Upon catching sight of Shen Jingxi, Chu Hao, who had been on the verge of heading upstairs, instantly turned around and hurried back, throwing his previous claim about needing to go study completely to the wind.
"President Chu, these are the documents that need your review today." Shen Jingxi walked over to Chu Jixiong and handed the papers to him, her voice cool and strictly professional, devoid of any emotion. "After careful evaluation from multiple angles, these are the two final proposals we've narrowed it down to."
"Mm." Chu Jixiong took the documents and casually flipped through them. "Xiao Shen, take a look at these two investment proposals and tell me which one is better."
Shen Jingxi lowered her eyelids slightly. "Both proposals have their pros and cons. Proposal A is an investment in a development project in the Western Suburbs, while Proposal B is an investment in a commercial plaza in the South Suburbs."
"The Western Suburbs development project currently looks very promising. Yanjing's development focus is shifting toward the west, and the return on investment for this project is exceptionally high."
"However, the Western Suburbs project also carries certain risks—namely, policy uncertainty. If government policies change, this project runs a high risk of being suspended."
"The commercial plaza in the South Suburbs carries relatively lower risks. Since the South Suburbs is an older district, it already has a strong commercial atmosphere and heavy foot traffic, making the returns on this project relatively stable."
"On the other hand, the South Suburbs commercial plaza faces much fiercer competition. To secure high returns on this project, we would need to pour in significantly more capital and effort. Furthermore, that area has a dense residential population, meaning relocation compensation costs could easily be several times higher than those in the Western Suburbs."
Shen Jingxi systematically analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of both proposals, her tone calm and completely devoid of personal bias.
Hearing her analysis, Chu Jixiong found himself momentarily torn between the two options.
At that moment, Chu Hao leaned in and pointed at the Western Suburbs development proposal. "Dad, pick this one. The returns on this are obviously massive, and I've also been looking into Yanjing's recent policies—growth is definitely shifting westward. By comparison, that South Suburbs area is probably going to be tied up for another decade just dealing with demolition and relocation issues."
Chu Chen glanced at the documents as well, the corners of his mouth curling into an imperceptible, cold sneer.
In his past life, it was precisely at Chu Hao's instigation that the Chu Corporation chose that Western Suburbs development project.
And what was the result?
When they were a third of the way through the development, they dug up the tomb of some ancient prince from an unspecified dynasty, and the project was immediately shut down.
That suspension lasted for five full years. Just as the national archaeological team finished clearing out the ancient tombs and the project was restarted—barely another third into the excavation—they struck an even earlier ancient tomb.
This time, the blow was even more devastating, halting construction for eight whole years.
By the time the project finally resumed eight years later, the original plans were completely disconnected from the times, and the market had undergone earth-shattering changes.
What made it even more fatal was that, because of the ancient tombs, Jincheng's development focus shifted away from the Western Suburbs and over to the South Suburbs.
By choosing the Western Suburbs project, the Chu Corporation had essentially suffered a catastrophic loss. They made no money, wasted precious time, and directly missed the golden age of development.
"Dad, I think this project is great. Right now, Yanjing's development focus is right there in the Western Suburbs, and we've got to seize this opportunity!" Chu Hao kept chattering endlessly about how wonderful the Western Suburbs development project was and how high the returns would be, acting as if he were some sort of investment expert.
Chu Jixiong frowned and remained silent.
If the Western Suburbs project were truly so vastly superior to the South Suburbs one, the executive board wouldn't be hesitating between the two and would simply select the Western Suburbs outright.
With a mocking smirk on his lips, Chu Chen walked over to the desk and picked up the neglected South Suburbs development proposal. "If I were you, I'd choose this one."
Hearing this, Chu Hao let out an exaggerated, mocking laugh, as if he had just heard a hilarious joke. "Brother, this is exactly why Dad tells you to read more books—you really should listen to him."
Both Chu Jixiong and Shen Jingxi looked over at Chu Chen—the former surprised by his uncharacteristic proactivity, while the latter calmly observed his expression.
Eager to show off in front of Chu Jixiong, Chu Hao immediately began running his mouth. "The South Suburbs? What kind of place is that? It's practically the countryside! With all those shabby neighborhoods, those people are just sitting around waiting for government payouts from demolition! If we try to develop there, we'll never be able to afford the relocation compensation!"
