CHAPTER 383: CHAPTER 223: A PROJECT WITH GUARANTEED PROFITS_2

The three of them walked into this ancient courtyard, and it truly is a well-preserved piece of ancient architecture.

They walked for about ten minutes before arriving at a small courtyard and entered a very elegantly decorated private room, which was one of the chambers in this compound. Through the window, one could enjoy the ancient scenery of the courtyard: plum blossoms, rock gardens with flowing water, and carved beams and painted rafters.

Chen Feng and his companions truly broadened their horizons on this journey.

There was no menu here. Tao Yaoyang directly asked Chen Feng if he drank alcohol. Chen Feng said he didn’t, and Tao didn’t insist. Two maidservants in traditional Chinese attire quickly served them tea.

"The Xiu State Restaurant here is the most authentic local place in Xiu Zhou. The chefs’ ancestors have been making Xiu Zhou cuisine for generations. Additionally, the ingredients are genuinely local, such as East Lake carp and beggar’s chicken. Although you can find them everywhere outside, for the most authentic taste, you need to come here. You’ll understand after you taste it."

Tao Yaoyang’s enthusiastic introduction sparked great interest among Chen Feng’s trio.

Cai Zhixin, being a local, also added his introduction, making them all listen with keen interest.

In this way, about ten minutes passed, and various dishes were gradually served.

Chen Feng and his companions did not stand on ceremony. After tasting the food, they couldn’t help but praise it, acknowledging that the Xiu Zhou dishes here were indeed tastier than elsewhere, including the previously impressive Fuman Building. In comparison, Fuman Building’s beggar’s chicken fell short. While the East Lake carp seemed similar at first glance, a more careful taste revealed that the carp here was undoubtedly more tender.

It seems that even if you have money, it doesn’t guarantee the best taste; you need connections. Like this privately-owned restaurant hidden in a scenic ancient courtyard. Although he had passed by the entrance many times, without Tao Yaoyang bringing him here, he might never have known about it, let alone tasted such authentic Xiu Zhou cuisine.

When they had nearly finished the ten or so dishes, Tao Yaoyang casually remarked, "Chen Feng, we’re acquainted now. I have a project here that’s a guaranteed success. Are you interested?"

If it weren’t for this meal, Chen Feng would have definitely said he wasn’t interested. But since he had been treated to this meal, he could only follow up by asking, "What kind of project?"

Tao Yaoyang didn’t beat around the bush and directly answered, "Highway construction bidding."

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng quickly shook his head and said, "I’m not familiar with that, so I’d rather not."

Tao Yaoyang frowned slightly and said, "Brother, don’t think I’m deceiving you. I like you, and knowing you have strong finances, I thought about letting Zhixin and you take over this project. Due to my identity, I can’t directly get involved, but I’m confident I can help you secure this project. Understand what I mean?"

Chen Feng thought to himself, I get it even if I don’t. However, good things don’t fall from the sky; you must think I’d believe that.

Cai Zhixin chimed in, "Brother, this project is real. If you don’t believe it, you can check your Lu City’s official website and relevant departments. The bidding information is public."

"This highway is in Lu City?" Chen Feng asked with some curiosity.

Cai Zhixin nodded and said, "Yes. It’s over in Feiyun City, a rural highway reconstruction project involving several towns, with more than a dozen routes, totaling over thirty kilometers. The total project cost should be seventy to eighty million. If we take it on, we could earn two or three million. This time, I’m selling that office building to you partly to gather enough funds to take on this project. But as you know, I have a shortfall in finances."

"Can’t you get a bank loan?" Chen Feng asked curiously.

Cai Zhixin, looking a bit dejected, said, "I used to dabble in stock trading, and dammit, after trading back and forth for years, I lost tens of millions. Ultimately, even my wife left me because of it. I was too stubborn at the time and took out loans from various banks to try to recoup my losses. But as you can see, I’m now forced to sell the house to finance this project."

Chen Feng was left somewhat speechless but saw that Cai Zhixin didn’t seem like he was lying. After all, he had sold him two houses at low prices in succession, which was the truth.

It seems stock trading truly is harmful! Previously, Chen Hanliang was in such a situation, and now Cai Zhixin seems even worse off.

Chen Feng glanced sympathetically at Cai Zhixin and then at Tao Yaoyang.

"Then why did you come to me? We aren’t that close, really. Suddenly offering me such a guaranteed project surprised me quite a bit," Chen Feng said, clearly stating his apprehensions.

After exchanging a glance with Tao Yaoyang, Cai Zhixin said, "It’s mainly because you have ample funds. To undertake this construction project, ample initial funds are necessary. And it so happens that you’re from Lu City. Besides, after interacting with you, we feel you’re a reliable person."

Although Chen Feng wasn’t very familiar with highway construction projects, he wasn’t exactly a novice either. He laughed and said, "I think you don’t necessarily need to contract this project yourself; you can subcontract it out, which would be less of a hassle."

Cai Zhixin explained patiently, "Subcontracting used to be common and convenient, but now it’s much stricter with regulation. Moreover, how much does one actually earn from subcontracting? I happen to own a construction company myself. By contracting it directly, we could earn at least twenty or thirty million, and splitting it with you, you’d earn at least ten million. Don’t worry; if you invest, you can assign someone to oversee the project, and we’ll split the profits evenly. I guarantee you won’t be at a loss."

Chen Feng wasn’t going to bite so easily. Mainly, he felt that partnering on this project was more cumbersome than trading stocks easily and making money.

The return on investment ratio didn’t even compare; anyone with sense would choose the easiest and most profitable option, so Chen Feng was not impressed by this guaranteed project.

"Sorry, I’m really not interested in this project."

Upon hearing this, Cai Zhixin’s face froze involuntarily.

Finally, Tao Yaoyang spoke up, "It seems you still don’t trust us. To be honest, we genuinely have no intention to harm you and sincerely want to be friends with you. Of course, we aren’t that familiar with each other yet, but as we get to know each other better, you’ll see."

Cai Zhixin, somewhat agitated, said, "Chen Feng, you really don’t recognize good intentions. We thought well of you, which is why we wanted to make money together. But you don’t even appreciate it."

Chen Feng calmly said, "If you really need money, you don’t necessarily have to rope me in. I can lend you money completely. How much are you short now?"

Cai Zhixin immediately answered, "Close to forty million."

Chen Feng looked at Tao Yaoyang and said, "Brother Tao, since Zhixin is so short of money, let’s help him. We can each lend him twenty million; what do you think?"