216: Chapter 216 A Trip to Shengjing City

Old Master Zheng had taken a trip to the gates of hell, but he had miraculously pulled through.

When the news reached Changyuan County, Xu Weidong was in his office reviewing documents.

The person who brought the news sounded somewhat incredulous, saying that the old master had spent the entire night in the emergency room, but opened his eyes at dawn—even the doctors called it a miracle.

Xu Weidong put down the document without any particular reaction.

The old master's life or death had nothing to do with him.

Three days later, County Mayor Bai Weijun called Xu Weidong into his office.

He said that the province was holding a high-level investment promotion fair, a rare opportunity, and he planned to go with Xu Weidong.

Xu Weidong did not refuse, and after discussing some details, they went back to prepare.

A day later, one Coaster and two business vans drove out from the County Committee Compound in a single file.

County Mayor Bai Weijun sat in the first row of the Coaster, holding a list of the seven companies they were to engage with this time.

Xu Weidong sat beside him, also looking at the list.

The two exchanged opinions in low voices; though they spoke quietly, the importance they placed on this investment promotion was self-evident.

The destination of the motorcade was the capital of Fengtian Province, Shengjing City.

This major northern hub appeared exceptionally magnificent under the autumn sun, with traffic flowing like a woven tapestry on the wide streets and skyscrapers standing side by side on both sides.

Xu Weidong had been to Shengjing many times, but previously it was mostly passing through or for business; this was the first time he had come with an investment promotion mission.

The itinerary for the inspection was very tight: three days, seven companies, scattered across different districts of Shengjing City.

County Mayor Bai Weijun's strategy was clear: Changyuan County's industrial structure was dominated by agriculture and agricultural product processing; it lacked technology and markets, and even more so, the leadership of a flagship enterprise.

The companies they were engaging with were leaders in their respective industries within the province and even the country. Signing a letter of intent would be a victory, and having one actually set up shop would be a huge success.

The first company inspected was a large food company specializing in deep processing of meat products.

Xu Weidong walked along the observation corridor, looking down at the production line through the glass window.

The automated assembly lines were running at high speed, and workers in uniform were busy at their respective stations. The workshop was spotless, and there was no unpleasant odor in the air.

The company's vice president, surnamed Wang, was in his early forties. He spoke frankly and was very hospitable to the inspection team from Changyuan County, but he was cautious about investing in building a factory.

He stated bluntly that Changyuan County's locational advantages were not obvious, while logistics costs were on the high side.

Although agricultural resources were abundant, the industrial chain support was not yet perfect, making the overall appeal limited.

County Mayor Bai Weijun was not discouraged; he asked Xu Weidong to detail Changyuan County's investment policies, resource advantages, location and transportation, and industrial planning one by one.

The data was detailed, the logic was clear, and what they presented were solid, tangible advantages.

After hearing this, Vice President Wang's attitude softened, and he said he would report it to the board of directors.

The second and third food companies were much more positive than the first.

One of them, which made snack foods, was very interested in the agricultural resources of Changyuan County.

They had their procurement department handle samples on the spot, saying that if the quality met their requirements, they could consider purchasing raw materials first before discussing building a factory.

Another company, which made frozen foods, had already set up several production bases in the Northeast region.

Changyuan County's location happened to fill a gap in their coverage area. The negotiations went very smoothly, and by the time they left, the other party had already brought out the first draft of the letter of intent.

The fourth and fifth companies were large agricultural product companies; one focused on fruit and vegetable planting and processing, and the other on grain storage and trade.

The fruit and vegetable processing company showed great interest in the hanfu apple and hazelnut from Hukuang Township. The technical director asked in detail about the varieties, yields, quality control, and other conditions.

Xu Weidong answered each question, with data accurate even to two decimal places.

The technical director was very satisfied and stated that this quality fully met their company's raw material standards. As long as the supply volume was guaranteed, they could consider building a branch in Changyuan County specifically for fresh fruit grading, packaging, and cold chain logistics.

The grain trading company was more concerned about Changyuan County's transportation conditions. County Mayor Bai Weijun immediately declared that as long as the project was implemented, the County Government would fully coordinate with the railway department to strive to open a dedicated grain train line.

The other party's general manager's eyes lit up, saying that this condition was very attractive.

The sixth and seventh companies were auto parts companies. Changyuan County's industrial foundation was weak, and the auto parts industry was almost zero, but this did not stop County Mayor Bai Weijun from taking Xu Weidong to inspect and learn from them.

