86: 4.8 billion

The price of Plot No. 1 quickly soared to 800 million.

Liu Yifei’s mouth dropped open; even though she had never lacked money growing up, a transaction starting at hundreds of millions of yuan still shocked her.

Li Xiuwu sat there, watching the auction quietly, his mood largely undisturbed.

Before the auction, he had reviewed the estimated prices countless times. The estimated price for this plot in Chaoyang District was originally between 700 million and 900 million.

Chen Jinfei’s expression was already grim. Company and Ludi were eyeing this plot, and the “Black Rats” from Jincheng were also stirring up trouble.

Chen Jinfei looked to his right. There was another real estate boss with a similarly unpleasant expression. That person met Chen Jinfei’s gaze and nodded.

“Eight hundred thirty million,” Chen Jinfei gritted his teeth and called out the price.

“Eight hundred forty million.” Wang Yida didn't even look at Chen Jinfei, instead focusing his serious gaze on the Coal Bosses from Jincheng.

Hearing Wang Yida’s bid, Chen Jinfei’s posture immediately slumped.

“Old Chen,” Liu Xiaoli spoke up.

Chen Jinfei shook his head, “Even if I secure it at this price, I won’t have the capital to continue development.”

It wasn’t that acquiring it wouldn't be profitable, but whether it was worth doing so.

With the same expenditure, he could earn more from other ventures, so there was no need to insist on taking this plot.

“Nine hundred ten million, going once! Nine hundred ten million, going twice! Nine hundred ten million, going three times! Sold! Congratulations to Dafuhao Land Company for winning the development rights to this land.” The Auctioneer struck the gavel, leaving the expressions of the real estate developers looking very sour.

They hadn't expected the best plot of land to be jointly acquired by the “Black Rats” who came from Jincheng.

The subsequent plots were either large or small, but none were in the core area. They were mostly taken by real estate companies, and transactions proceeded smoothly.

Chen Jinfei secured Plot No. 7, his secondary target, spending 400 million yuan. Although this plot was not in the central area, it was larger in size.

When the auction ended, Li Xiuwu silently calculated the total transaction amount.

“Four point eight billion.” Li Xiuwu exhaled. It was significantly higher than the estimated value; the inaccurate estimate was due to the real estate companies colluding to suppress prices before the auction.

“What did you say?” Liu Yifei hadn't heard what Li Xiuwu said clearly and asked him.

“I said the total transaction price was four point eight billion.”

“That’s certainly astonishing, but what does it have to do with you? Why are you so happy?” Liu Yifei was also shocked by the amount, but seeing Li Xiuwu smiling happily, she was confused.

“Am I smiling?” Li Xiuwu touched his face.

“Your mouth is practically splitting to your ears,” Liu Yifei told him.

Li Xiuwu rubbed his face; he genuinely didn’t feel like he was smiling.

“Let’s go,” Liu Xiaoli said at this time. Chen Jinfei still had handovers and a reception to attend afterward.

She felt that her goal of letting Li Xiuwu witness their financial strength had been achieved, and she prepared to take the two of them away.

“Alright,” Li Xiuwu had no objection.

“Should we wait for Lin Qian?” Liu Yifei asked Li Xiuwu.

“Lin Qian came?” Liu Xiaoli looked at Li Xiuwu. She knew Lin Qian was Li Xiuwu’s assistant, but Li Xiuwu had come with them today, and Lin Qian hadn't joined them.

“No need, he has his own car,” Li Xiuwu shook his head.

Liu Xiaoli had originally assumed Lin Qian had driven separately, following Li Xiuwu, so she hadn't paid much attention.

She sighed with emotion, “I heard that this Giant Crocodile Capital only spent about one billion to acquire the land initially, and sold it for four point eight billion in less than two years.”

“Buying land is too profitable.” Having witnessed today’s auction, Liu Yifei’s little mind was already considering using her own money to try it out.

