Lu Weimin's words made the old man's face turn somber. After some thought, he said, "This is indeed something to be wary of, but it's not without a solution. On one hand, we can take advantage of the growing reputation of Nantang kiwifruit to expand the market, such as to other major cities in the country, which is a huge market. On the other hand, we can start working on it in advance. If we can establish contact with large wholesale markets and wholesalers in various places, and even sign contracts, it might reduce the risks."
"Hmm, the county government is thinking along these lines, but we have another idea," Shen Zilie added.
"Oh? Zilie, are you still keeping me in suspense?" The old man laughed.
"Our idea is to introduce a fruit processing company to use our Nantang kiwifruit to produce juice or jam. This would not only alleviate the pressure of external sales but also keep the tax revenue from this deep processing in Nantang. At the same time, it would help solve the employment problem for some of the local workforce," Shen Zilie said carefully.
Zhang Xiuchuan's mind brightened. Without a doubt, his son-in-law's ideas in this area had been inspired by his secretary.
His son-in-law, who had a background in propaganda, was well-versed in political theory and had a talent for writing, but he was not particularly skilled in economics, which Zhang Xiuchuan was well aware of. Introducing a fruit processing industry to digest local specialty fruits and increase county tax revenue and employment was something his son-in-law might not have thought of.
"Hmm, that's a good idea," Zhang Xiuchuan nodded. "But Nantang is in a remote area with poor infrastructure, making it difficult to attract investment. Can you really bring in a company? The juice and jam you mentioned are not very popular in our domestic market. Unless it's an export-oriented company, which would require import and export rights, and that's no small feat."
"Hmm, Dad, I also think it's challenging, but just because it's difficult doesn't mean it's impossible. We have to try to see if it works," Shen Zilie said firmly.
Just as he was speaking, Zhang Jingyi came to call the family to the table for lunch, so the topic was put on hold.
After lunch, Lu Weimin chatted with Zhang Xiuchuan for a while, discussing the economic development of the coastal open regions and the high-level debates about the nature of the economy. Lu Weimin naturally shared some of his views, but Zhang Xiuchuan was very cautious on this issue and didn't say much, which left Lu Weimin somewhat disappointed.
When Lu Weimin left the Shen family, only Zhang Xiuchuan and Shen Zilie were left. Zhang Xiuchuan mused, "Zilie, your secretary is quite extraordinary. I think he has a deep understanding and insight into economic matters. You said he graduated from the History Department at Lingnan University, but I feel like he studied economics. He's very proficient, using one economic term after another. He doesn't seem like someone who just talks the talk. Is he really a recent graduate?"
"Dad, are you also surprised?" Shen Zilie laughed heartily. "I am too. At first, I didn't think Lu Weimin was a recent graduate. There are many university graduates in the county party office and county government office, but none of them are like him. Even those who have worked for several years can't come up with any substantial views or ideas. Lu Weimin studied for four years at Lingnan University, where he was a member of the school's Youth League Committee and joined the Party. Every summer, he conducted social surveys and practical activities in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. He is very energetic and talented, and he doesn't have the naivety of a recent graduate. He adapts to work very quickly. Now, I really can't do without him as my secretary."
"Then you're in danger! How can a leader completely rely on a secretary? Many leaders have already developed this habit. They have their secretaries write speeches and arrange work schedules, collect and analyze data for research, and draft plans and schemes. What do they need a leader for? Some might say that leaders are there to make decisions, but if you lack the basic ability to plan and conceptualize, what kind of decisions can you make? Even if you make a decision, it would be a blind one!" Zhang Xiuchuan's face darkened.
"Dad, I was just joking. I'm not that foolish. Lu Weimin is indeed talented, but he is not very familiar with current political and economic conditions, and some of his ideas are somewhat detached from reality. Of course, this is related to his work experience, but Dad, do you acknowledge his exceptional qualities?" Shen Zilie said seriously.
Zhang Xiuchuan was silent for a long time before he slowly said, "Zilie, this young man is indeed talented, and he is a very outstanding talent, especially at such a young age. If he can work in a good environment for two years, I think his future is limitless. I also feel that this young man has a good character. Such a subordinate is hard to find. Zilie, you should communicate and learn from each other more. Some of what I say might sound harsh, but I have to say it: in some aspects, you are not as good as him."
Shen Zilie's body trembled slightly as he pondered the meaning of his father-in-law's words.
"Even I, your father, feel that I am not as good as him in some aspects. The young are to be feared. I didn't know that Lingnan University was so advanced, capable of producing such talent. It seems that Changjiang University should learn from Lingnan University," Zhang Xiuchuan said with a sigh, which made Shen Zilie feel a bit more comfortable. Although he often communicated with Lu Weimin, hearing that a county magistrate was considered less capable than his secretary by his father-in-law, even in just some aspects, still made him feel uncomfortable. However, Shen Zilie was a broad-minded person. Reflecting on his long interaction with his secretary, he realized that the other party had indeed given him many pleasant surprises and that he had been influenced by him in many ways, which he did not want to deceive himself about.
"Dad, what do you think about the investment attraction I mentioned earlier? I mean, the current political climate seems to be somewhat ambiguous regarding the development of non-state-owned economies. Nantang's conditions are very poor, and state-owned enterprises are struggling. If Nantang wants to develop, it might have to focus on private and foreign investment. We discussed this with Lu Weimin, and he believes that Nantang must take the lead and act before everyone else is still watching. Otherwise, when the situation becomes clear, it might be too late for us," Shen Zilie pondered and shared his thoughts. "But this involves some political risks. However, I think it's worth it. Lu Weimin believes that the situation will become clear in about a year or so, and he thinks that the overall trend of reform and opening up will not change and will deepen further. I agree with this assessment. Dad, what do you think?"