Chapter 249: Cheers to Your Decision

"Alright! Today, let's see how you plan to get out of this!" Gu Ping threw down these words, then angrily took his seat first. In his view, Zhou Ming's actions today were completely incomprehensible. They came to Nanjiang to seek investment assistance, and now, even the county committee secretary had humbled himself, yet Zhou Ming, a businessman, couldn't let go. It seemed as though Zhou Ming was deliberately opposing him.

Zhou Ming didn't care about Gu Ping's mockery. He invited Luo Han, the first vice president of Nanfa Bank, and the other Nanjiang bosses to sit down. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Zhou Ming. I don't need to introduce myself much. I'm sure you're familiar with me by now. So, I have just one question, or rather, I'll only ask one question: Have I ever done a losing business or led anyone into a losing business?"

Luo Han and the other Nanjiang bosses shook their heads in response. Gu Ping then asked, "Boss Zhou, are you implying that no matter where you go, you only help others make money, so everyone must be grateful to you?"

Zhou Ming ignored Gu Ping's clueless comment and continued, "Let's recall my entrepreneurial journey. From the initial land auctions to land speculation, and then to the stock market and nightclubs. I'm not boasting but to point out a fact: Whatever ideas I come up with, there's no such thing as losing money!"

"Now it's time for questions. If you've done your homework, you'll know that the Nanhui Township Industrial Park was also proposed by me…"

Before Zhou Ming could finish, Zheng Yi, Chairman of Ye An Co., immediately spoke up, "So, Advisor Zhou, this township industrial park is also bound to make money!"

"Congratulations, you all are quick to answer." Zhou Ming joked, then continued, "The township industrial park will definitely make money, but it's not just me who benefits; it's about everyone making money together."

At this point, Zhou Ming deliberately paused, ensuring he had piqued their interest before continuing, "The reason for saying that everyone will make money is actually very simple. Why? Because some of you have met Secretary Gu before and should have heard about the township industrial park."

"I can responsibly tell you that this township industrial park is the first and currently the only township industrial park in the country. It's of great significance to both Jingchu Province and the entire nation. Its status within Jingchu Province is comparable to that of Nanjiang City on the national stage."

Zhou Ming spread his hands and continued, "By now, it's easy to understand why you want to develop in Nanjiang. It's mainly because of the national policy benefits. However, after so many years, costs in Nanjiang, such as labor and other expenses, have been rising, and competition among enterprises is increasingly fierce. The Party committee and government are more focused on macroeconomic control. So, why not consider a different place?"

"In Nanhui Township Industrial Park, there will also be various policy benefits. Although it may not compare to Nanjiang's economic special zone, the advantage there is that the local Party committee and government are involved. Wages are significantly lower than in Nanjiang, and more importantly, the local economy is still in its infancy, with low costs and no competitors. Isn't this a good deal?" Zhou Ming explained.

His explanation made everyone's eyes light up. However, persuading everyone solely based on this wasn't realistic. Cui Jiang, Chairman of Jinke Co., immediately raised a concern, "But Advisor Zhou, the reason it's called Lingnan is because it's south of the Five Ridges, which means there are many mountains between Jingchu Province and here. How will transportation be handled?"

Cui Jiang's question prompted others to also ask, "Yes! I'm in the textile business, and transportation back and forth is already troublesome. In Nanjiang, I can export directly, but in the interior, I'll have to transport back and forth, causing delays and increasing transportation costs. It's not feasible. I heard Advisor Zhou's Eight Treasures Porridge faced significant transportation difficulties during the Spring Festival."

Even Luo Han said, "Advisor Zhou, I shouldn't have any doubts about your words, but as the first vice president of Nanfa Bank, I need to be responsible to the bank. Even if your proposal is acceptable for investment, we are a bank. What should we invest in?"

Listening to the doubts from the Nanjiang bosses, Gu Ping sneered disdainfully and coldly stared at Zhou Ming, with an unmistakable look in his eyes: Are you just bluffing? Let's see how you can keep bluffing!

