Chapter 341: A Man's Persistence

"Cold, cold, cold! It's so cold! My hands are frozen stiff, and typing is agonizing! Everyone, wear more clothes and avoid catching a cold!"

Abroad?

When Yang Dingguo suggested this to Zhou Ming and Du Peng, they both widened their eyes in shock, their expressions clearly showing their disbelief. It wasn't because traveling abroad was difficult in this era, nor was it because Yang Lao would give Zhou Ming such a rare opportunity for no reason. Rather, it was because Yang Lao's suggestion clearly implied that Zhou Ming should flee. However, Yang Dingguo was the top leader! How could he make such a decision?

Zhou Ming pondered for a moment and asked Yang Dingguo, "Yang Lao, is this matter really that difficult to handle?"

Yang Dingguo replied, "The situation is complex and the impact is severe. Most importantly, it will not benefit your future development. Therefore, I still suggest you go abroad for further study for a while."

Yang Dingguo's response was straightforward, with no beating around the bush. The complexity and negative impact were already telling enough. It was clear that the resources mobilized by Tan Qianjun had exceeded everyone's estimates. If this continued, it would definitely affect the nationwide reform and opening-up plan, which Yang Dingguo was unwilling to see.

Some might say it would be enough to take down Tan Qianjun's emerging company. At Yang Lao's level, this shouldn't be too difficult. 

While it might sound feasible, actually doing so was quite troublesome. From Tan Qianjun's attacks on Zhou Ming, it was clear that his influence had penetrated into various aspects, and striking at this group wouldn't be a quick task. Moreover, even if the group were defeated, it would still deal a devastating blow to the country's hard-won economic progress. This was the reason for Yang Dingguo's decision.

The root of the issue was the conflict between Tan Qianjun and Zhou Ming. Given the huge investment Tan Qianjun had made, mediation was clearly not an option. Thus, the only two solutions were either one side defeating the other or avoiding confrontation. As it was clear Zhou Ming was suffering from Tan Qianjun's relentless attacks, Yang Lao, though not related to Zhou Ming, felt that the only viable option was to help him avoid the situation by sending him abroad.

Isn't it better to avoid trouble if you can't confront it?

Yang Lao's intention was precisely that. He continued to Zhou Ming, "Our country has been impoverished for too many years, and due to some wrong decisions, many aspects have fallen behind, almost falling out of sync with the world. This cannot continue. You are a talented economist in our country. From the stock market in Nanjiang to the Linyang Industrial Park and the highways connecting Lingnan and Jingchu, you have demonstrated outstanding intelligence and a pragmatic spirit. People like you are urgently needed for socialist construction."

"Now, the more important it is, the more it is necessary to send you abroad, because there are many advanced things abroad. You've been to Hong Kong; you know this better than I do," Yang Dingguo continued. "For our country to develop, we must learn from their advanced experiences to strengthen ourselves. The key is to send people like you abroad to study and gain further knowledge."

"You've been to school. Many examples of people studying abroad and returning to serve their country are countless. You, too, will eventually become a hero for the nation!" Yang Dingguo affirmed.

Faced with Yang Lao's earnest words, others might be moved to tears, grateful for the country's attention and nurturing, and would dedicate their future to serving the country with enthusiasm and youth.

Zhou Ming didn't respond this way because many things require action, not just words. Many people who said similar things ended up not returning.

"Yang Lao, can I refuse?" Zhou Ming asked.

Yang Dingguo shook his head, indicating no. Zhou Ming smiled wryly, "But my answer is actually the one you told me I couldn't give."

Yang Dingguo patiently advised Zhou Ming, "I know young people have their own stubbornness. I was once your age too. However, not everything needs to be a contest. Sometimes avoiding the sharp edge is a strategy. Otherwise, the military tactics would not have such a thing as avoiding the real and striking the false."

"And the most important point," Yang Dingguo said, "is that you're still young, only in your early twenties. Your future is very broad. We should always look forward!"

Zhou Ming still shook his head. Du Zhongyuan, beside him, was displeased, "Zhou Ming, how can you be so unreasonable? Yang Lao has been speaking to you for so long, and you still don't understand?"

