Chapter 66: Are You Zhou Ming?

Dupeng was so astonished he couldn't speak. He vividly remembered yesterday's conversation with Zhou Ming at the tea house, where Zhou Ming had said he wanted to purchase at least 5 million worth of Nanjing Development Bank's stock. Dupeng had warned him that, according to temporary regulations in Nanjing, private ownership could not exceed 30% of the bank's shares. Zhou Ming had shrugged it off, saying there was always a way around policies. When Dupeng asked him what the plan was, Zhou Ming replied he didn't know and that Luo Han would help figure it out.

At that time, Dupeng thought Zhou Ming's idea was completely unrealistic. Who would help them with such a solution? But after hearing Zhou Ming and Luo Han's conversation, Dupeng was thoroughly impressed. Under Zhou Ming's relentless pressure, Luo Han had indeed come up with a plan.

"Although we only managed to secure 60% of the shares, which is still somewhat less than I had hoped, I understand that this is still the early stage of reform and many systems are lagging behind. I also realize Vice President Luo has done his best. I'm not unreasonable; I appreciate the 60% as it is. It's my contribution to the nation's reform and opening up," Zhou Ming said.

As Zhou Ming's partner, Dupeng felt an overwhelming sense of joy. He knew that Zhou Ming's initial goal was to hold more than half of Nanjing Development's shares, and now, facing Luo Han, Zhou Ming was even dissatisfied with 60%. It seemed like human greed had no bounds! Luo Han, as the first vice president of Nanjing Development Bank, now looked like a child who had been given candy, tearfully expressing gratitude to Zhou Ming. "Thank you, Mr. Zhou. On behalf of everyone at Nanjing Development Bank and all financial workers, I sincerely thank you for your support!"

After the meal with Luo Han, the two parties agreed to sign the contract the day after tomorrow. In the afternoon, Tang Ran came to find Zhou Ming after work and asked with concern, "Ming Ge, how did your meeting with the vice president of the bank go today?"

Before Zhou Ming could speak, Dupeng chimed in excitedly, "Of course, it went splendidly! You wouldn't believe it, Ran Ran. Vice President Luo agreed to let us purchase 6 million worth of stock."

Tang Ran was so delighted she jumped up. "Really? That's wonderful! Didn't you say the Nanjing Development Bank was only issuing 10 million in stock? That means you're now the biggest shareholder of this bank. No matter how the bank develops in the future, it will be making money for you!"

At this, Dupeng objected, "Hey, Ran Ran, you can't be so biased towards Zhou Ming. Half of that 6 million worth of stock is mine!"

Tang Ran retorted, "What's your share compared to his? If it weren't for Ming Ge helping you, you wouldn't have any stock at all."

Dupeng was at a loss for words, as Tang Ran's point was valid. His money was all earned with Zhou Ming's assistance.

Zhou Ming then said, "Alright, Ran Ran, it's still too early to talk about this. After all, banks are not like regular businesses; they won't allow such a situation to happen indefinitely. We've just exploited a loophole, and these stocks will likely be reclaimed in the future."

Tang Ran asked, "Then Ming Ge, how much can you make?"

Zhou Ming thought for a moment and replied, "If the bank successfully lists on the stock exchange, we should make at least a few hundred million."

"That much? That's great! Then you'll be a billionaire!" Tang Ran cheered, as if she had just made a fortune herself.

...

The signing ceremony for purchasing 6 million worth of stock in Nanjing Development Bank was held at the Dongmen Hotel's banquet hall. The hall had been set up like a press conference, with a signing table for Zhou Ming, Dupeng, and Luo Han on one side, and a designated area for journalists on the other.

Considering the political significance of this large stock purchase, the Nanjing Municipal Government sent Secretary-General Gao Li to represent the government and preside over the ceremony.

"Under the leadership of the municipal party committee and government, Nanjing Development Bank was established to support Nanjing's construction and development, and it is the first joint-stock bank in the country. This is of epochal significance. It indicates that Nanjing's reform and development have gotten on track, and our future development will reach a new level!"

Secretary-General Gao Li spoke enthusiastically into the microphone, praising the historical significance of the event before officially starting the ceremony.

