Acquiring the Old Silk Mill was a triumph of strategy for Lin Yuan, but it was merely the end of one battle and the beginning of a far more daunting war. The 1.8 million yuan transfer to Boss Wei's account, while freeing Gao Qiang and securing the property, left Lin Yuan with a significant immediate financial burden. He now directly owed 1 million yuan (plus interest) to Old Master Chen within the aggressive three-month repayment period. His primary collateral was a sentimental, undeveloped plot of land near the Min River, a silent reminder of his father's dreams, and his secondary collateral, Fenyang FreshGo, though profitable, couldn't single-handedly generate the repayment sum quickly enough while also funding the mill's revitalization.
The day after the notary sealed the deal, Lin Yuan wasted no time. He entered the Old Silk Mill with a small team: Chen Guang, whose initial awe at Lin Yuan's audacious move quickly turned to focused practicality, and Xiao Bing, whose earnest diligence made him a reliable pair of extra hands for any task. The moment they stepped inside, the oppressive silence of decades settled upon them, thick with the scent of damp earth, decaying machinery, and a faint, acrid tang of forgotten chemicals. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight piercing the broken roof, illuminating the skeletal remains of rusted looms and the shattered remnants of what was once a bustling factory floor.
"It's... bigger than I thought," Chen Guang murmured, his voice echoing in the cavernous space. His expression was a mix of apprehension and grudging admiration. He had heard the local rumors, the whispers of curses and failed ventures.
Lin Yuan surveyed the scene, his gaze methodical. "It's exactly as I calculated," he stated, his voice calm amidst the decay. "Potential, hidden beneath neglect. We need to clear this out first. Every piece of scrap, every broken machine, needs to go. We'll start with a thorough clean-up. Chen Guang, prioritize finding a reputable demolition and waste disposal company. Xiao Bing, begin documenting everything you see – potential hazards, salvageable materials, structural damage."
Over the next two weeks, the mill became a hive of unexpected activity. Under Lin Yuan's precise direction, a team of local laborers, supervised by Mr. Li, the contractor Lin Yuan had cultivated, began the arduous task of clearing the mill. Mr. Li, still resentful of Boss Wei, was eager to prove his worth and was impressed by Lin Yuan's clear vision and efficient management. He found a reliable local scrap dealer, Old Man Qian, who offered a fair price for the rusted metal, generating a modest 15,000 yuan – a small but welcome influx of cash.
As the physical clearing progressed, Lin Yuan immersed himself in detailed planning for the mill's revitalization. He spent hours sketching layouts, calculating projected costs, and researching modern industrial and commercial zoning regulations. His vision for the mill was ambitious: a multi-purpose complex that would house Fenyang FreshGo's expanded operations, include a central hub for local artisans to sell their goods, and provide affordable incubator spaces for aspiring small businesses and tech startups. He envisioned a vibrant ecosystem that would draw new life and talent into Fenyang. This ambitious scale immediately brought a new, far greater challenge: funding the construction and renovation.
He knew Boss Wei wouldn't simply vanish. The silent auction was a victory, but it merely wounded the spider; it didn't kill it. Boss Wei, fueled by wounded pride and a deep-seated desire for control, would be watching, waiting for Lin Yuan to falter.
Sure enough, the first ripples of interference appeared not as a direct attack, but as an insidious bureaucratic blockage. When Mr. Li attempted to secure the necessary permits for the initial structural surveys and waste disposal from the Fenyang Urban Construction Bureau, he encountered unexpected delays. The chief clerk, Ms. Tang, a stern woman with a perpetually pursed mouth, informed him of "unforeseen complexities" and "missing documentation" for a property that had been derelict for decades.
Lin Yuan knew instantly it was Boss Wei's hand. Director Zhou, still loyal to his benefactor, was likely pulling strings behind the scenes. This wasn't a direct refusal, but a classic bureaucratic tactic to bleed time and resources. Each delay meant additional costs for his small team and pushed back his critical timeline for generating revenue from the mill.
Lin Yuan called upon Madam Hua, the sharp-witted teahouse owner who harbored a grudge against Boss Wei. He discreetly sought her advice on navigating Fenyang's local government and its unspoken rules. Madam Hua, enjoying Lin Yuan's strategic mind and his direct challenge to Boss Wei, offered a cryptic piece of advice. "The Bureau is a web, young man," she said, sipping her tea slowly. "To untangle one thread, you sometimes need to pull on another, unseen. Chief Engineer Wang of the Urban Construction Bureau... he has a reputation for being incorruptible, but also very proud of his 'innovation' projects. He is often overlooked by lesser minds, like our dear Director Zhou."
Lin Yuan understood. Boss Wei focused on the politically connected officials like Director Zhou, but overlooked those who operated purely on principle or technical merit. Chief Engineer Wang was a potential lever.
Simultaneously, Lin Yuan received a surprising visit at the Cyber Nest. It was Deputy Mayor Liang, a stout, well-dressed man known for his ambition and his careful balancing act between various powerful factions in Fenyang. Deputy Mayor Liang looked uncomfortable but also intrigued. "Mr. Lin," he began, his voice surprisingly soft, "I hear you've acquired the Old Silk Mill. A very... bold move. There are whispers, of course. Some believe it's a foolish venture, others... see potential." He paused, his eyes carefully studying Lin Yuan. "I understand you might be encountering some... administrative hurdles regarding permits."
Lin Yuan maintained a calm, respectful demeanor. "Deputy Mayor Liang, my vision for the Old Silk Mill is for a Community Innovation Hub. It will foster local entrepreneurship, provide skills training for our youth, and create hundreds of new jobs. It aligns perfectly with the provincial government's 'Fenyang Revitalization Initiative' and the 'Youth Entrepreneurship Program.'" Lin Yuan deliberately used the precise buzzwords of government policy. "My only concern is the efficiency of the local bureaucracy in facilitating such a beneficial project."
Deputy Mayor Liang nodded slowly. "Indeed. Efficiency is paramount. I understand Chief Engineer Wang is very particular about structural integrity and modern design in such projects. Perhaps you should prepare a detailed conceptual plan, focusing on those aspects. An architectural rendering would go a long way in swaying key individuals." He smiled thinly. "I believe in investing in the future of Fenyang, Mr. Lin. Especially when it aligns with... my own vision for its prosperity." He was offering his support, for a price, but not a monetary one – a share of the political glory, a chance to align himself with a successful, future-oriented project that bypassed Boss Wei's influence.
Lin Yuan understood this was his cue. He needed to showcase a compelling vision, not just for the mill, but for Fenyang itself, to win over influential figures and bypass Boss Wei's petty obstructions. The ghosts of the past, the decay and the tragic history of the mill, still clung to its walls. But Lin Yuan wasn't intimidated. He would transform these ghosts into the vibrant spirit of progress, using not just his financial acumen, but his growing mastery of Fenyang's intricate web of power, pride, and unspoken ambitions. The true construction of his empire was just beginning.