1929 I am a chaebol in the United States

Chapter 320 A Gift to the Red Gate

Hearing Lu Chen's question, James smiled and said slowly, "It's not a big deal. The council is planning to rebuild the downtown area, but no one is willing to take over the project. If you can buy the land, the reconstruction will be much easier."

Hearing this, Lu Chen's face darkened instantly, and he cursed in his heart: "Damn it, they want me to do the demolition work! I won't do such an offensive thing!"

Lu Chen quickly replied, "Mr. Mayor, I really can't afford to buy that piece of land, and I don't have enough staff to manage that place. So, you should find someone else."

After saying that, Lu Chen could no longer bear to stay here. He felt that if he continued to stay, he might be assigned more tasks, so he stood up and said to James: "Mr. Mayor, my company has other matters to deal with, so I have to leave first."

James didn't want to let Lu Chen leave for so long. He thought for a moment and said, "How about this? If you take over the land in the downtown area, we will also let your company make the uniforms for our government officials. And if there are any infrastructure projects in New York City in the future, we will consider your company first."

After saying this, James remembered that Lu Chen had said before that he wanted two city council seats, but after learning that city council seats would only be given to native American residents and not immigrants, he never mentioned this to him again.

He thought for a moment and said, "I will also propose to the city council to make an exception and allow you to join the council. What do you think of this condition?"

Joining the parliament? This offer made Lu Chen a little excited. After all, if he could become a parliamentarian, he could not only participate in political decision-making, but also get to know more influential people, which would be of great help in expanding his network and resources. But at the same time, Lu Chen also knew that once he joined the parliament, he would have to take on more responsibilities and obligations, which might conflict with his future development.

Moreover, Lu Chen knew in his heart that he would eventually return to the embrace of his motherland, and by then, the position of councillor might lose its original value and significance. After careful consideration, Lu Chen decided to refuse. So, he shook his head and said firmly: "Mr. Mayor, thank you for your kindness, but the position of councillor is not very useful to me. In addition, you promised to give me two seats as councillors before, and these two seats are enough to meet my needs. Therefore, I cannot accept the conditions you just proposed."

James was very surprised to hear Lu Chen's answer. He never thought that Lu Chen would be indifferent to the seat of the councillor. He originally thought that Lu Chen would be happy to accept it, but he was rejected so firmly, which put James in a dilemma. Because the downtown area, as a slum, has always been a disaster area for public security problems in New York City, those councillors have repeatedly requested to rectify the area. However, for various reasons, no one has been willing to take the initiative to take over this task. Now, although James has made a promise to those who support him that he will improve the situation there, it is difficult to implement it in practice. Faced with such a situation, James can't help but feel a headache.

While James was thinking, Lu Chen quickly stood up and said, "Mr. Mayor, I'll be leaving first. I really can't help you this time. We can cooperate again if we have the chance in the future."

After saying that, Lu Chen fled from the office. After leaving the city government, Lu Chen immediately got into Hans' car. Then he said to Hans:

"Hans, hurry up and leave."

Seeing that Lu Chen was so anxious, Hans did not dare to delay and immediately started the car and left.

Following Lu Chen's instructions, Hans drove the car to Chinatown and stopped in front of the Red Gate.

Seeing that it was Lu Chen, a younger brother at the door immediately ran in to inform Wu Xuance. Another younger brother hurried over to greet Lu Chen and then led Lu Chen inside.

Lu Chen followed his younger brother into the main hall. Wu Xuance was very happy to see Lu Chen. He said:

"Brother Lu Chen, you haven't come to our place for a long time. Have you forgotten me?"

Lu Chen said quickly: "How could I forget about you, Brother Wu? I've just been busy and haven't had the time. As soon as I finish this, I'll come visit you."

"Since you're visiting me, where's the gift? I've never heard of anyone visiting someone empty-handed."

Wu Xuance said to Lu Chen jokingly.

Lu Chen said quickly: "I didn't come here empty-handed. I have a great gift. I just don't know if you, Brother Wu, can accept it."

Wu Xuance asked curiously, "What kind of gift is so valuable that we at Hongmen cannot accept it?"

Lu Chen said: "The renovation of Lower Manhattan plus the land here, this is a great gift."

Wu Xuance looked at Lu Chen with some doubt.

"What, you mean the land here, how could they sell the land to us?"

Lu Chen smiled and explained, "Lower Manhattan needs to be renovated, but no one is willing to take over. The mayor found me and proposed to use the land here as compensation. I thought of you, Red Gate. If I guarantee it, the mayor is willing to sell the land here to you. Of course, you have to take on the task of renovation as well."

After thinking for a while, Wu Xuance asked, "Why don't you take over it yourself?"

Lu Chen said awkwardly: "I don't have so much money now. My funds are all tied up in the shipyard. Also, to renovate the downtown area, it will involve relocating the people here for a period of time. I don't have the face to ask everyone here to cooperate with me.

But it’s different in Hongmen. The Chinese here all listen to you. As long as you come to transform this place, they will definitely be willing to cooperate.”

Wu Xuance nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Lu Chen, for telling me this news. I will give you a reply after discussing it with the two elders."

Lu Chen smiled and said, "Sure. If you have reached an agreement, please inform me immediately. I will try to get you more benefits. Maybe I can even get you two seats as councillors."

Member of Parliament quota. When Wu Xuance heard this, his eyes lit up and he said with great surprise:

"Are you serious? Can you really allow us Chinese to enter parliament?"

Lu Chen said: "I can only say that I will try my best, but I can't guarantee it."

Wu Xuance said: "If Brother Lu Chen can get a seat as a councillor, even just one, the two elders will definitely agree to take on this project."

Lu Chen thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll try my best. If the mayor and his men disagree, I'll give you one seat. I have two seats for councillors here."

Wu Xuance looked at Lu Chen in surprise. He didn't expect that Lu Chen already had two seats in the parliament. He asked:

"Don't the Americans think this quota is very important? Why would they give you two quotas?"

Lu Chen explained: "This is the reward he promised me when I supported the mayor's election."

Wu Xuance thought for a moment and said, "We will take over this matter. After I report to the two elders, I will notify you, brother Lu Chen."