Chapter 277: The Enchanting Reporter Shen

The phrase "Please answer directly" left Xiong Qingping at a loss. In this era, the mainland was just beginning to embrace open culture. In coastal cities like Nanjiang Binhai, where international exchanges were frequent, officials had some experience dealing with foreign journalists. However, in inland provinces like Jingchu, officials still held onto outdated, rigid mindsets from ten years ago, sticking strictly to the script.

Despite gaining considerable experience under Du Peng's grandfather, Xiong Qingping still struggled to adapt to the larger environment.

Originally, Xiong Qingping intended to dodge the question, much like he did with the previous ones about "which ideology," "Party beliefs," and "anti-foreigner actions." However, this time, Shen Xin deliberately added the phrase "Please answer directly," leaving Xiong Qingping unsure of what to do.

If it were a different official with a thicker skin, they might have still found a way around it, but Xiong Qingping's scholarly demeanor made him disdain such tactics.

Seeing Xiong Qingping at a loss for words, Party Secretary Chen Da quickly stepped in to rescue him, saying to Shen Xin, "Reporter Shen, we haven't yet investigated what you mentioned. However, based on feedback from various enterprises in Linyang City, it seems there are no such issues. Even if they exist, they are very rare. After all, it's hard to keep everything perfectly balanced!"

"Not investigated? I find it hard to believe that such words could come from the mouth of a Party Secretary," Shen Xin said sternly. "I don't understand why such an economically significant decision as the Township Industrial Park hasn't been thoroughly investigated for its impact. Does this mean the decision was made on a whim, without serious consideration? If that's the case, I'm deeply concerned about this administrative approach."

"Given this, it seems that you haven't considered the problem of economic overheating caused by the blind introduction of foreign capital, which is why you can't give me a direct answer," Shen Xin added.

At this point, even Chen Da began to sweat. He had intended to help Xiong Qingping out and make a good impression in front of the Governor, but he didn't expect this relentless Hong Kong reporter to insist on a direct answer. How could they possibly provide one?

Just when Xiong Qingping and Chen Da were feeling desperate, Zhou Ming sighed and stepped forward.

"Reporter Shen, although I'm not an official, the idea of the Township Industrial Park was mine, so let me address this," Zhou Ming said. "First, regarding the decision-making process: Nanjiang is a special economic zone in the country, and the Nanhui Industrial Park is Jingchu's special zone. Since it's a special zone, we need to concentrate resources for development, which naturally requires special privileges. Without these privileges, the special zone would struggle to leverage its advantages."

"As for the issue of economic overheating, I believe this is a global phenomenon. It's inevitable as long as there is development. Since it's unavoidable, we can only gradually coordinate and rectify it," Zhou Ming said.

After Zhou Ming finished, Xiong Qingping immediately praised him, saying, "Representative Zhou is absolutely right. That's exactly how it is."

Shen Xin smiled and said, "I see. Economic overheating is indeed an inevitable issue in economic development."

Then, Shen Xin shifted her tone, saying, "But inevitable doesn't mean it should be ignored, because the direct consequence of economic overheating is skyrocketing prices. Essentials like rice, oil, salt, and vinegar will increase in price faster than the Shenzhen speed, and as far as I know, companies investing here tend to suppress wages. In this situation, with low income and high expenses, isn't this pushing ordinary people to the brink of survival? Where's the common prosperity?"

"Moreover, I acknowledge the mainland authorities' strong control. The Township Industrial Park model has taken economic divisibility to the extreme, managing to implement entirely different economic policies within a single region. I believe that under such economic policies, with the continuous investment from outside merchants, both the special zone and the industrial park can achieve significant development."

Shen Xin quickly turned the conversation again: "But such economic policies will only widen the economic gap between the special zone and other areas, just like the difference between Wall Street and the slums. Is this what the mainland authorities mean by common prosperity?"

After these two questions, Shen Xin once again added, "Could Governor Xiong, Secretary Chen, or Mr. Zhou please answer directly?"

Bravo!

Dai Tingwei silently cheered for Shen Xin. If not for the occasion, he would have jumped up in excitement, waving his arms: "This is the Shen Xin, our Chief Reporter from Hong Kong Finance!"

Dai Tingwei still remembered how oppressed he had felt since arriving in Linyang, especially at the hands of Zhou Ming, who had repeatedly embarrassed him despite having no official position.

Not only that, but when Lin Muqing and Shen Xin arrived later, he thought he could use the land issue to expose Zhou Ming in front of Chairman Lin. However, Lin Muqing, for reasons unknown, protected Zhou Ming and even scolded him. Shen Xin, too, seemed to be echoing Zhou Ming's words.

