Chapter 269: Mr. Dai from Hong Kong

On the morning of June 13th, Zhou Ming and Gu Ping arrived at the Linyang City Committee Guesthouse, where the Hong Kong businessman was being accommodated.

After inquiring at the front desk, they learned that the businessman was currently meeting with the city committee secretary, Chen Da. Zhou Ming and Gu Ping had to wait downstairs for the meeting to conclude. Sitting in the lobby, Gu Ping said to Zhou Ming, "With you here in Nanhui County, I feel much more confident about handling things. Otherwise, with so many South River bosses in the county, I would truly be at a loss."

Zhou Ming replied, "Secretary Gu, you can't think that way. You are the county committee secretary and also the first director of the city's investment promotion bureau. Nanhui County still relies on you as the core leader."

He continued, "Moreover, our township industrial park is just starting out, and the number of visitors is still small. Once the park becomes well-known, and we have many foreign investors coming in, and other officials coming to inspect, that will be the real challenge. So Secretary Gu, you need to get used to your current position and effectively lead Nanhui County."

"Of course. Nanhui County and the township industrial park still have great potential for development. As the county committee secretary, I need to constantly improve myself. Otherwise, I'll be left behind by the times," Gu Ping said. "However, your return has been very helpful, and you'll also have more opportunities to meet with Manager Su."

Hearing Gu Ping mention Su Han, Zhou Ming was momentarily surprised but quickly realized that Su Han might have asked Gu Ping about him during the period when he was busy with the Cao family's matters and was not in touch with her. Even if he had explained things over the phone, she might still have had concerns. As for their relationship, Gu Ping might have guessed, even if he didn't know the specifics.

Zhou Ming shook his head and said, "Let's not dwell on that. It's better to focus on how we're going to handle this Hong Kong businessman."

As he spoke, they heard voices coming from the staircase. Chen Da, the city committee secretary, was walking down with a short, thin man. This man was clearly the Hong Kong businessman. Gu Ping introduced him to Zhou Ming as Mr. Dai Tingwei, the general manager of Siming Investment Company.

Zhou Ming nodded and walked over with Gu Ping. Chen Da warmly introduced them to each other. After greeting Chen Da, Zhou Ming took the initiative to shake hands with Mr. Dai, saying, "Mr. Dai, it's a pleasure to welcome you to Nanhui County for your investment visit."

Mr. Dai also greeted Zhou Ming, "Hello. It's impressive to see such talent in the mainland. The county committee secretary of Nanhui is so young. Secretary Gu, you must not be thirty yet, right?"

Realizing that Mr. Dai had mistaken him for Gu Ping, Zhou Ming quickly clarified, "Mr. Dai, you've misunderstood. I am not the county committee secretary. My name is Zhou Ming, and I am the owner of the Nanhui 760 Factory. This is Secretary Gu."

"Oh, you're not Secretary Gu? Then why did you come here so urgently?" Mr. Dai said dismissively to Zhou Ming, then shook Gu Ping's hand, "So you're Secretary Gu. Hello! You seem like a very responsible grassroots official."

Zhou Ming shrugged. He understood Mr. Dai's skepticism, as it was common to view mainland officials as hierarchical and bureaucratic. 

Gu Ping, noticing Mr. Dai's politeness, also greeted him warmly, "Mr. Dai, on behalf of all the cadres and people of Nanhui County, I welcome your visit."

Chen Da then addressed Mr. Dai, "Mr. Dai, I have other matters to attend to at the municipal government, so I'll leave you in the capable hands of Comrade Zhou Ming and Comrade Gu Ping. They will accompany you for the rest of your visit."

Mr. Dai looked surprised and asked, "Secretary Chen, you're not coming with us? What if I have any issues?"

"Comrade Zhou Ming is a representative of the Provincial People's Congress, and the township industrial park in Nanhui County is his initiative. Comrade Gu Ping is the county committee secretary, a very smart and pragmatic official with a strong legal consciousness. So, Mr. Dai, you can trust them to handle any questions or issues you might have. I need to address some urgent matters at the municipal government," Chen Da explained.

