It wasn't until noon that Zou Chenguang finally arrived, a little late. Although he had been promoted, the amount of work he had to do hadn't decreased at all; in fact, the burden on his shoulders had become heavier.
After finishing his meal, Zou Chenguang had two more meetings to attend, and after those, he had to prepare for an inspection of work in the county the next day.
There was no other way. He was in charge of the industry and commerce sector. He had to visit all the state-owned enterprises located in the city.
Even for enterprises under the jurisdiction of departments or the province, although their personnel management didn't fall under Qinghe City, they were still operating within Qinghe City's territory.
Naturally, they had to invite Zou Chenguang to inspect their work. After all, a new official often makes significant changes. If they weren't compliant, these changes might very well affect them directly.
As for enterprises directly managed by the city or county, it was even more obvious. Their top leaders' appointments and removals were within his direct authority, so they had to be even more careful in their dealings.
"Uncle, you're getting younger and younger."
"I can barely see any white hair on your head anymore."
It wasn't that Chen Yang was deliberately flattering Zou Chenguang. After not seeing him for a while, Zou Chenguang's condition was indeed better than before; he looked much more radiant.
"Yangzi, your uncle is experiencing a second spring. Recently, the leaders of the enterprises I've been inspecting have almost beaten a path to my office door."
Hu Dong knew very well why. When people live comfortably, their mindset and physical health improve accordingly.
Zou Chenguang was currently in high spirits, with many people vying for his favor. Naturally, his mood was good, and his mental and physical well-being followed suit.
"You two rascals, you start teasing me as soon as you arrive."
"I'm also being swamped by the top leaders of these enterprises. I'm inspecting here today and visiting there tomorrow, as if they can't rest easy unless I go and see them."
If outsiders knew that Zou Chenguang had such a kind and approachable side, they would likely be astonished.
After all, the newly appointed Vice Mayor Zou was from the public security background, notoriously strict and serious.
It was only with Chen Yang that he showed such a gentle demeanor.
"Uncle, these people respect you. You should go and inspect, point out any problems, and guide their work. They will surely be grateful."
Although Chen Yang had never held an official position, he was the chairman of a large group with dozens of subsidiaries and thousands of employees. He understood these dynamics.
"That's the logic, but I don't like playing these games. It's exhausting to act with them."
Zou Chenguang said as he picked up his teacup and took a large gulp of tea, without any pretense.
Many officials in this era had convictions. They disliked the ways of officialdom in their hearts.
But who could have known that in the decades to come, these ways would only increase, and if you disliked them, you wouldn't be able to survive in this circle.
Not everyone could achieve harmony with the world. Su Dan Novel Network.
Because he had meetings, Zou Chenguang didn't drink. He served Chen Yang and Hu Dong food while they chatted.
"Uncle, thanks to you, Dream Radio has received a lot of support. From the provincial level down to various cities and prefectures, your good words have greatly helped me."
"Now, all counties and districts above the county level in the entire Anhui province have Dream Radio stores. I must thank you, Uncle. I'll toast you with tea instead of wine."
When the leaders of the provincial Department of Industry and Commerce came for inspection, Zou Chenguang spoke highly of Dream Radio and expounded on his views and opinions on the private economy.
Chen Yang was a direct beneficiary of this action. He would never have had the opportunity to speak with leaders of such caliber.
Furthermore, the weight of his words would not be comparable to Zou Chenguang's. Without Zou Chenguang's help, Dream Radio would not have been able to spread across Anhui province so quickly.
"It's all thanks to your own ability, Yangzi. I just helped by saying a few words."
"However, Uncle must state this upfront: we do not believe in exploiting the people like capitalists in the old society. As your business grows, you must, as you said, help our fellow villagers prosper together."
"Those who get rich first should help those who get rich later, so that we can achieve common prosperity together."
Zou Chenguang remembered Chen Yang's words. He was an idealist.
He dared to risk his future not only because Chen Yang had saved his son and daughter but also because of the principles Chen Yang had told him.
His greatest hope in this life was to see the poor villagers around him live good lives.
If, one day, everyone could have enough to eat, wear good clothes, have meat to eat, and live prosperous lives, then he would not regret the decisions he made back then.
"Uncle, don't worry. If I have the capability, I will naturally think about helping our fellow villagers get rich together."
"I was actually hoping to discuss something with you. Now that our sales channels are established throughout the province, our production is starting to feel strained."
"I was thinking, could we build a factory to be responsible for product acquisition, repair, after-sales service, and other related issues?"
"I plan to train some excellent state-owned enterprise workers initially, and then recruit unemployed youth from the city and some surplus labor from the countryside."
"This way, they can learn industrial skills, which will not only meet the factory's employment needs but also help these unemployed villagers earn money."
Chen Yang looked at Zou Chenguang. This idea of his was no less impactful than when he first talked about opening stores with Zou Chenguang.
If private individuals could truly build factories, it would essentially legitimize the private and civilian economy, allowing them to compete alongside state-owned enterprises. This would be the beginning of a market economy.
When Zou Chenguang heard Chen Yang's words, the chopsticks he was using to pick up food paused.
He stared at Chen Yang with wide eyes, and after a long moment, he finally spoke.
"Yangzi, I understand your idea roughly."
"Building a factory can solve employment problems for some people, but I am not qualified to open this door."
"Even if I approve it, others will veto it later."
"This matter still requires a final decision from higher authorities. Our leaders are already discussing many issues."
"We have already made an excellent start. Dream Radio pioneered the first individual industrial and commercial household in the country, and now, various places across the country are eager to learn from Anhui province."
"Wait for the opportune moment. If there's a sign, I'll notify you."
Zou Chenguang frowned. Chen Yang's idea was very bold, but he placed more importance on what Chen Yang said about solving the employment problems of unemployed youth in the city and surplus labor in rural areas.
If more factories were established, it could reduce the government's burden.
He came from the public security line. An increase in unemployed youth posed a significant challenge to urban security.
When people are idle, they are prone to trouble. They need to have something to do and money to earn for their lives to be good.