"Mr. Zhou, please forgive my intrusion."

“I also contacted County Chief Liang of Kaiming County.”

Lin Fan suddenly said, "However, because the occasion is not appropriate, he is thinking of coming to our tea factory tomorrow to meet you."

"Oh? Dr. Lin, you must have quite a few connections in Kaiming County."

Zhou Zhiqiang said meaningfully.

"You flatter me, Mr. Zhou!"

“This county town is not big, everyone knows each other, we see each other all the time.”

Lin Fan gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"I disagree with what you're saying."

Zhou Zhiqiang shook his head and said seriously, "I did my homework before I came."

You have eight townships here, with a population of nearly 140,000.

Including the mountainous areas, the area is about 2,000 square kilometers, with arable land accounting for 38 percent.

In particular, it is rich in mineral resources, and several types of metallic ores have been discovered, although they lack the conditions for mining.

"Mr. Zhou, it seems you know Kaiming County better than I do."

"I think I understand the saying now: opportunity always favors the prepared mind."

Lin Fan couldn't help but say.

"The reason why Kaiming County has always been a poor county is because the leaders here are not quite up to par."

"The trend is erratic; the problems of the previous administration are not yet solved before the next administration arrives."

"Moreover, most of those who come are here to gain credit, and many are just people with connections who are here to gild their resumes."

Zhou Zhiqiang continued to speak eloquently, "Therefore, many people lack the courage to take bold and decisive action."

With so many accumulated problems, officials in office started to act recklessly.

"Mr. Zhou's analysis is very insightful."

Lin Fan sighed and said, "However, the resources here are still very abundant."

If someone is willing to invest on a large scale, the local economy could be revitalized in just a few years.

"We could start with health-preserving teas."

"If the timing is right, we can test the waters."

Zhou Zhiqiang smiled and gave an ambiguous condition.

I'm only here to collaborate with you on health-preserving tea. As for whether we want to develop this place further, that depends on the opportunity.

Because he had also been ripped off in small towns—the kind where he lost everything.