Who would still start a business seriously after being reborn?

Chapter 729 Your Dear Eldest Son

"???" Xu Dongsheng's shout left not only Cheng Yi completely bewildered, but also Chen Zhi looking utterly confused.

The two of them turned to look at Zhang Bao.

Cheng Yi and Chen Zhi's questioning looks made Zhang Bao feel a little embarrassed.

"When did you take Dong Sheng as your godson?" Cheng Yi asked.

Zhang Bao frowned slightly.

He didn't expect Xu Dongsheng to be so shameless. Making Xu Dongsheng call him godfather was a deliberate humiliation.

Goodness, this kid took this humiliation as a reward.

This time he really got a knife stuck in his butt...it's an eye-opener.

However, it was a fact that he made Xu Dongsheng kowtow and acknowledge him as his godfather. In front of Cheng Yi and the others, Zhang Bao could not deny it outright. He could only say with a straight face, "That was at the airport."

Cheng Yi laughed and said, "Not bad, you're not losing out by taking Dong Sheng as your godson. Although this kid likes to flatter, he's a real expert at getting things done."

"Hmm," Zhang Bao simply responded and didn't say anything more.

His gaze swept over Xu Dongsheng's trembling appearance, then glanced at Li Chengxuan beside him with a beaming smile, and he knew exactly what was going on.

He and Xu Dongsheng had known each other for many years. Although their grudges were not very deep, they were quite complicated. Given Xu Dongsheng's situation, it was impossible for him to actually acknowledge him as his godfather. After all, no matter how shameless Xu Dongsheng was, he would never bow down to his former rival.

However, Li Chengxuan was a shrewd man, and Xu Dongsheng's bowing was definitely related to Li Chengxuan.

Cheng Yi naturally understood the intricacies of the situation. With a slight smile on his face, he didn't continue the topic of godfather and godson, but smiled at Li Chengxuan and said, "Brother Li, it's such a coincidence that we've met, let's go together."

Li Chengxuan laughed and said, "Alright, I brought Dongsheng out to clear my head. I knew you guys would definitely want to look around. This industrial park is so big, you'll need to find a nice place to rest after you get tired. I think this park has the best environment, and I figured I'd run into you guys, so I brought Dongsheng along."

His words were perfectly tactful, explaining the reasons while also praising the environment of the industrial park.

Seeing that Zhang Bao still had a stern face, Li Chengxuan said, "Well, to be honest, it's Dong Sheng who has been wanting to see President Zhang again. Dong Sheng was a bit of a scoundrel in the past, but he really knows he was wrong about what happened back then, he's scared, and he's figured things out. From now on, he sincerely wants to treat President Zhang as an elder and learn from him."

As he spoke, he gestured to Xu Dongsheng with his eyes.

Xu Dongsheng immediately stepped forward and bowed to Zhang Bao again. Although his voice was still trembling, it was more sincere than before. He said, "Godfather, I was blind to your true talent before. You can watch my performance from now on. If you need any errands or odd jobs in Jingzhou, just tell me and I will do my best to handle them properly."

Zhang Bao looked at him expressionlessly, still not saying a word.

He had seen this level of display of loyalty many times before.

Overseas, countless people would want to bow and kowtow to him.

However, since Cheng Yi had tacitly allowed Li Chengxuan to bring people over for a chance encounter, he decided to go along with it.

As for whether he was a "doing it" or not, he didn't care.

The scene was slightly awkward. Xu Dongsheng remained bowing, while Zhang Bao remained silent.

Finally, Cheng Yi broke the silence. He seemed oblivious to Xu Dongsheng's embarrassment and Zhang Bao's indifference, and said to Zhang Bao with a smile, "Brother Bao, since Dongsheng is so willing, you can entrust him with some miscellaneous tasks while you are in Jingzhou. That kid is quite efficient."

Cheng Yi's words, though seemingly casual, were actually a way to give both sides a way out.

By appointing Zhang Bao, allowing him to use Xu Dongsheng during his time in Jingzhou, Li Chengxuan was essentially giving him face.

Zhang Bao immediately understood Cheng Yi's meaning. He responded and turned his gaze back to Xu Dongsheng, saying, "I don't like empty talk. Let's see how you perform."

"Godfather, I will definitely do my best." Xu Dongsheng was overjoyed and hurriedly nodded and bowed in response.

The weight that had been hanging over his heart was finally lifted by half.

At least Zhang Bao didn't embarrass him on the spot, which means there's a sliver of hope that his path, which he climbed up on his knees, will be reconnected.

