Chapter 67: Seize Every Opportunity with All Your Might!

Wang Yu felt relieved at Chu Lin’s attitude; as long as this Mr. Chu was willing to continue investing in fisheries in Pingjiang, everything would be fine. He hurriedly asked, “Mr. Chu, may I ask which area you’d like to rent this time?”

Chu Lin stated his intentions, “We’d still like to rent at Beach No. 41. If we could get a spot closer to our current farm, it would be ideal—easier to manage both sides. If there are any indoor aquaculture farms available for sublease or sale, that would be even better, as it would save us considerable time.”

An indoor aquaculture farm, as the name implies, is built within a closed space, making it much more expensive than a regular farm. Usually, to save costs, ordinary fish and shrimp farms don’t invest in indoor facilities. For example, his current farm was just a standard shrimp farm, with only a few areas covered by simple sheds; most of it was exposed to the elements.

However, if one wants to cultivate valuable aquatic products, a closed indoor farm is necessary to provide a superior environment.

“I understand now,” Wang Yu said, taking out his phone and calling the section chief he’d spoken to earlier. He instructed, “Bring me the information on the two farms at Beach No. 41 that are either up for sublease or being reclaimed for breach of contract.”

The section chief soon came in with two sets of documents.

Wang Yu handed the documents to Chu Lin, saying, “Mr. Chu, both of these indoor farms should match your requirements. One was completely reclaimed due to breach of contract, and the other had poor performance and decided not to renew after the lease expired.”

This was precisely why the Fisheries Bureau always called ahead to check with farm owners about renewals—so they could keep records and make recommendations like this. After all, a vacant farm is not ideal; new investors can take over and get things running quickly.

Chu Lin took the documents and handed them to Chen Feng. “Take a look and see which suits us best.”

Chen Feng examined the information carefully. After a moment, he handed one set back to Chu Lin. “Lin, based on my knowledge of aquatic pets, this farm fits our needs better. Each row of breeding pools is connected by a closed shed, and the pools are fully sealed. With minor modifications, we can use them right away. The key point is, it covers 110 acres—slightly larger than what we need.”

“Yes, I agree this farm is more suitable,” Chu Lin said, passing the document to Wang Yu. “Mr. Wang, could you tell us more about this farm?”

Wang Yu glanced at the document and explained, “Mr. Chu, since you’ve taken a liking to this breeding pool, things will be easier. This farm was already reclaimed; the previous owner got into trouble, breached the contract for a long time, and owes wages to about ten workers—half a year’s pay. Those workers come by the bureau regularly to ask about it.”

“If you take over this farm, since cultivating aquatic pets is the first of its kind in Pingjiang, we can list it as a supported project. We won’t increase rent for the facility construction, and you’ll get the first quarter’s rent waived.”

“However, we do have one request: could you settle those workers’ unpaid wages? It’s a tricky issue for the bureau to handle.”

Chu Lin nodded at this condition. “Director Wang, let’s inspect the site first. If everything’s in order, I can agree to your terms.”

Ten workers at the standard wage for aquaculture in Min City—6,000 per month—comes to just over 360,000 for half a year. Getting the farm’s facilities for free and a rent-free quarter is a good deal for them.

The Fisheries Bureau really couldn’t advance the 360,000. If the farm isn’t leased soon and the money isn’t recovered, whoever signs off would have headaches. Nobody wants to take such a risk.

Additionally, continuous worker complaints aren’t a good sign. If they ever stage a protest for unpaid wages, it would reflect poorly on Pingjiang’s fisheries as a whole. So, this solution was a good one.

Seeing Chu Lin agree, Wang Yu became even more enthusiastic. “Mr. Chu, shall we go inspect the farm now?”

His only hope was for Mr. Chu to take over this breeding pool, which would keep the multi-million aquatic pet cultivation project in Pingjiang and resolve a troublesome issue for the bureau.

“Let’s go!” Chu Lin nodded, leading his team out with Wang Yu.

Besides Wang Yu, the deputy director, two section chiefs and seven or eight staff members from the Fisheries Bureau accompanied them. Chu Lin could only marvel at the tendency for grand entourages.

Though the bureau sent many people, only Wang Yu actually spoke with Chu Lin; the rest followed quietly behind. One staff member diligently recorded and took photos with his phone, mostly capturing moments of Wang Yu and Mr. Chu’s discussions—a routine measure, just in case.

If the farm succeeded and produced results, and leadership took notice, these photos would become part of the official record—appearing on the desks of those in charge.

Inside the farm, Chu Lin inspected the facilities carefully. The structures were intact, but it was obvious the place hadn’t operated in some time; the pools were nearly empty and dry.

That wouldn’t be a problem—just make some minor modifications, bring in water, purchase equipment, and the farm could be up and running.

“Ah!” Chu Lin suddenly exclaimed, heading toward two pools.

“Lin, these pools are different from the others,” Chen Feng said in surprise.

Liao Hai and Zhu Xin, following behind, noticed the difference but kept quiet since they didn’t understand.

Chu Lin explained, “These are nursery pools. With the right equipment, we can use them immediately.”

Nursery pools are dedicated for breeding young stock, much more expensive than standard breeding pools, and the technical requirements are higher. Many farms don’t attempt breeding themselves, instead buying young stock from specialized nurseries.

This farm had built nursery pools, clearly intending to breed and raise stock itself. And since the nursery pools were constructed to high standards, they could be used for aquatic pet cultivation without further modification.

Chen Feng’s eyes lit up. “This is great. I’ll contact the equipment company right away—tomorrow we can have everything delivered.”

The group surveyed the entire farm; everything was basically in order, ready to be taken over.

“Mr. Chu, what do you think of this farm?” Wang Yu asked anxiously as they stepped outside.

“Director Wang, let’s return and sign the contract,” Chu Lin replied with a smile.

“Very good, Mr. Chu, please!” Wang Yu was thoroughly relieved. Finally, it was settled.

On the way back to the Fisheries Bureau, Chen Feng was already on his phone ordering equipment. “Great, great—if you can deliver today, that’s best.”

After hanging up, he said with a smile, “Lin, the equipment is arranged. Two sets will be delivered today. Tonight I’ll take a team to the farm and get those nursery pools running.”

“There’s no need to rush so much,” Chu Lin said, smiling.

Chen Feng hurried to clarify, “Lin, I’m eager to make something of myself. You’re giving me this chance, so I have to give it my all—I can’t waste the opportunity.”

Liao Hai and Zhu Xin nodded in agreement.

“I’ll go home tonight and have my father sort out the production line issues.”

“Me too. We need to get the site ready and start producing the simplified breeding bottles.”

Both were full of drive. Though their families gave them advantages and more opportunities than most, those were only chances to make mistakes; the real chance for success might only come once or twice. Now was such an opportunity—they had to seize it.

Seeing their determination, Chu Lin smiled but said nothing more, only instructing Chen Feng, “Once the nursery pools are running tomorrow, come by and pick up the blue-ring jellyfish and the six Gulf Star Grouper stocks.”

At the Fisheries Bureau, Wang Yu had already arranged the contract, and the leasing agreement was signed.

Unlike before, this time it was in the name of “Lin Feng Aquatic Products,” for a three-year term, with total rent of 330,000.

“Mr. Chu, thank you for your support,” Wang Yu said after the contract was signed, smiling as he invited Chu Lin and his team. “I’ve booked a private room at a nearby restaurant. Let’s enjoy a good meal together.”

“…” Chu Lin.

Another round of official feasting!