Chapter 222: Playing the "White Face

By the time Zhou Ming brought Fang Ping and Zhou Tao back to the factory, it was already the next day. The drive from Linyang City to Nanhui County was quite a distance, and considering the poor road conditions of the era and the recent heavy snowfall, which posed a risk of ice on the roads, Zhou Ming decided to stay overnight in Linyang City. Additionally, he had to arrange for the local TV station's filming crew to accompany them.

As the car approached the 760 Factory, Zhou Tao, sitting in the car, looked at the tall factory gate and exclaimed, "Wow! Is this where the Ba Bao Zhou that became a nationwide sensation after appearing on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala is produced?"

"Pretty much," Zhou Ming replied from the driver's seat. "But technically, Ba Bao Zhou is just one of the production lines here. The 760 Factory is actually a machinery factory specializing in mechanical processing."

"That's even more impressive!" Zhou Tao said excitedly. "To produce such delicious Ba Bao Zhou in a machinery factory that has never done food processing before, and to have it featured on CCTV's Spring Festival Gala and become a nationwide sensation—this is practically a mythical achievement!"

Zhou Ming felt somewhat awkward receiving such praise from a young woman. He wasn't sure how to respond and could only say, "Thank you."

At this moment, Zhou Tao suddenly added, "Boss Zhou, later I'll play the 'white face' while you play the 'red face,' okay?"

Zhou Ming was taken aback, not understanding her meaning. He wanted to ask but saw that Zhou Tao had already turned her gaze back to the window, so he decided to let it go.

The car drove directly to the front of the factory's administrative building. County Party Secretary Gu Ping and several county officials were waiting there. As Zhou Ming's car stopped and he got out, Gu Ping immediately came forward to greet him, saying, "Secretary Zhao and the two journalists, Happy New Year! On behalf of the Nanhui County Committee and government, I welcome you."

To show respect for the two journalists, Mayor Chen had also sent his secretary to accompany them.

Fang Ping and Zhou Tao shook hands and greeted Gu Ping. Zhou Tao smiled and said to Gu Ping, "Secretary Gu, Happy New Year. I know it's inconvenient during the Spring Festival, and we appreciate your assistance."

Zhou Ming was surprised by Zhou Tao's gracious and well-spoken words. Despite her usual image as a fervent fan, Zhou Tao's mature and eloquent demeanor was evident. It reminded Zhou Ming that she was indeed a well-regarded host in the future.

While the officials were exchanging pleasantries, Su Han approached Zhou Ming, looking somewhat resentful. Zhou Ming realized that Su Han was likely feeling jealous. After all, Zhou Tao's journey from Beijing to Linyang was not something that could easily be overlooked.

Zhou Ming was relieved he hadn't brought Su Han along the previous day. It would have caused quite a commotion. Reflecting on last night's events, Zhou Ming recalled that Zhou Tao had visited him at his hotel room in a nightgown, which would have been problematic if Su Han had seen it.

During their conversation, Zhou Tao had mentioned she was thrilled to have been assigned to CCTV and had requested this interview assignment herself. Zhou Ming was taken aback by this news, considering her career trajectory had seemed different in his previous life.

Following the county's arrangements, Zhou Ming led Fang Ping, Zhou Tao, and the county officials to the meeting room. Although Gu Ping held the highest position, Zhao Tao, Secretary Zhao, spoke first. He outlined the policies of the city and municipal government, as well as the reform plans for the 760 Factory. Gu Ping then spoke about the county's historical perspective on the factory.

However, when it was Zhou Tao's turn to speak, she surprised everyone with a question that left the officials speechless. Zhou Tao asked, "Director Zhao, Secretary Gu, from what you've just mentioned, it seems that the reform of the 760 Factory has been quite successful and that you support the Ba Bao Zhou industry. But could you tell us the sales figures for Ba Bao Zhou in Linyang?"

The question stunned all the officials. Before the linkage of GDP to political performance, local officials, especially in inland areas, were more concerned with upper-level policies and less with local business development. This was evident from cases like the Xiling Canned Food Factory, which had faced years of wage issues.

Secretary Zhao reacted quickly, saying, "The 760 Factory is a pilot enterprise for our local reform, and Ba Bao Zhou is a star product. The local sales are naturally substantial. However, due to the busy period with the Spring Festival, the government is occupied with various tasks. The specific data would be more accurate coming from the 760 Factory. Let Boss Zhou provide the details."

Gu Ping echoed this, saying, "Indeed. The government offices are on holiday, so we can't provide detailed figures."

It was clear they were trying to pass the question off to Zhou Ming. But before he could respond, Zhou Tao interjected again, "Is that so? But why did I receive different information? According to my sources, the sales of Ba Bao Zhou in Linyang are facing significant difficulties, with local supply and marketing agencies reluctant to accept it. How do you explain that?"

"That's impossible. Absolutely not. This must be a rumor. Our county supports such enterprises wholeheartedly!" Gu Ping immediately denied.

Zhou Tao then raised an unexpected point, "Last night, Fang Ping and I went out to check some local shops, and indeed, we didn't find Ba Bao Zhou being sold. Even the shopkeepers didn't know about it. Secretary Gu, how do you explain this? Given the popularity of Ba Bao Zhou in Beijing, it should be equally popular here in Linyang. Why does it seem otherwise? Is it that Nanhui County hasn't provided the necessary support for the enterprise?"

As a CCTV broadcaster, Zhou Tao's voice was pleasant, but Gu Ping couldn't appreciate it at the moment due to the pressure of Zhou Tao's relentless questioning. 

Zhou Ming observed Zhou Tao and felt the intense pressure her questions were putting on Gu Ping. If it were confirmed that a nationally renowned product was not receiving support locally and this information was aired on CCTV, Gu Ping and the entire Linyang administration could become a laughingstock. The consequences could be severe if the provincial authorities became outraged.

Zhou Ming realized that Zhou Tao had prepared well. She knew that many local governments still ignored or even suppressed new enterprises. Thus, she took the opportunity to investigate the sales situation in Linyang and bring it up during the meeting.

Zhou Tao was not finished and continued pressing, "Secretary Gu, in this era of reform and economic development as the main theme, why is it that both the city and county officials in Linyang seem indifferent to such an excellent enterprise? If Ba Bao Zhou hadn't succeeded in the Beijing market, would this outstanding enterprise have been doomed? How do you explain this? Is it a neglect of government duties or is there another reason?"

The barrage of questions left Secretary Zhao and Gu Ping overwhelmed, and they desperately signaled Zhou Ming for help. Zhou Ming could see their sweat.

It was clear that no bureaucrat had expected such persistent questioning from a CCTV reporter. Zhou Tao, being Zhou Ming's ardent fan, was not going to let up easily. This was likely one of the reasons she had requested the interview.

Zhou Ming understood the situation and knew he needed to step in. Despite his frustration, he had to manage the situation carefully. He thought, "Even if Zhou Tao admires me, she could have been more considerate."

Zhou Ming thought to himself while saying, "Reporter Zhou, it's not entirely the fault of the local officials. Our Ba Bao Zhou's initial strategy was to focus on large cities first. After all, the consumption concepts and capacities in big cities are not comparable to small places. Linyang was considered later. Additionally, I didn't follow the government's plans when starting Ba Bao Zhou, so I bear some responsibility."

Hearing this, Zhou Tao said awkwardly, "I see. Well, that's understandable."

Seeing that Zhou Tao had concluded her questioning, Secretary Zhao and Gu Ping looked gratefully at Zhou Ming, though they were so agitated they didn't notice Zhou Tao giving Zhou Ming a playful wink.