Li Chengxuan's smile widened, knowing that he had made the right move today.

He took the opportunity to invite him, saying, "Brother Cheng, I'd like to host a welcome dinner for President Zhang and President Chen. I wonder when would be a convenient time?"

After a moment's thought, Cheng Yi said, "Brother Leopard just got back, and I was just thinking of having a welcome dinner for him tonight. Since Brother Li is interested, then I'll trouble Brother Li to make the arrangements."

"Hey, no trouble at all." Li Chengxuan laughed and said, "Then I'll go book a place first, see you tonight."

"Okay." Cheng Yi smiled and nodded.

Watching Li Chengxuan and Xu Dongsheng leave in high spirits, Cheng Yi turned back to look at Zhang Bao and smiled, "How does it feel to see them again?"

"I don't feel anything," Zhang Bao replied.

“That’s because you’re not from the same world as them,” Cheng Yi said. “Although Li Chengxuan is a cunning man, he’s worth befriending. His Handong Construction Group has many projects in Southeast Asia. If you get in touch with him, you should be able to find a new route.”

"You want me to work in the construction industry?" Zhang Bao was taken aback.

“Yes,” Cheng Yi said. “Security business is our group’s business, but not yours. You have so many people to support. If you rely solely on security, your development will be very limited. You can’t become a mercenary like Blackwater.”

"Yes," Zhang Bao agreed wholeheartedly.

This is precisely the pain point he is currently facing. His funding is almost entirely allocated by the Momo Group. Every year, the Momo Group allocates nearly 2.3 million US dollars, which is more than enough to develop the security business, but it is insufficient to develop military strength.

He now has two tribes to take care of, which together have a combined armed force of nearly 30,000.

Every time weapons and equipment are upgraded, it costs money like water.

Cheng Yi glanced at Zhang Bao and continued, "Security is the foundation, it cannot be lost, and it needs to be made stronger and more professional. But in addition to that, you need to have your own ability to generate revenue. Only a force that can generate its own revenue can last and truly stand firm."

He pointed to the buildings that had sprung up in the industrial park in the distance and said, "Look at our place. From a barren land to the scale it is today, it is inseparable from Handong Construction. Construction and real estate are industries where capital can be accumulated rapidly."

"You want me to get involved in real estate development in Southeast Asia?" Zhang Bao asked thoughtfully.

He was familiar with the area; many places were in dire need of rebuilding or were in a phase of rapid development, and it was indeed full of opportunities.

But similarly, the area is also rife with zero-cost construction. "Yes," Cheng Yi said, "the urbanization process there is accelerating, the demand for infrastructure is strong, and the real estate market has great potential. Moreover, the regulations in many places are not as comprehensive as those in China, giving you more room to maneuver."

He paused, looked at Zhang Bao, and said, "Li Chengxuan's Handong Construction has accumulated a lot of experience, technology, and supply chain resources in China. They also want to go global, but they lack strong overseas support and security guarantees. What you have in Southeast Asia is exactly what they need right now."

Zhang Bao immediately understood Cheng Yi's intention and asked, "You want me to cooperate with Handong Construction Group?"

“It’s not a simple collaboration, it’s about taking the lead,” Cheng Yi said. “With you in charge, establish a group company focused on real estate development in Southeast Asia. Li Chengxuan’s Handong Construction can contribute technology as equity or act as the general contractor to provide construction support. What they want is overseas performance and profits, while what you want is an industrial chain that can continuously generate huge profits on your own.”

"As for Xu Dongsheng..." Cheng Yi chuckled and said, "Although this kid is not of good character, he is indeed very good at dealing with all sorts of people in the local area. He can get by in China, and in Southeast Asia, as long as someone is protecting him, his abilities may not be unable to be put to use. Letting him be in charge of the implementation of specific projects, public relations, or even some less compliant obstacle removal work is the most suitable thing for him."

Cheng Yi patted Zhang Bao on the back and said jokingly, "Anyway, with you as his godfather protecting him, he'll definitely be able to do things smoothly."

Cheng Yi's words were like a clear blueprint, quickly spreading through Zhang Bao's mind.

He had previously focused solely on his security business. Although he knew that real estate was profitable, he never imagined that he could get involved himself.

He used Li Chengxuan's resources to solve technical and engineering problems, and Xu Dongsheng's expertise to handle complex local relationships. He himself relied on his powerful military force and influence to protect and control the overall situation.

This is simply an excellent solution that perfectly integrates the advantages of all parties.

Upon hearing this proposal, Chen Zhi couldn't help but say, "This is great, let me get a stake in it too."