Zhou Ming glanced at Du Zhongyuan, knowing he was playing the bad cop. Of course, he genuinely wanted to scold Zhou Ming because Yang Lao, despite not being related to Zhou Ming, was giving him so much sincere advice. Zhou Ming's stubbornness seemed like an over-the-top act, showing a bit of arrogance.

"Chairman Du, it's not that I don't understand, nor am I someone who doesn't know what's good for me or refuses to turn back after hitting a wall."

Zhou Ming said to Du Zhongyuan, then turned to Yang Dingguo and said, "I'm very grateful for Yang Lao's concern, but I still insist on my choice."

Yang Dingguo wasn't angry with Zhou Ming's response and wasn't even surprised. It was as if he had expected Zhou Ming to make this decision. He calmly asked Zhou Ming, "Can you tell me the reason?"

"Because of a man's persistence!" Zhou Ming said. "Maybe I'm young, so many of my considerations are not mature. Many decisions and actions may seem unreasonable or even childish to others, but this is my way of thinking."

"To be honest with Yang Lao, I have considered going abroad, wanting to study advanced knowledge and explore new opportunities, but only when the conditions are right, not now." Zhou Ming gave a self-deprecating smile, "What does it mean for me to go abroad now? It's not because I want to go, but because I can't stay in the country, like being driven away like a stray dog!"

Zhou Ming paused and continued, "Maybe many people think this is the best choice, to start over from scratch. There's no need to fight to the death with the opponent. Isn't that childish? But I want to say this is what youth is about, this is the passion of young people, and more importantly, it is a man's persistence!"

"Losing is not shameful, but being afraid of losing is. A man should face a bleak life and bloody reality head-on. If the opponent sets up the stage, but I lack the courage to confront it and turn away, then what future can I talk about? What if I encounter similar situations in the future? Should I also cower and beg like a dog? If I'm afraid once, I'll be afraid every time. Then what can I talk about standing up and being a man?" Zhou Ming said.

Zhou Ming's impassioned words left Yang Lao and Du Zhongyuan in silence, while Du Peng clenched his fists with confidence.

After a long while, Yang Lao sighed, "Youth is good! As you said, perhaps anyone older wouldn't act like you. After all, patience and avoidance can lead to a calm sea and a wider sky. If there is a chance to avoid disaster, why fight to the death? But avoiding it also means they are afraid. In such a situation, can they still maintain their sharp and enterprising spirit?"

"Zhou Ming, you are right. As one ages, the edges are worn down, losing that youthful vigor, and becoming more resigned."

Yang Dingguo said, "Just like the current government institutions, they are stagnant compared to the vibrant reform and opening-up outside. Therefore, the work of youthful cadres must be prioritized, and it is urgent. Previously, it was only mentioned but not implemented forcefully. From now on, it must be placed at the forefront of administrative reform!"

Yang Dingguo's words were unexpected to Zhou Ming. He had originally said these things to show his determination to fight Tan Qianjun and not to leave the country. Zhou Ming's actions were not for mere stubbornness but to protect what was his.

Zhou Ming had been reborn, and his actual age was already fifty. Hence, the notion of youthful impulsiveness didn't apply to him. His actions were driven by necessity, not by a frivolous spirit.

For Zhou Ming, his parents and everything he had were in the country. If he fled now, what would happen to his parents, Su Han, Tang Ran, Kong Xiaolin, and others? They would become targets for Tan Qianjun's anger, just like how Kong Xiaolin was targeted in Nanjiang.

If someone suffered a mishap, Zhou Ming would never forgive himself for abandoning his parents and women while he fled. He couldn't do that, and any man with a bit of ambition wouldn't either.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Ming's words led Yang Lao to think about the need for younger cadres. Zhou Ming was amazed at how broad Yang Lao's thinking was.

After finishing with Du Zhongyuan, Yang Dingguo turned his attention back to Zhou Ming. He asked, "You're determined, and I'm moved by your resolve. However, many things require not only determination but also systematic approaches."

"I have those too," Zhou Ming said. "But once this method is used, it will be even larger. I hope Yang Lao and Chairman Du will not back down."

Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan laughed heartily. Finally, Yang Dingguo pointed at Zhou Ming and said, "Zhou Ming, you are quite shrewd. Don't worry, if a young man like you isn't afraid, what can I be afraid of? As long as you don't make reckless moves, I will definitely help you."

"Thank you, Yang Lao. Please wait for my victory news!" Zhou Ming said.