Chapter 47: Lofty and Prominent Gradually Appears

  Hong Kong, with its towering skyscrapers, is a bustling metropolis that is hard to describe. Glass-walled high-rises stand tall in this shopping paradise where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold.

  After the collapse of the real estate market in the early 1980s, Hong Kong's real estate industry was also experiencing a period of upheaval as old and new companies alternated. Many established real estate companies withdrew from the historical stage, while emerging real estate groups began to emerge. For example, Swire Properties, once the "big brother" of the real estate industry, made mistakes in its investment strategy and saw its debt soar to HK$15.7 billion in 1983, becoming Hong Kong's largest debtor and earning the nickname "King of Debt".

  The rise of Chinese real estate giants has begun to challenge the dominance of British developers in the market, a signal that change is underway. Just as the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong's future after 1997 marked the end of British claims to sovereignty over the territory, a new era is unfolding. This is an age of chaos and also an age of opportunity for heroes to emerge.

  In the conference hall of the Hong Kong Xim Hotel, facing the flashing magnesium lights from time to time, standing in front of the large screen, Lu Zhong smiled confidently. As the slides on the projection screen changed, Lu Zhong elaborated on the blueprint for Wushan's future development concept and the central government's grand strategy for the Wushan High-tech Development Zone.

  Wang Husheng stood in the corner, smiling as he watched the scene unfold, just like an ordinary staff member.

  Standing with Wang Huasheng was Wen Kedao, the deputy director of Xinhua News Agency's Hong Kong branch. Almost no one in the Wusong delegation knew that the two were old classmates and close friends for many years.

  This is the scene of Wuxi City's economic and trade delegation investment promotion conference.

  A British journalist with a high nose bridge suddenly raised his hand. What was refreshing about this mainland investment promotion conference for the Hong Kong media was that if you encountered any problems on site, you could raise your hand and ask questions at any time. This is really surprising because **** generally have poor on-site response capabilities, which has gradually become a consensus in Hong Kong's public opinion circle.

  Lu Zhong gestured for the staff to pause the slide projector, smiling and extending his hand to invite a British journalist who had raised her hand to ask a question.

  "Mr. Lu Zong, I am a reporter from News Weekly. You have been telling us a wonderful story that sounds very inspiring, but I would like to ask you, what do you know about new electronic technology? Do you know what is called a microcomputer in your country? Is it different from the calculators we use every day?"

  On and off stage, it was immediately a sensation, obviously this British man came to stir up trouble.

  Indeed, last year when China and Britain signed the Joint Declaration, it was stated that Britain would give up its claim of sovereignty over Hong Kong after 1997. This move sparked strong opposition in Britain, with many British people in Hong Kong, including many ethnic Chinese, expressing extreme dissatisfaction. The wave of protests demanding that the British government take a tough stance against mainland China has not subsided.

  This British journalist also took advantage of the situation to humiliate officials from inland China.

  Hotel staff had already walked over to escort him out, but Lu Zhun signaled for them not to rush and smiled, saying: "It's okay, although this question has nothing to do with today's investment promotion meeting, I can answer it."

  A British journalist asked a question in Chinese, but Lu Zheng surprisingly responded with a fluent sentence in English, leaving all the journalists present stunned.

  Then Lu Zhong smiled and said: "I'll answer in English, it should be clearer to explain the concept of microputer you mentioned. Actually, I personally think that using your definition, it's more suitable to call it PC, which is short for personal computer. That's right, this tiny computer can be called a personal computer, it's a product oriented towards individuals, not just a powerful computing system needed by large enterprises."

  "I don't know much about personal computers, but I do know that they have incredibly powerful computing and storage capabilities. We can manage their hardware resources and various artificial programs through an interactive interface system, which is the core software part of a personal computer - the operating system. In character-based command-line operating systems, DOS is currently popular, but I think graphical operating systems like Apple's Macintosh and Microsoft's Windows 1.0 are the future of personal computer operating systems. I also believe that in the not-too-distant future, personal computers will become an indispensable part of our lives, deeply integrated into our work and entertainment."

  The reporters below the stage were all stunned, even now standing at the forefront of information, few journalists have a deep understanding of personal computers. What is an operating system, only a handful of reporters on site could figure it out, let alone the Apple that Lu Zheng mentioned, but Microsoft? What kind of company is that? For non-industry insiders, it's really confusing.

  Lu Zhong smiled and said, "Because I am engaged in administration, my understanding of personal computers is very superficial, but I will never regard personal computers as mere calculators that can only calculate addition and subtraction. Of course, in essence, the two are the same, and calculators can also be considered a type of computer."

  "In short, please rest assured, journalist friend. Although you seem to not understand the difference between a personal computer and a calculator, it's not your area of expertise, so that's okay. And our mainland administrative personnel will never have outsiders leading insiders. Your worries are unnecessary, we absolutely won't sell you a personal computer at the price of a calculator!"