"Where do you get that much energy? You should focus on getting the Japanese and Korean markets sorted out first. Don't you understand the principle of not trying to do too much at once?" Cheng Yi glanced at Chen Zhi.

"I just mentioned it casually," Chen Zhi replied, looking disappointed.

The construction industry is incredibly profitable right now, although occasionally some companies default on their debts. Once that problem is solved, the money will flow in.

“I understand.” Zhang Bao nodded and said, “I’ll have a good talk with Li Chengxuan over dinner tonight.”

He now understood Cheng Yi's intention. Indeed, a capable godson, under certain circumstances and rules, could indeed become a useful tool.

Cheng Yi smiled with satisfaction: "You can discuss the specifics of how to operate. The group will support you from behind. Initially, we can inject some funds. Remember, our goal is not just to make money, but to establish a deeper foothold in Southeast Asia through real estate projects, build our own bases and networks, and in turn, better support your security business and the group's overall strategy. You can think of this business as the backbone of our overseas expansion."

"I see."

……

For dinner, Li Chengxuan chose the prestigious Yunding International Hotel in Jingzhou City. This hotel is a top choice for Jingzhou real estate businessmen to entertain important guests.

In the evening, Cheng Yi and his two companions arrived at the hotel in a low-key black Audi A8.

As soon as the car came to a stop in front of the hotel entrance, the doorman immediately jogged over to open the door.

Just then, a commotion arose from the side.

Several burly men, reeking of alcohol, walked out of the hotel with their arms around each other's shoulders, cursing and swearing.

The leader, with a buzz cut and a scar on his face, was a well-known figure in Jingzhou, known in the underworld as Scarface Qiang.

He was originally just a nightclub owner, but then he rode the wave of the real estate boom and subcontracted a shantytown renovation project, which instantly transformed him into a powerful figure.

He used to frequent dance halls and bars.

Now he frequents luxury hotels and associates with only the most unsavory characters.

They strolled along and happened to walk up to Cheng Yi's car.

He glanced at the Audi A8 through his blurry, drunken eyes and couldn't help but curse, "Damn it, what kind of level is this? Driving an A8? I despise these big idiots who drive A8s."

A man in a suit next to him also slurred, "Yeah, yeah, that's it, it's definitely a car with the badge removed, an A6 turned into an A8."

“Yes, that makes sense. I’ll go try it.” Scarface Qiang staggered over and actually squatted down to start picking at the rear of the car.

Looking at the group of drunkards, Lin Yongxing looked helplessly at Cheng Yi, waiting for his instructions.

Cheng Yi didn't expect to encounter such a strange person, but it's best to ignore this kind of drunkard if possible.

They're like excrement on the ground; avoid them if you can. Don't rush up and kick them just because they smell bad...

Scarface tried to pry it open for a while, but couldn't get it to move. He then tilted his head and stared at Zhang Bao, who had just gotten off the bus. He felt that Zhang Bao looked familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen him before.

He chuckled, his fingers, holding a cigarette, almost poking Zhang Bao in the face, and mumbled, "You, do you know me?"

Zhang Bao shook his head expressionlessly.

Scarface Qiang chuckled and said, "No, you don't recognize me? I don't believe there's anyone in Jingzhou who doesn't know me, Scarface Qiang. But why do you look so familiar?"

Seeing Scarface Qiang's reckless behavior, Zhang Bao's eyes flashed with a hint of ruthlessness. If this weren't China, he would have sent this guy to see his great-grandmother long ago.

"Oh my, your eyes are scary," Scarface chuckled. "You almost scared me to tears."

"Brother Leopard, let's go." Cheng Yi was afraid that Zhang Bao would really make a move, after all, he had written a guarantee in Yanjing, promising that Zhang Bao would not do anything illegal or disorderly during his stay in China.

"Okay," Zhang Bao replied, then turned to leave.

But Scarface Qiang was quite drunk and excited. Seeing Zhang Bao about to leave, he jumped in front of Zhang Bao, spread his arms, and chuckled, "Hey, there's no road ahead!"

Just as Zhang Bao was preparing to keep this guy in bed for half a year, a furious and startled shout came from the hotel entrance: "Scarface Qiang! Are you fucking looking for death?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xu Dongsheng scurried over in a panic.

He had been waiting at the door, and only came out to check when he heard the commotion.

When he saw that Scarface Qiang dared to act wildly towards Zhang Bao, he was terrified.

He rushed forward in a few steps, and to everyone's astonishment, he swung his arm and, with all his might, slapped the still-dazed Scarface across the face.

(End of this chapter)