Chapter 161: General Manager Cao

After chatting with Chen Yunfei, Zhou Ming left the meeting room and saw Luo Han waiting at the stairs. Luo Han, seeing Zhou Ming approach, excitedly stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Advisor Zhou. I've had the opportunity to attend such a high-level conference. I have no regrets in life!"

Zhou Ming smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Why thank me? Strictly speaking, this has nothing to do with me. It's because of your outstanding performance at the securities company that Governor Chen invited you to this meeting."

Zhou Ming continued, "And saying you have no regrets is a bit premature. Are you saying you no longer plan to improve the securities company's work and system?"

Luo Han quickly shook his head, "Of course not. I am honored to have attended this meeting and listened to the teachings of the national leaders, Elder Yang and Chairman Dong. I will work even harder to repay the encouragement and trust of the central leadership. Even though it was a phone conference today, it felt as if Elder Yang and Chairman Dong were right in front of me."

Seeing Luo Han's excited expression, his eyes glowing and his body tense, Zhou Ming understood that this was a rare and significant opportunity for him. People of that era, influenced by their parents' views, often had some feudal hierarchical notions. Participating in a national leaders' phone conference was a big deal, and his excitement was understandable.

"Well then, since you find this meeting so precious, make sure to improve the securities company's systems to minimize the chances of another market crash in the future," Zhou Ming said to Luo Han.

Luo Han stood tall and assured Zhou Ming, "Rest assured, Advisor Zhou. I will make sure to do my best!"

"As the top leader of our South Jiangxi Securities, this attitude is certainly commendable," Zhou Ming said, patting Luo Han on the shoulder. This action, usually reserved for a leader praising a subordinate, was natural between them, and Luo Han had no objections.

"By the way, Luo Vice President, are you waiting here for something?" Zhou Ming suddenly asked. "A busy person like you wouldn't just be here to express your excitement, would you?"

Luo Han hesitated before saying, "Advisor Zhou, you flatter me. You are a respected figure, valued by both national leaders. It's only right for me to wait for you. I'm not that busy, and all my work is guided by you. If anything comes up, it's only natural for me to ask for your help. You are the truly busy one."

Zhou Ming waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities between us. If you have something to say, just speak up."

Realizing he had been seen through, Luo Han smiled awkwardly and then nodded, "Advisor Zhou, the thing is, I was wondering if you're free tonight. The Chairman of South Development Bank and the General Manager of the securities company would like to invite you to dinner."

"You're referring to General Manager Cao Jianing?" Zhou Ming asked.

Luo Han confirmed, and Zhou Ming was surprised. He knew of Cao Jianing but only by name. Cao Jianing was a mysterious figure who was rarely seen in public. Even though Zhou Ming had returned to this era and changed many things, including the early establishment of the securities company, Cao Jianing was still the General Manager.

Luo Han must have noticed Zhou Ming's surprise and explained, "Advisor Zhou, I understand you might not know much about General Manager Cao. Actually, I don't know much about him either. The most important thing is that he is Cao Yinghua's youngest son."

The name Cao Yinghua made Zhou Ming gasp. Cao Yinghua was a significant figure in the new China's history, a revered leader who supported the current core leader, Elder Yang, and was instrumental in many key policies.

With this knowledge, many questions became clear. The Cao family was the most prominent family in Lingnan, holding immense power and influence, both politically and militarily. Cao Jianing, being Cao Yinghua's son, naturally held substantial power in the South Development Bank and the securities company.

Realizing this, Zhou Ming said to Luo Han, "Luo Vice President, you should have mentioned such an influential figure. Why haven't you introduced him before?"

Luo Han quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Advisor Zhou. It's because General Manager Cao instructed me not to mention him."

Zhou Ming wasn't truly angry, understanding that many red families preferred to stay low-profile and keep their information concealed. Luo Han, being from an administrative background, knew how to keep such matters under wraps.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not upset," Zhou Ming reassured Luo Han. He then left the city government building and contacted Du Peng to meet for tea.

At the tea house, Zhou Ming asked, "Du Peng, do you know Cao Jianing?"

"Yes, he is Cao Yinghua's youngest son," Du Peng nodded. "Why do you ask about him suddenly?"

Zhou Ming smiled and said, "Remember how we wondered why Luo Han was always the first vice president? The General Manager, Cao Jianing, is the reason."

"What? Really?" Du Peng was surprised.

Seeing Du Peng's reaction, Zhou Ming realized that the Cao family's protection and secrecy were quite effective. Even Du Peng, from a similar red family, was unaware of Cao Jianing's true identity.

"It's no wonder Luo Han could only be the first vice president despite his efforts. It turns out General Manager Cao is the one holding the top position," Du Peng said with understanding. "The Cao family has absolute influence in Lingnan."

"Didn't your family or Governor Chen mention this when you came to Lingnan?" Zhou Ming asked.

Du Peng shook his head, "No."

Perhaps Du Peng's family believed Cao Jianing's low profile meant he wouldn't encounter him, or they thought Du Peng should forge his own path. 

Zhou Ming couldn't guess the exact reasons but was certain that Du Peng didn't know about Cao Jianing.

"So, do you know what kind of person Cao Jianing is?" Zhou Ming asked.

Du Peng shook his head, "Not really. I've only seen him a few times during New Year greetings. After the reform, the Cao family moved south, and I haven't seen them since."

Zhou Ming nodded. Given Cao Jianing's status and age, and the fact that he moved to Lingnan early, it was understandable that Du Peng wouldn't know him well.

"Why are you asking me about him?" Du Peng asked curiously.

"Because General Manager Cao invited me to dinner tonight," Zhou Ming replied.

Du Peng's eyes widened in shock, "What? General Manager Cao invited you to dinner? Why? Isn't he usually uninvolved?"

Zhou Ming shook his head, "I'm not sure. I'll find out tonight."