Chapter 285: What’s Wrong with You Today, Zhou Ming?

After Xing Yuan's speech, all eyes immediately turned to Zhou Ming, who was thought to be the target of Xing Yuan's attempt to undermine him and take his position.

In contrast, Zhou Ming appeared much calmer. He simply stared at Xing Yuan with a thoughtful expression, deep in contemplation. Zhou Ming wasn't surprised by Xing Yuan's proposal. From the moment Xing Yuan started to counter his arguments, Zhou Ming had anticipated this outcome. After all, why would someone with such a remarkable reputation and such substantial returns come forward to make such statements otherwise?

Zhou Ming knew that, while Chen Yunfei may not be able to directly challenge Xing Yuan, respect for the position of the executive vice governor was still necessary. Ignoring this respect could potentially lead to trouble, and it would be easy to make things difficult for him if he provoked the wrong people.

If it were someone like Cao Jianning or Du Peng, allies might come to his aid. But Xing Yuan, having risen from an ordinary worker with no significant background, would have a hard time extricating himself from trouble if it arose.

Therefore, Zhou Ming was cautious when dealing with party and government officials. His sudden public confrontation with Chen Yunfei, who was an influential figure, without a strong reason was risky, especially when the road fund amount was at stake.

Xing Yuan noticed Zhou Ming's gaze and provocatively asked, "Advisor Zhou, what do you think?"

"I find it very inappropriate," Zhou Ming replied.

Xing Yuan feigned surprise and asked with interest, "What do you find inappropriate about it?"

"If you were operating in a legitimate economic environment with lawful strategies, you couldn't possibly offer a 30% return on ten billion," Zhou Ming said.

Xing Yuan was momentarily stunned but then laughed heartily, "Advisor Zhou, you're really too cute. I thought you might say something substantial, but instead, you come up with this reason. I really overestimated you. You say I can't give a 30% return, but the fact is I've done it. Countless people from Jiangnan to Binhai have received their money. This undeniable fact is right before us, and I don't understand why you refuse to see it and claim it's impossible."

Xing Yuan's remarks were also puzzling to others, even Huang Nan, the Secretary of the Baiyun Municipal Committee, gave Zhou Ming a few extra glances.

For everyone present, it was clear that Zhou Ming would try to defend his control over the funds. They had considered how he might argue or refute the claims but never expected him to be so blunt about the improbability of the returns.

This seemed like stubbornness to many, and it left everyone perplexed as to why Zhou Ming would refute such an evident fact.

Only Chen Yunfei, the executive vice governor of Lingnan, scrutinized Zhou Ming closely, as if sensing something more.

"Governor Chen, this highway connecting Linyang and Nanjiang is a significant initiative for our country, in terms of engineering difficulty, fundraising methods, and subsequent management and maintenance. Therefore, since it's an initiative, we should naturally aim to expand and strengthen it. I believe it should be entrusted to me!" Xing Yuan said, turning to Zhou Ming. "What do you think, Advisor Zhou?"

"It's impossible to give it to you. You can't handle it," Zhou Ming replied firmly.

Xing Yuan shook his head and sighed, "I didn't expect the esteemed Advisor Zhou, known for his achievements in the stock market, to be so disappointingly superficial. I'm truly let down."

Xing Yuan then handed the decision to Chen Yunfei, "Governor Chen, this is a matter of great importance for both Lingnan and Jingchu provinces. It must be handled responsibly from all aspects. From my perspective, Advisor Zhou's emotional state is quite severe. He's no longer suitable for managing this project. What are your thoughts, Governor Chen?"

Chen Yunfei pondered for a moment before responding, "Mr. Xing, you make a valid point. However, as you mentioned, this is a major issue involving two provinces and five cities, and it requires careful consideration."

"Of course," Xing Yuan said, "I trust that Governor Chen, as one of the key leaders of this project, will ensure impartiality and fairness."

Chen Yunfei's expression darkened as he said, "Rest assured, Mr. Xing. I will be responsible to the Party and the people."

After the interruption caused by Xing Yuan, Chen Yunfei lost interest in continuing the meeting and quickly adjourned it. However, Chen Yunfei did not leave immediately but called Zhou Ming to the lounge next to the meeting room.

Zhou Ming told Shen Xin to wait for him and followed Chen Yunfei.

Entering the lounge, Chen Yunfei immediately questioned Zhou Ming, "Zhou Ming, are you feeling unwell today? Or has someone threatened you? Or is there something you're dissatisfied with regarding the highway project?"

