Su Yuhua's heart was filled with gloom, but outwardly he remained composed.
He forced a smile and said, "That's right, I haven't returned to my hometown for over twenty years. But this doesn't mean I'm unfamiliar with my homeland. I've been keeping track of the many major events happening domestically all these years."
"Moreover, even if I am somewhat lacking in this regard. Aren't the many business elites who have joined the chamber of commerce constantly doing business locally? Mr. Long's question is, perhaps, picking at straws."
"Aren't you, Mr. Su, the president of the chamber of commerce? Or are you planning to resign and yield the position?" Chen Fan smiled and continued, "This is just the first point. Let me elaborate on the second point!"
"Mr. Su's sixty billion is merely on paper. It hasn't truly shown its power. Among all the local powerful families and business magnates present, why should Mr. Su be the president, and not someone else?"
"Mr. Su returned with fifty billion in funds, but among those present, is there no one who can produce fifty billion?"
Chen Fan's tone was calm, his expression even more so, but his words struck at the heart of the matter.
Many people in the audience exchanged glances, their expressions becoming somewhat dazed.
What he said made sense. If a Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce were to be established, why must it be Su Yuhua? Was it merely because his funds were abundant?
But could families like the Lin or Wen, or individuals like Li Xiangbei, truly not mobilize around fifty billion?
"You... Mr. Long, it seems you have a prejudice against Mr. Su?"
Su Yuhua said indignantly.
"It's not a prejudice!" Chen Fan replied, "It's just that Mr. Su asked me to give my opinion, so I shall respectfully oblige!"
Su Yuhua truly understood why Yuan Liangping and Su Yingxia hated Chen Fan so much.
This person was truly incredibly annoying!
"Let me move on to the third point!"
Chen Fan's speech quickened, "Every region has its own chamber of commerce, though most are merely loose alliances. Mr. Su and Mr. Yuan wish to integrate the business circles of the Two Rivers into a single consortium!"
"Then, how much would each member of this consortium need to contribute to obtain sufficient returns?"
"If they contribute little, with so many people, even if the rate of return is good, how much will be left for each member?"
"If they contribute too much, tsk tsk, not to mention whether Mr. Su would abscond with the funds. Just consider the risks involved. Rather than this, wouldn't it be more convenient and controllable to form alliances with a few close friends and establish a more robust association?"
Upon hearing this, Su Yuhua genuinely felt a headache coming on.
Discussions also grew louder in the audience.
With Chen Fan listing the shortcomings of the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce, the flaws in Su Yuhua and Yuan Liangping's plan were greatly exposed.
At this moment, Li Xiangbei said with anticipation, "Mr. Long, would you be willing to establish such an association?"
Chen Fan shook his head and said, "You should find Jiang Tiansheng."
Su Yuhua, of course, would not admit defeat so easily. He said solemnly, "All the points Mr. Long mentioned can be overcome. We will establish a strict system to ensure that every member joining the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce will feel at ease. We will accept the supervision of all members, and strictly control all investments!"
"I personally can guarantee that the rate of return for any member's investment will not be less than forty percent!"
"A return rate that is indeed not low!" Chen Fan smiled faintly and stood up, "With such a rate of return, Mr. Su, why wouldn't you earn it yourself? You are truly a great benefactor, pulling everyone along to get rich!"
"Oh, and there's one last point."
"I'm speaking hypothetically. If the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce is successfully integrated under Mr. Su's leadership, and the members work together with substantial capital! What do you plan to do, Mr. Su?"
Chen Fan asked with a smile.
Su Yuhua was momentarily speechless.
He hadn't deeply considered this question.
"I guess you'll be involved in finance. Wherever vast sums of capital pass, nothing will be left standing, reaping the 'leeks,' which would bring immense profits."
"But where do you intend to harvest, Mr. Su? Kyoto? Shanghai? I predict it will likely be the Two Rivers region itself, as there will be no resistance locally."
"After the speculative capital leaves, all that remains is foam. This is probably what you mean by giving back to your homeland and hometown, isn't it?"
Chen Fan spoke slowly, his questions becoming increasingly sharp.
"Mr. Long, don't spout nonsense!" Su Yuhua said with a dark expression, "We will be involved in finance, but we will also direct more resources into real industries."
Such sweet talk.
Capital passes through, leaving nothing behind. Chen Fan himself controlled Long Teng Group, how could he not know this?
"Alright, I have finished speaking." Chen Fan smiled and said, "Now, those who still wish to join the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce are free to do so. Those who don't wish to join may leave. So as not to stay and displease Mr. Su and the organizers!"
With that, he couldn't be bothered to glance at Su Yuhua again and strode off the stage.
"Mr. Long, wait for me!"
Seizing such a good opportunity, Li Xiangbei naturally wouldn't let it pass. He spoke up directly and followed them off the stage.
Su Yuhua's face was grim, but he remained silent, observing the reactions of the crowd below.
Chen Fan's dismantling of his plans had made this business summit a complete failure.
However, his mental fortitude was extraordinary, and he wanted to see the outcome firsthand.
What was better than Yuan Liangping's previous banquet and auction was that he had clearly stated that the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce would be established after the summit.
Even if every guest present left, he would still proceed.
"Mr. Su, this is the right way!"
A deep, aged voice sounded. Old Master Tang rose and walked past Su Yuhua, saying faintly, "Some underhanded tactics can never achieve anything."
Su Yuhua frowned, then smiled, "Old Master Tang, you are right to lecture me. But things must be done by someone. If no one acts, they will always remain mediocrities!"
Old Master Tang had no intention of saying more, and followed Chen Fan off the stage.
Two of the five guests had departed, drawing surprised glances from the many spectators below.
However, at least three remained, didn't they?
Just as Su Yuhua felt a sliver of comfort, another figure also rose.
"Old Dai?"
Lin Shuzheng and Wen Zezhong, who had remained seated, their expressions changed slightly.
"I have something to attend to, I'll be leaving now!"
Dai Jiayao said.
Su Yuhua's face turned ugly, but he was helpless. He could only watch as Dai Jiayao also walked off the stage and made his departure.
The implication was clear: the Dai family was also hesitant and adopting a wait-and-see attitude.
Chen Fan walked towards the exit at the back of the venue without looking back, signaling Su Yingxue to leave with him.
Su Yingxue felt a little unfulfilled. She didn't understand business matters, but Chen Fan's explanation on stage was quite straightforward, and she had listened with great interest.
Yan Rong and Tang Qingying also rose.
They looked at the scene inside. A cascade of people began to rise and leave. Too many were getting up and heading out of the venue.
Among them were many famous merchants and influential figures from Hangzhou.
Of course, some remained, but far fewer than originally anticipated.
What was supposed to be a grand event ended up with a bleak conclusion.
Tang Qingying smiled, looking at Chen Fan's figure about to disappear through the doorway, a trace of admiration appearing in her eyes.
As expected of Mr. Long, with just a few words, Su Yuhua's meticulously planned castle in the air was reduced to mere ruins!