Chapter 98

Before his rebirth, Zhou Ming was also a standard nobody, dreaming every day of getting a promotion, a raise, becoming a general manager, taking on the role of CEO, and marrying a beautiful and wealthy woman. Therefore, when he heard Du Peng’s words just now, he was indeed a bit excited. After all, Kong Xiaolin was quite a woman, and from the way she admired him just now, it seemed that as long as he made a move, she would clean herself up, pack herself up, and send herself to bed, waiting for him to favor her.

However, this could only be a fantasy. To succeed, he first needed to control his desires. Otherwise, why would Wang Dachui mention “promotion, raise, becoming a general manager, and taking on the role of CEO” before the last part about marrying a beautiful and wealthy woman? It was because these were the prerequisites. Without these conditions, the last part about marrying a beautiful and wealthy woman and reaching the pinnacle of life would all be nonsense!

Imagine, if he were not Zhou Ming, not the development advisor of the municipal government, and had not sold that plot of land for 8.5 million yuan, Kong Xiaolin probably wouldn’t even have given him a second glance.

His career was just starting. If he began to indulge in pleasure and desire, and if he were to be reduced to his former self in the future, wouldn’t it be a waste of this one-time rebirth?

With these thoughts, Zhou Ming and Du Peng arrived at the municipal government building. Du Peng parked the car, and they went upstairs to Mayor Chen Yunfei’s office.

Like many old cadres, Mayor Chen Yunfei’s office was very simple, with only a calligraphy piece of a central leader that stood out.

Seeing Zhou Ming and Du Peng enter, Chen Yunfei first had them sit on the sofa, then quickly approved a document and handed it to his secretary to take out. He then stood up and asked, “Why did you come so quickly? Did the meeting with the bank presidents end? Don’t tell me you’re here to complain, because I won’t help.”

“Mayor Chen, you’re joking. We’re here to bring you good news. I didn’t let you down; I’ve successfully convinced all the bank presidents!” Zhou Ming said.

“Oh? You really did it?” Chen Yunfei was surprised.

Actually, Chen Yunfei had more to say: “Those bank presidents didn’t just humor you, did they?”

Chen Yunfei wasn’t doubting Zhou Ming, but even if he trusted Zhou Ming’s abilities, those bank presidents were not easy to deal with. Chen Yunfei thought that even if he went himself, it would take a lot of effort. Now, Zhou Ming was just a businessman with no power, only holding the title of advisor. How could he convince those seasoned officials?

At this moment, Du Peng explained to Chen Yunfei, “Uncle Chen, you weren’t there. The scene was unbelievable. At first, those bank presidents looked down on Zhou Ming and even interrupted him several times. But after Zhou Ming explained the prospects to them, they all listened obediently and even promised to recall the loans.”

Listening to Du Peng’s account, Chen Yunfei was stunned for a moment before asking, “Just... that simple?”

Du Peng nodded heavily, “That simple. Even I, who saw it with my own eyes, couldn’t believe it.”

Chen Yunfei took a deep breath, took off his glasses, and gently massaged his temples, asking Du Peng to bring him a cup of tea.

As the mayor of Nanjiang and the deputy governor of Lingnan, Chen Yunfei’s composure was undoubtedly profound. These reactions were enough to show the turmoil in his heart. If it were anyone else, they would probably have no thoughts left.

If someone else had told Chen Yunfei this, he would have thought they were telling a story, an impossible fairy tale. But Zhou Ming... my goodness! It seemed that nothing was impossible for this young man. From the initial 8.5 million yuan land auction to the subsequent land speculation, no matter how absurd or unbelievable Du Peng’s words were, Zhou Ming seemed to make them happen.

What kind of prodigy is this!

In the end, Chen Yunfei could only give Zhou Ming such an evaluation in his heart.

Suddenly, the door to Chen Yunfei’s office was knocked on, and his secretary walked in, reporting that the banks had started to recall the loans.

Chen Yunfei nodded silently, waved his hand to dismiss the secretary, and took a few sips of tea to calm his heart. He then looked up at Zhou Ming and sighed, “You, young man, really leave me speechless.”

Zhou Ming smiled slightly, “Since Mayor Chen doesn’t know what to say, just don’t say anything. Since I’m the development advisor of Nanjiang, I’m one of your soldiers.”

Chen Yunfei waved his hand weakly, “Forget it, I don’t have the ability to lead a soldier like you.”

This statement left his secretary and Du Peng feeling their brains were not enough. Especially the secretary, as the chief secretary of the municipal government, he knew how capable his leader was. Even in front of provincial leaders, he dared to argue. Now, just facing a young man, he gave up? What was going on? If this news got out, it would be explosive.

