Three years ago, the Chen family suffered greatly, their influence diminishing significantly, placing them at the lower end among the seven top aristocratic clans. If not for the Old Master's lifelong military service and his network of former subordinates across the land, the Chen family's situation would have been far worse. It was only because the younger generation of the Chen family was unaware of the events from three years prior that they didn't resent Chen Fan. This was precisely why the Old Master was worried. He was advanced in years, and should he pass away, the Chen family would immediately fall out of the ranks of the top clans, perhaps not even qualifying as a top affluent family. This was also why Chen Fan had to support the Chen family.
Conversely, the Du family had been on a strong upward trajectory these past three years, matching the Chen family in all aspects, save for lacking a stabilizing figure like the Old Master. Du Xu, the patriarch of the Du family, held a high position of power and was not yet at the peak of his career, leaving ample room for the Du family to grow further. Chen Fan had naturally familiarized himself with these aristocratic clans and affluent families in the capital and was aware that this Du Fumin was the son of the Du family patriarch, a relatively outstanding figure among the younger generation of the Du family. However, the Du family had quite a few talented youths, with Du Fuyu being even more remarkable. He wondered if there was any connection between the Du family and the Brotherhood. Given the Du family's development momentum in recent years, it wouldn't surprise Chen Fan if they were core members of the Brotherhood.
"So, it's Young Master Du!" Chen Fan smiled and extended his hand for a handshake.
"I didn't expect President Chen to be so young!" Du Fumin said with a smile, "Please have a seat, President Chen!"
Xu Yuntian also warmly invited, "Please sit, President Chen. A few investor representatives haven't arrived yet, so let's have some tea and chat. You've arrived at the perfect time; we're about to discuss the formation of the board of directors for the Xingyue Lake Chamber of Commerce." He personally poured Chen Fan some tea and said, "The timing is truly opportune. The preliminary preparations for the Xingyue Lake project are almost complete, and construction is about to commence. For President Chen to join now, it's just right!"
Chen Fan raised his teacup and smiled, "I just visited the project department. It is indeed a large-scale project with grand and expansive visions. If realized, it would be enough to alter the landscape of the capital!"
"Naturally. President Chen must have seen how much collective effort this project has garnered. Once completed, it will become a new landmark and a new calling card for the capital!" Xu Yuntian said, "However, to be honest, we are not short of funds. With over a hundred billion in capital, our participating parties can self-fund more than ten billion. Coupled with the capital recovery from the presale of properties and shops, and bank loans, this project, though money-intensive, is entirely manageable for us."
Chen Fan chuckled, "Does Mr. Xu mean I have no chance?"
"No, quite the opposite," Xu Yuntian replied. "If it were an ordinary person wanting to join, there would naturally be no opportunity. But President Chen is different. If you can represent the Longteng Group, not only will you have a chance to join, but your share among the numerous investors will certainly not be small."
"We've just discussed it, and the influence of the Longteng Group, both in the business world and among the public, is extraordinary," Du Fumin said. "There will be no problem with the Longteng Group participating in this project. However, we would like to know how much influence President Chen has within the Longteng headquarters."
Chen Fan took a sip of tea and said indifferently, "Young Master Du, I understand what you mean. Are you questioning my position in Longteng?"
Du Fumin smiled, "That's not what I meant. It's just that understanding clearly will make it easier to convince other directors, and President Chen will have more say in this project, won't he?"
"I can guarantee investments within fifty billion yuan," Chen Fan said with a smile. "For investments exceeding fifty billion, the procedures will be more complicated. I will need to return to headquarters to persuade Han Shuying and other Longteng shareholders. Does that satisfy you, Young Master Du?"
"I heard that President Chen's uncle is Su Yuanchun, the Vice President and an elder of Longteng?"
Chen Fan smiled, "Young Master Du is very well-informed!"
"We specifically asked someone to inquire upon learning that President Chen would be coming," Du Fumin said. "So, this project is worth over a hundred billion yuan. How much does President Chen plan to invest?"
"I have looked at this project. As long as there are no other issues, the more the better, of course," Chen Fan replied.
Du Fumin nodded, "President Chen truly has both courage and vision. So, how does President Chen plan to get involved? Will you take on sub-projects within the main project, or directly through the joint company we will establish? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The former is akin to subcontracting; you can hire construction companies yourself. Although it's a bit more tedious, you have full control!"
"As for the latter, it's much more convenient and offers greater returns!"
Chen Fan said, "I lean towards the latter method."
"No problem," Du Fumin said. "But we will need the Longteng Group to provide some corresponding cooperation, such as advertising and promotion, attracting merchants to set up shop, developing the mall and cinemas, and launching products, etc. Of course, we can discuss these later."
"No problem," Chen Fan said solemnly. "These are all trivial matters. It depends on how much of a share Young Master Du is willing to give me?"
"It's not about how much I give you, but what we all decide through discussion. As long as President Chen is determined, persuading the other representative parties won't be a problem!"
"Then I hope for a pleasant cooperation," Chen Fan said with a smile.
"We'll definitely drink a few more glasses later," Du Fumin said with a smile.
Chen Fan suddenly asked again, "Just a casual question, for such a major project that will become a new calling card for the capital, have all the necessary reviews, approvals, and connections been sorted out?"
"President Chen, asking that is like slapping our faces, isn't it?" Du Fumin retorted. "With the background of the Shen and Wu families, and my Du family in the middle, along with the participation of other affluent families like the Xu, Li, and Yu families, what approval can't we get, what connection can't we make?"
"That's true," Chen Fan agreed, but inwardly, he was filled with anticipation. He wasn't anticipating the project itself, but rather waiting for the big fish to surface. Based on Du Fumin's confident demeanor, it was highly probable that Du Fumin was a member of the Brotherhood. Then, the families involved in the establishment of the Xingyue Lake project might also be members of the Brotherhood. However, Chen Fan thought it unlikely that all these families were members of the Brotherhood. For instance, the Shen and Wu families, as two of the seven top aristocratic clans, had already reached the pinnacle of power. To then form a Brotherhood would seem redundant and too risky. In comparison, the Du family was the most likely candidate. After all, the Du family's momentum these past three years had been exceptionally strong, with their involvement and investments in various industries attracting significant attention.
Subsequently, the three engaged in casual conversation, sharing anecdotes and getting to know each other. After more than ten minutes, there was a knock on the door, and people began entering the private room one after another. After individual introductions, Chen Fan met Li Qian, the eldest young master of the Li family; Yu Zhen, the eldest young master of the Yu family; and Li Xinhai of the Li family. The status of these individuals was slightly inferior to Du Fumin, but in the capital, they were all influential figures capable of stirring up trouble, belonging to the top circles. Chen Fan's cousin, Xu Shengqing, paled in comparison.
Finally, as the waiter opened the door, a young man with a stern expression walked in. Seeing him, Chen Fan's pupils constricted. It was none other than Shen Tinghao. Besides Shen Tinghao, there was a beautiful young woman, whose appearance bore a striking resemblance to Shen Tinghao. Everyone, including Du Fumin, stood up to greet Shen Tinghao and exchange pleasantries. Chen Fan also stood up, suppressing the sharpness in his eyes, adjusted his glasses, and met the situation with a smile.