Chapter 35

Su Jing and Shi Qing had not yet walked far when they saw Ma Tao fleeing in panic, and they both were taken aback.

Su Jing was not very clear about the specific situation, but Shi Qing found it strange that Ma Tao had suddenly changed like a different person.

Su Jing asked, "Who is that Ma Tao?"

Shi Qing truthfully recounted Ma Tao's identity and his investment in the tourism industry, with a hint of regret in her voice. It was a pity that someone who had seen the potential in the local beach tourism turned out to be such an unworthy person, truly a case of the heavens not favoring the good.

After listening, Su Jing couldn't help but feel angry: "Are you stupid? Since you knew what kind of person he was, why did you still go to receive him? Don't think that just because you're a tour guide and an image ambassador, you should shoulder the responsibility of developing the local tourism industry."

Hearing Su Jing's angry words, Shi Qing felt a bit sweet inside, but she glared at Su Jing and said, "I know, but if it's because of me that the local tourism industry doesn't develop, I would feel guilty."

Su Jing glanced at Ma Tao, who had already disappeared into the distance, and said, "He ran fast, otherwise he would have had a hard time." On his own turf, Su Jing had a hundred ways to deal with Ma Tao, and with Wang Zhuo, Qian Shufeng, Zhao Zhi, and Zhao Jun all present, a mere millionaire who had just made his fortune would not dare to act so arrogantly. A small trip-up would be enough to make Ma Tao regret it.

Shi Qing asked curiously, "Why does he seem to be a bit afraid of you?"

Su Jing smiled and said, "He's not afraid of me, but of my few guests. There are some important people in the store."

Shi Qing turned to look inside the store and asked curiously, "What important people?"

Su Jing pointed to Zhao Jun and said, "I won't introduce the others to you, just him. Isn't there a richest Zhao family in Zhongyun City, ranking in the top five in terms of wealth in the city? He is the young master of the Zhao family."

Shi Qing's eyes widened in disbelief. How could the young master of the Zhao family come here as a waiter? No wonder Ma Tao was scared away.

"Ah, Shi Qing, why couldn't you properly entertain Mr. Ma? Now that Mr. Ma has left, who will invest in the development of our local tourism industry?" Zhu Zhiting complained to Shi Qing.

"Deputy Mayor Zhu, did you invite Mr. Ma?" Su Jing asked.

"That's right." Zhu Zhiting raised his chin slightly, with a hint of pride.

"Are you blind or have you lost your mind?" Su Jing said.

"What did you say? Do you have any manners, daring to insult me?" Zhu Zhiting was taken aback and then became angry. As a deputy mayor, the villagers usually treated him with respect, and this young man dared to insult him.

"Insulting him is justified. Inviting such a scoundrel to develop the tourism industry, you must be blind or have lost your mind." At this moment, Qian Shufeng suddenly spoke up. He had met Ma Tao and knew what kind of person he was.

"Who are you?" Zhu Zhiting was furious but dared not act rashly when he saw Qian Shufeng's demeanor.

"Deputy Mayor, how much money is needed to invest in the beach tourism industry here?" Wang Zhuo suddenly asked.

"This... it depends on how you invest, probably a few million." Zhu Zhiting looked at Wang Zhuo suspiciously, and his tone became more polite. Moreover, he felt that he had seen Wang Zhuo somewhere before.

"Is that so." Wang Zhuo nodded and looked at Su Jing with a smile, "Mr. Su, how about we invest in the tourism industry together?"

"Um..." Su Jing was taken aback by Wang Zhuo's sudden question and then nodded, "I'm interested, but I can't come up with much money right now. How about I owe you and pay you back later?" Although he wanted to contribute to the development of his hometown, in the past, he would never have dared to agree to such a thing. To really develop the beach tourism industry, a few million was too conservative, probably not even enough to cover the costs.

"Talking about money is too formal. I'll provide the money, you just need to be a nominal partner." Wang Zhuo waved his hand and smiled, which made many people around him draw in a breath. If this person wasn't pretending, he must be an incredibly generous super-rich person, completely giving Su Jing face and benefits. If the tourism industry developed well, even a small share would be worth at least tens of thousands. This made many people around him envy Su Jing, how could he have such a big face?

"That won't do." Su Jing quickly waved his hand, feeling that the favor was too great.

"Your life-saving grace to my son is beyond repayment. If Mr. Su refuses again, it would be a slight to me. Besides, I am not from Qingyun Town, and if you can be a nominal partner, many things will be easier, and the locals will also recognize you more." Wang Zhuo said.

"Then how about this, I can be a nominal partner, but I won't take any dividends for now. In the future, if I have money to invest, we can split the profits according to the ratio." Su Jing said after a moment of silence. Just being a nominal partner was already a significant benefit, at least the local government and people would value him more, making him a local celebrity, which would make everything easier.

