Chapter 160: Chairman Dong’s Brain, Elder Yang’s Tactics

"The meeting ends here today. Everyone must strictly adhere to the broad guidelines of reform and opening up discussed in the conference call. We must focus on the reform of the securities market and not relax our efforts in soothing the stockholders," Chen Yunfei concluded with a final statement and announced the end of the meeting. The other municipal officials and Luo Han left the meeting room one by one. Although Luo Han was permitted to attend the meeting, he had no speaking rights. Throughout the meeting, he had said very little, mostly providing data and materials from the securities company for Zhou Ming and Chen Yunfei. Although this situation might seem unfortunate, Luo Han was content simply to have had the privilege of being present, even if he didn't speak.

As the others departed, Zhou Ming remained behind, knowing that Chen Yunfei had something to discuss with him. He sat down next to Chen Yunfei.

Looking at Zhou Ming, Chen Yunfei said with a smile, "You're quick to grasp people's thoughts."

Zhou Ming chuckled and replied, "If Chen Governor kept me here without anything to discuss, I'd better pack up and go back home to sell sweet potatoes."

Chen Yunfei, knowing Zhou Ming's sharp mind, got straight to the point. "What you proposed to Chairman Dong today about the stock limit-up and limit-down system and the T+1 trading system—do you really think these measures can effectively prevent stock market crashes like the one yesterday?"

"Completely preventing it is impossible, as stock market crashes are a natural part of market economy dynamics. However, these systems can significantly reduce the impact of market crashes on the economy and ordinary stockholders," Zhou Ming answered.

"That's good," Chen Yunfei said. "But if I remember correctly, you had already come up with these systems before the securities company was established. Why weren't they implemented earlier?"

Zhou Ming thought for a moment before responding, "It wasn't the right time to introduce these policies, Chen Governor. You know that our domestic economy was long constrained by a planned economy, and most people had no concept of stocks. Before, even the stocks of the South Development Bank couldn't be sold, let alone the securities market. We needed to open up the market faster, and I thought the best method was to use money."

Chen Yunfei understood Zhou Ming's reasoning. "So, you didn't introduce these systems earlier to let stocks rise uncontrollably, so investors would be eager to buy stocks and realize their value. Once the market heated up, investors would naturally understand the stock market, making subsequent market development easier, right?"

Zhou Ming shrugged. "Chen Governor, some things just need to be experienced."

Chen Yunfei understood that Zhou Ming's response was to prevent him from accusing him of causing chaos with unimplemented systems and letting stockholders gather in front of the securities company, almost leading to disaster.

"You, young man, don't worry. I'm not blaming you. I just wanted to know if it's time to introduce these systems now," Chen Yunfei asked.

"I can't guarantee it, but after this stock market crash, stockholders will definitely be more cautious about investing. With securities companies and regional organizations promoting and doing ideological work, investors' understanding will mature quickly. Once we introduce these systems, it will be easier to get the market back on track," Zhou Ming said. "As long as investors have matured, implementing the stock system at this point will likely bring the market into order."

Chen Yunfei nodded. "That's good. As long as the market gets back on track, reform and opening up are all about setting everything right."

Chen Yunfei paused and then asked Zhou Ming, "There's one more question. Why did you refuse Chairman Dong's invitation earlier?"

Although Chen Yunfei tried to keep his tone relaxed, Zhou Ming immediately realized that this was the key question Chen Yunfei wanted to ask.

Zhou Ming hesitated before asking, "I've heard the saying, 'Chairman Dong's brain and Elder Yang's tactics.' What do you think of this statement, Chen Governor?"

Chen Yunfei was surprised, as he didn't expect Zhou Ming to turn the question around on him.

"Elder Yang and Chairman Dong are both core leaders of the Central Committee. They are both visionary and decisive. I think comparing them is disrespectful," Chen Yunfei said.

That answer seemed vague.

However, Zhou Ming was prepared and continued, "Chen Governor, if Elder Yang and Chairman Dong were to compete, who would win?"