The heads of both companies were very polite but had little interest in investing in building a factory, believing that Changyuan County's industrial support was too poor and logistics costs were too high.

Xu Weidong did not give up; he handed over the investment materials he was carrying one by one, shook hands and said goodbye to each, saying they were welcome to visit Changyuan County for inspection at any time.

The three-day inspection ended, and the results exceeded expectations.

Of the seven companies, six signed letters of intent, and one large food company made a decision on the spot to invest in building a factory in Changyuan County. The first phase of investment would be 50 million, mainly for deep processing of meat products, with an estimated annual output value of 200 million and creating over 500 jobs.

County Mayor Bai Weijun was in a very good mood on the car ride back, saying that this trip was not in vain.

Xu Weidong smiled and said, "It is all thanks to your capable leadership, County Mayor."

County Mayor Bai Weijun chuckled and said, "Some things are better left unspoken; I won't say how this project was landed."

They had dinner in the evening at the Provincial Party Committee guesthouse, which had been specially arranged by Governor Zhou Wenbin.

After arriving in Shengjing, Xu Weidong had called him to report his itinerary as a matter of protocol.

"I will come to see you when I arrive."

Governor Zhou Wenbin said on the other end of the phone, "It's rare for you to come to the provincial capital. Let's have dinner together tonight; Minister Ma Fuqiang happens to be here too, and there are some old friends you should meet."

Xu Weidong did not decline; he knew who the old friends Governor Zhou Wenbin was referring to, and he knew what this dinner meant.

The private room was at the very back of the guesthouse, away from the street, and it was very quiet.

When Xu Weidong arrived, Governor Zhou Wenbin and Minister Ma Fuqiang were already drinking tea.

The two were sitting on the sofa, with a purple clay teapot and a few small teacups on the coffee table in front of them. The tea soup was golden and translucent—it was high-quality Wuyi rock tea, and its aroma permeated the air, mellow and understated.

Governor Zhou Wenbin was wearing a dark jacket, looking a bit more casual than when he was in the office, but that aura of someone in a high position could not be concealed by just changing clothes.

Minister Ma Fuqiang sat opposite him, holding a cigarette in his hand. There were two cigarette butts in the ashtray. His hair was gray, but he was full of vigor.

His gaze was still as sharp as a falcon's; the intensity cultivated from long-term work on the Political and Legal Affairs Commission front could not be worn away by a change of position.

Seeing Xu Weidong enter, both stood up; their attitude was not that of treating a subordinate, but of treating a younger member of their own family.

Governor Zhou Wenbin spoke first, smiling and asking Xu Weidong to sit down.

Xu Weidong respectfully called out, "Uncle Zhou, Uncle Ma," and sat on the sofa nearby.

A waiter came in to pour tea, then exited, and the door was closed firmly.

Governor Zhou Wenbin looked him over, and the smile on his lips deepened a little.

"How did the investment promotion go? I heard from Little Bai that the results were quite significant?"

Xu Weidong gave a brief report on the itinerary of the past few days: of the seven companies, six signed letters of intent, and one had already confirmed it would invest in building a factory, with 50 million in the first phase and potential additions later.

After listening, Governor Zhou Wenbin nodded and said, "Not bad. Comrade Weidong, you are becoming increasingly adept at handling economic work."

Minister Ma Fuqiang added from the side, "Wenbin, you've forgotten; when Comrade Weidong was in Hukuang Township, he made that industrial park quite successful. Tianmu Group invested 100 million. Now, handling investment promotion is second nature to him."

As they were talking, the door was pushed open.

Governor Zhou Wenbin smiled and said, "Comrade Weidong, do you still recognize your Uncle Chen?"

"Uncle Chen?! You've also been transferred over from Hanzhong?"

Secretary Chen Liang laughed heartily, "It's all thanks to the promotion of our old leader."

Minister Ma Fuqiang teased, "Don't look at your Uncle Chen now as the Secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission; he might as well set up his office in the Provincial Public Security Department. He runs to the Provincial Public Security Department whether there's business or not; those who don't know might think he's the Director of the Public Security Department."

Xu Weidong smiled and said, "Uncle Chen, this is also a matter of professional alignment."

Secretary Chen Liang sat down and took the tea handed over by the waiter.

