Chapter 390: Tanzhou Directly Heads for Linyang

Bazhou is located north of Tanzhou and is a key transportation hub guarding Tanzhou. Every train coming from Jiangxia to Tanzhou must pass through Bazhou. Therefore, Jiang Wen had long given strict orders to Bazhou Station to closely monitor every train's movement, which is why the news was received promptly.

This news was undeniably exciting. Even the Municipal Party Secretary of Linyang, Chen Da, was gripping his fists tightly and trembling slightly. This was only natural; after all, Chen Da was just a municipal-level secretary and had not yet reached the provincial standing committee. The gap between him and the central top leaders was quite significant.

While a Municipal Party Secretary is the highest official in Linyang, there are thousands of such officials nationwide, most of whom never have the opportunity to meet the highest central leaders face-to-face. Chen Da now had this chance, so how could he not be excited?

Every official dreams of rising to prominence, and Chen Da was no exception. He hoped that if he performed well in front of Elder Yang today, he might receive some promotion or support. He did not even consider whether Elder Yang would be willing to speak with him.

In contrast, Jiang Wen, Xiong Qingping, and Zhou Ming appeared much calmer. Jiang Wen and Xiong Qingping, as provincial leaders, had excellent composure and needed to maintain their leadership demeanor, especially in front of their subordinate, Chen Da.

As for Zhou Ming, although he was somewhat nervous during the journey, his nervousness stemmed from the excitement of witnessing a historical event he had influenced. After all, Zhou Ming had previously met Elder Yang many times at Zhongnanhai and had received direct commendations from him. It was not the first time he would meet Elder Yang, so he managed to remain composed.

Jiang Wen waved his hand, signaling the secretary to leave and continue gathering information. He then said, "Comrades Qingping, Ming, and Da, the Elder will arrive in less than half an hour. Although we are not sure if he will meet with us, we must start preparing now and present our best demeanor to welcome the possibility of an audience with the Elder."

The three agreed, and soon half an hour passed quickly. With the sound of a train whistle, Zhou Ming and the others could see a green train slowly pulling into the designated platform through the window of the VIP lounge.

After the train stopped, the doors opened, and several people in gray Zhongshan suits quickly disembarked. Zhou Ming recognized them as the Zhongnanhai bodyguards who had once protected him.

Once these bodyguards confirmed that there was no danger, they signaled to the train car. A short while later, an elderly man with white hair slowly descended from the train, supported by others. This elderly man's face was too familiar; he was Elder Yang, the current highest leader of the Central government.

At this moment, Elder Yang was strolling on the platform accompanied by his wife, daughter, and other officials from the Central Office. Elder Yang had a habit of walking with his left hand in his pants pocket and his right hand swinging back and forth. According to Zhou Ming, this was a habit developed from his right ear's long-term deafness—his listening ear remained quiet while his non-listening ear was left noisy.

"That's Elder Yang, it really is Elder Yang!"

Zhou Ming heard the murmur beside him and turned to see Chen Da staring intently at the platform. Although Chen Da's expression was still restrained, his eyes were extremely excited. Looking at Jiang Wen and Xiong Qingping, these provincial leaders did not show the same level of excitement as Chen Da but remained focused on the platform, not wanting to miss anything.

Zhou Ming shifted his gaze back to the platform and saw a secretary from the Central Office quickly approach Elder Yang and whisper something in his ear before leaving. Zhou Ming could clearly sense a change in the breathing of Jiang Wen and Xiong Qingping in the quiet VIP lounge, indicating that something had been arranged.

Sure enough, a while later, Jiang Wen's secretary hurried into the VIP lounge to report, "Secretary, Elder Yang requests your presence."

With just that brief message, Jiang Wen and Xiong Qingping immediately stood up. Jiang Wen said, "Understood," and both he and Xiong Qingping exited the VIP lounge.

Zhou Ming and Chen Da followed them out, but as they reached the door, Jiang Wen's secretary approached them and said, "When meeting Elder Yang, please stand aside. The Central Office leaders have instructed that Elder Yang, due to his age, needs ample quiet and rest. It would be inappropriate to have too many people crowding around him."

Chen Da quickly nodded in agreement, while Zhou Ming glanced at him but did not say much.

The group used a special passage and soon arrived on the platform. Jiang Wen and Xiong Qingping walked briskly to shake hands with Elder Yang, saying, "Elder Yang, we are very pleased to welcome you. It has been a while since we last met after the Party Congress."