Chen Yunfei's eyes widened in surprise. "You have some nerve asking this. Just discuss it with me here, but don't mention it outside, not even a word!"

Zhou Ming smiled. "Don't worry, Chen Governor. Since it's just the two of us here, I dare to ask."

If it were someone else, the question might have been asked and answered casually. But Chen Yunfei, as the new executive vice governor and mayor of South River, responded cautiously, "So, who do you think would win?"

Zhou Ming wasn't surprised by Chen Yunfei's cautious response and answered honestly, "In my view, Chairman Dong has no chance against Elder Yang."

Chen Yunfei looked astonished. "Oh? Why do you think so?"

"Firstly, the saying about Chairman Dong's brain and Elder Yang's tactics must have some truth. My interpretation is that Chairman Dong is smart, but Elder Yang's tactics are more formidable," Zhou Ming explained. "This isn't just guesswork. You can see some clues from the recent conference call."

Chen Yunfei urged Zhou Ming to continue. "Originally, Elder Yang should have chaired such a call, but then Chairman Dong suddenly intervened and took over the speaking rights. That was inappropriate. I'm not sure if Chairman Dong intended to provoke or if it was something else, but Elder Yang's reaction was the most puzzling."

Zhou Ming paused and then asked Chen Yunfei, "Chen Governor, if someone like the vice mayor or executive vice mayor interrupted your meeting, what would you do?"

"I would reprimand them severely. It's very impolite and disrespectful to meeting discipline," Chen Yunfei answered.

"Exactly. Most leaders would react similarly. But Elder Yang didn't say much after Chairman Dong interrupted. It's as if he tacitly accepted Chairman Dong's takeover. Don't you find that odd? Or do you think Elder Yang is indeed inferior to Chairman Dong?" Zhou Ming asked.

This question didn't require an answer. Even though Elder Yang hadn't reached the top position, he was still considered the core of national leadership. No one claimed Chairman Dong was the central figure.

"No leader likes being usurped, especially not publicly. Elder Yang's lack of reaction likely means he's biding his time, waiting for the right moment to overturn Chairman Dong," Zhou Ming concluded.

Chen Yunfei considered this and nodded. "What you say makes sense. But you lack experience in government, so you might not realize that politics isn't always a life-and-death struggle but often involves mutual compromises. Even when I was mayor, I had conflicts with the municipal party secretary Lu Xiong due to our positions, but neither of us seriously tried to take down the other. After all, those who reach such positions aren't fools. If things go wrong, the situation can become unmanageable, which no one wants."

"That leads to my next question," Zhou Ming said, "about Chairman Dong's ideology or the line he represents."

"What's wrong with the line?" Chen Yunfei asked, surprised.

Zhou Ming explained, "Chen Governor, you should remember that since the introduction of reform and opening up, the Central Committee has consistently adhered to the principle of maintaining social stability, upholding party leadership, and then pursuing reform and opening up. As Elder Yang often says, stability is the most critical factor! But what about Chairman Dong?"

"I don't know much about Chairman Dong, but from his performance in the conference call, he seems to be a very radical reformer, advocating for bold reforms. He even directly asked me to join the State Council, which is clearly breaking the rules. His approach is bound to cause problems," Zhou Ming said.

"Since I haven't been to the Central Committee, I can't say for sure. But since Elder Yang has become the core leader, many high-level leaders must support him. Therefore, how could Chairman Dong challenge Elder Yang?" Zhou Ming concluded.

"Given that Chairman Dong can't challenge Elder Yang, agreeing to his invitation would mean signing my own death warrant," Zhou Ming said.

After hearing Zhou Ming's analysis, Chen Yunfei was speechless with shock. He looked at Zhou Ming, overwhelmed by amazement.

Who exactly is Zhou Ming?

As a central official, Chen Yunfei couldn't be unaware of high-level struggles, making Zhou Ming's insights all the more astonishing.

"Zhou Ming, it's a shame you're not in politics!" Chen Yunfei said with admiration.

Zhou Ming just smiled. "Chen Governor, don't say that. Politics is too dangerous. It's better for me to quietly make money and stay a low-key capitalist."