Chapter 300 Returning to Jiangdong: Risking Life to Eat Pufferfish
Wang Xiao went to the development company and signed a preliminary agreement with General Manager Hu regarding the joint development of 50 acres of land.
It's called an agreement, not a contract, because the people from the three factories and one institute haven't arrived yet. They still don't have a concrete plan for the relocation.
As they left the development company, Vice Mayor Huang took the opportunity to criticize them, saying, "See? This is their work efficiency. If it were us, we would be trying every means to get the land. The landlord relented last night, and I would rush over overnight to avoid any unforeseen complications and them changing their minds."
As a result, they recovered, oh my, they were as immovable as mountains!
No wonder the project that started last year has been dragged on and on until today, and we still can't even get the land.
If Pudong were to develop at your pace, it would be doomed.
Wang Xiao just laughed and didn't respond.
The cicadas outside the window were chirping so loudly that it made one's throat hurt just listening to them.
She turned to Ivanov and said, "Let's go back to Sakhalin after we've finished things here."
Honestly, people who are used to summer in Sakhalin Island and Moscow can't stand the humid heat of the south.
Even before the hottest days of summer have begun, she already feels like she can't breathe.
Ivanov had no objection; he was even more afraid of the heat than Wang Xiao.
Vice Mayor Huang understands and speaks Russian. He sighed, "If I had the chance, I'd like to go cool off too."
If his subordinates were there, they would definitely take the opportunity to flatter their leader, saying, "You've worked so hard, a deputy mayor, having to run around in the sweltering summer heat."
Didn't you see how surprised Mr. Hu was when he found out who he was?
But Wang Xiao didn't want a career in politics, and instead seriously suggested, "Sure, Mayor, why don't you go to the Northeast to inspect machine tools? It's so cool there now."
Then Vice Mayor Huang pretended not to hear it and never mentioned going up north for the summer again.
It's not like there aren't companies in the Yangtze River Delta region that manufacture machine tools.
Back then, relations with the Soviet Union were tense, and a large number of factories moved south. Was the "Third Front" construction project just a sham? The spark of revolution wasn't limited to the Northeast; the Yangtze River Delta region could have been explored much more effectively.
Ivanov's eyebrows were practically flying to the sky as he kept winking and making faces at Wang Xiao.
That's very interesting, Chinese officials.
After getting off the car and sitting in the waiting hall, while waiting for his flight, he couldn't help but whisper to Wang Xiao: "God, this is so interesting, it's just like the leaders of the Soviet republics back then."
The electric fans in the waiting hall were blowing loudly. Wang Xiao spread his hands and said, "You think the Finance Ministers of the Soviet Union are fake?"
Why the rush to implement tax reform? Besides the fact that the central government genuinely lacks funds, didn't the collapse of the Soviet Union have a profound impact on China? The country has become too powerful to control; power needs to be centralized.
Ivanov asked in bewilderment, "Why would you do this? You're not a constituent republic."
“Sigh, it’s all about preparing for war and famine.” Wang Xiao sighed at him. “To put it this way, in the previous state of war preparedness, China was actually like a series of war zones with a high degree of autonomy.”
She gestured discreetly to the inspection team from the state-owned enterprise next to her and whispered, "Any large state-owned enterprise is like a complete small society, to the point that even the local government can't get involved."
Seeing that Ivanov still looked completely bewildered and had no idea that anything was wrong, she sighed and told her another story: "Last autumn, in September, two villages in China had a armed conflict. More than a thousand people were involved on both sides. They used homemade cannons, dug trenches, adopted a three-man tactic, and engaged in street fighting."
She no longer believed in keeping family scandals public, since it wasn't a secret anyway, and the media had already reported on it.
Ivanov's eyes widened, and he kept exclaiming, "God! God!"
Last year, from summer to autumn, Moscow was in constant turmoil, with the abolition of the ruble and the shelling of the White House. He had no idea that such a large-scale battle could take place in rural China.
