Chapter 246: Following Gu Ping's Lead

"Zhou Ming, I've reviewed the data on various companies in Nanjiang and found that the stock companies here have significant potential, especially the listed companies like Guoli, Jinke, and Yean. It's said that after these companies list their stocks on the securities market, they can easily make millions within a month without doing much. Since these companies have so much money, we should start with them. As long as we convince them to invest a bit, our rural industrial park can get off the ground."

"Zhou Ming, when we're contacting domestic companies, we shouldn't forget to reach out to some foreign-funded enterprises as well. Domestic companies, no matter how profitable, have limited foundations compared to those foreign-funded giants."

"I heard that Audi, the German car company, has settled in Nanjiang. I think we should explore this opportunity. After all, your 760 Factory is a metalworking plant, and the mechanical company that's confirmed to come, Linchu Machinery, also deals with machinery. As the saying goes, 'a line of work is connected to another.' If we're involved in machinery, entering automotive production could be a good move. Who knows, our industrial park might become an automotive production base in the future."

This was what Gu Ping said to Zhou Ming after boarding the train. Zhou Ming only wanted to tell him, "You're overthinking it." It seemed that Gu Ping's first experience with a soft sleeper train, combined with the previous send-off ceremony's impact, had inflated his confidence. He seemed to believe that attracting investment in Nanjiang would be effortless. He didn't consider why others would invest in a new city they hadn't heard of, especially when he even mentioned bringing Audi to the industrial park, which seemed absurd to Zhou Ming.

Zhou Ming thought it necessary to remind him, "Secretary Gu, this investment promotion is a pioneering effort. Linyang doesn't have any real advantages, so being able to contact companies for visits is already quite good. We shouldn't be overly optimistic."

Gu Ping was displeased with this comment. "Comrade Zhou Ming, how can you say that? Even if this is our first investment promotion work, we're going to Nanjiang with the trust of the 200,000 people of Nan Hui County. How can you show such a lack of confidence?"

"Secretary Gu, confidence is important, but we must be practical and not blindly optimistic…"

Before Zhou Ming could finish, Gu Ping interrupted, "Comrade Zhou Ming, you're wrong. If we want to make a breakthrough, we must be bold and proactive, just like the central government's reform and opening-up policy. If we remain stagnant, we'll achieve nothing!"

"Well then, Secretary Gu, once we arrive in Nanjiang, I'll try to arrange a dinner with these company bosses for you," Zhou Ming said.

"No need," Gu Ping replied. "Since these are big company bosses, we should take the initiative to visit them. This shows our sincerity and can persuade them to invest in our rural industrial park."

Gu Ping then added, "Zhou Ming, although I acknowledge your business acumen, you still have much to learn in other areas."

Faced with this remark, Zhou Ming could only shrug. As it was an overnight train, Zhou Ming and Gu Ping soon fell asleep. The next morning, the train arrived in Nanjiang.

Seeing the increasing number of buildings, Gu Ping knew they were nearing the city center. He said, "We've finally arrived in Nanjiang. Here, we'll start a new chapter in history!"

Gu Ping's secretary quickly chimed in, "Congratulations, Secretary. No matter how many businesses you attract to Nanjiang, it will be historic."

"Let's not be so hasty," Gu Ping said. "We've just arrived in Nanjiang. This is only the first step of a long journey. We need to be confident but not blindly optimistic. We must be prepared for tough battles and those we're uncertain about but must win!"

Looking at the leader and secretary, Zhou Ming could only shake his head. Despite Gu Ping's words, his eyes revealed everything.

An hour later, the train pulled into Nanjiang Station. Gu Ping, with his secretary, energetically disembarked. Due to the car position, Gu Ping was the first to exit. He glanced back at the crowd and remarked, "Nanjiang truly deserves its reputation as a special economic zone. So many people come here to work. Once our rural industrial park is established, it will be just as bustling!"

Outside the station, Zhou Ming saw Du Peng and Tang Ran waiting. Seeing Tang Ran, who was on tiptoe and straining to look for him, Zhou Ming felt warmed. It had been several months since he'd last been to Nanjiang. Even in today's age of advanced information, long-distance relationships are tough. She must have missed him greatly during this Chinese New Year.