  The room erupted in laughter and applause, with many reporters apparently charmed by the witty and humorous mainland official.

  The British journalist's face turned pale and he slowly sat down.

  Among the laughter, Lu Zhong said: "OK, this question will stop here and won't be repeated. I hope the following questions can focus on today's activity theme. If friends want to know about my personal situation, they can completely give me a private interview!"

  In the midst of warm laughter, applause grew more fervent.

  Wang Husheng looked at this scene incredulously. Next to him, Wen Kedao said in surprise: "You Wushan, actually have such talents? Our colleagues who have been dealing with foreigners for years are not as good as him."

  Wang Husheng finally came to his senses, smiled and said, "Yes, I didn't think so before. Do you know what his nickname is? It's Lu Gangtou! Looking at him now, this nickname is really ironic, right? I don't know where it came from, but three people can make a tiger, and not being envied is mediocre!"

  Gang Tou? Wen Ke Dao's eyes widened in shock, and after a while, he slowly nodded his head. His gaze turned back to Lu Zhong on the stage.

  ……

  In Room 1205 of the Xim Hotel, Lu Zhong was discussing with Wang Huosheng the arrangements for visiting Cai Rongtian, Chairman of the Rongheng Group, tomorrow.

  Vice Secretary General of the Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office, Gao Yanyan was also present. In addition, there were Chen San Shui and several cadres from the Foreign Affairs Office and the Propaganda Department.

  The ashtray on the tea table was filled with cigarette butts, and the room was also shrouded in smoke.

  Gao Yanyan somewhat disgustedly went to turn on the fan. Apart from her and Lu Zhong, everyone else in the room was a heavy smoker.

  Gao Yanyan, a 40-year-old elegant female cadre with some petty bourgeois sentimentality. Originally, she didn't think much of Lu Zhong, this big roughneck, but at the press conference, Lu Zhong's performance made Gao Yanyan surrender and reevaluate him, suddenly finding him refined and cultured.

  At this time, Gao Yan smiled and said to Lu Zhong: "Director Lu, you should accept the exclusive interview with 'Figure' magazine. This magazine is very objective and positive, not like what you think."

  The press conference ended, and there were indeed magazines that came to look for Lu Zhuo for an interview. Lu Zhuo naturally declined politely. In today's era, it's not good to make a scene like this in Hong Kong.

  Lu Zhong smiled and didn't say anything.

  At this time, someone knocked gently on the door. It was Comrade Li Kezhang from the Security Bureau who came in. He held a large red invitation card and handed it to Wang Huisheng. "Mayor Wang, the person who sent the invitation is the steward of the family of Zhu Wen, chairman of the Yellow River Enterprise. He's waiting for you outside. There's also a car downstairs inviting you over."

  "Home?" Lu Zhong's eyes flickered, and many memories from his past life suddenly flooded back. A tall and thin figure of a man seemed to linger, refusing to be shaken off.

  On the other side, Gao Yanyan asked in surprise: "Mayor Wang, do you know Zhu Wen? Why haven't I heard you mention him before?" Huanghe Enterprises is now one of Hong Kong's top conglomerates, mainly focused on real estate, ranking among the top three in the property market.

  Wang Husheng looked at the invitation, but let out a soft sigh. "I suppose we're old acquaintances. We played together when we were young. It's been so many years, I thought he'd forgotten about me."

  And then said to Gao Yan and the head of the Security Bureau: "What do you think? Should I go?"

  "Of course we have to go, this is a great opportunity, being able to get in touch with Huanghe Industrial is a very good thing."

  Wang Husheng looked at the comrade in charge of the Security Bureau: "Li Ke? Not violating discipline, right?"

  Director Li shook his head repeatedly, saying it's not like before the reform and opening-up when there were so many restrictions.

  Wang Husheng stood up with a smile and invited Lu Zhong: "Director Lu, do you have time to accompany me on a trip?" Apparently, having experienced the Cultural Revolution, he was very cautious. Going alone would make him feel uneasy, but with someone accompanying him, he felt more at ease, which also conformed to diplomatic protocol.

  Lu Zhong smiled and nodded.

  Gao Yan's face showed a hint of disappointment.

  Lu Zhong smiled and said, "Mayor Wang, I think Secretary Gao should also go. This is a private gathering, but Secretary Gao and I will take the opportunity to discuss some official business. After all, our Wushan Foreign Affairs Office also needs to make friends."

  Wang Husheng smiled and said: "Right, right, it was me who didn't think it through. Xiao Gao, you go together too." This deputy mayor is really humble.

  Gao Yanyan's anxiety turned to joy, and she looked at Lu Zhun with gratitude. Handling external affairs well, if one can establish a good relationship with such large foreign groups, is also an aspect of work ability.