"Comrade Weidong, you are doing well in Changyuan County; I've heard about it even here in the province. The Crackdown on Organized Crime, investment promotion, work safety—you've fought every battle beautifully."

"The old leader will certainly be happy to know you are doing well."

"Uncle Chen, you flatter me. I am still young, and there is still much to learn."

"Being able to achieve some results is inseparable from the cultivation of the organization and the care and support of all you uncles."

"My father often tells me that one should be low-key in life but high-key in work. I will remember this and work hard, not failing everyone's expectations."

Secretary Chen Liang looked at him and nodded with satisfaction.

The waiter began to serve the dishes. The food was not opulent, but it was exquisite and consisted of home-style flavors, without those flashy, extravagant delicacies.

Governor Zhou Wenbin raised his glass and said, "It's rare for Comrade Weidong to come to the provincial capital. Let this dinner today serve as both a welcome for him and a celebration of his successful investment promotion this time."

Minister Ma Fuqiang followed suit and raised his glass, and Secretary Chen Liang also raised his.

Xu Weidong hurriedly stood up, holding his wine glass with both hands, saying it was his turn to toast all the uncles.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became warm and lively.

Secretary Chen Liang became more talkative, chatting about everything from his days working in public security under Minister Ma Fuqiang in Hanzhong Province to the Crackdown on Organized Crime.

Secretary Chen Liang said with deep emotion, "When the old leader was fighting organized crime in Dongjiang City back then, it was done with real, hard action. It's not like some people nowadays who only know how to slam tables in their offices; they haven't done a few real things that make the common people applaud, but they have one slogan after another."

Minister Ma Fuqiang listened without responding, picking up his glass and sipping it slowly, his eyes cast down as if recalling the years they had spent risking their lives together.

From Hanzhong Province to Fengtian Province, Governor Zhou Wenbin had long been accustomed to his old subordinates recalling their glorious past in front of him.

Secretary Chen Liang suddenly stopped and looked at Xu Weidong, asking him if he had been dealing with people from the Zheng family recently.

Governor Zhou Wenbin and Minister Ma Fuqiang put down their chopsticks at the same time.

Xu Weidong did not hide anything, stating that he was in charge of the Cuican Fireworks matter. The enterprise had major safety hazards, and he had already pushed the relevant departments to seal it up and initiate rectification.

General Manager Hu Dakuan had run off abroad, but his assets had been confiscated, his shares had been reclaimed by the state, and a state-owned enterprise had now taken over to rebuild the factory.

Zheng Ze held dummy shares in Cuican Fireworks and had even called leaders in the city, wanting to help plead for mercy.

Minister Ma Fuqiang stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and said, "I have heard of this Zheng Ze; he is the youngest son of Comrade Zheng Dongguo, and he is good-for-nothing."

"Comrade Zheng Dongguo governed in Lüjiang City for many years and made contributions; he is highly respected and has a very good reputation."

"But this son is a thorn in his side and the only stain on his political career."

"Now that he is bedridden with serious illness, not only does Zheng Ze not restrain himself, but he has become even worse, going around everywhere using the Zheng family's name to swindle and deceive, interfering in engineering projects, and intervening in the normal operations of enterprises. The province is already paying attention to this situation."

Secretary Chen Liang took up the thread, a cold smile hanging on the corner of his lips.

"What is Zheng Ze? Just a playboy expelled from the Zheng family; even if his father were still active, it could not become a protective umbrella for shielding crimes."

Governor Zhou Wenbin picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "As for the Zheng family's affairs, let's stop here."

"After all, Zheng Dongguo is an old comrade; the organization will fairly evaluate his merits and contributions."

"As for Zheng Ze, no matter whose banner he is waving, as long as he violates discipline and the law, investigate what needs to be investigated, handle what needs to be handled, and never tolerate it."

"Comrade Weidong, you are in Changyuan County; do what you need to do, and don't let these matters distract you."

"Standing behind you is not only your father but also the principles of the organization and the dignity of the law."

"Don't worry about what others say or do; do your own job well, do the work of Changyuan County well, and do well for the common people."

"This is your duty, and it is also your father's expectation of you."

"Of course, you still need to be cautious. Some people will do anything for their personal interests."

Xu Weidong nodded.

The night grew deeper; they sat for a while longer, chatted about some family matters, and then dispersed.

Governor Zhou Wenbin had his driver take Xu Weidong back to the hotel, and Minister Ma Fuqiang and Secretary Chen Liang got into their respective cars one after the other.