The old principal was a bit startled, "That won’t do, you can cut other projects, but not this one."
"Your school’s territory is rather large, so how about building a new teaching building right here? Look at this area. We’ll rebuild it according to the standards of our Nandu schools, complete with a library, science museum, and indoor gymnasium. How does that sound?"
The brother-in-law didn’t know how to respond. Was Boss Cheng joking? Building a building is in the million-level. Where would that much money come from when they haven’t even raised over three hundred thousand? To raise millions?
Had he overstepped by asking too much, and Boss Cheng was now talking in sarcasm?
The brother-in-law had no choice but to look towards Yang Ping, who simply smiled, "Brother-in-law, just listen to Boss Cheng’s proposal. Boss Cheng is an expert in this field."
"This playground won’t do, there should be a grass football field in the middle, a running track around it, several basketball courts on this side, and on the other side badminton courts, table tennis courts, swimming pools. Yes, every year there are students who drown, so if you build a swimming pool, the children will have a proper place to swim. Here, dig a swimming pool and set up mobile classrooms and dormitories. Create a fund to attract teachers from other schools to come and fly in for classes."
Everyone exchanged glances, not understanding. Was Boss Cheng boasting again? What did he mean by fly in for classes?
Boss Cheng, originally a doctor, seemed to have tweaked the term "flying knives" into a new term—flying classes.
"Oh, it’s like the teachers from the city, for example, those from the Provincial City, take time out of their rest days to come to your school to teach for a day and then go back. You pay them per visit, say, three to five thousand yuan for each time."
"Let’s proceed with this plan. I’ll send someone to your school to get a feel for the lay of the land and come up with a good design. We’ll aim to start construction as soon as possible."
Money, though, they haven’t even gathered three hundred thousand, let alone so much. Time for drinks and food, I guess.
After speaking, Boss Cheng seemed to be calculating something in his mind and after a while said, "Brother-in-law, how about I start with a donation of five million? If it’s not enough, I’ll contribute more later. Anyway, I’ll take care of everything to the end."
Was it a bluff or was it real? Five million?
The brother-in-law and principal were stunned, their heads buzzing from Old Cheng’s declaration.
"Brother-in-law, you don’t need to run around for the school anymore. Leave it to Old Cheng to take care of it. You can trust him to handle things. You just have to say one thing, the plan that Old Cheng just mentioned, is it a go or not?"
"To add, there are no strings attached, it’s a completely unconditional charitable donation, so you can rest assured."
"Yes! Thank you, I thank you on behalf of all the children."
The old principal, tears streaming down his face, immediately stood up and took Boss Cheng’s hand.
"Don’t mention it, we’re all family here. I heard Professor Yang’s hometown was raising funds, and Yang Ping and I have a very solid relationship. If not now, when should I contribute money? It’s for the children, after all. Give me your school’s account, and I’ll instruct my staff to transfer the money."
"Wait! Boss Cheng, don’t transfer the money yet."
The brother-in-law gestured with his hands, such a large sum of money coming into the school’s account wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
The old principal thought the same, fearing that such an influx of money might bring trouble.
Boss Cheng was a sharp man; he could see what the others were worried about, but he was also puzzled—didn’t these people want to skim a little off the top?
After a low-voice discussion, they were too embarrassed to mention their concerns.
The brother-in-law had no choice but to speak to Yang Ping, who thought it made sense, and said to Old Cheng, "Old Cheng, since you’re willing to go all the way, don’t transfer the money. Regarding the new teaching building, gym, science museum, and the playground, you take it upon yourself to handle it. Contract the construction team to build and furnish it directly, then hand it over to them as a whole. How about that?"
Old Cheng was shrewd too and instantly understood, greatly admiring the idea.
If that money was transferred into the school’s account, things would become very complicated, with all sorts of troublemakers potentially reaching out their hands.
"Alright, let’s do that. When are you heading back? I’ll send someone with you to check out the site and work on the design."