No, this is practically a war.
Wang Xiao shrugged: "Now you know how amazing I am."
Ivanov certainly understood; Chairman Mao had said, "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."
If they have money, guns, and armed forces, then they can indeed say no to others.
He still finds it strange that China has faced numerous problems, both economic and political, one after another, yet it has managed to maintain a relatively stable state.
“A political party, a powerful political party.” Wang Xiao sighed softly. “The continued operation of grassroots Party organizations ensures the basic direction.”
This is why, despite her strong skepticism about the so-called regional alliance lithography machine project, which likely involves parties who are unwilling to concede to each other, she is still willing to give it a try.
Hopefully, their party spirit can overcome their competitive nature.
After all, waiting for someone to come up is indeed slow.
Historically, SMIC's initial startup was rather...emmm.
A month after the foundation piles were driven in, the Ministry of Information finally approved the project in principle. Then, two more months passed, and the National Development and Reform Commission remained unmoved.
Jiang Shangzhou was extremely anxious and went to urge them on.
The reply was: What's the rush? It's only been two months. Larger projects than yours take six months.
In the end, it was the then-premier who personally made the decision, saying, "The piles have already been driven, what's the point of further approval? Approved!"
Only then was the process of obtaining approval from the central government considered complete.
Strictly speaking, this is called "completing the process." Any actions taken before the central government's directives are in violation of regulations.
This was the norm for a long time; everyone did it this way. Businessmen built and operated their enterprises, while local government officials coordinated approval processes—everyone performed their respective duties.
However, if the latter fails to obtain approval, the former will be completely ruined. It will be classified as an illegal operation, the company will be shut down, and the businessman may even be sentenced to prison.
Wang Xiao had no interest in going to jail; he'd rather let Vice Mayor Huang set up the business first.
The cicadas outside the waiting hall were chirping incessantly, and she was even thinking about having a meal of fried cicadas when Ivanov suddenly spoke up: "Stripping, so you have to strip the work of the large state-owned enterprises."
"Huh?" Wang Xiao didn't understand what he meant for a moment and looked at him blankly.
Ivanov said seriously, "A company can only be a place of work, not a real home, because a home makes up a country. Separate, separate all other parts unrelated to work from the company."
He counted on his fingers, "Healthcare, education, including housing, all need to be separated from enterprises, and brought into society so that society can handle this."
He was so serious and earnest that Wang Xiao didn't know how to answer him, and could only vaguely reply, "Probably."
Regardless of the original purpose, the reform of state-owned enterprises did indeed move in the direction he described.
The plane took off and landed, and everyone went their separate ways, each doing their own job.
Vice Mayor Huang returned to Xiaozhou to investigate the situation of enterprises in Jiangbei.
Ivanov went to the construction site to check on the progress of the LCD screen project.
Wang Xiao then went to the Jiangdong Provincial Government to meet with Secretary Fang.
Who else could do this job besides her? It wouldn't be right to let Vice Mayor Huang cross administrative boundaries and bear the wrath of the top official of Jiangdong Province.
To be honest, before getting out of the car, Wang Xiao took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself before stepping out of the car and onto the cement ground of the provincial party committee compound.
Her eyes fell on the bright orange loquats and red peaches in the yard, and she sighed inwardly, wishing she could taste them.
This time, she was unable to see Secretary Fang immediately.
The secretary served her tea with a smile, indicating that the leader was busy.
Wang Xiao also smiled and said, "I apologize for bothering you, leader."
The secretary smiled again, using her smile to replace all her responses.
The tea is good, it is... tea.
The secretary didn't even introduce the tea variety. With her mouth, even the finest tea would be wasted. Drinking it would only result in whether it quenches thirst or not.
This tea is quite thirst-quenching.
Wang Xiao drank a cup of tea, and just as he was about to refill it with a second cup, his secretary came over again, still with an impeccable smile: "Mr. Wang, come here."