As Zhou Ming waved to Du Peng and Tang Ran, Tang Ran quickly spotted him, rushed over, and hugged him without regard for the busy station. She choked up, saying, "Zhou Ming, I missed you so much…"

Zhou Ming gently patted her head and said he missed her too. Gu Ping cleared his throat nearby, prompting Zhou Ming to release Tang Ran and introduce her to Gu Ping. Tang Ran politely greeted Gu Ping, who responded briefly.

Du Peng then approached and said, "Zhou Ming, let's discuss things in the car. Do you have any arrangements?"

"I don't have any specific plans. Let's settle into the hotel first. Secretary Gu wants to visit the company bosses himself for investment promotion," Zhou Ming said.

"Understood." Du Peng glanced at Gu Ping and then led him and his secretary to the car.

As they approached the car, Gu Ping examined Du Peng's vehicle and remarked, "The car is quite impressive, fitting for a prominent Nanjiang businessman!"

Du Peng smiled and said, "Thank you. Audi is known for its luxury cars, so it's only natural that the cars are impressive."

Once in the car, Du Peng took them to the hotel quickly. They were staying at the Nanhu Hotel, the most prestigious hotel in Nanjiang. When Gu Ping saw the hotel building, he exclaimed, "Does a hotel really need such a tall building? And I saw so many high-rises being built on the way here. Nanjiang is indeed a window of reform and opening-up, a city with the fastest development and construction."

Zhou Ming explained, "That's right. This will be the economic center of Nanjiang City in the future. The companies you mentioned will be based here."

"Now I understand," Gu Ping said.

Du Peng then showed Zhou Ming and Gu Ping to their rooms—two rooms, one for Gu Ping and his secretary, and one for Zhou Ming.

In Zhou Ming's room, Du Peng asked, "What's the situation with Gu Ping? It seems like he doesn't have much regard for you."

Zhou Ming replied, "It's not exactly that he doesn't regard me. It's just that the send-off ceremony in Linyang was a bit too grand, and Secretary Gu seems a bit inflated with confidence."

"That's a common issue with officials," Du Peng said. "Do you want me to create some trouble for him?"

Zhou Ming shook his head, "No need. Let him handle it. He'll likely encounter difficulties on his own."

Du Peng appeared surprised, "Really? It seems Secretary Gu is indeed overconfident."

Du Peng then got up to leave, saying, "I've dropped you off. I'll head out now and not be a third wheel."

At Du Peng's comment, Tang Ran blushed and lowered her head, while Zhou Ming urged Du Peng to leave quickly.

After Du Peng left, Tang Ran took Zhou Ming out shopping.

While this was somewhat typical for couples, Zhou Ming and Tang Ran maintained a pure relationship. With their usual activities not possible, they went out to enjoy themselves.

That evening, Du Peng hosted a welcome dinner for Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming and Gu Ping attended. At the dinner, Gu Ping raised his glass to Du Peng, saying, "Thank you, Mr. Du, for preparing this welcome dinner. It has relieved the fatigue of the journey, and I believe this trip to Nanjiang will be very successful!"

Du Peng, hearing Gu Ping refer to himself rather than the group, smiled politely and said, "I hope it goes as well as Secretary Gu expects."

After the dinner, Gu Ping and his secretary returned to their room, while Zhou Ming and Du Peng went to a teahouse. Zhou Ming took a sip of tea and asked Du Peng, "How have things been recently?"

"The nightlife business in Nanjiang is booming, always full at night. Fortunately, Manager Kong is very capable; otherwise, I'd be in trouble," Du Peng said. "As for the stock market, after a strong rise post-New Year, it's been steadily increasing, still in a normal state."

Zhou Ming nodded and asked, "And the Cao family? Any updates?"

This was what Zhou Ming truly wanted to know. The previous matters were within his expectations. Nanjiang's first true nightclub was bound to be successful, and stock prices naturally rise during major holidays.

In contrast, the Cao family's situation was more complex. Despite Cao Jianing's high status as Chairman of Nanshang Bank and CEO of Guoli, political families can have unpredictable outcomes. Cao's dominance in Lingnan meant Zhou Ming needed to stay informed.

"Cao Jianing has returned from the capital. Guoli's stock price remains stable, with everything calm. But I suspect this calm might be the quiet before a storm," Du Peng said.

"Don't doubt it. I'm telling you, Du Peng, it's true!" Zhou Ming replied confidently.