On this day, if the two parties successfully initiated contact, they could hold hands and engage in some shy activities in a secluded spot.
Of course, it was understood that they would stop short of crossing the final line.
This was a rule known to all the young men and women in the area, and they generally exercised restraint.
This could be considered a unique method of ancient matchmaking.
Gu Qingcheng, completely unaware of this, was foolishly "sold" by Old Hu.
Naturally, Old Hu meant no harm; he simply wanted Gu Qingcheng to be happy.
In his assumption, what young man wouldn't be delighted to have a girl throw herself into his arms?
Upon returning to the inn, Gu Qingcheng, who hadn't bathed on the boat the previous day, indulged in a luxurious hot bath.
As the time approached, she asked Wang Dapeng to invite the previously contacted shopkeepers for a meal to discuss the construction of the cargo terminal.
The blueprint for the cargo terminal had been in her mind for a long time, and the lack of progress in recent days was a deliberate tactic to keep them in suspense.
Things that are easily obtained are not cherished.
Gu Qingcheng did not understand the design of a cargo terminal, but she had the system. She spent 100,000 "satisfaction points" to have the system create a design plan for the local cargo terminal.
The system completed a complete and detailed blueprint in less than three seconds.
The system's capabilities were truly waiting to be explored. Before she had satisfaction points, she felt the system was almost useless.
Now, with satisfaction points, she felt the system was full of treasures.
Gu Qingcheng's 100,000 satisfaction points were not given in vain. The system provided excellent service, producing a well-done plan that detailed the total investment required, the earthwork, the labor needed, and even accounted for the weather.
Thus, it was a highly feasible design and construction plan, and Gu Qingcheng was confident in her ability to establish the cargo terminal.
Gu Qingcheng's deliberate delay in taking further action kept Boss Du, Shopkeeper Xia, and the others in a state of anxiety.
Faced with immense temptation, people often knowingly approach danger without pulling away.
Gu Qingcheng harbored no malicious intent; after all, she genuinely intended to see this project through.
However, if she were too eager, the endeavor might seem less credible.
Upon receiving Wang Dapeng's invitation, these individuals immediately arrived at the Bafang Inn.
Gu Qingcheng ordered the inn to serve sea cucumber, abalone, and bird's nest all at once.
These dishes led the magnates to believe that Young Master Gu favored seafood, perhaps due to his family's past residence by the sea.
They were unaware that Gu Qingcheng had purchased these seafood items from some supermarket and had Mi Guo prepare them for the kitchen.
Incidentally, with the rising water levels, freshwater lakes and rivers were now connected to the sea. Gu Qingcheng was even hesitant to eat seawater fish and preferred the seafood from the mountain cat supermarket for safety.
This time, Gu Qingcheng presented a fine bottle of Mandini red wine. Its exquisite taste astonished the magnates, who inquired about its origin.
Gu Qingcheng claimed it was imported from the Western Regions and that their family had a limited vintage.
"My esteemed patrons, if you enjoy it, I will have Dapeng send one case to each of you later."
A case contained six bottles, and she wouldn't send more, as excessive distribution would diminish its perceived value.
Gu Qingcheng understood this psychology perfectly.
Upon hearing this, the bosses felt as if they had acquired a treasure and expressed their gratitude profusely.
As it was wine, Gu Qingcheng also had a few sips before presenting the meticulously copied blueprint for the terminal construction.
She deliberately made only one copy, encouraging them to huddle together and chatter, thus increasing their eagerness.
These magnates indeed fell for the bait.
Upon seeing that the cargo terminal required an investment of 300,000 taels of silver, could accommodate 1,000 merchant ships, and aimed to become the most prosperous trading island in the Great Zhou Dynasty, they were stunned.
Young Master Gu truly possessed great ambition, daring to think and act boldly.
While they were wealthy and could scrape together 300,000 taels if pressed, they would never risk their entire fortune on a single project as Gu Qingcheng was doing.
"Uh, Young Master Gu, how much more money do you need? This is quite an investment. If you require a certain amount, we can help raise it."
Boss Du quickly asked.
This was a clear indication that Gu Qingcheng was considering offering them shares.
"I can contribute 200,000 taels of silver. For the remaining 100,000 taels, could you all contribute?"
Gu Qingcheng asked politely, in a tone of negotiation.
This method of equity investment was quite convenient. Gu Qingcheng would provide 200,000 taels, and the others simply needed to pool together the remaining 100,000 taels for her.
The exact amount each of them would contribute was for them to decide amongst themselves.
For instance, if Boss Du wanted a larger share, he could invest 40,000 taels, and the remaining 60,000 taels would be divided among the others. Ultimately, it was up to them to negotiate and reach a consensus.
Alternatively, if others felt the investment was too high and feared the risk, they could gather their relatives or friends to pool money together.
This way, the risk would be effectively transferred, yet they would still be among the major shareholders.
Gu Qingcheng had thoroughly considered these equity investment strategies. Upon her statement, the others fell silent for a moment.
100,000!
The offer of a 100,000 tael equity stake from Gu Qingcheng was not insignificant. It meant Gu Qingcheng would hold two-thirds, while the rest would hold one-third.
But how would this 100,000 taels be divided?
The individuals exchanged glances.
Among them, Boss Du was the wealthiest and owned merchant ships, giving him the most influence.
Seeing their silence, Gu Qingcheng smiled.
"Decide amongst yourselves how much to invest. Tonight, we are simply here to drink and dine."
Gu Qingcheng said cheerfully.
Judging by their expressions, they had already taken the bait.
With these local shareholders, her operations would be much smoother. Whether it was recruiting laborers or constructing the terminal, these individuals would handle everything for her. It was akin to hiring capable subordinates for free, so why not?
Simultaneously, they would share some of the financial burden. After all, a project as significant as building a port could not be monopolized by one person; benefits had to be shared.
Gu Qingcheng had a very open mind.
There was no official government presence on Chaliao Island; it was a newly formed landmass populated by various small community groups and power factions, creating a complex web of influence.
The individuals present were the most influential figures on Chaliao Island.
They were the ones who decided which land would be used for the terminal. Gu Qingcheng, without spending a single cent, had merely presented a blueprint, and these magnates were now eagerly assisting her.
This "white-glove" scheme had everyone captivated, with no one seeing through it.