Chapter 391: Directly Headed to the Industrial Park

A green train without any factory plates, factory date, departure station, or destination signs rumbled south along the tracks. This train was the special train for the nation's top leader, Yang Dingguo.

Although this train looked like an ordinary passenger train from the outside, it was equipped with everything necessary for state leaders: bedrooms, bathrooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms, activity rooms, dining rooms, security rooms, attendants' quarters, and luggage compartments. The train's speed was always kept below 120 kilometers per hour, and it used a special type of diesel fuel to ensure it wouldn't freeze even in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.

At this moment, Yang Dingguo, Zhou Ming, and other officials from Jingchu Province were all seated in the conference room of the train. The situation, however, was somewhat unusual compared to typical inspections by national leaders.

Usually, when national leaders visited local areas, they were accompanied by the provincial party secretary. Indeed, Jiang Wen was sitting next to Yang Dingguo, but there was another person present—Zhou Ming.

The presence of Zhou Ming made this scenario appear somewhat unusual, as it deviated from the norm of having only the provincial party secretary accompany the national leader.

Nearby, Central Office officials, Provincial Governor Xiong Qingping, and others were seated, but there were no journalists present, only three photographers from the Propaganda Department. This was because Elder Yang had mentioned that this trip was merely a casual visit and not an official "inspection."

Despite the initial purpose of the visit, everyone was now stunned by the somewhat strange scene before them. Even the three fortunate photographers who boarded the train momentarily forgot their duties.

The real shock came from what happened at Tanzhou Station. Most people were unfamiliar with Zhou Ming. Despite Zhou Ming's remarkable achievements in Yanjing and Nanjiang, to the system and especially at the provincial level, Zhou Ming was just an insignificant businessman with no real power or influence. This wasn't arrogance but the reality of the situation.

Therefore, when Elder Yang specifically requested to see Zhou Ming at Tanzhou Station, it was surprising. The subsequent decision to bypass Tanzhou and head straight to Linyang was even more perplexing.

This decision was almost inconceivable. Tanzhou was the provincial capital of Jingchu, the political and economic center. Central leaders generally began their local visits from the provincial capital. Skipping the provincial capital to head straight to a prefecture-level city was an unusual and confusing route.

Was it really because of Zhou Ming? Was the rural industrial park in Linyang such a captivating factor?

For most people, Elder Yang's decision was simply astonishing. However, for Jiang Wen's secretary, it was quite embarrassing. Recalling his earlier advice to Zhou Ming not to approach, it was akin to a resounding slap in the face, a sound that no amount of composure could rectify.

In contrast, Zhou Ming, the center of attention, sat respectfully before Elder Yang, seemingly unaware of the shock he had caused others.

Zhou Ming was indeed sensitive to the situation but chose not to comment. Although his behavior might seem high-handed, with Elder Yang right in front of him, he had little choice but to maintain a certain demeanor.

The journey from Tanzhou to Linyang wasn't far. In thirty years, high-speed rail would make the trip in forty minutes. But without high-speed rail and with regular trains still not speeding up, even Elder Yang's special train took nearly four hours, arriving in Linyang around four in the afternoon.

"Finally arrived in Linyang. I've passed through here many times and heard many stories about this place. Now I finally have the chance to see it in person. Let's get off the train."

Elder Yang said as he stood up to disembark. Provincial Secretary Jiang Wen approached him and said, "Linyang is indeed a good place, a key transportation hub in southern Jingchu. However, it's getting late. Let's have the local comrades take you to your accommodation. We'll visit the industrial park tomorrow morning."

Jiang Wen's arrangement was standard practice for accommodating national leaders, but Elder Yang disagreed. "It's still early. You always think that because of my age, I can't endure hardship. In reality, I'm quite capable. I've walked through snow-capped mountains before, and I'm not tired at all from this journey. This time, I'm just here for a casual visit. I'll stay wherever you stay. There's no need for special arrangements. Staying at the industrial park is fine!"

Despite Elder Yang's previous fondness for Linyang and the rural industrial park, his decision to skip Linyang and head straight to the industrial park still left everyone somewhat disoriented.

However, since Elder Yang had spoken, the subordinates had no choice but to comply.

