22: Chapter 0022 Choice

Naturally, the Director of the Land Bureau, Slav, was the obvious choice. Li Size had already thought of this matter when Jackson challenged him to a duel.

Jackson's family lives at No. 06 Foduo Street in the west of town. They are actually neighbors with Li Size’s family, though they weren't familiar before.

If it weren't for his son's repeated requests, Slav originally didn't want to meet Jackson, this so-called outstanding classmate of Li Size.

In his impression, what big business could a currently enrolled student have with him? Unexpectedly, Li Size gave him a huge surprise right from the start:

"Director Slav, Jackson asked me to arrange this meeting because I want to purchase 4 to 5 hectares of land. I have some specific requirements, and perhaps only the director, who is most familiar with Gray Mist Mountain Town, can satisfy them."

4 to 5 hectares!? Slav, confirming he hadn't misheard, dropped his jaw. Was this Jackson's classmate or a great tycoon investing in Gray Mist Mountain!?

"Please come in! Student Li Size, if it weren't for the important meetings the town government has been holding these past few days, I would have long wanted to meet this outstanding classmate whom Jackson praises so highly. Please, come in! Haha!"

After all, he was a high-ranking official holding real power in town, so his composure was quite in place. Although he was inwardly utterly shocked, his exterior was burning with enthusiasm without revealing any hint of it.

Li Size nodded. He knew the temperament of officials like this; being indirect wouldn't work. After they sat down in the study of the apartment, amidst Slav's enthusiastic greetings, Li Size detailed his requirements:

The first plot of land should be about 2 to 3 hectares, preferably connected to the existing main traffic artery, and as close to the Academy as possible. It should be flat land requiring no major demolition or construction. If there were existing buildings that could be renovated into factories, that would naturally be even better.

Li Size planned to build four factories here: two for producing equipment and weapons for the Academy and Feiting, and the other two in preparation for the production lines of the little sorcerer donkey and the three-wheeler.

The second plot should be about 2 hectares, preferably in a remote area far from the city and sparsely populated, but basic transportation conditions must be met. This area would mainly be used for warehousing.

If Li Size had any experiments that were inconvenient to conduct elsewhere in the future, he might also need to do them here.

After carefully listening to Li Size's requirements, Slav felt both moved and suspicious.

Purchasing nearly five hectares of land, with three hectares designated for factory construction—even in Gele City, this would be considered a large-scale operation.

This backwater of Gray Mist Mountain doesn't seem suitable for building such large factories, does it?

Li Size naturally understood his doubts, so he took out the order contract from the Academy and the filing documents from the Police Department.

Slav naturally knew these two documents were genuine, but seeing such a student discussing such a large deal in front of him without any nervousness, even exuding an air of confident control, made him feel both envious and awkward.

Slav thought to himself:

This kid is much better than my so-called seed student son, a Wizard Apprentice. His future is limitless. It seems I need to have my son interact with him more.

Since the reasonableness and legality of this deal had been proven, as the Director of the Land Bureau, Slav naturally had to do his utmost to facilitate this transaction.

Selling vacant land would improve the town's fiscal revenue, attract significant investment, and drive regional development. Such political achievements absolutely could not be allowed to slip through his fingers.

Moreover, if he diligently facilitated this deal, he wouldn't have to worry about the kickbacks from his son's classmate falling into the hands of his political rivals. Why wouldn't he do it?

Jackson accompanied Li Size with a complex expression, watching everything unfold. Having dealt with all sorts of people alongside his father, he could naturally discern the seriousness and caution in his father's demeanor—the expression reserved for major figures.

He stared blankly at Li Size's figure, wondering when the classmate he previously never paid any attention to had become a major figure in his eyes.

Unwillingly, he quietly clenched his fist, secretly wondering if he just hadn't worked hard enough.

After clearly confirming Li Size's detailed needs, Slav carefully reviewed the topography of Gray Mist Mountain in his mind several times. Some areas were rusty due to disuse, and some were still vague.

In the end, he decided to ask his son to retrieve a large roll of pristine, leather-bound map, 3 meters by 3 meters, from the lower cabinet of the bookshelf nearby and spread it out on the floor.

[Consume 10 Energy Points to Analyze the Map of 'Gray Mist Mountain Town', unlocking the Map Positioning Function (within town)]

Li Size secretly rejoiced. What an unexpected bonus! He had to spend these 20 Silver Coins for the Pay-to-Win Analysis!

Slav truly lived up to his title as the head of the Land Bureau; he knew the terrain of Gray Mist Mountain inside and out.

First, regarding the factory site selection, Slav proposed three locations within a 5km radius of the Academy. Li Size was very satisfied with the first one.

He clapped his hands and pointed to a vacant lot on the north side of the map, directly adjacent to the southwest corner of the Academy, separated only by a lake:

North of the vacant lot was a stretch of mountain forest. Faintly visible on the map within the vacant lot were some abandoned, useless structures. Directly south of the vacant lot, a major road led straight to the main artery connecting the town center government and the Police Department.

Most importantly, last night, Li Size had glimpsed a lake from the window of Felina's apartment bedroom, which must be this lake.

Li Size chuckled inwardly. He could build another apartment on this side of the lake later. Then Felina wouldn't have to worry about sneaking around the lake to visit him at night anymore! He could also go fishing or take a stroll by the lake occasionally; this plot was excellent!

"For the factory land, this is the one."

Li Size slapped the map and made his decision. Slav leaned closer to the map, nodding and praising:

"Student Li Size has excellent judgment. This piece of land is truly a treasure spot, covering exactly about 3 hectares. The original Academy was located here, but later, when they needed to expand, they relocated and rebuilt across the lake.

This large piece of land here has remained idle ever since, which is quite a pity."

Li Size nodded noncommittally. He had his own reasons for liking it that were not for outsiders to know. He asked:

"What is the land price here?"

Slav glanced at Jackson, signaling him to leave first, then said to Li Size:

"The listed price by the town government is 5 Copper Coins per square meter."

After seeing Jackson had left the study, he lowered his voice and continued:

"However, I am well-acquainted with the directors of the Planning Bureau and the Commerce Bureau.

This year, the Planning Bureau has an incentive policy. For land used for production facilities that comply with the policy, a reduction of 30% to 40% can be granted upon designation by the Planning Bureau.

The Commerce Bureau also has a similar policy. For newly introduced industrial facilities that reach a certain scale, 20% to 30% of the land purchase price can be refunded."

Saying this, Slav stopped, giving Li Size a look that implied understanding...

Li Size did a quick calculation and realized the depth of the water here was immense.

If someone unfamiliar with the channels bought 5 hectares at the government's listed price, it would cost a solid 25 Gold Coins; but by flexibly applying the Duchy's and local policies, it could be reduced to just 7 Gold Coins and 50 Silver Coins!

Coming to find Slav today was absolutely the right move!