Wang Xiao readily agreed and put down her teacup, even thanking him for his hospitality: "The tea is good."
The secretary chuckled softly, "Then our service company can advertise when we sell tea to the public. Mr. Wang said it was good after drinking it."
Wang Xiao chuckled softly, "What's the use of me saying it's good? The leaders have to drink it and say it's good too."
The secretary's office was just a stone's throw away, its door slightly ajar. The secretary quickly composed himself and gently knocked on the door: "Secretary Fang, General Manager Wang is here."
With a "Come in," the secretary opened the door, and Wang Xiao followed her into the office.
Secretary Fang looked much more haggard, as if he had aged five years overnight. He had more wrinkles on his face, less flesh on his cheeks, and his bones were more prominent, giving him a sharper look.
However, her gaze remained gentle. She handed a completed document to her secretary and smiled at Wang Xiao, "You've lost a lot of weight. Are you suffering from summer heat?"
Wang Xiao smiled and said, "It's good to be thinner. I'm worried that I won't be able to wear the clothes I ordered in the summer."
Secretary Fang shook his head disapprovingly, with a hint of helplessness from an elder looking at a younger generation: "You young people always complain about having too much fat on your bodies. If something really happens, you'll still have to rely on your own flesh to bear the burden."
Wang Xiao just chuckled.
The secretary left with the approved documents, and Wang Xiao also took out the documents from his briefcase and handed them to his boss, getting straight to the point: "This is a draft plan."
Secretary Fang held it in his hand, without exchanging pleasantries or pleasantries.
What's there to exchange pleasantries about? What should we talk about? Should we talk about her experiences in Japan, or Haoyu's regret? Or perhaps how did I handle the Zhao family's affairs?
It's pointless now; there's no point in talking about these things.
The key is to put aside personal feelings and focus on important matters.
Wang Xiao took the initiative to approach them, bringing with her a planning outline, which was to show her attitude—no matter what dramatic or messy things happened, it wouldn't affect their cooperation.
A harmonious relationship between government and business is crucial for local economic development.
Looking at the plans, Secretary Fang subconsciously asked, "Is Jiangdong's mission to become a precision manufacturing and materials base?"
Wang Xiao nodded: "Jiangdong has a large number of state-owned enterprises, so it has the foundation in this area."
She explained, "The purpose of this project is to revitalize traditional industries with high-end projects and support high-end projects with traditional industries, so that the development of lithography machines can become a 'converter' for regional industrial upgrading, rather than creating a beautiful 'castle in the air'."
She concluded definitively, "That is to say, all the technologies used in lithography machines must promote the upgrading of our regional industries."
Secretary Fang nodded, his eyes still fixed on the planning outline.
Before Wang Xiao left Shanghai, he called her and told her about this.
However, conversations over the phone are brief and to the point, which cannot compare to the awe she felt upon seeing the planning outline in person.
Secretary Fang's breathing slowed down, but his heartbeat quickened.
She sensed an almost insane stubbornness.
The woman sitting across from her desk was young and could only be described as a girl. She was thin and frail, like a mountain, a mountain with great power.
Her strength lies not in how good she is at business, but in her visionary approach and powerful execution.
She knew that now was not a good time to develop domestically produced lithography machines, because she was well aware that all the supporting components were completely inadequate.
A shrewd but naive businessman would definitely give up and wait for the right opportunity to enter the game.
But her choice is different from that of ordinary businessmen. Without a supporting industrial chain, she doesn't wait; she incubates the eggs herself, like a hen incubating them.
If there are no conditions, she creates them herself.
This is a rare quality among politicians, especially among businesspeople.
In Secretary Fang's view, most businessmen, including wealthy Hong Kong and Taiwanese businessmen and overseas Chinese who came to Jiangdong to invest, were somewhat naive, thinking that traveling merchants were just individual businessmen and had almost no political sense.
