HLM -Chapter 1329 Going on Vacation

Wang Bo was momentarily taken aback and asked, “Profitable?”

President Bartier replied, “Haven’t you always been waiting for an opportunity like this? Look, you’ve developed Sunset Town into New Zealand’s township hub, turning it into a globally renowned tourist destination.”

“But you’re not selling land in Sunset Town, so many people who love the town want to buy a farm or ranch nearby. Where else could they buy? Naturally, in the Oak City area!”

“I assumed that’s exactly what you were planning—to use Sunset Town as a springboard to drive up prices of the surrounding farms and ranches, then purchase them at lower prices, and eventually sell them externally.”

Wang Bo was no longer the naive newcomer to New Zealand. Hearing Bartier’s explanation, he immediately understood: “You want me to sell farms and ranches to wealthy Chinese buyers? In that case, I’ll need to gauge market demand.”

President Bartier shook his head. “No need for surveys. Our bank has the data. Over the past five years, the number of wealthy immigrants from your country to New Zealand has been steadily increasing.”

Wang Bo nodded in understanding. Now that he had connected with the Northern Grain Group, this was a major domestic resource. Leveraging this connection, he could reach a large number of wealthy Chinese.

He had previously heard Qingyang and Zhang Rui discuss how many domestic tycoons were transferring assets abroad, making the area around Sunset Town particularly attractive.

On this front, he admitted his vision had been too narrow. His ambition was never about making money; he originally wanted to build a first-class town in the world. Sunset Town was slowly approaching that goal.

So he began to relax and wanted to enjoy life.

As he had just remarked to Eva, even with wealth and responsibilities, Bartier and his peers lived exhausting lives. A life like his—working a little, spending time with family, hunting, fishing—was so carefree.

Still, if there was a chance to make money, he wouldn’t pass it up.

Back at the event, he continued talking with Mayor Sack, steering the conversation back to the earlier topic. “Mayor, you mentioned some farms and ranches in Oak City are on the market. Are there no buyers?”

Mayor Sack smiled wryly. “The global agricultural market hasn’t been strong in recent years. Too many naysayers at home have affected this market. But I thought you might be interested—these farms and ranches could be valuable to you.”

Hearing this, Wang Bo felt a twinge of guilt. The mayor clearly had better foresight than he did; like Bartier, Sack saw the business potential here.

He decided to be honest. “Mayor, we both know what the other is thinking. Sunset Town is tempting to some wealthy compatriots of mine. Why not open the market to them, rather than reserving it for me?”

Mayor Sack was frank as well: “You think all farm and ranch owners are like you, connected with many wealthy buyers? They can’t reach Chinese clients—but you can.”

“Why am I leaving these lands for you? Simple: I care about the development of Oak City, not whether these farm or ranch owners make money selling land.”

His words were sincere, and Wang Bo trusted him.

Buying farms and ranches incurs taxes, and selling them later would incur taxes again, sometimes double taxes. For Oak City’s finances, this brings higher revenue.

Moreover, current farm and ranch owners rely on bank loans. Their spending and cash flow are far weaker than that of a wealthy buyer. Mayor Sack wanted a group of tycoons to drive Oak City’s economy.

The two reached an agreement. Wang Bo told him he would start working on this after the banquet, first by surveying the market. If there was demand, he would begin purchasing farms and ranches.

Satisfied with the promise, Mayor Sack left the event early.

Watching the mayor’s retreating figure, Wang Bo shook his head. High-level officials had been busy lately, and some company and club managers he invited didn’t attend. Initially, he had been puzzled why Mayor Sack came personally instead of sending a representative, since they weren’t that close.

Now the answer was clear—he came primarily for business…

After the baby’s centennial banquet, Wang Bo sent Juan and Motak to liaise with Oak City, checking how many farms and ranches were for sale and their locations.

At the same time, he needed a sales team to market these properties to wealthy buyers in China. Naturally, this team had to be trustworthy Chinese.

Fortunately, New Year’s was approaching, and domestic friends would have time off.

He called several close friends, inviting them to New Zealand for New Year’s vacation, booking their tickets so they wouldn’t have to worry about anything—just come and enjoy themselves.

They were thrilled by the news and readily agreed.

Only the youth group leader, Fan Dong, seemed suspicious. “Wang Bo, you’re generous, sure, but you’re usually lazy. You don’t call us over like this unless there’s a reason. What’s going on?”

Wang Bo replied indignantly, “Look at our leader, talking nonsense. Why can’t I invite everyone over for fun? Don’t worry, I just miss everyone. Come for a gathering—you all have holidays, right? Just use your leave.”

Zhou Haojie added, “Yeah, Fan, don’t be paranoid. Wang Bo isn’t the type to trick us into doing pyramid schemes.”

And so, they agreed to gather over New Year’s.

Earlier, Wang Bo and Eva had planned to take the baby on a vacation once she was older—mostly for Eva’s sake, as she had been cooped up in Sunset Town during her pregnancy. Wang Bo wanted to make it up to her.

With the New Year holiday confirmed, Wang Bo decided to leave with his family before Christmas.

As for the destination, no need to think—it had already been arranged by Bartier: Iceland, where the BACH is located.

Before leaving, Wang Bo called Bartier. “Old Bartier, want to join us in Iceland? You looked exhausted last time we met.”

Bartier laughed. “You go ahead. I still prefer New Zealand sunshine. I will take a vacation in a few days, but not to Iceland—I’ll stay in Sunset Town with my son.”

Wang Bo was pleased for quite some time. If Sunset Town could attract Bartier, he was more than satisfied.

This trip would also include several of the little ones. The plane had enough space, but customs and quarantine would be tricky. Even with Alexander and major foreign trade broker Grant helping, Wang Bo still spent two full days arranging entry and quarantine checks for the little ones.