Pointing to a green zone on the map, Chu Hao radiated confidence. "The city government is only ever going to expand westward; there's no way they'll ever move south. Do you even know anything?"
Ignoring Chu Hao's taunts, Chu Chen quietly flipped through the proposal in his hands, his gaze gradually growing serious. "The South Suburbs have flat terrain, convenient transportation, and greater potential to develop into a commercial center."
Pointing to several intersecting transit lines on the map, he spoke with absolute certainty. "As for the relocation compensation, we can use government-subsidized housing units to offset the cash payouts and lower our costs."
In his previous life, the Chu Corporation chose the Western Suburbs project, while the South Suburbs project was taken over by Wanhong Group—a rival that had always been kept down by the Chu Corporation.
Back then, because of the incident with Bai Muyao, the Bai Family and the Chu Family had turned against each other like bitter enemies. The Bai Family shifted their investments to back Wanhong Group instead. Because of their differing choices, a few years later, Wanhong Group overshadowed the Chu Corporation. The entire Chu Corporation suffered a severe blow to its vitality, and when the information age arrived, the early advantages they had accumulated were completely wiped out.
Chu Hao stared at Chu Chen in disbelief, as if seeing him for the very first time. "Subsidized housing? Have you lost your mind? Those stubborn locals will definitely make outrageous demands—did you honestly think a few housing units would satisfy their appetites?"
Ignoring Chu Hao's challenge, Chu Chen continued, "Although the Western Suburbs project looks promising on the surface, the risks are far too high."
"Have you even considered the policy uncertainties?"
Chu Chen turned his gaze to Chu Jixiong, his eyes sharp.
Chu Hao tried to retort, but Chu Jixiong raised a hand to stop him.
Looking at this son who seemed like a completely different person, Chu Jixiong experienced a swirling mix of complex emotions before turning his gaze back to Shen Jingxi. "Xiao Shen, what do you think?"
Shen Jingxi furrowed her brow slightly and said with a serious expression, "I believe both investment proposals have their respective merits, but I lean more toward the Western Suburbs project."
Chu Hao immediately looked at Chu Chen smugly. "See? Even Assistant Shen understands more than you do."
A playful curve touched the corner of Chu Chen's mouth. "Assistant Shen is a master's degree graduate from a prestigious university, whereas I'm just an undergraduate student. Isn't it only natural that she knows more than I do?"
Chu Hao was instantly rendered speechless, feeling as though he had punched a thick cotton pad—frustrating and completely powerless.
Chu Jixiong pondered for a moment before picking up the Western Suburbs proposal again. "Since both Xiao Hao and Xiao Shen have chosen the Western Suburbs plan, then I—"
Interrupting him, Chu Chen spoke up, "Old man, I advise you not to."
Chu Jixiong's brow furrowed even deeper. "From every perspective, the prospects for the Western Suburbs project are indeed greater than the South Suburbs one..."
Growing impatient, Chu Chen stood straight up. "You can't save a ghost determined to die. Old man, if you're dead set on choosing the Western Suburbs, go right ahead!"
He beckoned to Uncle Zhou, who immediately hurried over carrying his motorcycle helmet, looking rather worried. "Young Master, it's getting late—are you really leaving now?"
With a blank expression, Chu Chen replied, "Heading back to school!"
Rubbing his temples in exasperation, Chu Jixiong groaned, "You finally came back, and you won't even stay for a meal?"
"I've lost my appetite!" Chu Chen slammed the helmet onto his head. "Certain people are nauseating!"
With his back to Chu Jixiong, he gave a casual wave of his hand by way of greeting and strode out the door.
Furious, Chu Jixiong gnashed his teeth. "That unfilial brat!"
Luan Mengya stood nearby, gently consoling him. "Xiong Ge, Xiao Chen is just going through a rebellious phase. Don't let him upset you..."
Chu Jixiong's expression darkened by another shade. "If I let him upset me over every little thing, I'd have been killed by his anger long ago!"
Shen Jingxi's eyelashes trembled slightly.
Rumors within the Chu Corporation always claimed that President Chu thoroughly despised his eldest son. Yet seeing this interaction, it didn't seem entirely true.
As for the rumors claiming that Luan Mengya, the stepmother, treated Chu Chen just like her own flesh and blood...
Right now, it seemed rumors were truly nothing more than rumors.