Chapter 290: Let Him Speak His Fill

At a quarter to nine, Zhou Ming, Cao Jianning, Chen Da, and other participants walked into the conference room together. 

Just like the meeting a few days ago, today's meeting was again chaired by Chen Yunfei. At just past nine, Chen Yunfei, the Executive Vice Governor of Lingnan and the Secretary of the Nanjing Municipal Committee, and Huang Nan, the Secretary of the Baiyun Municipal Committee, entered the room.

When these two heavyweight figures arrived, all eyes in the conference room were immediately drawn to them. Not only were they prominent figures in their own right, but also because of the previous scandal involving Jiangnan's legendary Xing Yuan, who had disrupted the scene here, tried to openly snatch the project from Zhou Ming, and criticized Zhou Ming's plans. Everyone was eager to see what Chen Yunfei's thoughts would be.

However, the final outcome was disappointing. Neither Zhou Ming nor the current Chen Yunfei and Huang Nan showed any particular expressions, as if the previous events had been nothing but a dream.

Were they really so confident? Or was it all just an act? Everyone was speculating.

Thus, amidst such speculation from everyone present, the meeting began. As with the previous meeting, Chen Yunfei was the host again. He gave a standard opening speech, emphasizing that the construction of the highway was an important part of reform and opening up, the significance of this construction to the economic development of Lingnan and Jingchu provinces, and how to enhance economic and cultural exchanges between the two provinces.

"Previously, highway construction was all handled by the state. However, the funds required for highway construction are enormous. From the situations in Northeast and Jiangnan, this method places a significant burden on local finances. In times when every place needs funds, the government simply cannot afford it. But where there is a will, there is a way. Since the government cannot bear the burden, we have to find alternative methods, such as raising funds through private investments and loans. So far, this approach has raised sufficient funds for our highway project."

Chen Yunfei continued, "However, that alone is not enough. According to the initial plan, to repay the construction funds, the highway will need to set up toll stations to charge passing vehicles, and establish a road management company to manage the funds."

Chen Yunfei paused here, looking around the conference room. "Many of you here are elites from our domestic business sector. Therefore, how to manage this fund well to make our plan more complete is crucial. I hope everyone will actively speak up with suggestions and advice."

As soon as Chen Yunfei finished speaking, someone immediately raised their hand. It was none other than Xing Yuan. Chen Yunfei gestured for him to speak first. "Mr. Xing from Jiangnan, please go ahead."

Xing Yuan took the microphone and said, "First of all, I appreciate Governor Chen for giving me this opportunity to speak. I understand that this is a meeting for constructing a highway connecting Jingchu Province and Lingnan Province. Although I am just a businessman from Jiangnan here to learn from experience, I believe I have ideas that are worth discussing."

Chen Yunfei nodded. "Mr. Xing need not worry. Lingnan, as the forefront of reform and opening up, is inherently very inclusive. Today's meeting is a discussion meeting where we need to brainstorm to improve our project. It's all for the benefit of the people! Please, Mr. Xing, say whatever you wish."

Xing Yuan thanked Chen Yunfei and continued, "The approach of having the government lead the joint construction of the highway with banks and private enterprises is a good attempt. There is no problem with this approach itself, but the key lies in the management of the road funds."

"Since the reform and opening up, what is the most important thing? It's money. I am not advocating for the theory of money being everything or materialism, but I understand that the reason our country is undergoing reform and opening up, and the reason for setting up special economic zones, is because of our past poverty. Only by focusing on economic development and creating more wealth can we achieve a better life."

Xing Yuan paused and continued, "To get back to our highway project."

"Highway construction and maintenance require substantial amounts of money. Although the government has raised a large amount of funds this time, it is still far from enough. We cannot let this money only flow out without coming back."

Xing Yuan stood up as he spoke, "Business people have a consciousness: if something does not make money, it is a loss. The current road funds are no different. We cannot just keep pouring money into it. Doing so only fills an endless pit. We need to make this money work and earn more money. Only then can we ensure that the road funds maintain and support the highway, creating a healthy cycle for the entire system."

