Chapter 43: A Major Boss Appears

The next day, Chen Guangliang went to Gu Zhuxuan's residence once again to discuss the matter of protection fees.

Having had such a wonderful time together the previous night, Gu Zhuxuan naturally could not bring up protection fees in front of his friends, which was why they arranged to meet and talk today.

Sitting on the sofa, Chen Guangliang took the initiative and said, "Mr. Gu, it's not that I'm unwilling to follow the rules regarding the commission cut. It's just that our Yangtze Rickshaw Firm has only been developing for a little over three months. To put it metaphorically, it hasn't even been weaned yet."

The subtext was: How could you possibly have the nerve to collect it? Couldn't you wait until the sheep grew a bit larger before shearing its wool?

Gu Zhuxuan smiled and said, "I understand your situation now. As for your commission, I can waive it entirely. However, Guangliang, you need to do something for me in return!"

Chen Guangliang modestly declined, saying, "With so many capable people working under Mr. Gu, you certainly don't lack someone like me. Besides, I'm so young, it would be impossible for me to command respect from the others."

Gu Zhuxuan waved his hand and said, "Although I have many subordinates, most of them are rough men, and very few can truly stand on their own. Moreover, hearing your conversation with everyone last night made me interested in investing in real estate. You might as well come and help me manage this business, Guangliang. As long as we make a profit, not only will I waive your commission, but I will also give you a share of the profits."

Just like that, he believed it?

Chen Guangliang deliberately hesitated and then said, "Mr. Gu, I am a young man, and although I've achieved a modest success in my career, working for others is not my ambition... However, since you wish to invest in real estate, we can occasionally exchange ideas. Beyond that, real estate simply boils down to buying properties to collect rent or purchasing land and waiting for its value to appreciate. To be honest, I don't know much else."

Seeing that Chen Guangliang was unwilling to work directly for him, but still maintaining his composure, Gu Zhuxuan said, "In that case, you can be the real estate investment consultant for my company. Whenever we make money, I will definitely make sure you get your share."

That sounded wonderful, but if they were to actually lose money, a mob boss like Gu Zhuxuan would likely turn hostile in a second.

Chen Guangliang had no choice but to reply, "Since you put it that way, I accept your offer, Mr. Gu."

Gu Zhuxuan said happily, "If Guangliang has capital, why don't we form a joint venture company? That way, managing it won't mean working for someone else, but working for yourself."

Only a fool would negotiate with a tiger for its skin in such a matter.

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "The little bit of money I have would only make people laugh if I brought it out."

Gu Zhuxuan said smugly, "I'm just dabbling in a small way myself, planning to bring out a few tens of thousands of silver dollars just to test the waters."

Chen Guangliang feigned surprise and said, "That much?"

Wouldn't that just give this mobster an opportunity to make a fortune?

For a moment, Chen Guangliang somewhat regretted boasting so much the previous day.

The more money these gangsters made, the more unsettled Chen Guangliang felt.

Gu Zhuxuan crossed his legs and said, "What do you mean, 'that much'? I am a man who believes in capable people, so it's not much at all. In the future, Guangliang, you can come over and sit often. I will introduce you to more friends and prominent figures. Making a living in Shanghai is all about connections."

"Yes, thank you for your cultivation, Mr. Gu!"

In the end, Chen Guangliang was kept by Gu Zhuxuan for lunch. It seemed Gu Zhuxuan genuinely wanted to take Chen Guangliang under his wing as a protégé.

However, Chen Guangliang had no intention of boarding a pirate ship so easily; playing both sides and remaining on good terms with everyone was his true style.

Although he had taken on the title of real estate investment consultant for Gu Zhuxuan, it was, after all, merely an empty title.

During the meal, Gu Zhuxuan attempted to fish for specific suggestions from Chen Guangliang regarding real estate investment.

Chen Guangliang was not about to play it straight either, and deliberately remarked, "Investing in properties to collect rent is, of course, the most ideal choice. After all, with a population of several million in Shanghai, there are probably fewer than ten thousand housing units, so rents are bound to keep rising."

Gu Zhuxuan hesitated and said, "Earlier this year, those tenants launched large-scale gatherings and protests. I'm worried the government might impose rent controls."

It seemed this man was not so easily hoodwinked.

Chen Guangliang was well aware of this; rents would inevitably be controlled by the government. Although the extent of the control would be limited, landlords could still demand a hefty key money fee to rake in huge profits.

For instance, when Lu Xun came to Shanghai in 1930, the house he rented required a key money fee of 500 silver dollars, forcing him to pay two hundred upfront while complaining about how expensive rents were in Shanghai.

"That is indeed a possibility... Then speculating in land should be pretty good as well. As long as it's sought after, land speculation will only drive prices higher and higher, and yield quick results."

"Hmm, land speculation does sound profitable... Let's drink!"

.........

After Chen Guangliang left the Gu family residence, Sun Yingjie arrived at his boss's home shortly after.

"Boss, has the commission arrangement for the Yangtze Rickshaw Firm been settled?"

"Yes, I've decided to waive it."

Sun Yingjie looked surprised and asked, "Waive it permanently?"

A grace period of half a year was understandable; after all, the Yangtze Rickshaw Firm had just started developing, and even a pig had to be fattened before being slaughtered.

Yet, clearly, that was not what the boss meant!

Gu Zhuxuan sighed and said, "Chen Guangliang is a true talent. He understands economics and analyzes things systematically. I happen to be lacking such talent."

Sun Yingjie was somewhat skeptical. He had investigated Chen Guangliang's background—the man had been out making his own way since he was thirteen and had at most attended a few years of private schooling. How could he possibly understand such things?

However, he did not pursue the matter further and instead said, "Since that's the case, the boss should win him over and make him work for you!"

Gu Zhuxuan smiled and said, "A young man like him wants to make his own way and has already achieved a degree of success; why would he work for me? It's just my own wishful thinking! What a pity!"

Although Sun Yingjie was merely a manager in charge of one of Gu Zhuxuan's businesses, he controlled the most vital enterprise, possessed a certain degree of strategic cunning, and enjoyed deep trust from Gu Zhuxuan.

The Gu Rickshaw Firm owned over a thousand licensed rickshaws, with a value estimated at over 300,000 silver dollars—and undoubtedly worth even more in reality. More importantly, the Gu Rickshaw Firm sustained many of Gu Zhuxuan's fellow townsmen and disciples.

"Boss, actually, bringing Chen Guangliang under your command might not be all that difficult!"

Gu Zhuxuan immediately perked up and asked, "How so?"

Sun Yingjie said with crafty cunning:

"When all is said and done, Chen Guangliang's rickshaw firm is only a small-to-medium enterprise with no more than 125 vehicles. However, Chen Guangliang acts with a flair that courts too much attention. He allows his pullers to buy shares in the rickshaws, which has terrified the pullers of other firms and naturally offended their bosses."

"In the past, other firms figured the Wang Rickshaw Firm was fighting him, so they didn't bother making a move. Now that something has happened to the Wang Rickshaw Firm, I believe the other firms won't let him off easily. If we secretly fan the flames behind the scenes, Chen Guangliang will find himself cornered on all sides. When that time comes, won't he have no choice but to beg for your help?"

The more Gu Zhuxuan listened, the brighter his eyes shone. He adored talented young men like Chen Guangliang.

"Very well, handle this matter, but make sure not to expose yourself, otherwise he might end up resenting me instead. Even if he submits to me then, he might not do so wholeheartedly."

"Don't worry, Boss, I will never expose myself."

It was merely a matter of stirring up trouble from the shadows, not participating directly—how could he possibly be exposed?