Chapter 729: Half a Lifetime’s Time Stayed Here!
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Lao Wang didn’t make Zhou Chao wait long. After about five minutes, Lao Wang’s call came through.

“Young Master Zhou, I heard from Si Cong that you have something important to discuss with me. What’s the matter?”

The anticipation could be faintly heard in Lao Wang’s deep voice.

Zhou Chao didn’t beat around the bush and briefly explained the situation.

“I wonder if you’re interested, Lao Wang?”

“Yes, yes, I’m interested, of course.” Lao Wang’s tone was excited, and his voice trembled slightly.

Just the thought of his company having the opportunity to expand overseas made Wang Jianlin ecstatic. As for whether the project would be profitable or risky, he hadn’t considered it at all. After all, this project belonged to Zhou Chao, so he didn’t need to worry about any financial shortages or unfinished projects. All he wanted now was to find Zhou Chao and sign a letter of intent for project cooperation.

“It’s good that you’re interested, Lao Wang. You know there aren’t many people I know in the real estate sector, and you’re one of the best. We’ve also collaborated before, and I trust your group. But…”

When Lao Wang heard “but,” his heart skipped a beat. Could there be other people within Zhou Chao’s considerations, or was there a potential exchange of interests?

For a moment, Lao Wang’s mind was in turmoil.

“Young Master Zhou, don’t beat around the bush. If you have any requests, just say it!” Wang Jianlin was already prepared to be taken advantage of by Zhou Chao.

Hearing this, Zhou Chao understood that Lao Wang might have misunderstood his intentions. He smiled and said, “I don’t have any requests, just that I don’t want to see any cutting corners. If that happens, it won’t just be you losing face. Also… you don’t think I’m eyeing the meager profits, do you?”

Lao Wang smiled awkwardly, realizing he might have been a bit suspicious.

“How could that be? Zhou Chao, letting me take charge of these projects is already a great trust. I absolutely have no other thoughts!” Zhou Chao didn’t expose Lao Wang’s suspicions.

“That’s about it. As for the specific details of the project, you can contact Ling Chen yourself. Right now, there’s only one requirement: make preparations as soon as possible and be ready to leave at any time!”

“You can rest assured, Zhou Chao. Once the project is in place, we can arrange personnel at any time!” Lao Wang said confidently.

“Well, then I’ll hang up!” Zhou Chao ended the call.

He stood up and walked to the window, quietly watching the snow falling outside.

…

Early the next morning, Zhou Chao got out of bed and sat on the sofa, leisurely admiring the snow scene outside the window. In his hand, he held a cup of Hohhot’s specialty breakfast – milk tea!

At this moment, Hohhot had turned into a vast expanse of white, with even the distant Yin Mountains dyed white.

“Boss, everything is arranged. We can leave anytime!” Lin Wu walked quietly to Zhou Chao’s side and whispered.

“Mm, let’s go!” Zhou Chao immediately stood up from the sofa and walked towards the door.

Today, Zhou Chao planned to meet with the desertification expert, Yi Lao. He had previously learned about the school where Yi Lao worked. Coincidentally, it was in the same district as Zhou Chao’s hotel, not too far away.

Although the Desertification Research Institute of Hohhot Agricultural University was not established long ago, its origins could be traced back to the 1960s. It was officially established in 2016 with the main purpose of training professionals to combat desertification in China’s vast desert areas.

Many older generations of desertification fighters had devoted their entire lives to combating desertification, from their youth to their middle age and even their old age. It was because of their unremitting efforts that many deserts had once again turned into oases, with the most famous one being the Saihanba!

As Zhou Chao stepped out of the hotel, a particularly conspicuous Rolls-Royce was parked at the hotel entrance.

“Boss, please get in the car!” Lin Wu respectfully opened the rear door and even extended a hand to block above the door.

Seeing Lin Wu’s appearance, Zhou Chao smiled and shook his head. He didn’t say much and got into the car directly.

After leaving the hotel, Zhou Chao finally asked, “Where did you find this car?”

“Hehe, I asked Si Cong to arrange it beforehand. Oh right, Boss, I took the liberty of buying some gifts and putting them in the trunk!”

Zhou Chao nodded with a smile. He hadn’t expected Lin Wu to prepare gifts in advance. Indeed, he had done a great job with this matter.

Soon, the car arrived at the Desertification Research Institute, and the security guard at the entrance originally wanted to stop the car. However, when he saw the car emblem, he silently opened the gate and turned back to the security booth.

Lin Wu drove slowly following the signs until he found the office building. Just as he parked the car, it attracted quite a few people’s attention. After all, luxury cars were rarely seen entering or leaving the Desertification Research Institute, naturally drawing a crowd.

Zhou Chao was already accustomed to this scene. After getting out of the car and waiting for Lin Wu to bring the purchased gifts, he headed towards the office building.

“Excuse me, could you please tell me which floor Yi, Lao your dean, is on?” Zhou Chao stopped a young man who looked like a student and asked.

The young man looked a bit nervous as he glanced at Zhou Chao and quickly said, “He’s on the third floor,” then hurried away.

Watching the young man walk away, Zhou Chao turned to Lin Wu and asked, “Do I look that intimidating?”

Lin Wu replied quietly, “Maybe he thinks the boss is too handsome!”

Zhou Chao nodded with a look of agreement, “Ah, the mentality of young people nowadays is still lacking a bit!”