Yes, Secretary Fang did not think at all that Wang Xiao's plan to start the lithography machine at this moment was a naive act of youthful fearlessness.
On the contrary, Secretary Fang thought she was very shrewd.
She keenly grasped the country's urgent need to develop high technology, took the initiative to enter the field, and started from scratch.
Although the process from 0 to 1 is difficult, those who have actually done it know that it is actually the simplest and most effective compared to the breakthroughs that follow.
Moreover, once it achieves this, as the only seedling, the level of support it receives will far exceed what most people imagine.
This is an open strategy, a perfectly reasonable argument. Anyone with a little experience can see it.
But how many people actually have the courage to do it?
Just like when she first made her fortune, she really relied on charter flight trade.
In fact, there were already quite a few middlemen and traders coming to China at that time, and some people had already felt that it would be more convenient to transport goods by plane.
However, those with keen insight who could sense this matter also clearly understood that completing this task involved far too many and too complex aspects.
Before they even started, everyone was already backing out.
Only she, regardless of the consequences, if she wanted to do something, she would use every connection and resource she could.
In just a few months, they managed to establish Wuzhou Freight Company.
What's even more remarkable is that no one involved in this project felt like they were being used as stepping stones for her. They all received tangible benefits and were actually grateful to her, this "Goddess of Wealth."
Wang Xiao can't read minds, otherwise she would definitely say, "Isn't this just a matter of course?"
What's there to envy? There's nothing to be envious of.
Seeing the bustling Yabao Road, she didn't think about setting up more stalls there. Instead, she decided to build her own international trade city in Jinning and Xiaozhou.
She knew the future craze for one-meter shops in Shenzhen's SEG Plaza, but she never thought about opening more shops there. Instead, she wanted to build her own electronics city in Beijing and Shanghai.
Now that she knows that lithography machine manufacturers will remain at the top of the chip industry food chain, she'll just make them herself.
To paraphrase Qian Zhongshu, the Chinese are no less capable than foreigners. If they can do it, why can't we?
Secretary Fang sighed deeply once again. She thought her judgment was correct; the daughter-in-law she had chosen was indeed capable of supporting the Wu family.
Unfortunately, that's no longer possible.
Having reached this point, Wang Xiao could only sever all ties with the Wu family.
Otherwise, all her investments in Jiangdong Province would be shrouded in an ambiguous and unclear ambiguity.
For Secretary Fang, this was a very serious matter.
With attracting investment being a top priority, no official would fail to find a way to retain their "goddess of wealth."
Look at Jiangbei Province, isn't it the one that's both vying for and fighting over?
With a flourish of his pen, Secretary Fang circled the words "glasses" and concluded definitively: "We'll handle the glasses business in Jiangdong Province. I think the glasses from Qu County are quite good."
Wang Xiao was sweating profusely. "My god, are they starting to grab it now?"
She awkwardly emphasized, "But in the eyeglasses business, it seems that Wenxian in Jiangbei is now on a larger scale."
Secretary Fang glared at him and said, "What can they do? All they do is copy what they've learned. When it comes to expertise in optics, Jiangbei can't even come close."
Wang Xiao could only chuckle weakly and said, "We can do both. It's not like there can only be one eyeglasses factory in the world."
Without saying a word, Secretary Fang insisted on putting Qu County before Wen County.
What could Wang Xiao do? What could she do about her boss's affairs? She could only pretend she didn't see it.
Secretary Fang then called all the provincial party committee members in charge of industry, as well as the leaders of several universities in Jiangdong, and summoned them over.
She didn't even spare the university's leaders in other cities.
Why should Shanghai be the dominant force in research? Shanghai has Fudan University and Jiaotong University, but doesn't Jiangdong have any prestigious institutions? Are you kidding me!
When it comes to who has the strongest foundation in science and engineering, it's hard to say.
Wang Xiao felt that Jiangdong and Jiangbei were unlikely to fight each other, at least in the field of scientific research. The two countries would have to stick together to force Shanghai to back down.