Zhou Ming ignored Gu Ping's disdain. He simply raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet before speaking, "Everyone, please don't be hasty. Listen to me. Since I've assured you that the investment is guaranteed, let's not discuss that further. For example, Nanfa Bank—investing in the industrial park seems like a good move. Why? Because when the park was planned, there were no banks."

Luo Han immediately understood the meaning behind Zhou Ming's old saying: Blank markets are profitable no matter how you operate them!

Now, since the industrial park lacked a bank, Nanfa Bank would be the only option. Regardless of whether enterprises need loans, deposits, or other transactions, choosing Nanfa Bank would be the most convenient option. Wouldn't the bank then inevitably develop well?

Realizing this, Luo Han immediately said, "Indeed! Advisor Zhou, you truly are insightful. I never thought of that!"

Zhou Ming smiled and didn't say much more. He then turned to Cui Jiang and others, "Cui Dong, regarding your transportation issue, you've raised a very good point! Historically, inland development has faced significant transportation obstacles, but this is about to become a thing of the past. I plan to invest in constructing a highway from Linyang to Nanjiang!"

The Nanjiang bosses responded positively, though some pointed out, "Advisor Zhou, you said you want to invest in highway construction? As far as I know, highways are quite expensive. How do you plan to handle that?"

Zhou Ming hesitated before replying, "Highways are indeed costly, but it depends on how you operate. I'm not a philanthropist. Once I've invested in building this road, I will set up toll stations on it. All vehicles passing through must pay tolls. If I charge for decades, won't I recover the cost of building the road? Moreover, highways are fully enclosed, so service areas, gas stations, fast food, and beverages will all be profitable. This is a great investment."

The people present became excited and asked if they could also invest. Zhou Ming waved his hand, saying, "It's not suitable to have too many people involved."

"How could it be unsuitable? It's just like a shareholding company. Everyone invests according to their share, written clearly. No one gets more or less," Cui Jiang said.

Luo Han added, "Yes, for us banks, investing in highway construction is a profitable opportunity. Advisor Zhou, as a major shareholder of our bank, you can't ignore this."

Zhou Ming was somewhat embarrassed, scratching his head, "I must say that not allowing you to invest isn't feasible. Building a highway requires significant funds, and it needs the support of many enterprises. But you know my temperament; I don't accept just anyone's investment. After all, this road is more for the township industrial park."

Hearing this, Luo Han and others immediately understood. They hurriedly told Zhou Ming, "Advisor Zhou, we are also investing in the township industrial park. We are investors in the park, and this highway is crucial for us!"

Zhou Ming considered for a moment and reluctantly said, "It's not ideal to favor you alone. We don't know how many enterprises will settle in the township industrial park, so it's better to have fair competition."

Luo Han and others grew anxious, with Cui Jiang saying, "Advisor Zhou, please help us. You see, we are the old five stocks of Nanjiang, having raised substantial funds in the stock market, and we are well-suited for investment. It's uncertain if other companies have our qualifications."

Others nodded in agreement, "Yes, Advisor Zhou, we have been long-time business partners in Nanjiang. Let's cooperate as usual. Consider this as a personal favor."

Faced with the enthusiasm of Luo Han and the Nanjiang bosses, Zhou Ming reluctantly nodded, "Alright, since we've cooperated before, it's not right to exclude you. However, you must adhere to the rules of the township industrial park and do your job well. Understand?"

Luo Han and others nodded vigorously, "Yes, don't worry, Advisor Zhou. We are experienced businessmen; we know what to do!"

Someone then raised a glass, "Advisor Zhou, to show our gratitude, I toast to you!"

With the first person toasting, others also raised their glasses to Zhou Ming, "Thank you, Advisor Zhou. We toast to you!"

Zhou Ming also raised his glass and said to everyone, "You toast to me, and I toast to you. After all, this is a mutual cooperation. No one is truly helping anyone. You invest in the Nanhui Township Industrial Park, and we all invest in building the highway. These are things we are doing together. So, the toast should be to ourselves for our own decisions. Cheers!"