Two days later, Pan Bei called Song Qiao to inform him that the construction of the three-star hotel was about to begin and that all shareholders and social elites would be invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Song Qiao readily agreed. The greatest benefit of attending such a ceremony was the opportunity to connect with potential partners.
With Xiang Piao Piao already achieving some success, Song Qiao had one foot in the local business circle. Attending more such ceremonies would also help enhance Xiang Piao Piao's reputation.
After Wang Fugui transferred the factory, Song Qiao had been busy renovating the chemical plant.
It had already taken on a preliminary scale, with one workshop beginning trial production. The overall results were very satisfactory.
Old Hu, the driver who had followed Wang Fugui for over a decade, was also lured over by Song Qiao with a hefty sum to become his driver.
"Old Hu, tomorrow morning, we're heading to the city center for a ribbon-cutting ceremony," Song Qiao instructed Old Hu after hanging up the phone.
Now that he had Old Hu as his driver and assistant, A Wei could relax a bit and focus on managing the factory's logistics.
The initial talent shortage problem was solved with the acquisition of the chemical plant. Wang Fugui, who had managed the factory for over twenty years, had cultivated a considerable pool of talent.
Old Hu nodded in agreement to his boss's arrangements.
In the short two days he had followed Song Qiao, he had witnessed Song Qiao's generosity and care for his subordinates, which had deeply impressed him with Song Qiao's personal charisma.
In short, the boss was a good person, someone you could rely on!
...
The next morning, Old Hu drove Song Qiao to the newly planned three-star hotel in the city center.
Many people had arrived earlier than Song Qiao. The entire venue was filled with elites from the city's business and political circles.
Guo Jun and Pan Bei were also present.
Song Qiao even spotted figures like Qin Dazhu at the periphery.
Sun, the general manager of Jiale Fu, had a more prominent position, indicating a higher status. After all, his company was an international conglomerate that had made significant contributions to the city's investment attraction.
The usually low-key Party Secretary was also present, currently surrounded by people offering him drinks.
"Brother Song, you've finally arrived. Young Master Guo and I have been waiting for you," Pan Bei exclaimed upon seeing Song Qiao, his face beaming with enthusiasm.
Song Qiao smiled slightly, shook hands with both of them, and then followed them into the heart of the gathering.
As they walked, Guo Jun introduced the hotel to Song Qiao.
"Brother Song, the interior decoration of our hotel is actually up to four-star standards. But my brother-in-law wanted to keep a low profile, so he deliberately lowered the rating when it was assessed.
Therefore, although we officially stated an investment of around 4 million yuan, after government subsidies, the actual investment has reached over 6 million yuan, and it's likely to reach over 8 million yuan by the time it's completed."
Song Qiao nodded slightly. Upon arrival, he had already sensed the extraordinary scale of the place.
A hotel of this caliber could not possibly be achieved with just four million yuan.
Seeing that Song Qiao had no particular reaction, Guo Jun continued, "Brother Song, you've invested two million yuan, and you should be able to get between 15% and 20% of the shares."
A hint of surprise flickered across Song Qiao's face.
"That much?"
According to his estimations, getting 10% of the shares in this project would be considered a worthwhile investment.
After all, he was only contributing capital, while the behind-the-scenes operations required the involvement of various parties, each wanting a piece of the considerable profits.
He hadn't expected Guo Jun to offer him so many shares, clearly showing him special consideration.
"Brother Guo, you must have put in a lot of effort for this. I'll have to toast you properly later," Song Qiao said earnestly.
Guo Jun laughed heartily and casually patted Song Qiao on the shoulder.
"Brother Song, you're being too formal. You're my confidant. If there are benefits, shouldn't I reserve them for my brother before others?"
Song Qiao nodded slightly, feeling a surge of warmth.
Although Guo Jun often appeared frivolous and unconcerned, he treated his friends with genuine sincerity once he recognized them.
"I have a few things to attend to. Director Pan will introduce you to my brother-in-law later."
After a brief exchange with Song Qiao, Guo Jun left the core group, as he still needed to engage with some of the smaller shareholders at the periphery.
Song Qiao also wanted to greet the city's top official. Although he wasn't yet significant enough to catch the official's eye, making his acquaintance would make future interactions more convenient.
The merchants at the periphery were eager to exchange a few words with the Party Secretary, as a single remark from him could ensure smooth sailing for their businesses in the city.
Song Qiao meticulously straightened his clothes, calmed his emotions, and then followed Pan Bei.
In China's social environment, the power held by those in authority was unparalleled by merchants. Even in his previous life, Song Qiao had treated officials of this caliber with respect.
"Secretary Gao, this is Mr. Song Qiao, one of the shareholders in this hotel investment," Pan Bei said respectfully as he approached the Party Secretary, his demeanor shifting.
Secretary Gao glanced at Song Qiao indifferently and simply nodded, saying nothing more.
Just moments ago, he had seen his brother-in-law, Guo Jun, interacting closely with this person in the crowd, and his initial impression was unfavorable.
He knew that Guo Jun was usually not one to reveal his true self, always presenting a carefree facade.
Seeing that this person was close to Guo Jun, he presumed him to be a dissolute young man, unworthy of his attention.
Song Qiao felt a bit awkward as the official showed no interest in engaging with him.
Suppressing his inner displeasure, he spoke to the Party Secretary with neither subservience nor arrogance, "Thank you, Secretary, for giving us merchants an opportunity to cooperate with the government. We at Xiang Piao Piao are honored to contribute to the government and make a small contribution to our hometown."
After speaking, Song Qiao bowed slightly and prepared to withdraw.
Although the official held a high position, if he was unwilling to engage, there was no need to grovel.
He believed that once he gained sufficient standing, the Party Secretary's attitude would surely change.
Pan Bei, sensing something amiss, subtly tugged at Song Qiao's clothes, signaling him not to act rashly.
He then moved closer to the Party Secretary and whispered something in his ear.