Volume One, Chapter 12: Buying an Abandoned Building for Ten Billion
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Zhenzhen saw the long string of numbers displayed on the phone—after the “1” there were six zeros. Excited, she hugged Chen Hao and kissed him. “Brother, you’re amazing! I’ll make sure you spend this one million very well.”
Zhenzhen was overjoyed; she had truly hooked a wealthy benefactor. One million—no matter how much she livestreamed, it would take her at least two and a half years to earn that much.
Chen Hao pulled Zhenzhen to the main street and told her to get off the car; he had some business to attend to himself.
Driving a Rolls-Royce, Chen Hao arrived at the Bay New District—who else but real estate professionals would come here?
The Bay New District was vast, with large stretches of beaches and a prime location.
The buildings were countless and densely packed.
Chen Hao drove along a concrete road into the district. On both sides, weeds grew wildly, giving the place a desolate feel.
The sales office was right at the gate, and it seemed there was someone inside.
Chen Hao parked at the entrance and walked into the sales office.
A young girl noticed someone entering and hurried to the door to greet him.
“Welcome. How may I assist you, sir?”
Chen Hao glanced at the girl before him. She had an ordinary appearance, but her figure was notably generous, and she looked simple and sincere.
“I want to buy a house.”
The girl was momentarily stunned by Chen Hao’s words, then smiled broadly and asked, “Sir, are you sure you’re here to buy a house?”
Chen Hao could tell she suspected he was joking. He continued, “Don’t you sell houses here?”
“No, sir, please don’t misunderstand.” She then asked, “Are you looking for a villa or a flat?”
Chen Hao said, “How about I buy the entire development? Would that work?”
The girl’s smile froze instantly; she hadn’t anticipated such a request.
She hesitated and answered, “Sir, buying the entire development… that’s not a small matter. I’m afraid I need to consult our boss first.”
“No problem. Call your boss. I want to talk to them,” Chen Hao said firmly, as if this were no big deal but just an ordinary purchase.
The girl was momentarily at a loss.
At that moment, two more young women came out from inside.
They politely escorted Chen Hao to the reception area. One called the boss, while the other two served him hot tea.
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The three girls were a bit flustered; they knew they had encountered a major client today.
The girl who first greeted Chen Hao was Li Ping, the head of the sales office. The other two were Xiao Feifei and Guo Cuifang, her assistants.
Li Ping explained the situation of the development: not a single unit had been sold, all the sales staff had left except for the three of them who remained steadfast.
Their salaries were paid alternately by three banks. Li Ping earned four thousand a month, while Xiao Feifei and Guo Cuifang earned three thousand each.
Chen Hao waited a full hour before the three bank managers personally arrived.
But when they saw Chen Hao’s simple attire and youthful appearance, their interest immediately waned.
Chen Hao noticed it: the three managers thought he was broke and looked down on him.
Manager Xu asked, “May I ask your surname, sir?”
“Chen. Chen Hao.”
“And what do you do, Mr. Chen?”
“Unemployed.”
The three managers exchanged glances.
Manager Xu continued, “Mr. Chen, you say you want to buy the entire development. Could you first disclose the source of your funds?”
Chen Hao smiled faintly. “That involves business secrets and is inconvenient to reveal for now. But I can assure you the funds are sufficient.”
Manager Zhou said, “Sir, this development is larger than you imagine. A mere trifling sum won’t buy it.”
Chen Hao nodded calmly. “You’ve been trying to sell it for over two years without a single sale. What good is a large development then? Next, you might spend a fortune to demolish it. If you want to sell, me buying the whole thing would solve a big problem for you. The conditions I offer might be your last chance.”
His words carried an unshakable confidence. His gaze swept over the three managers, whose expressions shifted from surprise to contemplation.
Finally, Manager Xu broke the silence: “Mr. Chen, while we appreciate your confidence, we are a formal financial institution and cannot close a deal on just your word.”
Manager Zhou added, “Also, you need to prove your financial capability to make such a purchase.”
Chen Hao shook his head, growing a bit impatient. “Whether you sell or not—one sentence: if you sell, we sign the contract and transact; if not, I leave. No need for so much nonsense.”
Managers Xu and Zhou exchanged a look, then turned to Li Ping, hoping to gather some information about Chen Hao from her.
Li Ping, of course, understood their implication, but she knew nothing and could only shake her head helplessly.
Clearing his throat, Manager Xu probed gently, “Mr. Chen, we are indeed interested in your proposal, but we must follow procedures. To buy the entire development, you must pay 10 billion upfront in full.”
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Chen Hao replied calmly, “Draft the contract. We’ll sign and pay.”
The three managers exchanged looks again. Manager Xu cautiously asked, “Mr. Chen, are you really prepared with such a large sum?”
Chen Hao nodded, calmly responding, “Do I need to say it twice?”
Manager Xu instructed Li Ping to draft the contract.
Li Ping quickly prepared a contract draft.
After careful review, Chen Hao said, “It’s fine. I have no objections.”
They began signing. Managers Xu and Zhou felt a stirring within, incredulous as they watched Chen Hao skillfully sign his name.
Chen Hao immediately called Li Qicheng and instructed him to transfer the 10 billion purchase funds for Bay New District.
Soon, the three managers received confirmation of the 10 billion payment.
Managers Xu and Zhou exhaled deeply upon witnessing the funds arrive, their faces showing relieved smiles.
They swiftly arranged the formal contract signing process, ensuring everything was handled legally.
Manager Xu tentatively asked, “May I ask, Mr. Chen, what are your plans for developing Bay New District?”
Chen Hao smiled faintly. “No plans. I have too much money and nowhere to spend it. I’m buying it for fun. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just demolish it, make a park, plant trees, build a sports ground where residents can exercise and enjoy life.”
The three managers exchanged glances, even doubting Chen Hao’s sanity.
However, Manager Xu quickly regained his professional demeanor, smiling as he said, “Mr. Chen, your plan sounds truly unique. We look forward to seeing you transform Bay New District into a vibrant community.”
After the three managers left, Chen Hao told the three women, “Keep guarding the place. Your salaries will be increased tenfold. Li Ping, you’ll earn 40,000 a month; Xiao Feifei and Guo Cuifang, 30,000. Li Ping will serve as sales manager.”
Having said that, Chen Hao paid their first month’s salary.
The three women were ecstatic.
Li Ping asked, “Boss, should we continue selling the houses? What about those in the CBD center?”
Chen Hao thought for a moment, then said, “Sell, but only if the price is at least ten times higher than before. Otherwise, don’t sell.”
Chen Hao’s intention was clear: to ensure not a single unit would sell, letting this half-finished project rot completely.