Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 69 What kind of car did you drive here?

The excavator arrived and unloaded the truck.

"Pass!"

A salute was fired.

This wasn't a formal commencement of construction; it was just the external work of leveling the land, connecting the water, electricity, and roads. There were no workers, no leaders present, and no firecrackers were bought. Jiao Gui simply bought some opening ceremony cannons while he was getting money and set them off—it was a simple ceremony.

Tan Maoshui's excavator and Chen Xiaobo's car got right to work.

Chen Xuebing stood with his hands on his hips, watching quietly.

More than two months after his rebirth, he finally dug the first hole in his construction site.

It cost 15,000 yuan to hire people, 20,000 yuan for the excavator to come on site, and soon a level and a used total station that Tan Hailiang helped him find will come in for 21,000 yuan. The truck fleet can advance the funds, but he still needs to pay some fuel costs upfront.

The 60,000 yuan from Taobao was barely enough to start road construction before the company was completely depleted.

However, Chen Xuebing simply gave Jiao Gui the cash from the town bank and asked him to have someone pick up the 20,000 yuan total station, which impressed Lao Tan.

This Mr. Chen was much more capable than he had initially thought. He had actually prepared to ask Mr. Yu from Chongqing to save the day as soon as the project started. He was also a little disappointed, as this young Mr. Chen was indeed capable, but just too young.

As a result of their actions over the past two days, he realized that they really hadn't fought an unprepared battle.

With confidence in place, Lao Tan worked incredibly hard, directing his excavator operator to dig the foundation, load the trucks, and transfer the waste while also coordinating the hauling of sand and gravel.

"We need this soil for backfilling in a few days! I've already discussed it with Wu Jiuhong, so we'll leave it at her doorstep for now!"

"Mr. Chen! Shall we discuss the price of sand and gravel with Liu Laowu?"

Chen Xuebing waved his hand: "No rush! I've already inquired, there are three material factories nearby, I'll go out tomorrow to compare prices! But let's talk to Liu Laowu first, this one is indeed the closest, it would be best if we could reach an agreement."

Tan Maoshui revealed a strange smile: "That's good. This time he probably won't dare to overcharge you. He'll probably be a little intimidated by you."

Chen Xuebing smiled and shook his head: "These methods are all inferior. The important thing is to manage well, make money, and ensure that downstream suppliers pay on time!"

Upon hearing this, Lao Tan agreed, saying, "Yes, don't worry. As long as the on-site arrangements are handled well and the 80% progress payment before settlement is received smoothly, I guarantee the rest!"

Chen Xuebing glanced at Lao Tan, noticing his confidence, and smiled:

"Don't put pressure on yourself, I'll take care of it! I've thought about it, and we can bring in two more administrators for this project. Since we're not outsourcing, we can treat it as talent development. You can find the people. By the way, are you technically capable of handling this type of project? I've seen the pool that Tan Hailiang made, it's beautiful! I acknowledge his technical skills. Our project can't be worse than the one in the city. If there are any technical issues, you should learn from him."

This was the first time Chen Xuebing had asked Lao Tan about his technical skills.

"I should learn from him?"

But Tan Maoshui got really angry.

“Boss! You dared to hire me without even asking me anything? Let me tell you! Let alone this small project, I’ve done 20 square meter building construction projects! I was there when the Municipal Construction Engineering Group was established in 98, and I was a tenured employee back then! If the pay hadn’t been so low that I couldn’t stay, I would be the head of the engineering department and a project manager now!”

Yo x3.

Chen Xuebing was surprised.

Even if what Lao Tan said is true, it's not a big deal. Not all project managers in state-owned enterprises are amazing; many just hold certificates and get by.

The cost of hiring top technical experts in the construction industry is very high, and there are relatively few projects that require them to make significant contributions. Therefore, many contracts are based on a single project, and the employee leaves once the project is completed. Senior technical personnel have high turnover, so as long as the price is right, it is possible to hire truly outstanding individuals.

The profits in the engineering industry are pieced together brick by brick. No link is unimportant, and any link could lead to the collapse of the entire project. No matter how advanced the technology is, it still requires a lot of work to realize its value.

Chen Xuebing thought for a moment, then said slowly:
"In this industry, a good brain is often less useful than good legs. Lao Tan, actually I'm not too fixated on technical skills. Many things have industry standards, and as long as the technical skills meet those standards, that's fine. The most reliable projects are not done by the most technically skilled people, but by the most reliable people."

These words immediately silenced Tan Maoshui.

This was the most shocking sentence that General Manager Chen had said to him in the past few days, and the tone of his voice when he said it made Tan Maoshui feel as if he were receiving advice from an industry veteran.

"Mr. Chen... is this really your first time leading a project on your own? Where did you learn it?"

Chen Xuebing shook off his serious expression and resumed his faint smile.

"Yilin" magazine.

……

While patrolling the mountains, junior driller Wu Guohua discovered something alarming and immediately reported it to the town's chief driller.

