Chapter 185: Chapter 163: Qian Gen Sheng First Hope Primary School
It has been a whole week since arriving in Xuyong County.
As batches of educational supplies and new clothes continuously arrived from other cities and were distributed to various impoverished schools, not only the adults, but even the children understood that there were indeed people genuinely wanting to help them.
And over these days, the incessant rain in Xuyong County gradually lessened.
Ever since returning from Heba Village Primary School that day, Gu Bai had been staying in the county district of Xuyong County, contacting people from the foundation to deliver the donated materials, and hadn’t visited any of the 21 impoverished schools.
He couldn’t bear the sincere, eager eyes of those children.
Resting with eyes closed on the bus, Gu Bai was awakened by the footsteps in the aisle.
Seeing Gu Bai open his eyes, Yi Jiahui lowered her voice intentionally and said, "Chairman Gu, the advance team from the construction company in Shanghai has arrived."
Only after hearing this did Gu Bai regain some of his spirit.
"Where are they now?"
"Zhuang Kexin is currently hosting them."
"Take me to meet them."
He said while slowly stepping off the bus.
"Chairman Gu, President Shao and President Xiao have also inquired about your schedule. They said the corporate restructuring has been completed, and the group founding ceremony needs you to preside over it."
Gu Bai didn’t even look back and said, "Tell them, as soon as the Hope Primary School project officially starts here, I’ll hurry back to Shanghai."
"Understood."
While speaking, Gu Bai came before the representatives of these construction companies.
Five whole companies, all top-tier construction companies from Shanghai.
Suddenly among the crowd, Gu Bai saw a familiar figure and hurriedly stepped forward with a smile.
"Brother Zhun, why are you here?"
The visitor was none other than Li Zhun.
Seeing Gu Bai looking somewhat weary, Li Zhun lightly punched Gu Bai’s chest, "Isn’t it because your Hope Primary School project is too widespread? My old man knew I’m familiar with you and specially arranged for me to come and grab a bigger share."
Li Zhun’s Nanshan Real Estate is already a top-tier real estate brand in Shanghai, so it’s not very surprising for Li Zhun to represent Nanshan Real Estate here.
"Let’s catch up later, I’ll first explain what needs to be conveyed."
Li Zhun nodded and stood beside Gu Bai.
"Chairman Gu."
"Hello, Chairman Gu."
Seeing Gu Bai approach, all the representatives from the construction companies greeted him promptly.
Gu Bai nodded slightly towards them.
"Having you all rush here from Shanghai, I should have let you rest. However, there are things that if not handled for a day, I can’t be at ease for a day, so I’ll slightly take up some of your time."
"Chairman Gu, you’re too polite, do go ahead."
Seeing this, Gu Bai also smiled invitingly towards them, "I’ve already sent for the county mayor of the local government, he will be here soon. Meanwhile, I will tell you about some main issues before he arrives."
Everyone immediately quieted down.
"This time, I plan to take Xuyong County as a test site to launch a charity project named the Flame Project. I believe you were already informed about this project before coming here, so I won’t beat around the bush.
The total fund for this project is 1.5 billion, and I plan to build Hope Primary Schools in major impoverished areas across the country. The initial target is 1,000 schools, with each school costing 1.5 million. This quote leaves no room for negotiation. If you can accept this price, we will continue the discussions; if not, I will cover all your travel expenses."
After speaking, Gu Bai waited silently for their response.
"Chairman Gu, we can accept this quote, please continue."
A quote of 1.5 million per school isn’t high, but the volume is large. A total of 1,000 schools, even if the profit per school is slightly lower, adding up, it’s enough for them to earn a huge sum.
"Since there are no objections to the first point, let’s discuss the second point.
No single company among you can handle the project of 1,000 Hope Primary Schools, so this time I will allocate the project portions to all five of your companies, but only one requirement: speed.
I need all the Hope Primary Schools to be completed by September next year, can you do it?"
After hearing Gu Bai’s words, a representative from one of the construction companies said, "Chairman Gu, the time is still quite ample for us, after all, there are nearly 10 months until next September. But I have a question for you: how can you ensure that land approval will be obtained within our timeline? If the delivery of the school is delayed due to issues within your foundation’s project itself, we shouldn’t be held responsible, right?"
Gu Bai smiled and glanced at the speaker, then said slowly, "On this issue, it’s the third point. Our foundation will negotiate with governments across the country. Once the local government approves the land, I need you to mobilize personnel immediately to initiate the Hope Primary School construction plan, and if a delay in school delivery is caused by your delay, then you will be required to compensate.
Of course, if by next September, due to issues on our foundation’s part, causing less than 1,000 Hope Primary Schools to be built, we will also compensate your companies."
Honestly, this is a bit harsh, as it means the entire initiative falls under Gu Bai’s control. These construction companies have to organize construction companies nationwide, which significantly reduces their profit margin.
But there’s no choice, Gu Bai is the client now, and these companies, wanting to earn money from Gu Bai, have to lower their stance.