The dinner party the following evening was crucial, directly impacting the outcome of Qin Chuan and Han Shifei's power struggle.
Therefore, extreme caution was necessary!
Qin Chuan first called Zhang Bingshan, the manager of the brick and tile factory, and Boss Ge from the lumber mill, with whom he had a close working relationship and frequent contact.
Upon hearing that Qin Chuan was hosting a banquet at the county's best hotel, Yongnan Grand Hotel, the next evening, Zhang Bingshan and Boss Ge readily agreed.
Next, Qin Chuan called Shang Bingrong to inquire about his whereabouts.
Shang Bingrong mentioned he was still at work. After hanging up, Qin Chuan drove directly to the Industrial and Commercial Bank.
At the bank, the staff recognized Qin Chuan and greeted him warmly, calling him "Boss Qin" with pleasant tones.
Not only was Qin Chuan a major client, but he also had a deep and enigmatic relationship with the bank manager.
Furthermore, many of the employees here were well aware that Qin Chuan was already a millionaire, yet he was so young and handsome. Consequently, many young and attractive women showed him considerable attention.
Amidst the lively greetings, Qin Chuan, familiar with the surroundings, went up to the second floor and knocked on the bank manager's office door.
"Uncle Shang, I'm here!"
Qin Chuan pushed the door open.
"Oh, Xiao Chuan, you're here! Come in and sit down!"
Shang Bingrong, who was reading, looked up as Qin Chuan entered and greeted him with a kindly smile.
"Uncle Shang, look what I've brought for you!"
Qin Chuan held up the black plastic bag he was carrying.
Shang Bingrong leaned in, and his eyes lit up as he saw the contents of the bag. He said with a grin, "You're so thoughtful, Xiao Chuan! You know I was running low on tea and brought me some new ones!"
"Of course! Others might forget, but I definitely wouldn't forget your tea, Uncle Shang!"
Qin Chuan schmeared him with a compliment, a playful smile on his face.
Internally, however, he felt a pang of guilt. The Tieguanyin tea he was carrying was actually leftover from the last time he gave some to Shang Bingrong. Shang Bingrong didn't have many hobbies, but he loved drinking tea. So, when Qin Chuan gifted him tea before, he had intentionally bought extra for convenience.
At this moment, it proved incredibly useful.
Qin Chuan always felt grateful to the bank manager. He couldn't forget that Shang Bingrong had unhesitatingly granted him a two-million loan during his and Li Ya's most difficult times, marking the beginning of his business ventures.
Qin Chuan always remembered those who had helped him.
Moreover, Shang Bingrong was the bank manager, holding a position of authority. Building a good rapport with such an influential figure was an essential skill for any businessman.
During their conversation, the topic of housing inevitably arose. Shang Bingrong inquired if the recent continuous rain might pose any safety risks to the property development.
Qin Chuan smiled and shook his head, assuring him that his team inspected the site daily and that there would be absolutely no safety issues.
Shang Bingrong nodded with satisfaction, "That's good! That's very good!"
"For those in real estate, safety issues are the biggest concern. You must never be careless!"
He then let out a long sigh and addressed Qin Chuan again.
"Xiao Chuan, although I've praised you over the phone before, I want to commend you again this time!"
"I truly admire your foresight and courage. At such a young age, you've shrewdly chosen the real estate industry and dared to go against the general sentiment. I believe your future achievements will be immense!"
Qin Chuan quickly replied, "Uncle Shang, your words truly humble me!"
"I'm just a young man with a bit more boldness!"
"It's you who is even more remarkable, with sharper foresight! Back then, you knew I was going into real estate, and the outlook for the sector was poor. Yet, you dared to lend me two million!"
"Let's be frank, Uncle Shang, did you also believe that the real estate market wouldn't decline?"
Shang Bingrong's lips curved into a faint smile, "Perhaps, I had a small inkling. Unlike you, who truly dared to act!"
"Uncle Shang, if you're truly considering venturing into real estate, now is the perfect time!"
Qin Chuan said quickly, "If you find it too troublesome, don't worry. We have no shortage of people now. As long as the capital is in place, plenty of people will be eager to work!"
"Then, you can just lie back and collect the money, without having to worry about a thing!"
Shang Bingrong didn't reply, quietly sipping his tea.
Qin Chuan didn't press further. After a long pause, Shang Bingrong finally spoke, "Xiao Chuan, is there still a significant funding gap for your property development?"
Qin Chuan's heart skipped a beat. He replied without hesitation, "Yes! Of course, there is!"
"I was actually considering asking you for another loan recently, Uncle Shang. Our county magistrate has given me another piece of land, urging me to speed up construction."
"How much funding is needed?"
Shang Bingrong asked again.
"Conservatively, at least five million for the initial phase!"
Qin Chuan held up a hand, signifying five fingers.
Shang Bingrong looked thoughtful. "Recently, a sum of ten million has been allocated from above. The theme is poverty alleviation and development..."
"Thank you, Uncle Shang!"
Before Shang Bingrong could finish speaking, Qin Chuan expressed his gratitude. A person of his caliber, with a sharp mind, understood the implication perfectly.
"Uncle Shang, please tell me what documents you need. I'll have my people prepare them immediately."
Shang Bingrong smiled slightly and warmly invited, "No rush! No rush! Let's talk while we drink..."
By the time Qin Chuan left the bank, two hours had passed.
Stepping out of the bank, he felt lightheaded, his eyes shining with excitement.
He couldn't help it; even Qin Chuan himself hadn't expected such a significant outcome from this visit.
That was a sum of ten million!
Not long ago, when Han Shifei visited the construction site and casually mentioned ten million, Qin Chuan still felt that figure was distant and daunting.
Who would have thought that a few hours later, he too would be a millionaire on the cusp of possessing a vast sum of ten million, even if the money came from the bank...
As the saying goes, money is a man's courage!
If Qin Chuan had harbored some apprehension towards Han Shifei's formidable presence before, that apprehension had now dwindled immeasurably. Even if there was still a gap, it was no longer so glaringly obvious.
Of course, Shang Bingrong's ten million wouldn't be given for free. Qin Chuan would have to pay a price.
Qin Chuan had already made plans for this. He would offer Shang Bingrong two options: to choose between property or cash. The properties were readily available, and if he chose cash, he would receive it after the properties were sold.
This was a fair transaction, where both parties benefited.