Elder Yang smiled and replied in kind. He then shook hands with Xiong Qingping. After some pleasantries, Elder Yang suddenly pointed at the train station and said, "Comrade Jiang Wen, this Tanzhou station is newly constructed, right?"

Jiang Wen nodded and said, "Yes, Elder Yang. This station was built to commemorate the great leader and to alleviate passenger flow pressure."

"That's very good. I see that this station is much better than the old ones! Our reform and opening up should be like your Tanzhou station—innovative and robust!" 

Elder Yang's tone then grew serious as he continued, "However, speaking of reform and opening up, Comrade Jiang Wen, I must criticize you."

Jiang Wen immediately lowered his head and said, "I'm sorry, Elder Yang. Some comrades in Jingchu Province have indeed not kept up with the pace of reform and opening up in their thinking and concepts."

Elder Yang did not dwell on the criticism but said, "Since it's reform and opening up, we must be bold, but we must also be practical. Everything should be based on reality, striving to elevate Jingchu's economy to the next level every few years. I hope you, Comrade Jiang Wen, will heed my words. I do not wish to criticize you on this matter again."

Despite Elder Yang's smiling face, Jiang Wen saw the seriousness in his eyes and understood that he was sincere. Jiang Wen quickly responded, "Please rest assured, Elder Yang. I promise to complete the task."

Hearing Jiang Wen's reply, Elder Yang's expression softened, and he patted Jiang Wen on the shoulder, saying, "Actually, when it comes to reform and opening up, whether it's the comrades from Lingnan or the coastal areas, or even our central comrades, we all envy you because you have the talent we dream of!"

Elder Yang paused and looked around, "Why isn't that person here today?"

Jiang Wen immediately understood who Elder Yang was referring to and turned to find Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming was standing behind his secretary. Before he could even wave or call Zhou Ming over, Elder Yang quickly walked over himself to bring Zhou Ming forward.

"Why didn't you invite Zhou Ming over?"

Jiang Wen's first question to his secretary revealed his displeasure. He clearly saw that his secretary had prevented Zhou Ming from coming, and the secretary was caught off guard by this question. The secretary had acted with the intention of protecting his leader, believing Zhou Ming was unimportant and unnecessary at such a crucial moment.

Thus, the secretary remained oblivious to the true reason for Elder Yang's visit to Jingchu. 

"Alright, Secretary. I'll immediately ask Comrade Zhou Ming to come over."

The secretary hurriedly said and invited Zhou Ming over. Zhou Ming, at this critical moment, did not put on airs. In fact, he had no need to act superior to a minor secretary, regardless of his position.

The secretary watched Zhou Ming's back as he walked toward Elder Yang, puzzled as to why Elder Yang would specifically request to meet such a person.

At this point, the secretary could not have anticipated that Elder Yang's request to meet Zhou Ming was just the beginning, with even more surprising events to follow. 

Zhou Ming quickly approached Elder Yang and greeted him. Elder Yang nodded and said, "It's been almost a month since we last met in Yanjing. I know you've been restless since returning to the province, creating quite a few things!"

Elder Yang's remark left many people stunned. Although the comment seemed harmless, it was surprising considering Jiang Wen and Elder Yang's earlier conversation. Elder Yang addressing Zhou Ming, a young man, in such a manner was quite unexpected.

Zhou Ming awkwardly scratched his head and said, "Elder Yang, you're mistaken. I've been acting on your guidance."

If Elder Yang's greeting was surprising, Zhou Ming's response was even more astonishing.

Facing the country's highest leader, Elder Yang, Zhou Ming's casual demeanor was quite audacious.

However, Elder Yang was not angry. Instead, he pointed at Zhou Ming and said, "You young fellow, you're quite the troublemaker."

The interaction between Elder Yang and Zhou Ming was somewhat casual, but Jiang Wen and the others did not dare let it continue unchecked. Any issues arising would directly affect them.

So, Jiang Wen hurriedly intervened, saying, "Elder Yang, I know you've been traveling from Yanjing and must be tired after a day and night on the train. How about resting in Tanzhou? You can review our reform and economic development here, and also give us some guidance on Tanzhou and Jingchu's development."

"I do want to see the development here, but it's not just here," Elder Yang replied.

Jiang Wen's heart skipped a beat and asked, "Then where does Elder Yang want to go?"

"Of course, to the rural industrial park established by this young comrade Zhou Ming in Linyang," Elder Yang said. "I'll take a walk on the platform and then head directly to Linyang."