Chapter 248: Who Is Helping Whom, and Who Owes a Favor

The next evening, Zhou Ming, accompanied by Gu Ping and his secretary, reserved a private room at the Nanhu Hotel. Seeing that only Zhou Ming and his secretary were present, Gu Ping couldn't help but ask worriedly, "Is it alright that it's just the three of us? Shouldn't you call Boss Du to see if he's willing to come?"

"Du Peng? What do we need him for?" Zhou Ming asked curiously.

"Well, I heard many bosses in Nanjiang have strong backgrounds, and I know Boss Du has connections in the capital. If he could speak on our behalf, it might make communication with the Nanjiang bosses smoother," Gu Ping explained.

Zhou Ming understood Gu Ping's concerns. Simply put, after encountering setbacks these days, his confidence had been shaken, and he felt that just the two of them wouldn't be able to persuade the proud Nanjiang bosses. That's why he thought of bringing Du Peng, whom he had introduced earlier as someone from Yanqing, to help out.

"It's not necessary to go through all that trouble. I believe I can handle communication with these Nanjiang bosses," Zhou Ming said, noticing Gu Ping still had reservations. He added, "Gu Secretary, you should have heard about my experience selling Eight-Treasure Porridge in Nanhui. If I couldn't communicate with these bosses, I wouldn't have been able to get any of them to meet me, do you understand?"

But Gu Ping was still concerned: "It's rare for them to come out like this. We should make the most of this opportunity."

"It seems you don't quite understand my point, Secretary Gu," Zhou Ming said, glancing at the time. "The time is almost up. When the Nanjiang bosses arrive, you'll understand. Such opportunities are plentiful."

"Boss Zhou, I know my attitude on the train and after arriving in Nanjiang wasn't very good, but I hope you take your work seriously. Don't…"

Before Gu Ping could finish, the door to the private room was knocked open. The main figures of Nanjiang's major enterprises, including Luo Han, the First Vice President of Nan Development Bank, and Cui Jiang, the Chairman of Jinke Corporation, walked in.

"Hello, Consultant Zhou. Long time no see! It's great to see you, Consultant Zhou. You're the anchor of the stock market; without you in Nanjiang, we'd all be anxious…"

Faced with their greetings, Zhou Ming merely smiled and shook their hands, then introduced them to Gu Ping. The group also warmly greeted Gu Ping.

Hearing the repeated address of "Secretary Gu," Gu Ping's mind went blank. Although he had recognized their status when they entered the room, as one of them was someone he had visited before, he had not paid much attention at that time. Now, the difference was like night and day.

Gu Ping could hardly believe it. To him, Zhou Ming seemed like just a small business owner who had taken advantage of favorable reform policies and a good relationship with Du Peng to make some money. The money he earned in Linyang was significant, but back in Nanjiang, he seemed insignificant.

It was this belief that led Gu Ping to want Du Peng's presence for reassurance.

But now, seeing the Nanjiang bosses' attitude toward Zhou Ming, as if they were subordinates flattering a leader, it was simply incomprehensible. Was Zhou Ming holding some special status? Wasn't he just lucky to have made some money? Why were they addressing him as Consultant Zhou? Was there something more to this?

And most importantly, why did these big bosses arrive so punctually? Didn't big bosses usually arrive late to emphasize their status and importance? What was going on?

However, not everything needs to be understood. While Gu Ping was lost in thought, Zhou Ming had already seated the Nanjiang bosses in the private room.

With drinks and dishes served, Zhou Ming poured a drink and said, "There's no need for formality here. The reason I've invited you all is to discuss cooperation."

Hearing this, everyone raised their glasses and said, "Boss Zhou, you're too polite. Your matters are our matters. If you need any help, we're more than happy to assist."

"Help? What do you mean by helping me?" Zhou Ming asked.

"Boss Zhou, I've already heard from Secretary Gu about your situation. You've set up a township industrial park in Linyang and now need investment from enterprises. Rest assured, as long as you ask, we will find a way to assist," said Zheng Yi, Chairman of Ye An Corporation.