Chen Da then told Zhou Ming and Gu Ping, "Comrade Zhou Ming, Comrade Gu Ping, Mr. Dai Tingwei is a prominent entrepreneur from Hong Kong. His investment in Linyang is a significant opportunity for our city's development. It will enhance the township industrial park's reputation and benefit its growth. Please ensure that you take good care of him."

Gu Ping immediately said, "Rest assured, Secretary Chen. I will ensure everything goes smoothly!"

Even though Zhou Ming had never heard of Mr. Dai in his past or present lives, he echoed Gu Ping's assurances, "Secretary Chen, please be assured. I will handle this appropriately."

With that, Chen Da left, and Zhou Ming and Gu Ping took Mr. Dai to their car for the trip back to Nanhui County. About forty minutes later, they arrived at the Nanhui County Committee Building. There was a lively scene at the entrance, with many people lining the road, clapping and cheering, and firecrackers going off in the distance. The county mayor and other county committee leaders were there to greet them.

In the car, Gu Ping explained to Mr. Dai, "These people are here to welcome you on their own initiative after hearing you were coming."

Mr. Dai looked outside disdainfully and said, "Secretary Gu, these people were organized by you, weren't they? You enjoy these flashy but superficial displays."

Gu Ping was a bit embarrassed and tried to explain, "Mr. Dai, it's not like that. Our people are very aware and know that you're coming to invest and build a factory, which will bring prosperity to Nanhui. They naturally wanted to show their gratitude by welcoming you."

Mr. Dai shook his head but did not say more. Zhou Ming, sitting in the front passenger seat, frowned slightly, sensing that Mr. Dai might not be very easy to get along with.

Throughout the trip, Zhou Ming had hardly spoken. Based on previous interactions, it seemed that Mr. Dai was unimpressed with him, possibly because he was just a People's Congress representative and not a high-ranking official. Zhou Ming chose to stay silent.

Upon arrival at the 760 Factory, which was not as lively as the county committee building entrance, Mr. Dai observed the ongoing construction of the roads and the tall factory monument. He asked Gu Ping, "So this is the so-called township industrial park?"

Gu Ping nodded and said, "Yes, this is the center of our Nanhui Township Industrial Park. This is the 760 Factory, our largest and most profitable metalworking factory. We later introduced a set of eight-treasure porridge production equipment, which has made the Linyang Eight-Treasure Porridge popular nationwide…"

Before Gu Ping could finish, Mr. Dai interrupted, "I'm not interested in that. A metalworking factory producing eight-treasure porridge that has nothing to do with mechanical manufacturing? Only someone from the mainland would make such a bizarre decision."

Gu Ping glanced at Zhou Ming awkwardly, as the "bizarre decision" Mr. Dai referred to was Zhou Ming's, but Zhou Ming simply smiled and shrugged, showing that he did not care.

Mr. Dai then asked, "Are you planning to expand this eight-treasure porridge factory as your industrial park? Or is there more to it?"

"Of course not. We plan to use the 760 Factory as a center and acquire the surrounding rural land for factory construction. Several factories from South River have already confirmed their investment here, and South River Development Bank will also open a branch here. Mobile communication networks are also being established, and within a week, you will be able to use mobile phones here," Gu Ping explained.

"Mobile communication networks? Is it useful to build this here?" Mr. Dai asked.

Gu Ping responded, "It is definitely useful. After all, the investors here are major bosses from South River who need constant business communication. These enterprises are listed on the South River stock market and are quite strong!"

"Listed companies from the mainland? That does suggest some level of strength," Mr. Dai said casually. "But anyway, let's go check out the rural land you mentioned. I need to select a good location. We in Hong Kong are quite particular."

"Sure, Mr. Dai. I can take you there right away," Gu Ping replied.