After counting the money, depositing it into the account, and completing the formalities.
Ning Yuan then turned to Mayor Qiao, raising an eyebrow: "Uncle Qiao, I've already gotten the rent back. When are we going to sign the contract? I'm just waiting for this money to be transferred to me."
Mayor Qiao thought for a moment and said, "Xiao Ning, this matter can't be rushed. We need to plan it carefully. How about we hold a grand signing ceremony in five days?"
Ning Yuan was taken aback, blinking her eyes: "Five days? Uncle Qiao, when did you become so particular about rituals? Why are you making it take so long? I still have this money waiting to be 'cooked'!"
Mayor Qiao laughed heartily: "You're still so impatient, girl! But this time it's different. We're going to take this opportunity to give them a good publicity boost!"
He explained earnestly, "Xiao Ning, you represent the first large-scale industrial investment from Hong Kong to be introduced to our country! We should make you a representative of outstanding Hong Kong businessmen, put you on TV, promote you, and encourage more Hong Kong businessmen, Taiwanese businessmen, and overseas compatriots to come back and invest!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Yuan was stunned and shook her head vigorously: "Uncle Qiao, I don't want to be some kind of Hong Kong business representative. It's so uncomfortable to be in the public eye. Besides, I actually have a mainland household registration, and I don't want to attract too much attention..."
She doesn't want to be thrust into the spotlight; making a fortune quietly is the best approach!
Mayor Qiao and Secretary Li exchanged a glance, both understanding that Ning Yuan didn't want to cause trouble.
Mayor Qiao said with a smile, "Although you have a mainland household registration, you also have an identity card with the Hong Kong government, so how can you not be considered a Hong Kong businessman?"
Secretary Li chimed in, "Yes, Comrade Xiao Ning, you've set a great example! The connections between the two places aren't very smooth yet, so you've set a good example for other Hong Kong businessmen."
Ning Yuan hesitated for a moment: "Uncle Qiao, I..."
Mayor Qiao said earnestly, "Xiao Ning, actually, the higher-ups are also taking this matter very seriously. They even sent comrades from CCTV to come and interview us, saying they want to promote and publicize it nationwide..."
Upon hearing this, Ning Yuan felt a chill run down her spine: "Uncle Qiao, you know, I have to keep a low profile in this line of work. It's not good for foreigners to find out too early!"
Nationwide promotion and publicity? Wouldn't that mean she'd be on TV? That would attract far more attention than appearing in the newspaper!
Mayor Qiao pondered for a moment: "Alright! Comrade Xiao Ning, if you don't want to be famous, then we won't! However, how about this: we won't publish your photo, we'll only leave a written record, and we won't go into detail about your investment!"
"If you just say you're investing in electronic products, people nowadays only think of things like televisions, tape recorders, and radios when they think of electronic products."
Ning Yuan frowned slightly, weighed the matter carefully, and finally nodded: "Then... alright! Uncle Qiao, I promise you, but please skip the video and photos, just a simple written record will do."
Mayor Qiao was overjoyed to see Ning Yuan agree: "Great! It's settled then! I'll host a lunch at the Donghu Hotel to celebrate! We'll also invite Old Tang and Grandma Xia to join us!"
Ning Yuan smiled and nodded in agreement.
Mayor Qiao got into Ning Yuan's car, and the driver took the two of them towards the Donghu Hotel.
The two chatted casually along the way, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Mayor Qiao looked at Ning Yuan and suddenly remembered something. He said, "Xiao Ning, if you're really so concerned about your semiconductor foundry being exposed too early, why don't you just set up a production line and make some other electronic products?"
He paused, then added, "Look, radios and tapes are selling like hotcakes in mainland China right now! Doing this will definitely make you money and quickly recoup your investment, relieving your financial pressure!"
He vaguely heard Granny Xia and Old Man Tang talking about Ning Yuan's situation in the Ning family, and knew that the girl was not having an easy time.
She was constantly on edge, working incredibly hard, and even managing to scrape together the funds through various means.
Upon hearing this, Ning Yuan's eyes lit up. What was originally just a temporary measure to cope with publicity had now opened a new door in her mind!
We were so focused on semiconductor foundry that we forgot about the 20,000 square meters of land, which we won't need in the early stages!
Ning Yuan's eyes lit up, and she clenched her fist: "Uncle Qiao, your idea is great! In the beginning, we can indeed produce radios, tape recorders, and the like, and even set up a small clothing factory! Do whatever makes money. Right now, the mainland market is still a blue ocean for every industry! Opportunities are everywhere!"
The term "blue ocean" refers to market spaces that have relatively little competition and have not yet been fully developed.
In this field, there may be only a few companies, or even no competitors at all, giving companies more opportunities to grow and become profitable!
Ning Yuan's mind immediately started working: "Yes, that's the idea! Once the semiconductor foundry is up and running, these garment factories and small electronics factories can all provide it with funding!"
In the early days of reform and opening up, it was truly like finding gold everywhere; people did whatever made money and weren't afraid of losing!
Ning Yuan recalled how Liang Jiaxin and Liang Jialele, siblings, had helped her a lot when she was reselling clothing and electronic products in Shanghai.
They are experts, especially when it comes to clothing!
If we can get them to join us, then this matter is settled!
Mayor Qiao laughed and said, "You're a smart girl! I'm just giving you a heads-up. How you actually do it is up to you."
When they arrived at the Donghu Hotel, Mr. Tang and Grandma Xia were already waiting there.
The group enjoyed a happy lunch. Every time Ning Yuan returned to the mainland, she felt fully recharged and full of energy.
This is a kind of happiness and peace of mind that cannot be felt in the glamorous yet hypocritical world of fame and fortune in Hong Kong.
After returning to his office, Mayor Qiao immediately threw himself into his busy work, making phone calls one after another.
"Hey, Old Chen, yes, it's me. It's about Comrade Ning Yuan..."
"What? Okay, okay, I'll arrange it right away!"
"Xiao Li! Come in here for a moment!"
Besides making phone calls, he also held two meetings non-stop, assigning tasks one by one, keeping him extremely busy.
...
The next day, Mayor Qiao was busy when the red phone on his desk suddenly rang.
His heart skipped a beat; not many people could make this call!
He immediately stood up, grabbed the phone, straightened his back instantly, and showed an unusual seriousness and respect on his face.
"Yes, yes, I understand... I will definitely... guarantee to complete the mission!"
In just a few words, Mayor Qiao's forehead was already covered in a fine layer of sweat. He dared not be negligent in the slightest because of the person on the other end of the phone.
After hanging up the phone, Mayor Qiao remained in the same position as when he answered it, and it took him a while to come to his senses.
He immediately dialed the internal line: "Xiao Li! Notify all department heads to hold an emergency meeting right now!"
On the third day, Ning Yuan was summoned to Mayor Qiao's office.
"Uncle Qiao, you wanted to see me?" Ning Yuan asked with a smile as soon as she entered the door.
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