“Alright, since you’ve done the ideological work with the bank presidents and they’ve started to recall the loans, that’s good,” Chen Yunfei continued. “Originally, there was a teleconference planned after the land speculation issue was resolved, but now it might be moved up.”

Zhou Ming’s heart stirred, “Teleconference? What teleconference? Is it related to me?”

“You’re quick-witted, young man,” Chen Yunfei pointed at Zhou Ming, “This teleconference was originally a summary meeting for the land speculation issue. Do you think it’s related to you?”

“Alright, the land speculation issue was caused by me and Du Peng’s land speculation, and now I’ve done the ideological work with the bank presidents. Of course, it’s related to me. I probably can’t run away from it,” Zhou Ming then asked Chen Yunfei, “But Mayor Chen, can you give me a hint about what level this teleconference is?”

“You, young man, this teleconference is personally chaired by Comrade Yang Dingguo. What level do you think it is?” Chen Yunfei said lightly.

Hearing this name, even as a reborn person, Zhou Ming couldn’t help but be shocked. He couldn’t help it; this name was too significant. He was a major figure in the history of New China, the actual leader of the central government, and the one who proposed and pushed for the reform and opening-up policy, leading the country from poverty to prosperity.

In his previous life, Zhou Ming could only see this great man’s photos on TV and in newspapers. Due to the vast difference in status, he had no chance to interact with such a powerful figure. But now, he was unexpectedly going to participate in a teleconference chaired by this great man?

Zhou Ming swallowed hard, “Mayor Chen, you’re not joking, right? This level of meeting should be confidential. I’m a big capitalist from Hong Kong. Do I have the qualifications to participate?”

Seeing Zhou Ming’s expression, Chen Yunfei was secretly delighted. He thought, you’ve given me so many surprises, and now it’s finally my turn to surprise you.

If Du Peng and Chen Yunfei’s secretary knew what Chen Yunfei was thinking, they would probably be shocked. They would lament how crazy the world was. Because Chen Yunfei’s thoughts were like a child throwing a tantrum. Just a mayor of Nanjiang and a deputy governor of Lingnan having a tantrum with a city development advisor? Wasn’t that absurd?

Chen Yunfei smiled at Zhou Ming, “Zhou Ming, you should know the status of Nanjiang in the heart of this old comrade. It’s an economic special zone he personally designated, a window and a model for the country’s reform and opening-up. Any slight movement here, he personally inquires about. The housing reform policy was also his directive, and the land speculation issue that followed, do you think he wouldn’t know?”

“Old Comrade Yang definitely knows,” Zhou Ming said.

Chen Yunfei’s words didn’t surprise Zhou Ming. After all, a few days ago, when he first arrived in Nanjiang, Du Peng had told him that the land speculation issue had already alarmed this great man.

However, what surprised Zhou Ming came next. Chen Yunfei continued, “A teleconference personally chaired by Old Comrade Yang is, of course, confidential. But you, Zhou Ming, were personally named by him to participate. As for your background, I’ve checked. Your parents are workers, pure proletarians. Not only is your background simple, but you are also someone the party needs to unite.”

Zhou Ming ignored Chen Yunfei’s teasing and focused on the key point, “Mayor Chen, you said I was personally named by Old Comrade Yang to participate?”

Chen Yunfei said seriously, “Yes, Zhou Ming, the first plot of land in Nanjiang was sold by you for 8.5 million yuan, ending the central government’s debate and allowing Old Comrade Yang to smoothly direct Nanjiang to start government-led land auctions. Later, you had Du Peng speculate on land, causing the land speculation issue, which led to another debate in the central government. Now, you’ve seized the banks as a breakthrough, ending the land speculation issue without using administrative means to directly intervene in the market. As the instigator of all this, Old Comrade Yang definitely wants to hear your report.”

After hearing Chen Yunfei’s words, Zhou Ming couldn’t help but say, “I just wanted to make some money quietly and be a capitalist in peace. I didn’t expect to alarm the central government, and such a great figure.”

Chen Yunfei chuckled, “With your economic prowess, if this is what you call making money quietly, then there’s no such thing as making money loudly.”

“I just want to make some money quietly and be a capitalist in peace,” Zhou Ming repeated.

“You are a shining star of New China, and you can’t hide,” Chen Yunfei said.

“I just want to make some money quietly and be a capitalist in peace,” Zhou Ming still said.

Chen Yunfei slammed the table, “I don’t care what you want. You’re going to this meeting, whether you like it or not!”

Seeing Chen Yunfei’s unprofessional behavior, Du Peng and Chen Yunfei’s secretary were instantly petrified, while Zhou Ming said helplessly, “Alright, I’ll go. Whatever happens, I’ll accept it.”