Haha, the Three Kingdoms period was truly lively.
The provincial party committee officials arrived the fastest, followed by leaders from Jinning University and the University of Science and Technology.
When leaders hold private meetings behind closed doors, it's not appropriate for Wang Xiao, an outsider, to be present.
But she couldn't leave either, because the leaders might call her in at any time to ask her a few questions.
The secretary then led her into the reception room. This time, instead of just letting her drink tea, she was given biscuits and candied fruit.
Wang Xiao drank tea, ate biscuits, and even shared two pieces with the bodyguards.
She was called in twice during the session, and answered two simple questions, both of which made her want to roll her eyes from the stench.
It has to be said that those who do scientific research clearly don't have the same foresight as those who do business or politics.
Even with Secretary Fang organizing the meeting, they still dared to smoke, banging on the table at each other as they smoked, arguing heatedly until their faces turned red.
It was rare for Wang Xiao to feel sympathy for Secretary Fang.
Look, even the top leader of the provincial party committee has to endure secondhand smoke.
In comparison, I am so lucky that I don't have to stay here and poison my lungs.
It shows how superficial humans are; they feel psychologically balanced when they see others suffering more than themselves.
She returned to the reception room with a cheerful smile and continued drinking her tea.
There was a knock on the door, and Director Zhao from the Provincial Investment Promotion Office poked his head in, greeting him with a smile: "Oh, Mr. Wang, it's been a long time!"
When Wang Xiao was building a fleece factory in Huaixi, Director Zhao personally accompanied her to see the factory site.
Wang Xiao quickly stood up and smiled, offering his congratulations: "Congratulations, Mayor Zhao."
"Don't say it, don't say it." Zhao Muyang waved his hands repeatedly, "There's still no follow-up, and besides, it's a deputy."
Wang Xiao smiled and invited her to sit down: "I've heard the rumors, so it's definitely a done deal. I hope Mayor Zhao will take good care of me in the future."
Zhao Muyang quickly seized the opportunity: "I asked Mr. Wang to take good care of me. I went to Nanshan City and was in charge of investment promotion. I also need to ask Mr. Wang to be lenient and invest more."
Wang Xiao readily agreed: "I've already invested; the fleece factory is in Nanshan City."
"Since you're in a position of power, you should do your job properly," Zhao Muyang said, pushing hard, "The conditions in Nanshan City are quite good. How can one fleece factory be enough?"
She wanted to press on and encourage them to build a commercial street, but then Secretary Fang invited her again.
However, it wasn't in a meeting room, but in an office.
It's clear that even the leaders couldn't stand the fumes, so they took a break halfway through so everyone could get some rest.
Drink at least a couple more sips of water, and you'll have the energy to argue later.
Secretary Fang looked at Wang Xiao and handed her two sheets of paper: "This is what we discussed earlier. Keep it in mind so that when they ask you questions later, you don't fall into their trap. You can't take the meeting minutes with you, so read them carefully now."
Wang Xiao quickly nodded in agreement, sat on the sofa, and began reciting her lessons like a good student.
There was another knock on the office door. This time, it was Zhao Muyang who came in. The Organization Department had already spoken with her. This time, she came to get close to a glove.
As a provincial cadre being transferred to the city level, the support from the province will be crucial to her future success in her work.
Zhao Muyang wanted to first explain to his superiors the difficulties he was facing. Nanshan City was notorious for its local officials forming cliques and excluding outsiders. Moreover, conditions in all aspects were limited, and business and industry were currently struggling.
Given such difficult conditions, the leadership must provide more support.
Secretary Fang listened without commenting, but suddenly called out to Wang Xiao, "President Wang, what do you think?"
My God! Zhao Muyang almost jumped up on the spot.
She...she had no idea there was another person in the boss's office!
The leader didn't remind her either.
To be frank, Zhao Muyang can't be blamed for this.
