At this moment downstream, Jiang Mengxin was discussing land sale and rental prices with the villagers. Everything was settled, waiting for Lu Ming's news.
The villagers' asking price was very low, only seventy percent of the market price.
According to them, due to the existence of the upstream factory, this land could not be sold at all. If Lu Ming truly had the ability to handle the factory, they were willing to give him thirty percent of the profit as a token of their gratitude.
Time ticked by, and the villagers grew anxious waiting.
The old man sighed, "I'm afraid Mr. Lu is in grave danger this time. That Jiao Yang is unreasonable, and he has a powerful uncle who beats anyone he dislikes. Miss Jiang, I suggest we call the police. Mr. Lu hasn't returned for so long; he might have been detained by Jiao Yang. If things go badly, he could lose his life."
The other villagers also urged Jiang Mengxin to call the police.
Initially, Jiang Mengxin didn't take it to heart, but gradually, she also felt something was amiss.
It had been too long.
Did such a discussion require so much time? If it was successful, it was successful; if not, it wasn't. Why did it take so long for negotiations? Could it be that Lu Ming had indeed been detained?
Although Lu Ming was skilled, a strong dragon could hardly subdue a local serpent. Lu Ming was an outsider, and if he went to cause trouble at someone else's factory, he could easily be killed.
The more she thought, the more scared she became.
For some inexplicable reason, Jiang Mengxin actually started to worry about Lu Ming's predicament.
She found it unbelievable herself.
In the past, she would have wished for Lu Ming to be killed immediately, so she could find someone else to marry and break free from Lu Ming's constraints. But now, for some reason, she was actually starting to worry about him, hoping he wouldn't get into trouble.
This was very strange.
Could it be that she had fallen in love with Lu Ming?
Jiang Mengxin shook her head forcefully, trying to stop her thoughts from running wild.
As the sun began to set, Lu Ming finally arrived downstream in his car, in front of everyone.
As soon as he opened the car door, everyone swarmed around him, bombarding him with questions, eager to know how the matter with the upstream factory had been resolved.
Only Jiang Mengxin, unconcerned with the factory issue, looked Lu Ming up and down, ensuring he was not injured. Only then did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"It's good that you're alright," Jiang Mengxin murmured to herself.
Lu Ming got out of the car and gestured downwards with his hands, signaling for everyone to quiet down.
Then, he said with a smile, "Villagers, I have some earth-shattering good news for you. After investigation, the upstream factory has serious pollution issues. Furthermore, Jiao Yang colluded with his uncle, abusing his power for personal gain, and has now been arrested. The upstream factory has been shut down and will be completely relocated soon!"
Upon hearing this, the villagers were overjoyed. The heavy burden that had weighed on their minds was finally lifted.
"Mr. Lu is truly a miracle worker!"
"For so many years, countless people have tried to negotiate, and none succeeded. We never expected Mr. Lu to resolve it in less than half a day. He's amazing."
"I'm full of admiration, Mr. Lu. I truly idolize you."
Everyone crowded around, so excited they wanted to throw Lu Ming into the air.
After much commotion.
Jiang Mengxin loudly said, "Alright, alright, everyone calm down. Let's sign the contracts now. From this day on, your land will be free of issues, and we can 'report back.' It's a win-win situation."
Soon, everyone signed the contracts with Jiang Mengxin.
Originally, they didn't need so much land, but at Lu Ming's insistence, all of it was acquired. Such prime land, no matter what it was used for, would not result in losses; it was a sure profit!
They busied themselves until nearly dark. Lu Ming and Jiang Mengxin, warmly hosted by the villagers, enjoyed a sumptuous feast in their homes and happily drove back with two baskets of eggs from their country friends.
On the road.
Jiang Mengxin, slightly tipsy, looked at Lu Ming. For some reason, looking at him now, she didn't feel the same disgust as before. She even vaguely felt that Lu Ming was somewhat likable.
Perhaps, maybe, Lu Ming could also be a decent man?
This thought flashed through Jiang Mengxin's mind and didn't linger for long.
Returning to the villa on the mountainside.
The two happily opened the door and walked in, only to see Su Wanran sitting on the sofa with an angry expression. Broken glass cups were scattered on the floor, clearly indicating she had just smashed them.
It was evident that her actions today had not gone smoothly.
Jiang Mengxin and Lu Ming exchanged glances and walked over.
Jiang Mengxin asked, "What's wrong? You look so angry, and there are glass cups all over the floor."
Su Wanran said hatefully, "I'm so furious! I went to the police station today to claim my land, and I wore my tongue out, but they refused to return it to me. They even warned me not to touch that land. If I damaged the crime scene, I would be arrested! What a joke! That's my land, why can't I touch it? I'm so angry, so angry!"
Jiang Mengxin chuckled upon hearing this.
Su Wanran glared at her, "Mengxin, I'm almost dead with anger. Not only are you not comforting me, but you're also laughing at me?"
Jiang Mengxin countered, "Wanran, do you remember the purpose of your visit to the police station today?"
Su Wanran snorted, "Of course, I remember. I was just pretending to..."
Mid-sentence, Su Wanran realized something.
Yes.
Her purpose today was to pretend to reclaim the land and pretend to be angry, thereby lulling her opponents into a false sense of security.
But she had actually gotten angry?
"Sigh, I got too into character!" Su Wanran slapped her thigh fiercely, finding her own foolishness amusing. Then, she also burst into laughter.
Jiang Mengxin continued, "Moreover, I have good news for you. Lu Ming and I had a very smooth operation today, and we secured the prime land you need!"
"Really?"
Su Wanran was overjoyed and took all the land deeds to examine them, jumping up excitedly.
"This is fantastic, fantastic!" Su Wanran exclaimed, "With this, I only need to have Sun Yao research it secretly. In about another half a month, it will be done!"
Half a month?
Lu Ming checked the date and said, "Won't half a month from now be New Year's Day?"
"Yes!" Su Wanran said, "I've already planned it. Every year on New Year's Day, the Su family holds a grand family gathering. I'll present my research findings then and ascend to the position of family head on the night of the New Year's gathering!"
Wow, she had quite the courage.
She planned to cause a scene at such a large family gathering.
Jiang Mengxin nodded, "It's best if you have confidence. Wanran, go ahead and do it. Lu Ming and I will wholeheartedly support you without any reservations!!!"