"What? They're gone?!"

How long have you been gone?

"The construction site has started work?"

When Mayor Xu received the call, his face was so dark it was almost dripping with gloom.

After thinking about it for a long time, I realized that this matter would have the biggest impact on me, and my promotion next year would definitely be affected.

We must speak with Secretary Wang. This isn't about solving the problem anymore; we need to find someone to take responsibility.

...

The town's Party Secretary Wang was at his wit's end, but finally made a wise judgment.

The Chongqing municipal newspaper is equivalent to a provincial newspaper elsewhere. Can the town really cover this up?

If this gets reported, it will damage the county's reputation! Can one person take responsibility? This responsibility is shared by everyone!
Report this immediately! Seek support from the county!
...

After one hour.

Chen Xuebing stood leisurely beside the hard-working excavator, while Mayor Luo, who had rushed over, stood opposite him.

Not far away, there was Mayor Xu, who stood with his hands on his hips, seemingly unwilling to speak.

These are truly remarkable people who rarely make an appearance; they have all shown up today.

"Stop work! Stop work immediately! This is a road in the town. Who gave you permission to start construction?" Mayor Luo shouted, pointing at the excavator with a dark face.

Chen Xuebing felt that the deputy mayor's political wisdom was limited to how to use power to solve problems, and he couldn't grasp the key points at all, and was completely swayed by his emotions.

He shrugged and laughed nonchalantly, "If you want to stop, I'll let them stop. But does it even matter whether they stop or not, Mayor Luo?"

Mayor Luo was taken aback by the question, his chest heaving violently. He then unleashed his trump card: "Let me tell you! Don't think I don't know about last night's fight and those threats you made! I can have the police station arrest you!"

After being informed by Mayor Xu that the matter needed to be reported to the county, he belatedly called his nephew Jiang Ping to ask if he could come and repair the road. Jiang Ping hesitated for a long time before telling him about what happened last night.

Jiang Ping was actually beaten, and the other party even threatened to kill him.

Jiang Ping no longer dares to take on this job.

In his extreme surprise and anger, he suddenly felt that this was also an opportunity to turn the tables and use it to threaten Chen Xuebing.

Chen Xuebing asked calmly, "Mayor Luo, Jiang Ping is your cousin's son, right? He blocked the construction site the day before yesterday and beat up my driver, did you know that? Yesterday he threatened my personal safety, but the whole thing was recorded by a reporter. Where does he get the audacity to do these things? I think this report should be investigated thoroughly. I think you might not be able to withstand the investigation."

After saying that, he patted Mayor Luo on the back, and a smile gradually appeared on his lips:

“When you speak, you must provide evidence. I have evidence, and you don’t. It’s like I’m telling you now: if you dare to mess with my project, no matter how arrogant you are, once you lose power, you’ll have to be careful when you walk at night in the future. I’ve said what I’m saying, but you can’t do anything to me because I won’t admit it.”

Chen Xuebing's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, only carrying within a one-meter radius, and was completely drowned out by the sound of the excavator any further away.

"How dare he threaten me!" Mayor Luo's eyes widened in fear. He immediately turned to look at Mayor Xu, who was standing a few meters away. He found that Mayor Xu hadn't heard him at all and was even frowning and raising his chin at him, urging him to talk quickly.

His heart skipped a beat as he recalled the harsh words Mayor Xu had spoken when he first arrived, telling him he had to resolve the matter.

The town is now trying to drag him down with them. If reporters expose Jiang Ping's affairs and point out his relationship with Jiang Ping, he might lose his job before he can even get Chen Xuebing arrested.

If I lose my job...

Mayor Luo turned his head again and found Chen Xuebing looking at him with a half-smile. He suddenly realized that in the other party's eyes, he was the one in a weaker position.

Having lost power, how can he expect his beaten nephew to back him up?
The more he thought about it, the more desolate he felt.

No!

"Mr. Chen... I'll go back and talk to the town about the road repairs for you, okay? We'll do the road repairs for you, at the original compensation price of 20! It'll be done for you!"

Chen Xuebing chuckled.

What the hell are you talking about? The mayor himself is standing guard here, and I'm waiting for you, a mere deputy mayor, to go back and talk to me on my behalf?
Chen Xuebing simply turned his head and said something that made Mayor Luo incredulous again:

"Mayor Xu! Mayor Luo said the town would give me 20 yuan to build this road! Does the town agree to that?"

The words were shouted at Mayor Xu.

When Mayor Xu heard this, his expression was somewhat taken aback.

Why did Lao Luo (Luo Yonghao) reveal his last trump card?

But now that things had come to this point, Mayor Xu slowly put on a smile and walked over.

"Mr. Chen wants to help our town repair roads? That's great! But the Times report..."

