Chapter 96: Progress Unfolds!

Lu Zhigang was indeed imagining things! In Hong Kong, after all, many wealthy individuals had already done similar things. As luck would have it, Lu Zhigang had traveled to Hong Kong before and was quite familiar with these matters—otherwise, he would not have believed so firmly.

Shen Guodong was brimming with excitement, though he maintained a calm façade. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he continued, “Director Lu, I’ve already explained the situation to you. Now, I need your assistance. If you can help me accomplish this, when I invest here in the future, you’ll certainly benefit as well!

As you know, Hong Kong is small after all, and the mainland is where future development and investment opportunities lie. My father sent me here precisely to scout out the market! Personally, I have high hopes for Shencheng. State-run enterprises may offer good benefits, but you’ll never attain true financial freedom there.”

Lu Zhigang shared the same thoughts. Now that he was middle-aged, expenses were many. His salary sufficed for daily needs, but left no surplus. Many of his friends had left to start businesses, but he hadn’t had the opportunity, so his plans had been put on hold. Yet seeing others make money—how could he not feel tempted?

Of course he did! Right now, he needed money more than ever. His son was about to enter college, had good grades, and wanted to study abroad, but he simply couldn’t afford it. There was another crucial factor: at his age, with both aging parents and young children to care for, every decision required caution.

All these considerations made him reluctant to act rashly. But if he could latch onto Shen Guodong’s coattails—even being allowed to sip some soup from the table—he might achieve the financial freedom he dreamed of. The car he longed for, a new house, sending his son overseas, putting his elderly family members in a good retirement home—all these high-quality aspirations could become reality!

People in Xiaguo cared deeply about appearances. Friends mocked him for staying in the system, clinging to his “iron rice bowl” and refusing to let go—these jabs had already planted seeds of discontent in his heart. If he followed Shen Guodong and made real money, who among them would dare act smug in front of him then?

There was no need for Shen Guodong to say anything more—Lu Zhigang’s imagination had already soared to the heavens!

“Young Master Shen, if there’s anything I can help with, just say the word. As long as I’m able, I’ll give it my all!” Lu Zhigang vowed earnestly.

Only then did Shen Guodong continue, “As someone inside the system, you know that the Northeast is dominated by heavy industry. The country now needs to transform, and my father saw the business opportunity. He wants me to start from the grassroots, so I’m currently working at Fengcheng’s No.1 Lathe Factory.

Because of this, during this reform, my father won’t provide any advantages for me—he’s already reached an agreement with the authorities, and the contract will be signed directly. If I can, before he arrives, achieve something with my own abilities, only then will he entrust this matter to me.

To be honest, it’s laughable—he’s only given me five or six hundred thousand as start-up capital, certain that I’ll fail. But do you think I’ll give in so easily? Even if he thinks little of this sum, I intend to use it to build something of my own!”

Lu Zhigang was utterly shocked! Five or six hundred thousand? That was far from a small amount! He’d never seen such wealth in his life. Though he was a factory director, his status was impressive in name only—he didn’t actually have much money.

But Shen Guodong, with a casual gesture, could summon a terrifying sum of half a million! This opened Lu Zhigang’s eyes wide. It was true, comparison was the thief of joy! Some people were born already standing at the finish line that ordinary folk could only dream of. He was so excited that he could barely contain himself.

Shen Guodong seemed to have rehearsed this well. Speaking indignantly, he pulled a bankbook from his pocket. “What can you do with five or six hundred thousand? Is he looking down on me?”

Lu Zhigang hurried to pick it up. Five hundred and sixty thousand. The number made his eyes go red in an instant. What a true tycoon!

“Young Master Shen, don’t be angry. Your father is only thinking of your best interests—after all, he needs to test your abilities. Otherwise, with such a huge company and billions in capital, problems would be inevitable!”

Only now did Lu Zhigang fully believe him, all doubts dispelled. There was nothing more to say about his feelings—at this moment, it was simply unimaginable.

The others were dumbfounded! They had all thought that someone who’d made it to factory director wouldn’t be so easily fooled, but it seemed the situation had exceeded their expectations. It was truly beyond belief!

How could this be? Zhou Meiniang’s lips twitched helplessly.

Of course, this was mainly because people’s access to information was limited, making them easier to deceive—such displays were especially intimidating. It was hard to blame Lu Zhigang! That’s why, back in the eighties and nineties, train station swindlers were so common—people’s horizons were narrow, and almost everyone fell for such tricks. Only after they had more life experience did people grow wary of scams. At this time, almost anyone in Lu Zhigang’s position would have been fooled.

After all, how many ordinary people could casually produce hundreds of thousands in cash? In this, Shen Guodong owed thanks to Baldy—had the man not carried his bankbook everywhere, things would not have gone so smoothly. That was Baldy’s life savings, now finally put to good use.

The progress was unexpectedly smooth. After chatting for a while, Lu Zhigang became even more eager than Shen Guodong himself. He immediately asked, “Young Master Shen, how can I help you?”

Shen Guodong smiled. “You don’t need to do much. Just hand over the orders from Fengcheng’s steelworks to the No.1 Lathe Factory—where I’m currently working. When the reforms come, the opportunity will fall to me. I’ll use this capital to operate skillfully, and my father will see my ability. Then, after some more training, I’ll naturally take over the company!

Moreover, this round of investment in the Northeast is very likely to fall into my hands as well!” Shen Guodong declared confidently.

Lu Zhigang pondered for a moment. He’d heard the news in recent days: the No.1 Lathe Factory, in principle, did not meet the steelworks’ requirements. But with Shen Guodong involved, he was sure to secure the orders.

“Young Master Shen, the No.1 Lathe Factory doesn’t quite have the advantage. Can you guarantee that they can handle our orders? If they can’t, I’ll have no way to explain things to my superiors,” Lu Zhigang voiced his concern.

Even with Shen Guodong’s backing, he still had to answer to those above him.