Super Zoo

If time were pushed back a few years, the real estate industry was an absolutely lucrative sector. High profits were just one aspect; the most important thing was that with properties and land in hand, one could easily obtain huge loans from banks. These loans could then be used to develop the next property and, in turn, the second property could be used as leverage for more loans... This snowballing approach allowed for the quick establishment of a massive real estate empire.

Of course, the risks were also huge. If any link in the capital chain broke, it would trigger a chain reaction, leading to a complete collapse, with the boss either fleeing or leaping from a building.

However, starting from 2002, the real estate market entered an irrationally hot period. Despite the government frequently implementing policies to promote 'steady growth,' housing prices soared, with the whole market entering a state of abnormal prosperity. As long as there were properties, there was no worry about sales.

In the past two years, the government has intensified its regulatory efforts. Housing prices remained high, but most of the money made ended up in the state's pockets through land and various taxes. The days for real estate enterprises were not as glorious as in the past, yet the profit margin in real estate still far exceeded that of traditional manufacturing industries and remained one of the most profitable sectors.

The biggest barriers to entering the real estate industry were land and capital, two conditions that Suming already met.

Of course, Suming's current situation was somewhat different from commercial development.

The land for the Taoyuan Community was allocated for the Lure People to live on, and it was not possible for Suming to build residential neighborhoods and commercial complexes there. Even if the government allowed it, he wouldn't do so as it would completely ruin the environment of the hills behind it, conflicting with his overall future plans.

The Lure People did not like living in high-rise buildings in the city; they preferred a tribal way of life.

But this was an excellent opportunity. The construction of a living area for two hundred people, in contrast to a neighborhood with dozens of buildings, was a small project. Despite its size, it was complete in every aspect, from blueprint planning, construction, to the approval and inspection processes at each stage. This construction of the Lure People Community could serve as training to create the prototype of a future real estate team.

Suming simply registered a real estate development company, Taoyuan Real Estate.
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The fledgling real estate company was based on his uncle Su Desheng's construction team. Su Desheng started out as a tile worker and an electrician and was very knowledgeable about the construction industry, a true insider. Over the past six months, he had been in charge of numerous construction projects at the zoo. Both in terms of relations and business, he was one of their own.

With the addition of an accountant and a lawyer, and no need yet for a sales team, the prototype of a real estate company was there.

"Uncle, the goal of this deal is not to make money. Just treat the Lure as if they were your own kin. Consult with the Lure People on the style of the houses; the quality must be top-notch. Don't worry about spending money. If the government's funding is insufficient, I will subsidize it. The key thing is that through this transaction, we must get a grasp on every aspect of real estate work and cross the threshold into the real estate sector," Suming specifically instructed. Now, Taoyuan Real Estate's position in the industry was that of an apprentice, using government-approved land and funds for practice.

With this construction experience, Taoyuan Real Estate Company would have the capacity to independently carry out real estate development. Even if Suming did not have projects at hand in the short term, they could still take on external contracts. This would allow them to make money and practice again. Once the conditions here matured and projects were available, Taoyuan Real Estate could be immediately put into action.

In most industries, the first great hurdle is entry; sometimes getting in is the toughest part. Therefore, opportunity is critical. If one seizes the chance to enter, they might just soar to great heights. Under normal circumstances, with Suming's current strength, it would be almost impossible to succeed in entering the real estate sector due to insufficient funds and the need to compete with various big players. This construction of the Taoyuan Community gave him the opportunity to put half a foot through the door, ready to bring the other foot in whenever the opportunity arose.

Uncle Su Desheng looked solemn, not uttering a word from beginning to end, face stern as if he was a soldier about to enter the battlefield, leaving Suming utterly confused.

"Uncle, Uncle... what are you thinking about? Is there something I haven't considered?" Suming passed a cigarette over.

"Oh no, not at all." Su Desheng hurriedly took the cigarette, first taking out a lighter to light it for Suming, then drew a puff himself, exhaling a cloud of smoke with a wistful tone.

"Hearing you talk about the real estate company makes me feel like I'm dreaming. Last year at this time, I was doing odd jobs in the town, and the lads who worked with me sometimes couldn't get a job for days. Living in makeshift shacks, we wouldn't even indulge in a meal of pig's head meat once a week. After coming to the city with you, there's endless work every day. My former juniors have each become foremen, respected as 'boss' everywhere they go. Some have five or six people under them, others as many as twenty. We got together for drinks a few days ago, and everyone felt like they're living a life beyond their dreams. If we could keep this up, life would be worth living... As we were saying this, you came back from abroad, and just like that, we've transformed into a real estate company."

It turned out the changes were too fast for Uncle Su Desheng to keep up with. Suming chuckled, "How's everything at home?"

"All is well. Most of them come from Sun Town and Maoxi County, so they're all fellow countrymen. Each of them is building two-story houses now," the uncle replied.

Suming was roughly aware of the situation. The core members of the construction team had earned some money by now. People from their hometown would often visit his mother's home to 'drop by', and during casual conversations, they would sometimes air grievances or complain a bit.

People, once they have a little money and are alone in a strange place, inevitably engage in some less-than-ideal activities, especially those in construction, where it's rare not to encounter drinking, prostitution, and gambling.

Especially gambling! The culture of gambling is strong in the countryside, with some of the laborers working hard all year only to lose all they've earned during a few days over the New Year festivities. And then there's prostitution...

Uncle Su Desheng was a bit better in this regard, partly because he was older and more stable, and partly because he was the boss, who had to consider the example he set. Moreover, he was directly answerable to Suming within the construction team. If even he started to misbehave in private, Suming would be the first to speak out.

As the conversation reached this point, Suming could not help but speak a few words. He had hopes for the future real estate or current construction company. Since there were already signs of corrupt practices emerging within the construction team, it was necessary to promptly suppress any negative trends to prevent them from spreading or deepening.

Suming could tolerate drinking and even prostitution to some extent but absolutely not gambling. The largest of fortunes could be lost in a single wager. Both gambling and drugs usually go hand in hand, and both are deadly without repercussion.