"Heh." Chen Xuebing sneered: "Mayor Xu, either don't repair this road and leave it as it is, or if you're going to repair it, only I can do it. I have a contract for the project below with a construction period. For this, I spent a lot of money today to bring in an excavator from another construction site. The monthly fee is close to 40,000 yuan. If my construction period is delayed and losses are incurred, I will definitely make a big fuss about it. Even if the road is still in bad shape, this place will be the town's living advertisement, and there will definitely be no shortage of reporters coming to visit."

Upon hearing such a direct threat, Mayor Xu's expression gradually darkened: "You mean, you want to repair the road, but since you caused this mess, you're not going to resolve it?"

Chen Xuebing shook his head: "With such a big newspaper, and reporters already here, whether or not it's reported is not up to me. However, if you sign a contract with me and transfer the money for road repairs, I will truthfully report the situation. At least the report will show that your town is actively solving the problem and spending money to hire people to repair the road."

Mayor Xu was slightly moved.

This result... isn't so bad after all.

But the other party's conditions were too harsh.

"The road hasn't even been built yet, and you're already asking for money? Is that even legal?"

Chen Xuebing chuckled: "20 yuan, a four-meter-wide road plus a 75-centimeter-wide inner shoulder, it's a tiny project. I'll work overtime to finish it before the New Year and start maintenance. It'll be ready to use after the New Year, and you still want to pay in installments? To be honest, I really don't trust you if you don't pay the full amount first. Besides, the technical details can be agreed in the contract, and the penalty for breach of contract can be set higher. My project is still here. We'll build the road first, and the project can only start after the inspection. If any problems arise, you can come to me for compensation!"

That's what they say, but if he gets paid upfront, even if he does the repairs with the best conscience, he'll still make a profit of ten or twenty thousand. Plus, with the material suppliers and truck drivers making the necessary advance payments, he'll have at least one hundred thousand in working capital left. He won't need to spend any more money on the entire project.

Mayor Xu sighed, gazing at the distant mountains, and said:

"Stop reporting it, and I'll give you a reply as soon as possible."

"Then you'd better hurry, today is Tuesday, and the layout will be done by Friday."

……

Chen Xuebing received no reply for an entire day.

The next morning, Chen Xuebing finally received a phone call.

It turned out to be a call from project manager Ren Kaiping.

When he answered the phone, Ren Kaiping sounded excited.

"The county has notified us that the project team and all construction units are requested to attend a meeting in the county this afternoon!"

Chen Xuebing was taken aback: "President Ren, what's the purpose of this meeting?"

"I didn't say! The county is the client, so you can just go! The meeting will be at the county government! This is a good thing; there's a good chance county leaders will be there. I'll bring up the issue of Jiangping blocking the construction with the county then, and that should put some pressure on the town!"

In this project, the county is practically the client.

It's not the unit that provides the funds. The project funds are special funds under the municipal water conservancy department. The money doesn't go through the county, but the county is the final user and acceptance unit.

The county notified me, so of course I had to go.

But when Ren Kaiping mentioned Jiang Ping, Chen Xuebing couldn't help but laugh.

"President Ren, let's not talk about Jiang Ping's matter anymore. Mayor Xu from the town also came to talk to me this morning, and the county..."

Chen Xuebing hesitated for a moment, unsure whether the county had asked them to hold a meeting because of this matter.

"Anyway, don't worry about this, I'll handle it."

"What?" Ren Kaiping asked in disbelief, "What does Mayor Xu want to talk to you about?"

"Let's talk about it after the meeting this afternoon."

……

Tricycles, shuttle buses, taxis—it took more than an hour to travel a distance of about twenty kilometers.

The meeting was scheduled for 3 p.m., and the building lobby was quite deserted, even though it had been some time since the start of the workday. Chen Xuebing entered through the main entrance and heard a group of people chatting and laughing as they came in from the back.

Chen Xuebing realized something and tried to hide on the side stairs, but Ren Kaiping, who was walking in the middle of the group, spotted him and called out to him.

"Mr. Chen, where are you going? The meeting is on the first floor! This way!"

"Oh!" Chen Xuebing took a step back and slapped his forehead. "Haha, I almost got it wrong!"

The various pipeline construction units were all looking him over, and they were all a little curious.

Is this the boss of the factory area section?

You look very young!

"Where...where's your car?" Ren Kaiping glanced at the back door, then remembered that Chen Xuebing had arrived by car last time, and said in a daze:
"Oh, why don't you tell your uncle to send you a car? It's so inconvenient to go back and forth to the countryside. You can come back with us in a bit!"

Chen Xuebing's face darkened.

Damn it, everyone else comes in from the back parking lot, but I came in through the front door!

At this moment, countless images of Tony Leung Ka-fai appeared in his mind.

What kind of car are you in?

“We all drive Benz and Rolls Royce, you drive a Mazda, no wonder you’re stuck in traffic.”

"You drive a Mazda, you're not qualified to attend this meeting at all!"

The soldier felt extremely embarrassed and immediately burst into laughter:
"Hey! Why send a car? I've already ordered one! It's just that the driver... is still learning to drive!"

(End of this chapter)