Several businesspeople close to Xing Yuan immediately applauded, creating a wave of applause. Xing Yuan smiled and nodded to them.

Xing Yuan then said, "I know my suggestion is not novel; it's similar to the idea proposed by former South River Development Advisor Zhou Ming. I think this idea is good, but unfortunately, Advisor Zhou's vision was too narrow and only offered a return of four to ten percent. I really don't understand what that money can do. Even now, national treasury bonds offer returns of over ten percent."

Xing Yuan chuckled, "Of course, Advisor Zhou might have other considerations, or maybe he imitated some foreign models, like management fees, which he has been following."

This remark caused an uproar in the room, as Xing Yuan seemed to be accusing Zhou Ming of embezzling money by offering high returns.

"This is baseless slander!" Shen Xin couldn't help but stand up to confront Xing Yuan.

"Slander?" Xing Yuan shook his hand dismissively. "Reporter Shen, you are mistaken. Personally, I trust Advisor Zhou's character and believe he wouldn't do such a thing. However, for such a large amount of road funds, I think we need to be cautious."

"You—"

Shen Xin wanted to say more, but Zhou Ming pulled her back. "Reporter Shen, no need to get angry. Since he wants to talk, let him speak his fill."

Zhou Ming also winked at Shen Xin, who then sat down obediently.

Oh Zhou Ming, you can endure quite a lot, can't you? I want to see how long you can keep up this pretense!

Xing Yuan thought to himself and continued, "Regardless of whether Advisor Zhou's character is good or not, we cannot risk such a large sum of money on one person's integrity. That would be a personal governance issue. Moreover, Advisor Zhou's ability and vision may have declined, resulting in such low returns. I believe that to develop and expand the road funds, we must achieve higher returns, and I can provide that!"

"And how much return can you offer, Mr. Xing?" someone below asked cooperatively.

Hearing this, Xing Yuan was very pleased. He did not answer directly but pretended to be confused. "What was the return I mentioned last time?"

"Thirty percent," someone replied.

"Thirty percent?" Xing Yuan sighed. "It seems that after coming to Lingnan and meeting Advisor Zhou, my standards have been lowered. Thirty percent is still too low. I believe it should be at least forty percent."

Xing Yuan's seemingly casual statement dropped like a bomb in the conference room, leaving everyone stunned. The entire room looked at Xing Yuan with incredulous expressions.

This reaction was understandable. Forty percent might not seem like a big deal, but with a prefix of one billion, a forty percent return would be four hundred million! If this money were reinvested and remained active until next year, it would take only two years to earn one billion back. This speed was undoubtedly faster than a printing press and was every businessman's dream.

But… can this really be fulfilled?

Xing Yuan could guess the doubts in everyone's minds. He said, "Advisor Zhou focuses on the capital market, so his returns can only be that high. But I am different. I deal in fast-moving consumer goods, so my capital flow and turnover speed are very fast."

"I know you might not have a clear idea yet, so let me give you more details," Xing Yuan continued, "My company has paid five billion in profits to my investors from last year to this year, all on time without any delay. I have become a star entrepreneur in Jiangnan and contributed significantly to the province and the country in terms of tax revenue. This is all verifiable."

"I also know you might be hesitant because of your good relationships with Advisor Zhou and your substantial business dealings with him. But business is business, and sometimes it needs to be separated from personal feelings. It is said that a good bird chooses a good tree to nest in. For the management of the road funds, whether for the better development of the project or for yourself, I believe you should choose the better option."

Xing Yuan then turned to Zhou Ming. "Advisor Zhou, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you on purpose. I'm just speaking my mind. I hope you will stop being so stubborn and let go."

As Xing Yuan spoke, all eyes in the conference room turned to Zhou Ming.

Zhou Ming had no choice but to respond, "Actually, I didn't want to say much about this matter. But since Mr. Xing has said so, I have no choice but to give you an answer."

Zhou Ming said firmly, word by word, "I am not someone who clings to money. If there is a better use for these road funds, I will let go. But Mr. Xing, I'm sorry, I will never give them to you!"