"Alright." Wang Zhuo nodded, thinking that if it developed well, he would certainly give some benefits to Su Jing as a reward. "Mr. Su, I will send people to survey the environment and negotiate with the local government. We will make a decision later. But no matter how much I invest, I will definitely improve the road leading to the city."

"Mr. Wang, I represent Qingyun Town to thank you." Su Jing said gratefully. Although it was just a few kilometers of muddy road, and the government provided subsidies for rural road construction, it would still cost at least a million to build it well. The villagers in the town had never been able to raise enough money. If this road was improved, it would benefit the citizens of Qingyun Town.

"Don't thank me yet. I see that this beach has a very good environment and great development potential. Perhaps this action will bring me great benefits." Wang Zhuo chuckled, and this was not entirely a polite remark. This beach indeed had development potential. Although it was currently a tourist spot, it was not well planned, and there was no way to collect entrance fees. The potential had not been fully developed.

There were three major shortcomings: first, the transportation was inconvenient, with a few kilometers of muddy road from the beach to the city. On sunny days, it was fine, but during heavy rain, it became muddy and difficult to travel, and it took a long time for someone to fill the potholes. Second, there were no good hotels nearby, so tourists had nowhere to stay. Third, there was a lack of entertainment facilities. Of course, there were also some minor issues.

If these shortcomings were addressed, with its beautiful environment and clear water, it could become a tourist destination, and as the developer of this tourist destination, it would not be difficult to make money.

"Are you Mr. Wang Zhu?" Zhu Zhiting, who had been observing quietly, finally recognized Wang Zhuo and was very excited. If the beach tourism industry had the investment of the young master of the Wang family, it would be a huge boost, far surpassing Ma Tao.

"Exactly." Wang Zhuo nodded.

"Mr. Wang, I represent all the citizens of Qingyun Town to thank you. How about we find a place to discuss the specifics now?" Zhu Zhiting said excitedly.

"Deputy Mayor Zhu seems to want to cooperate with Mr. Ma. I won't trouble you. I will directly negotiate with the mayor." Wang Zhuo waved his hand.

"Um..." Zhu Zhiting's face turned sour. It was clear that Wang Zhuo intended to exclude him and negotiate directly with his superior, which meant he would have no credit in this matter. All his efforts would be in vain. Zhu Zhiting felt very frustrated and glanced at Su Jing. He knew that if he could get along well with Su Jing, he could still have a chance to be involved. But thinking about what he had said to Shi Qing and his attitude towards Su Jing, he could only give up in frustration. Why had he gone to flatter Ma Tao when there was such a big businessman right in front of him?

"Mr. Su, I think the tourism industry is not suitable for you. How about coming to our restaurant as a chef? I'll give you ten thousand... no, twenty thousand a month." Qian Shufeng said.

"Your small restaurant can't accommodate Mr. Su. Mr. Su, come to my Jinyu Hotel. I'll give you thirty thousand a month." Zhao Zhi, hearing that Qian Shufeng wanted to poach Su Jing, immediately became anxious. If he could invite Su Jing, it would be a big sign for the hotel, a sign that could even impress Zhou Xian, bringing huge benefits to the hotel.

"Damn, you're competing with me again." Qian Shufeng was angry.

"I met Mr. Su first and had the intention of inviting him to our hotel. You're cutting in line, okay?" Zhao Zhi lied, completely forgetting that he had just doubted Su Jing's culinary skills.

Su Zhenhong, Zhao Mengxiang, Shi Qing, and some nearby villagers were stunned. Just being a chef could earn two or three thousand a month, had he heard wrong? But thinking about how quickly Su Jing had been making money recently, they realized that this was not much for him, and he might not even want to go.

"Ha ha, thank you, Mr. Qian and Mr. Zhao for your consideration, but I appreciate it." Indeed, Su Jing firmly rejected them.

"How much will it take for you to come?" Zhao Zhi asked.

"If the monthly salary is one million, I might consider it." Su Jing said.

Qian Shufeng and Zhao Zhi were speechless. Even the most skilled chef couldn't afford a monthly salary of one million, and it was just a consideration, not a definite commitment. This made Qian Shufeng and Zhao Zhi give up directly.

However, they both gave Su Jing their business cards. One, they were not completely giving up, hoping that Su Jing might change his mind in the future; two, Su Jing seemed to be good at fishing, and their restaurants needed fresh seafood, so they could maintain a business relationship in the future.

After Wang Zhuo, Qian Shufeng, and Zhao Zhi had their fill, they left together, each asking for a few takeout boxes. Of course, they paid generously, even giving a thousand yuan in tips to Zhao Mengxi, who had just served the dishes.

At the same time, two pieces of news quickly spread in the nearby villages: one was that a big businessman had offered a high salary to invite Su Jing to be a chef at a large hotel, and the other was that a big figure would invest in the beach tourism industry with Su Jing. The villagers all sighed, saying that Su Jing had really made it.