The consular has asked me for return flight,

Hello, I am in a bit bad situation now when I have to make decision very soon. As I am applying for China visa and I do have invitation letter from company based in China and a letter with Government stamp. The letter should help me to get 1 year multi-entry permit with at least 30 days stay on each entry. As mentioned above, the consular has requested return flight booking confirmation and now I am not sure what date I should get it. Can please anyone advice me on this?
Can I get like a year from now or several months (and in section 3.7 explain that I will be travelling to HK each month)? Or I should get return ticket 30 days after my first proposed entry to China? Thanks a lot.