into a smile. "I know. I’m just looking for some peace of mind, too."
...
A Rolls-Royce sped along the highway from Peng City to Danxia Mountain.
Gao Haitao was in the driver’s seat.
Hu Ping’an was in the passenger seat.
The round trip would take nearly eight hours, so Lin Chu had specifically assigned two people to take turns driving and avoid fatigue.
At that moment, sitting in the passenger seat, Hu Ping’an sized up Gao Haitao, offered him a cigarette, and struck up a friendly conversation to build some rapport.
He knew Gao Haitao was Lin Chu’s driver.
But he wasn’t starting the conversation to suck up or anything; the road was long and boring, and it was better to chat a little.
For a man with a wealth of social experience, this was just standard procedure.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two quickly started chatting.
"President Lin sent us on this trip... to pick someone up? Is it really just to pick someone up?"
