"Actually, we really want to upgrade the hardware industries under our management, ideally with a lot of technological content. But the problem is, it requires a large investment. We have the funds, but they are for enterprise circulation. If we divert them, it will be very troublesome for the enterprise's operations in the future, so..."
The crowd hesitated to speak.
Chen Feng instantly understood their unspoken meaning and immediately offered a suggestion.
For the funds lacking in enterprise upgrading, Lianhua Town would step forward and help them secure an interest-free loan.
"Chen Feng, did we hear that correctly? Lianhua Town is vouching for our loan?"
Everyone was stunned.
This was unheard of. Typically, industrial zones would try to squeeze every drop out of businesses, yet Chen Feng, leading the Lianhua Town Hardware City, was proactively guaranteeing loans for enterprises.
And it was an interest-free loan.
"Absolutely true."
Chen Feng replied with a calm smile.
"Deputy Town Chief Chen, can you tell us why you are doing this? Guaranteeing loans for enterprises is clearly a thankless task."
They asked tentatively.
"To outsiders, it does indeed seem like a thankless task. However, upon closer reflection, it's not. Think about it, if Lianhua Town guarantees the loan, allowing you to build the Technology Hardware City, not only you will benefit, but Lianhua Town will also benefit."
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"What if the Technology Hardware City project fails?"
They asked quietly.
"Firstly, this Technology Hardware City project has strong selling points and is unlikely to fail. Even if it does fail, it doesn't really matter. At worst, we can package and sell the properties of the Technology Hardware City to repay the bank, and Lianhua Town won't lose anything."
With Chen Feng's explanation, the confusion in everyone's minds suddenly cleared up.
For the next month, Chen Feng accompanied these coastal hardware store owners in their efforts to build the Technology Hardware City.
Overall, it was very smooth.
Seeing the basic shape of the Technology Hardware City taking shape, the coastal hardware store owners, overjoyed, directly went to the office of the Deputy Town Chief of Lianhua Town and brought Chen Feng fifty thousand yuan in cash.
"Deputy Town Chief Chen, this is a small token of our appreciation."
As they spoke, they patted the seafood boxes.
These seafood boxes, on the surface, were seafood boxes, but in reality, they were filled entirely with cash.
Chen Feng understood instantly.
"I appreciate the kindness of all the bosses, but this gift is too precious, I really cannot accept it."
Chen Feng said with a feigned serious expression.
"It's just a few boxes of seafood, not that precious."
The crowd explained with awkward, flushed faces.
"I am the Deputy Town Chief of Lianhua Town, and the Technology Hardware City is something I should do. There's no need to send gifts, and even if you send them, I won't accept them."
Chen Feng continued to refuse, but his tone wasn't firm.
A clever person would understand that this wasn't a refusal, but rather that the method of giving money was incorrect.
The coastal bosses were all seasoned veterans; they instantly understood every word Chen Feng uttered.
"Deputy Town Chief Chen, if you really won't accept it, we won't force you. However, we have a humble request, and we hope you will help us."
They said with feigned seriousness.
"You are the economic development heroes of Lianhua Town. If there's anything you need help with, just say it."
Chen Feng replied calmly.
"We want to buy some antique calligraphy and paintings, but we don't have the right connections. Could you help us introduce someone? The price of antique calligraphy and paintings is negotiable."
The crowd deliberately emphasized the words "The price of antique calligraphy and paintings is negotiable."
"You've indeed come to the right person. I have a friend who is quite knowledgeable about calligraphy and paintings. How about I help connect you?"
Chen Feng replied with a knowing smile.
"Then it's settled."
After saying this, the crowd left with one million yuan in cash.
Chen Feng didn't hesitate and went directly to find Cheng Lu.
One million yuan was not a small sum, and such matters could not be entrusted to just anyone to receive on his behalf.
"Chen Feng, did I hear that correctly? You want to accept one million from those coastal bosses?"
Cheng Lu asked in surprise.
"They are wealthy bosses, why wouldn't I accept it?"
Chen Feng replied calmly.
"I understand the logic. To be honest, I've been in the official circles for quite some time. Accepting money is quite normal. It's just that I always thought you would be a different kind of person who wouldn't accept a penny. I didn't expect..."
Cheng Lu continued, looking surprised.
"Miss Cheng, we are very good friends, so I won't lie to you. In this world, there's no one who dislikes money. I am human, not a god, so of course I like money. However, I am different from others. I will not take a single cent from ordinary people. As for the money from the wealthy, I will take it quietly."
Chen Feng explained earnestly.
"Chen Feng, may I ask you a very personal question?"
Cheng Lu looked at Chen Feng with curiosity.
"Yes."
"With your current capabilities, gradually reaching the official circles in Jiangcheng shouldn't be a major problem. The salary in Jiangcheng's official circles is quite high, honestly. Is it necessary to take this kind of 'grey' money?"
"Miss Cheng, let me put it this way, no one in this world would dislike having more money. Also, with my abilities, I can climb slowly. However, without money to pave the way, I might be stuck in Lianhua Town my whole life. Where would the money to pave the way come from? It comes from these wealthy individuals."
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"Chen Feng, after hearing your explanation, I suddenly find you very genuine."
Cheng Lu said with excited laughter.
"What do you mean?"
"If you had said you didn't like money and only worked for the common people, I would have found you very fake. Your rational liking for money now makes you very real. Honestly, I really like this kind of authenticity."
Cheng Lu looked at Chen Feng affectionately.
"Miss Cheng, if I use your bank card to receive the money, you won't charge a handling fee, will you?"
The atmosphere was becoming a little ambiguous, so Chen Feng quickly changed the subject.
"I will, of course I will! How about this, you treat me to a meal today as interest, that's not too much, right?"
"Sure, I happen to be going to Jiangcheng today. I'll take you to Jiangcheng, and after I finish my business, we can have dinner."
Chen Feng suddenly remembered that the interest-free loan guaranteed by the Lianhua Town government for the Technology Hardware City required a signature from the head office in Jiangcheng.
It was a good opportunity to take Cheng Lu along, not only for dinner but also in case of any unforeseen difficulties, Cheng Lu could lend a hand.
Around noon, Chen Feng took a taxi with Cheng Lu to the headquarters building of the Agricultural Bank of China in Jiangcheng.
"Miss Cheng, please wait for me in the lobby for a moment. I'll go up and talk to the branch manager, and then we'll sign and come down."
Chen Feng arranged.
"Chen Feng, why do I have a feeling that you might not be able to get the signature this time?"
Cheng Lu asked with worry.
"I already spoke with the branch manager yesterday. Today is just a formality, it shouldn't be difficult to get the signature. Are you perhaps overthinking it?"
Chen Feng replied nonchalantly.
"But, just now, I saw Young Master Luo from Jiangcheng going into the branch manager's office..."
Cheng Lu continued to ask, still worried.
Young Master Luo was the son of a prominent family in Jiangcheng, the Luo Group. He was currently making a high-profile entrepreneurial venture, and his visit was highly likely to be for an interest-free loan.