Ye Chen took the map.

Having lived two lifetimes, spanning sixty years across his past and present lives, he knew every corner of Jiangzhou by heart.

When he saw the land plot in Huangpu District that the city government planned to allocate to him, his eyes lit up instantly.

As Yan Huaili had mentioned, this plot was indeed the best option compared to other industrial plots.

Although it appeared desolate now, within a few years, Jiangzhou's industrial center would shift towards Huangpu under the government's new development plan. If his memory served him right, Jiangzhou Industrial Park would eventually settle in Huangpu, gradually transforming it into the core industrial base of the Pearl River Delta. It would become the prime spot that countless manufacturing companies would compete to enter.

Ye Chen had previously considered requesting land in Huangpu but decided against it. After all, the industrial center wouldn't significantly impact Yiren Ruxue's production park. Moreover, he didn't want Yan Huaili to overthink his intentions. Thus, he left the allocation to the authorities.

Unexpectedly, the government surprised him with precisely what he wanted.

Securing land in the Pearl River Delta's industrial hub, even if it didn't directly affect Yiren Ruxue's operations, was undoubtedly better than settling elsewhere.

"What do you think of this plot? Since we're having this meal, I might as well share some of my personal insights. This is just my own analysis and hasn't gone through any official discussions or future planning yet. But, as far as Huangpu District is concerned, it's highly likely to become the Pearl River Delta's industrial center in the future. Even though it seems unremarkable now, based on the development history of Jiangzhou—and even the whole Lingnan province—light industry will always be the main focus. Jiangzhou, being at the forefront, won't lag behind. Judging by Jiangzhou's layout, Huangpu is likely to become the development hub in the post-reform era of light industry. Consider yourself lucky!" Yan Huaili said seriously.

It was clear—leaders at the top truly had extraordinary foresight.

At the very least, Yan Huaili had already seen the future of Huangpu with remarkable precision.

But then again, without such vision, how could he have reached his current position? How else could he aim higher in the future?

"Secretary Yan, thank you!"

Those two words summed up all of Ye Chen's gratitude.

He could feel it—Yan Huaili was genuinely helping him.

In fact, it was highly likely that the proposal to allocate land in Huangpu had come from Yan Huaili himself.

"Forget the thanks. Just don't let Yiren Ruxue leave Jiangzhou. That's the best way you can repay the city!" Yan Huaili chuckled.

"Don't worry, Secretary Yan. Yiren Ruxue will always call Jiangzhou home. If we were to leave, it would be a betrayal to you and to the former secretary. I would never burn bridges like that," Ye Chen replied firmly.

"Hearing that puts me at ease. But if you really want to thank someone, thank the former secretary. Without his full support and efforts, your flawless balm wouldn't hit the market for another year or two. The approval process alone would keep you waiting." Yan Huaili laughed.

He wasn't exaggerating. Even with a year or two, that would still be incredibly fast. Without the former secretary, not only would the balm fail to launch, but the establishment of Yiren Ruxue through Lezi's shell would still be in progress.

The former secretary, Zhang Weimin, had indeed pulled many strings along the way.

"Secretary Yan, you're right. I'll never forget the help I received from the former secretary," Ye Chen said solemnly.

"Haha, I might've gone off track. But remember, all of this is based on you following the rules and staying compliant. No matter how close we are, I won't compromise my integrity at this stage of my career," Zhang Weimin said with a shake of his head.

Still, deep down, Zhang knew the truth—without Ye Chen, the Zhang family might have already crumbled. Whether he could have survived the ordeal was another question entirely. If anyone owed gratitude, it was the Zhang family, for Ye Chen had pulled them back from the edge of the cliff.

After a few more words with Zhang, Yan Huaili returned to the main topic.

"Xiao Ye, is it settled? Are you confirming the land in Huangpu?"

"Yes. Thank you to the Jiangzhou government and to you, Secretary Yan," Ye Chen replied.

Yan Huaili nodded. "As for the price, we still have to follow procedures. It will likely fluctuate around two billion yuan. Additionally, production must begin within three years, with an annual output value of no less than five billion yuan and a tax contribution of no less than six hundred million. Any issues with that?"

"No issues. We'll start production within a year. The output and tax targets won't be a problem either," Ye Chen said confidently.

Zhang Weimin added sternly, "Listen carefully—at your current stage, there's no way you'd normally secure this land. The fact that Huaili is pulling this off for you shows how much pressure he's under. He's staking his career on you. If Yiren Ruxue boosts GDP, it'll be a huge achievement for him. But if you misstep, it'll be a stain on his record that could end his future prospects."

"Rest assured, former secretary. I won't let you or Secretary Yan down," Ye Chen promised.

"I've done what I can. Relevant departments will contact you soon. Just cooperate with them to complete the necessary procedures," Yan Huaili said with a smile.

"Thank you, Secretary Yan. Really, thank you!" Ye Chen repeated his gratitude.

But just as his words landed, Zhang Weimin changed the subject.

"By the way, I heard from Xingguo that you're interested in real estate now? You're planning to jump into the industry with Zhao Jiwei, the son of Shanxi's coal tycoon Zhao Qian, and even dragging Jing Shan and Chang Feng along for the ride. Is that true?"

Ye Chen froze.

Zhang's sudden shift caught Yan Huaili off guard.

At this stage, wasn't Ye Chen focused on Yiren Ruxue and his flawless balm?

Real estate?

That industry required massive investments just to make a ripple.

Had Ye Chen lost his mind?

"Xiao Ye, are you seriously considering real estate? Do you think Yiren Ruxue is stable enough? Real estate isn't something you can dive into lightly. It's a deep pool—are you sure this is the right move?" Yan Huaili frowned.

Then, a thought struck him—Ye Chen had once mentioned stimulating the economy through high-end real estate during their first meeting at Nanguo Villa.

Could it be that Ye Chen's sights were set on top-tier real estate?