He first invited Dupeng and Luo Han to the stage, announcing that Dupeng would acquire 30% of the bank's shares. The reporters below quickly took out their cameras, capturing the historic moment with flashes of light.

Listening to Gao Li's speech, Zhou Ming couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. Gao Li's words sounded like a wedding ceremony.

Next, it was Zhou Ming's turn. Similar to Dupeng, Gao Li spoke a lot of formalities before starting the contract signing.

The entire process was smoothly executed as rehearsed. After Zhou Ming and Luo Han signed the contracts, they stood up to exchange documents… shake hands… and pose for media photographs.

Everything was going as planned until a reporter suddenly shouted, pointing at Zhou Ming, "Oh my God! Aren't you Zhou Ming? The one who sold a piece of land for 8.5 million at the auction? The boss from Port City!"

The sudden outburst was like a stone thrown into a pond, creating ripples throughout the scene. Everyone realized that the signing boss was Zhou Ming.

The whole scene erupted into excitement. Reporters rushed forward like fervent fans, clamoring to ask Zhou Ming questions.

"Mr. Zhou, last time you sold a piece of land for 8.5 million, it was said you have a golden touch. Now you're buying 6 million worth of stock in Nanjing Development Bank. Do you believe the bank has significant appreciation potential?"

"Mr. Zhou, since you sold the land for such a high price, the Nanjing Municipal Government is now studying land auctions. With you purchasing 6 million worth of stock, are you also supporting the government's reforms?"

"Mr. Zhou, considering the economic conditions in the mainland aren't great and many people are struggling to make ends meet, with an average monthly income of only 200 yuan in Nanjing, how can you easily spend so much on land and stock? Some say you're using government money to stage an economic revival. What's your take on this?"

"Mr. Zhou, I heard you made 20 million through the stock market and futures in Port City. Now you're buying stock in Nanjing Development Bank. Do you agree with Nanjing's economic reform strategies and believe in the potential of mainland bank stocks?"

...

Faced with a barrage of enthusiastic reporters, Zhou Ming felt overwhelmed. Secretary-General Gao Li and Luo Han were both stunned by the unexpected turn of events. They had expected the signing ceremony to go smoothly and then leave, not anticipating Zhou Ming's immense influence and the reporters' frenzy. Dupeng, on the other hand, was more composed, as nothing about Zhou Ming seemed surprising anymore.

Zhou Ming, feeling a bit apologetic, said to Gao Li, "Secretary-General Gao, I'm sorry. I didn't expect this."

Gao Li, regaining his composure, waved his hand and said, "Mr. Zhou, you're a commercial genius who emerged from the stock market crisis in Port City. Your brilliance is undeniable. Don't worry, the signing ceremony is over. I need to report back to the municipal government. You can stay here and handle the interviews."

With that, Gao Li left with the hotel's security personnel, and Zhou Ming had no choice but to face the eager reporters. "Ladies and gentlemen, please calm down."

As Zhou Ming made a calming gesture, the reporters quieted down, astonishing the hotel manager. Dongmen Hotel, being the most luxurious in Nanjing, had hosted countless press conferences, but never had journalists been so obedient except for high-level meetings. Zhou Ming seemed to have some magical control over them.

"Thank you for your cooperation," Zhou Ming said. "First, I want to tell everyone that I am an ordinary person from the mainland, born into a working-class family. I am not from any wealthy group in Port City, nor am I a privileged child. Whether you believe it or not, every penny I have earned is through my own legitimate efforts."

Zhou Ming's statement caused an uproar among the reporters, who were incredulous. "How is that possible? How could an ordinary person earn so much money? Do you have any secrets?"

Zhou Ming did not answer these questions but continued, "Secondly, I want to clarify that I am not a government pawn nor am I here to promote policies. Financial development is a trend of the times. My purchase of Nanjing Development Bank's stock is based on its investment potential. Believe it or not, we are moving towards a new era!"

Zhou Ming paused for effect and then concluded, "That's all I have to say. Thank you, everyone."

With that, Zhou Ming turned and left, ignoring the reporters who followed and continued to ask questions. He didn't even look back.