“They still have to pay Value-Added Tax.”

“That’s still extremely profitable. The net profit must be over two billion,” Liu Xiaoli said.

“If Old Chen manages the plot he secured well, he can also earn hundreds of millions. Qianqian’s uncle can bring decent loan revenue to the bank.” Liu Xiaoli subtly displayed her financial backing and family influence.

“Uncle Chen is very capable,” Li Xiuwu nodded, completely oblivious to what Liu Xiaoli was trying to convey.

“Xiuwu, you are still young. Never mind the real estate industry, focus on developing well in the entertainment industry; you have great potential. If you encounter difficulties, tell Auntie. Young people shouldn't make mistakes concerning money.”

“Thank you, Auntie.” At this moment, Li Xiuwu seemed to realize slightly what Liu Xiaoli was trying to achieve by beating around the bush today.

A smile appeared on Liu Xiaoli’s face; this trip was worthwhile.

This good prospective son-in-law needed to be cultivated slowly. First, show off the financial power, and then, when the opportunity arose, take him to Wuhan to let him see the family background.

The car drove back to the Courtyard House. Everyone was quite satisfied with today’s outing and went back to rest. The next day, those who had classes went to class, and those who were home stayed home.

A week later, Li Xiuwu received a call from Qiu Wanjun.

“Boss, after paying the Land Value-Added Tax, there is still 3.2 billion RMB in cash currently in the account.”

“Very good.” Li Xiuwu looked through the auction documents and procedures, ensuring nothing was illegal.

“From now on, you will serve as Business Director, responsible for all negotiation matters. Your salary will be base pay plus commission.” Li Xiuwu reassigned Qiu Wanjun’s job.

“Understood, Boss.” Qiu Wanjun nodded. Commercial negotiation was work he was familiar with, and his team could utilize their abilities more effectively.

“Go contact Motorola and negotiate the acquisition of the Tianjin Chip Factory.” During this time, Li Xiuwu had obtained a detailed investigation report on the Tianjin Wafer Factory.

The 8-inch Wafer Production Line was the main production line for electronic components currently on the market. As long as they acquired it and ran it normally, they wouldn't lose money.

Li Xiuwu could completely use this factory as a foundation to train skilled workers and upgrade production technology.

“Motorola has serious internal factional struggles. They are moving towards lightweight investment and withdrawing from physical manufacturing. I am confident I can secure the Tianjin factory.” Qiu Wanjun nodded solemnly. Since he knew Li Xiuwu was interested in the Tianjin factory, he had paid close attention, even investigating Motorola’s internal situation.

“Very good. Since there are internal conflicts within Motorola’s factions, try to bribe the management of the Tianjin factory to purchase the latest generation Lithography Machine from a Dutch Company in Motorola’s name,” Li Xiuwu instructed him.

Qiu Wanjun nodded heavily. He also understood the overseas Technology Embargo Policy against Huaxia; even if the technology was a generation behind, it still required rigorous review and deliberate delays.

Zhongxin has always been unable to use the latest generation of Lithography Machines. Even second-hand Lithography Machines discarded by other Chip Factories find it extremely difficult to enter the Mainland.

“Money makes the world go round,” Li Xiuwu patted Qiu Wanjun’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Boss, I’m willing to spend money.” Qiu Wanjun offered a smile. It wasn't his own money he was spending, and as long as the job was done, he would get a bonus, so he had no psychological burden.

“By the way, Boss, Shanda is going public this year and invited you to attend the listing event in the United States. Will you go?” Qiu Wanjun informed Li Xiuwu of this news.

“I won’t go.” Li Xiuwu did not plan to hold Shanda's shares long-term, nor did he intend to build good relationships with the other shareholders.

They discussed the work plan, dividing the existing funds into two parts: one part to be managed by Qiu Wanjun for negotiating the Chip Factory issue, and the other part to be used by Li Xiuwu to establish a Chip Research and Development Department.