Chapter 124: Participation without Formulation

Three days later, the South River inspection team concluded their visit to Port City. Zhou Ming led the team back to South River through the Nanhu Port.

During their time in Port City, Zhou Ming had taken the team to visit the Stock Exchange on the first day after he assumed the role of team leader. They collected many documents. In the following days, Zhou Ming led them to the Administrative Bureau and the Legislative Council, and even arranged for an economics professor from Hong Kong University to lecture on the structure and basic operation of the securities market, as well as the connection between administration, law, and the securities market.

While Zhou Ming was not sure about the diligence of others, he knew that Zhang Heng had been working very hard. This was understandable, as Zhang Heng had no fallback after Qiao Weijiang's downfall. He had to focus all his energy on the securities market.

Since Zhou Ming had been focused on these matters, he had not met with Shen Xin again. Although Lin Muqing had been with him, there was no opportunity to ask about Shen Xin's thoughts. Even if there were, Zhou Ming wasn't sure he wanted to break the ice. He was feeling quite conflicted.

As they were leaving Port City, Lin Muqing was quite reluctant. She hadn't seen Zhou Ming for so long, and now that she finally had the chance, she only spent a few days with him, which left her unsatisfied.

However, Lin Muqing was not the type to cause trouble. As an independent and mature woman, she did not fuss or delay Zhou Ming's departure. Instead, she quietly prepared his luggage and everything he needed, knowing she would not have another chance once he left.

For Lin Muqing's sake, Zhou Ming exercised some privilege and rode in her car to Nanhu Port on the last day.

As they were about to pass through the port, Lin Muqing said to Zhou Ming, "You need to quickly establish the securities market in South River. I will definitely bring the Jinming Fund over when that happens."

Zhou Ming understood that Lin Muqing wanted to be closer to him. Even though Port City and South River were separated by only a river, they were two completely different worlds. Lin Muqing didn't want to be alone in South River.

Zhou Ming smiled and said, "Of course! Even if you didn't want to come over, I would drag you here. The securities market will definitely be profitable in the beginning, and you'll become a big capital player in Port City."

Lin Muqing knew Zhou Ming was joking. She looked at him tenderly and said, "No matter what others think, I will always be your Muqing."

…

As Zhou Ming's thoughts wandered, their car had already arrived at the city government building. Zhou Ming, along with Luo Han and the others, got out of the car. Chen Yunfei's secretary was waiting at the entrance. Seeing them, the secretary approached and said, "Vice President Luo and the others, please go to the reception room and wait. Mayor Chen will meet with you later."

He then turned to Zhou Ming and said, "Mr. Zhou, please follow me. Mayor Chen has something to discuss with you."

Hearing this, everyone, including Luo Han, looked at Zhou Ming with envy. Chen Yunfei was the second most important figure in South River, the head of the city government, and it was a big deal that he wanted to see Zhou Ming before the meeting. A few days ago, they would have been jealous, but after witnessing Zhou Ming's speech at Hong Kong University and his other accomplishments in Port City, they were thoroughly impressed and felt he deserved such attention.

Feeling the envy from others, Zhou Ming only smiled wryly. He knew that Mayor Chen's request for a private meeting might not necessarily be good news.

Following Secretary Peng to Chen Yunfei's office, Zhou Ming found Chen Yunfei busy reviewing documents. Chen Yunfei didn't even look up when Zhou Ming entered.

Zhou Ming thought, "Just as I expected."

Secretary Peng asked Zhou Ming to sit on the sofa and left him there while Chen Yunfei slowly finished his work.

After Chen Yunfei finished handling the documents, he walked over and sat in front of Zhou Ming. His face was stern as he began to criticize, "Zhou Ming, can't you just stay out of trouble? How did you manage to stir up such a big mess in South River and even the entire Lingnan Province just from a brief inspection in Port City? Do you have any idea how many people have been affected and how many projects have been stalled?"

Hearing Chen Yunfei's complaints, Zhou Ming felt awkward. Although he was not an insider, he knew that even a small secretary like Zhang Heng had connections, and Qiao Weijiang's downfall must have entailed significant implications. A high-ranking official like Qiao Weijiang represented a network of interests. Removing such a figure would undoubtedly cause chaos and involve many others, affecting numerous projects and people.

Zhou Ming was not involved in the political scene and could only imagine how troublesome this was for Chen Yunfei, who had to deal with the fallout from Qiao Weijiang's downfall. Chen Yunfei, as the mayor, had to handle a significant administrative burden with the ongoing task of building the securities market.

Realizing this, Zhou Ming apologized, "Mayor Chen, I'm truly sorry for causing you so much trouble with Qiao Weijiang's issue."

Chen Yunfei snorted, "You know it's a hassle for me now, but if you really understood, you wouldn't have created such a mess."

Zhou Ming remembered that soothing leaders was much like dealing with a partner—first acknowledge the mistake without making excuses, then say something nice to ease their anger. Stubbornly resisting would only lead to worse outcomes.

Understanding this, Zhou Ming tried to appease Chen Yunfei with some comforting words, which seemed to help alleviate his anger. Then Zhou Ming said, "Mayor Chen, it wasn't entirely my fault. The issue started when Qiao Weijiang caused a commotion at the Peninsula Hotel and refused to compensate for the damages. The hotel, being a globally renowned group, naturally escalated the complaint."

Chen Yunfei was aware of this, but the administrative burden from the fallout had made him quite irritable. The typical approach was to vent frustration.

"Let's get back on track. How was the inspection in Port City?" Chen Yunfei asked.

Zhou Ming reflected for a moment and replied, "To be honest, with only a few days, it's impossible for the team to gain a comprehensive understanding of the securities market. However, visiting the Stock Exchange and studying the related laws has provided them with a basic grasp."

Chen Yunfei agreed, "Understanding the concept is better than starting from scratch."

Zhou Ming added, "But Mayor Chen, even though our team now has a preliminary understanding of the securities market, the construction of the market cannot be rushed. Port City's system is well-established, whereas we are starting from scratch. The legal system in Port City cannot be directly copied. We need to proceed step by step."

Zhou Ming's words were heartfelt. As someone who had lived through the later development of the securities market, he was aware of the challenges and pitfalls it faced, including various abuses and scandals.

Chen Yunfei nodded in agreement, "As Yang Lao said, our reform and opening up is like walking a path that has never been walked before. We must be cautious, ensuring stability while advancing reform."

Chen Yunfei then asked, "So, you'll be in charge of the securities market construction?"

"I can take the lead, but the detailed work should be handled by the government," Zhou Ming said.

Chen Yunfei raised an eyebrow, "Are you concerned about outside criticism because you're a businessman? Don't worry, I'll shield you from any attacks."

Zhou Ming smiled, "That's part of the reason. But another reason is that I lack confidence in myself. As both a rule-maker and participant, with the potential for enormous profits, I fear I might be tempted to exploit loopholes for personal gain."

Chen Yunfei pondered for a moment, "You're right. Formulators should not participate, and participants should not formulate. But given the current situation, no one in our government is familiar with this area besides you."

Zhou Ming suggested, "I have a candidate who might be suitable. His name is Zhang Heng, Qiao Weijiang's secretary."

Chen Yunfei's eyes widened, "Who?"

"Zhang Heng," Zhou Ming replied.