But just now, Shen Xin's sharp questioning truly reflected the words of a Chief Reporter from Hong Kong Finance! That was the Shen Xin he knew!

It wasn't just Dai Tingwei; others present also looked at Shen Xin with newfound respect. Initially, they had seen her beauty and assumed she was just a decorative figure with a hollow reputation in Hong Kong. But now, her words had cornered a governor, a party secretary, and even Zhou Ming. Xiong Qingping and Chen Da were pioneers of reform in Jingchu Province, both known for their eloquence. As for Zhou Ming, he needed no introduction. Yet, they were all left speechless by Shen Xin's questions. Clearly, the Chief Reporter from Hong Kong Finance wasn't famous for nothing!

The awkward silence lasted only a moment. Xiong Qingping was no ordinary governor. He cleared his throat and said, "Reporter Shen truly deserves her reputation as a famous journalist from Hong Kong. Your insights are indeed sharp. We designated the Township Industrial Park as an economic experiment. If any issues arise, we can address them promptly. In fact, the concerns you raised are precisely what we need to consider."

While Xiong Qingping spoke, Zhou Ming leaned back in his chair. As Xiong Qingping finished, Shen Xin seemed ready to say more, but after glancing at Zhou Ming, she decided against it.

With no further comments from Shen Xin, Xiong Qingping wisely chose not to press further. He simply reiterated the importance of the Township Industrial Park and promised more favorable policies for Hong Kong merchants in the future, then concluded the meeting.

After the meeting, Lin Muqing and Shen Xin, accompanied by Su Han and a female official from the municipal party committee, left. Zhou Ming stayed with Xiong Qingping and Chen Da, joining them in a nearby conference room. Xiong Qingping took a big gulp of tea, recalling the meeting and sighing, "I never expected a small port city to harbor such hidden talents. First, we have the young Chairman Lin Muqing, and now a beautiful yet sharp reporter like Shen Xin. She can't be more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old."

Chen Da quickly chimed in, "Governor, you shouldn't say that. I've heard that reporters in Hong Kong have no restraints. They say whatever they want, with no respect for leadership. They're just out for fame, making simple issues unnecessarily complicated."

Xiong Qingping waved his hand dismissively, "True, but not everyone can ask such pointed questions as Shen Xin did. Without real knowledge, she couldn't have said what she did."

Turning to Zhou Ming, Xiong Qingping asked, "What do you think, Representative Zhou?"

Zhou Ming was surprised to find himself included in the conversation. After a moment's thought, he said, "Reporter Shen is indeed formidable. She's the Chief Reporter of Hong Kong Finance, has interviewed many world-renowned entrepreneurs and politicians, and has a deep understanding of various economic systems."

Zhou Ming paused before continuing, "But Hong Kong is one of the world's most important financial centers, home to the largest Chinese conglomerates. It's no surprise that many people there have unique insights into economics."

"Yes! Hong Kong is a place rich in culture and talent, but the key point is that you, Representative Zhou, who has made a name for yourself in Hong Kong, were stumped by her. That's what's truly impressive," Xiong Qingping said.

Zhou Ming hesitated, realizing that Xiong Qingping thought he had intentionally gone easy on Shen Xin during the meeting.

This was indeed the case. Zhou Ming could have easily rebutted Shen Xin's arguments, but he didn't see the need. After all, Shen Xin was the Chief Reporter of Hong Kong Finance and had shown him considerable respect in front of everyone. Now, she was simply doing her job. Engaging in a public argument with her would have been ungentlemanly, so he chose to let her win.

Of course, beyond his relationship with Lin Muqing, Zhou Ming had other reasons for his approach.

However, this was something Zhou Ming would never admit to, as it would have been disrespectful to Governor Xiong. He said, "Governor Xiong, don't misunderstand me. I genuinely didn't expect her to pull that move."

Xiong Qingping shook his head, offering more praise for Shen Xin with a hint of deeper meaning. He said, "Indeed, Reporter Shen is remarkable. Not only does she have a deep understanding of economics and a comprehensive perspective, but she's also sensible, knows when to advance and retreat, and can see the big picture. And she's so beautiful

, too. Truly enchanting! I think many were captivated by her during the meeting. This is what a truly intellectual woman is like."

Chen Da added, "Yes, Governor. Reporter Shen's performance just now, her composure under pressure, and her noble demeanor—I noticed many eyes light up when they looked at her."

Listening to Xiong Qingping and Chen Da praise Shen Xin in front of him, Zhou Ming felt a bit surprised. Although Zhou Ming knew Xiong Qingping was speaking with a purpose, he had also pointed out a truth: Shen Xin was indeed an enchanting woman.