Knowing that Chen Yunfei had called him over, Zhou Ming was prepared. He answered honestly, "Governor Chen, I'm in good health and everything is fine. With you backing me in Lingnan, no one dares to make things difficult for me. As for the highway project, I proposed it myself and have no dissatisfaction with it."

"Then do you have any issues with me?" Chen Yunfei asked further.

Zhou Ming shook his head, "No, Governor Chen, you've treated me very well."

"Then what was with your behavior earlier? How did you let someone who just came out of nowhere press you so hard? You couldn't even respond? You just kept repeating that it's impossible for him to provide a 30% return. I'm starting to doubt whether you're really Zhou Ming. When did you become so lacking in intelligence?"

Chen Yunfei's loud accusations seemed to be an outlet for the frustration he felt from the meeting.

Chen Yunfei was understandably upset. After all, Xing Yuan, representing Binhai and Jiangnan, had contradicted the progress Lingnan had made. Zhou Ming's proposal to build the highway was meant to showcase Lingnan's progress, especially since Binhai had failed in its previous highway projects, wasting substantial resources. Lingnan's project not only required no government funds but also promised to generate revenue, clearly highlighting the difference.

The meeting was meant to display Lingnan's achievements, but Xing Yuan's remarks had slapped Lingnan in the face. As the host, Chen Yunfei was unable to hide his anger.

Chen Yunfei had anticipated some trouble from Xing Yuan but hadn't worried too much with Zhou Ming present. Zhou Ming was usually unflappable and capable of handling any challenge, but today, Zhou Ming had been left speechless, giving Xing Yuan a chance to shine. This infuriated Chen Yunfei even more.

Chen Yunfei, staring intensely at Zhou Ming, asked, "Tell me, what happened today?"

Zhou Ming took a moment to think before replying, "Governor Chen, do you believe that a 30% return on a ten billion investment is possible?"

Most people would dismiss this as impossible, given Xing Yuan's reputation in Binhai and Jiangnan. But Chen Yunfei didn't believe it. On one hand, common sense told him it was implausible. On the other hand, Chen Yunfei trusted Zhou Ming's judgment, knowing he wouldn't make such a claim without reason. Thus, when Zhou Ming asserted that Xing Yuan couldn't provide such returns, Chen Yunfei held off on making any hasty conclusions.

"Do you think there's an issue with his high returns?" Chen Yunfei asked.

"There's definitely a problem, and it's likely a significant one. However, I can't provide you with any answers without an investigation. I can only say that this money should not be given to him under any circumstances," Zhou Ming said resolutely.

Zhou Ming's certainty made Chen Yunfei pause. After a moment of reflection, he asked, "Should we have Binhai and Jiangnan investigate him?"

Zhou Ming shook his head, "If an investigation could reveal the truth, he wouldn't have made it this far. With ten billion in his hands, he can cover up a lot. Normal channels might not be effective and could alert him."

Zhou Ming then added, "Governor Chen, I'll consult with General Cao and Du Peng to see if we can find alternative ways to investigate."

"Do you have confidence in this?" Chen Yunfei asked, even though it seemed redundant.

"Confidence?" Zhou Ming smiled. "I can guarantee that if there's a truly impartial investigation, there will be plenty of problems with him. It's not about whether I'm confident; it's about how big this case will become. Regardless of how extensive the case becomes, I can assure you that Xing Yuan will face either the death penalty or life imprisonment."

Chen Yunfei gasped. Seeing Zhou Ming's confident smile, he recognized the Zhou Ming he knew—someone who could handle any problem. This was a stark contrast to the Zhou Ming who had been so ineffective in the meeting.

Zhou Ming's confidence was justified. The ten billion involved meant the investigation could potentially reach many people, possibly even implicating provincial or central officials.

However, Chen Yunfei hesitated, thinking that perhaps Zhou Ming's immediate drive to unearth everything might be a bit...

Zhou Ming noticed Chen Yunfei's reservations and said, "Governor Chen, do you think I'm being excessive? There's nothing I can do; I'm just a capitalist who seeks revenge. If he dares to touch my money, I'll make him pay. I'm not using power to oppress him; I'm just exposing his crimes to the public, helping the people of Binhai and Jiangnan recover their economic losses."

Zhou Ming added shamelessly, "In a way, I'm actually a hero supporting national rule of law!"