Chapter 392: The Stubbornness of One Old and One Young

The words from the Central Office secretary immediately intensified the atmosphere inside the minibus. Everyone peered ahead and saw a large crowd of people at the end of the road, which only heightened their anxiety.

The anxiety wasn't due to fears of assassination. The schedule for the national leader's travels is strictly confidential, making it hard for anyone to know in advance, especially with Yang's unexpected visit to the industrial park, which even surprised the people accompanying him, let alone outsiders. It was unlikely that anyone had enough time to organize such a large group to target him.

What they feared most was an unplanned encounter with petitioners, especially for Provincial Party Secretary Jiang Wen and Linyang City Party Secretary Chen Da.

"Comrade Chen Da, what's going on here? Were you deceiving the organization by reporting that the situation at the industrial park was stable?" Jiang Wen asked Chen Da in a low voice.

Chen Da was sweating profusely under Jiang Wen's piercing gaze. He wanted to say that the industrial park was managed by Zhou Ming, but he knew that doing so would end his career. After all, if a city party secretary couldn't control an industrial park, what use was he?

Chen Da could only answer honestly, "Secretary, I had already arranged for the public security and publicity departments to come over a month ago. I knew someone might come, so we needed to be fully prepared."

While Jiang Wen questioned Chen Da, Yang Dingguo also noticed the crowd on the road. Instead of becoming furious, he calmly asked Zhou Ming about the situation. Zhou Ming didn't answer immediately but took a closer look and then responded, "Yang Lao, those people seem to be workers from our 760 Factory."

Chen Da could barely restrain his frustration at Zhou Ming's answer. Wasn't that obvious? The workers' uniforms made it clear who they were. The real issue was why they were there and what their purpose was.

Not only Chen Da, but everyone, including Yang Lao, was puzzled by this. Zhou Ming saw their confusion and, without trying to build suspense, explained with a wry smile, "Yang Lao, it seems my vehicle inadvertently revealed our itinerary and the factory workers found out that I was back."

Initially, the crowd's appearance had surprised everyone, but Zhou Ming's explanation left them even more confused: What did it mean that the car had "betrayed" them? The car was simply the lead vehicle of the convoy, chosen because it was the best available. How could it attract such a crowd? Did Zhou Ming's car have some special power?

Zhou Ming continued to explain, "When I left the factory this morning, I instructed them to complete all necessary preparations. Based on our cooperation with Linyang's departments, the factory staff likely guessed that a big figure might come for an inspection. So when they saw my car returning, they came to the factory entrance to greet me. The location they are at is where our 760 Factory's sign is."

Zhou Ming pointed out the factory sign in the crowd.

"So you're saying that you're well-regarded at your 760 Factory?" Yang Dingguo asked with interest.

"I wouldn't say that, but the factory's staff and managers do have a lot of trust in me," Zhou Ming replied.

After Zhou Ming's explanation, Provincial Party Secretary Jiang Wen added, "Yang Lao, you might not know that there is a congee factory in the 760 Factory. Most of the factory staff came from a canning factory that was about to go bankrupt. Zhou Ming provided them with new jobs, and they have great respect and affection for him. That's probably why."

"Is that so? Well, I must experience this for myself," Yang Dingguo said, then ordered the driver to pull over.

This command startled everyone because usually, crowds meeting national leaders are carefully vetted. The idea of casually meeting them was unconventional and dangerous. National leaders have crucial responsibilities and cannot afford to be placed in risky situations.

Thus, Yang Dingguo's family, Central Office officials, and Jiang Wen all urged him not to get out of the car but to wave from inside to minimize risks. Getting out would make it much harder to handle unexpected situations.

However, Yang Dingguo ignored their pleas and asked Zhou Ming, "Comrade Zhou Ming, they are advising me not to get out of the car, as no one knows the true intentions of these people. What do you think?"

"I believe you can get out of the car. As long as they are from my 760 Factory, you can trust them completely," Zhou Ming said.

"Alright, I trust Comrade Zhou Ming's words," Yang Dingguo decisively decided.

If Yang Dingguo's earlier decision to get out of the car had already stirred up a storm, his current decision completely exploded the scene.

Central Office officials tried to dissuade Yang Dingguo, saying, "Yang Lao, this is absolutely not acceptable! Even though I trust Comrade Zhou Ming and these 760 Factory workers, you only need to greet them from the car. You are the top leader of the central government, and your safety is paramount!"

Jiang Wen sternly criticized Zhou Ming, "Zhou Ming, what are you doing? Do you think the leader's inspection is just a child's game? You can't just coax Yang Lao into getting out of the car with a simple 'I trust you'. You should think from the broader perspective and consider the Party and the central government's stance!"

Not just Jiang Wen, but also Governor Xiong Qingping and Central Office officials all came to criticize Zhou Ming, each with different words but the same message: they condemned Zhou Ming's decision and were frustrated that he was not supporting Yang Dingguo.

Despite the opposition and criticism, both the old and the young remained stubborn.

Yang Dingguo said, "Why is it unacceptable to get out of the car? Chairman Mao used to meet so many people in Yanjing and interacted with the masses without any danger. Why should it be dangerous for me? I refuse to be aloof and detached from our revolutionary roots."

As a national leader, Yang Dingguo could say what he wanted, but Zhou Ming could only shrink back and endure the criticism while sticking to his own views.

As the car approached, Yang Dingguo remained resolute, and the people in the car could only follow his lead.

When the car stopped in front of the crowd, the workers erupted in enthusiastic cheers. Zhou Ming was the first to get out, as the Central Office had devised this compromise to either prepare the workers or address the situation. 

Zhou Ming didn't get out but stood at the door, using a loudspeaker to address the crowd, "Comrades, I've always said that our 760 Factory and this industrial park are destined for greatness. Now, this is that great moment because our national leader, the great architect of reform and opening up, Yang Dingguo, has come to visit us!"

There was a moment of silence after Zhou Ming's announcement. Everyone's expressions froze, and they stared at Zhou Ming in disbelief.

But the silence was brief, and soon it was replaced by deafening cheers. As Yang Dingguo stepped to the car door, Zhou Ming moved aside. The workers' enthusiasm reached a new height when they saw Yang Dingguo.

The workers and managers shouted loudly, waving their arms, their faces filled with intense excitement, and many were even in tears.

This was excitement and uncontrollable elation.

For ordinary people, seeing a national leader might be thrilling, but for the 760 Factory's staff, the visit meant more than just excitement—it was an affirmation of their hard work after overcoming numerous challenges, including the near-collapse they faced from previous adversaries.

Zhou Ming's efforts had revived the factory and given them hope for the future. With Yang Lao coming from the capital, it was the ultimate recognition and support, making them feel that their long struggle was finally paying off.

Such feelings were bound to bring tears of joy.

Additionally, the workers' admiration and trust in Zhou Ming grew even stronger. 

They knew Zhou Ming was capable of creating miracles, and this visit by a national leader was the most profound miracle of all. What leader could be more trustworthy and admirable than Zhou Ming?