Because Wang Xiao was sitting in a spot where the light was backlit, and there was a money tree next to him.
See? Now the focus is on economic development. Leaders don't need to keep money trees in their offices at all.
With the dim light and shadows of the trees, and Wang Xiao's quiet demeanor, she was indeed inconspicuous.
Now that Secretary Fang has singled her out, Wang Xiao pretends not to see Vice Mayor Zhao Muyang's embarrassment. Just moments ago, Zhao Muyang was praising Nanshan City to the skies, wanting to bring her to Nanshan City as a resource.
"How can I see it? I don't understand it."
Secretary Fang nodded vaguely, then shook his head with a smile: "You're keeping it to yourself, aren't you? You must have a way. Help our Mayor Zhao out, it's not easy being a parachuted-in official."
Since the leader had already made a veiled suggestion, Wang Xiao could only respond, "What advice can I offer? I don't know how officials work. If you ask me for advice, all I'll give is bad advice."
“It’s alright,” Secretary Fang replied. “Even a bad idea is a good idea in this hot summer. Tell me about it.”
Wang Xiao covered her mouth and laughed: "This isn't a bad idea, it's really immoral, it involves eating pufferfish."
Eating pufferfish has been a tradition in the Jiangnan region since ancient times, so there's nothing particularly noteworthy about it.
Zhao Muyang didn't understand her meaning: "What's wrong with eating pufferfish?"
"I mean, it's a bad idea. It's not the right season now. If it were spring, we could hold a pufferfish festival and take the opportunity to attract investment."
What does the pufferfish festival have to do with attracting investment? Holding a festival creates a lively atmosphere and attracts people. Wealthy people, in particular, enjoy seeking thrills, and risking their lives to eat pufferfish is one such thrill.
Secretary Fang shook his head: "What kind of immorality is this? It's a great idea."
Wang Xiao laughed and shook his head: "That's not enough. The business environment in Nanshan City is not good, and government officials like to shirk their responsibilities. Anyone who knows Nanshan even a little about it knows their problems."
Secretary Fang sensed her unspoken meaning and pressed further, "If the person is gone, how can we keep them here?"
Wang Xiao kept shaking his head: "I won't say it, it's too immoral."
"No, no, no!" Zhao Muyang said anxiously. "My dear Mr. Wang, just tell me. I'm going to Nanshan all alone, all alone and helpless."
Wang Xiao's eyes crinkled as she began to reminisce: "When I used to eat pufferfish, the chef would eat first. After he finished, he would chat with us for half an hour before we started eating."
This was the usual routine, and Zhao Muyang still didn't sense anything special about it.
Wang Xiao chuckled softly: "We eat because we feel the chef's boldness and confidence. But what if the person who eats first isn't the chef?"
Zhao Muyang frowned slightly: "You mean?"
Wang Xiao immediately shook his head, denying it more cleanly than anyone else: "I didn't say anything. I'm just a businessman. How would I know anything about being an official?"
She stood up, returned the two sheets of paper to Secretary Fang, and said with a smile, "Leaders, please continue your conversation. I'll go out now and not disturb you any longer."
The office door was closed.
Zhao Muyang displayed his fearless spirit: "Let me eat the pufferfish first? No problem, I'll eat it."
Secretary Fang rolled his eyes at her: "You want to eat first? What good is it if you eat first? The only person who can eat this pufferfish in place of the chef is the top leader of Nanshan City."
She couldn't help but shake her head. This Wang Xiao, all his ideas are so cunning.
You might say that ideas are useless, but this is the best, most ingenious, and most subtle way to demonstrate the government's strength and determination to businessmen.
If you're going to say it'll be useful, then Zhao Muyang would have to successfully persuade the top official of Nanshan City to become the chef first.
However, persuading someone is a major challenge in itself.
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It's said that when the Yangzhong Pufferfish Festival was first held, the top official personally went to eat pufferfish first. [Let me see.]
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