Thus, Zhou Ming and Jiang Wen accompanied Elder Yang off the train, while Xiong Qingping and Chen Da lagged behind. Xiong Qingping instructed Chen Da, "Prepare immediately for Elder Yang's visit to the industrial park. There must be no mistakes!"

"Governor, don't worry. I've made all the preparations in advance, especially for Factory 760 and the industrial park. I started arranging for the city's Public Security Bureau and Propaganda Department to conduct personnel checks and ideological work there over half a month ago. There won't be any problems!" Chen Da confidently replied.

"Didn't expect Comrade Chen Da to have such foresight. If that's the case, you've done a good job."

Xiong Qingping praised Chen Da and then joined the rest of the leadership group. Chen Da, watching Xiong Qingping leave, sighed in relief while admiring Zhou Ming's insight.

Chen Da vividly remembered Zhou Ming's words from over half a month ago. At that time, after receiving provincial news, Chen Da had discussed with Zhou Ming about redeploying the city. Zhou Ming had suggested that there was no need for extensive city redeployment, only to focus on the rural industrial park. Chen Da had thought Zhou Ming was being arrogant, but it now seemed that Zhou Ming had anticipated this situation long ago.

Chen Da didn't understand how Zhou Ming could be so sure that Elder Yang would head directly to the rural industrial park. Zhou Ming's foresight was indeed extraordinary.

As Elder Yang and his entourage exited Linyang Station, they followed a specially cleared passage, avoiding any disturbance. A convoy awaited them at the exit.

As requested by Elder Yang, the convoy consisted of only two cars and two minibuses. Elder Yang, Jiang Wen, Xiong Qingping, and other key figures traveled in one vehicle, while the remaining attendants traveled in another.

After boarding, Elder Yang said to Zhou Ming, "I've heard that the development model of the rural industrial park is different. Today, I want to see what makes it different."

"Actually, there's not much difference. It's modeled after the special zones in the capital and Nanjiang, concentrating policy and financial advantages to develop this area first, using it as a base to gradually drive economic development in the region," Zhou Ming explained.

Listening to Zhou Ming's explanation, Elder Yang smiled. He pointed at Zhou Ming and said, "This young comrade has big ambitions. You're trying to replicate the models of the capital and Nanjiang. But do you know that neither the capital's high-tech development zone nor Nanjiang's special zone is simple? One relies on prestigious universities, and the other on export seaports. So, what advantages do you have here?"

"Elder Yang, you might not know, but the advantages here are even greater than those," Zhou Ming said.

Yang Dingguo asked curiously, "What are the advantages?"

"Because there is only one Zhou Ming and one rural industrial park in the entire country. This unique condition is the greatest advantage!" Zhou Ming replied.

Upon hearing Zhou Ming's answer, Yang Dingguo applauded and said, "Comrade Zhou Ming is right. I've always emphasized that our reform and opening up should be pioneering and bold. Development is the key! If we can't seize the opportunity to develop ourselves, how can we showcase the advantages of our system?"

"No matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat. No matter the name, what matters is whether it benefits the development of socialist productivity and improves people's living standards. In this regard, I believe Comrade Zhou Ming has done exceptionally well!"

Yang Dingguo continued, "Although Comrade Zhou Ming is not a party cadre, everything he's done supports the national reform and opening-up strategy through practical actions. It's quite commendable!"

Yang Dingguo's words elicited warm applause from those present. The minibuses then smoothly departed, heading towards the rural industrial park.

As the vehicles traveled on the newly paved asphalt roads, Yang Dingguo looked at the scenery outside and felt the smooth ride. He remarked, "If I hadn't come here personally, I wouldn't have imagined that a small city in central China could have such roads and develop so well."

Zhou Ming responded, "Elder Yang, I believe that as long as our country continues to uphold reform and opening up, development will get better and better, and people's living standards will rise. One day, every village will have roads like these. I'm confident!"

"I also believe so," Yang Dingguo said.

While the atmosphere in the minibus was positive, a sudden remark from a Central Office secretary in the front shocked everyone: "Not good, Elder Yang, there are many unidentified people ahead on the road!"