"Oh, I see," Zhou Ming said, looking back at Gu Ping. Gu Ping was eagerly signaling him to agree, so their mission in Nanjiang could be accomplished.

But Zhou Ming did something unexpected. He put his raised glass back on the table, leaned back in his chair, and said to everyone, "If you consider this as helping me, then I don't think it's necessary to continue discussing this. I'm here to negotiate cooperation and offer help, not to receive favors or owe anyone anything."

Zhou Ming's words stunned everyone. They looked at him in shock, especially Gu Ping, who felt an urge to kill Zhou Ming.

After witnessing the Nanjiang bosses' attitude, Gu Ping had come to believe that Zhou Ming had some connections and perhaps a certain status. But if you wanted to display your connections and status, it wasn't done like this. They were here to attract investment, and now that the Nanjiang bosses were willing to help, why did Zhou Ming look so unwilling? Was his sense of obligation so great?

Realizing this, Gu Ping quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "Everyone, please don't take this personally. Boss Zhou is in a bad mood lately. Don't take his words to heart. Regarding investment in the township industrial park…"

Before Gu Ping could finish, Zhou Ming interrupted, "Secretary Gu, please don't make decisions on my behalf. What I said is not nonsense. I am indeed here to help you, and I cannot owe anyone a favor for it. As a businessman, I will not engage in a clearly unprofitable deal."

Hearing this, Gu Ping stood up and said, "Boss Zhou, what are you doing? The Nanjiang bosses are here to help us by investing in our industrial park. Even if you're not grateful, you don't need to push them away. What exactly do you want?"

"I've said it. I don't need them to help me. To end up in a situation where I owe favors, I won't engage in such a deal!" Zhou Ming declared.

"Zhou Ming, I know you're impressive, but please use your skills where it counts and don't show off unnecessarily. It's pointless," Gu Ping said. "I am the director of the Nanhui Township Industrial Park's management committee. I am in charge here, and I decide who invests and who doesn't. I agree to let these Nanjiang bosses invest in our park."

Zhou Ming calmly looked up and asked Gu Ping, "Secretary Gu, you are indeed the director of the Nanhui Township Industrial Park's management committee, but without me, you probably wouldn't even get to see these Nanjiang bosses, would you? Where does your authority to make decisions come from?"

Gu Ping's face turned bright red as Zhou Ming exposed his lack of real authority. He pointed at Zhou Ming and shouted, "Zhou Ming, don't think you're so capable. I have the power now, and that's all that matters!"

Seeing the potential for an argument between Zhou Ming and Gu Ping, the Nanjiang bosses quickly intervened as mediators. They said, "Consultant Zhou, please don't be angry. We are investing because of you, and we don't feel we owe anyone any favors. Also, Consultant Zhou, you have helped us a lot in Nanjiang. We are actually repaying you now, not the other way around."

They also tried to calm Gu Ping, "Secretary Gu, don't be angry. You've said that Boss Zhou is in a bad mood. Don't argue with him. We all have the same goal of attracting investment to the industrial park. Why argue about it?"

The Nanjiang bosses' soothing words made Gu Ping's attitude soften. He nodded and said, "I understand what you all are saying. My intention was to get everyone to invest in our township industrial park. Even if it has nothing to do with Zhou Ming, I'd consider it a favor. But Zhou Ming seems to be obsessed with this issue of favors. I really don't understand."

"Secretary Gu, actually, Consultant Zhou thinks differently from you. His perspective and approach are different, but he has his reasons," Cui Jiang, Chairman of Jinke Corporation, said.

"Alright, I'll just accept that he's right," Gu Ping said.

"No, Secretary Gu, don't think like that. It's important to approach this sincerely. Don't be unwilling or forced into it," Zhou Ming said. "Moreover, letting them invest in the industrial park is indeed helping them, not the other way around."

Gu Ping sneered at Zhou Ming and said, "Boss Zhou, using your frequent phrase, I really don't understand where your confidence comes from. How are you helping them?"

"Is this how you all think too?" Zhou Ming looked around and, seeing the expressions on their faces, slowly raised his glass. After drinking, he said, "Alright, let me explain to you the reasoning behind this, and tell you why it is actually I who am helping you."