"So... where do you plan to go next?" Zhou Rui asked.

"There's only money to be made in turbulent places." Lin Chuan suddenly revealed a strange smile.

"You..." Zhou Rui's eyes widened.

"That's right, I plan to go to the Middle East." Lin Chuan nodded slightly, saying, "The situation in the Middle East is chaotic, but that's actually beneficial for me. If I seize the opportunity to get rich, maybe I'll soar to great heights."

"But, it's war-torn over there. Isn't it bad for you to go?" Zhou Rui said anxiously, "It's too chaotic; you have to constantly be aware of your own safety. One wrong move and a bomb might fall beside you."

"It's not as exaggerated as you think." Lin Chuan laughed, "That's a war zone; we're not going to the conflict areas."

"Oh!" Zhou Rui nodded and muttered, "Actually, the Sichuan University Group can turn a profit in a year, bringing us immense profits and wealth. You don't have to keep pushing yourselves so hard."

"Fool." Lin Chuan took a sip of tea and then said, "We only live once, how else can we prove we were here without making a grand show? Life is only a few decades; if you don't fight for it, won't you regret it when you're old?"

"This..." Zhou Rui was stunned.

"If we're going to do it, we should give our all." Lin Chuan laughed, "It's not just me who thinks this way; Zhou Kai and others do too. I plan to leave a brother in Japan. The others I intend to bring to the Middle East. I already have a certain foundation over there."

"Really?" Zhou Rui looked at Lin Chuan curiously.

Lin Chuan smiled and said nothing. There, he had the assistance of Silver Fox and Fang Yuan. What was there to worry about in development? The Middle East's instability was viewed by others as war and disaster, but Lin Chuan saw it as opportunity and wealth. During turbulent times, what's the most profitable business? Smuggling, of course. Essential goods and food shortages... if these things could be smuggled over, the profits would be enormous.

In war zones, food is most critical. Both sides of the conflict require large grain supplies, and residents in turbulent areas need large amounts of food too.

Of course, the most profitable in the end might still be smuggling firearms and the like. Those are truly high-margin items.

Zhou Rui naturally wouldn't understand.

"Xiao Rui, I need you to do me a favor," Lin Chuan said.

"What favor?" Zhou Rui asked curiously.

"Help me set up a foreign trade company," Lin Chuan said, "We have a fishery in Fukuoka, and the seafood products there will be directly transferred via the Fukuoka trading company. Then, in Jiangbei City, you set up a large factory specifically for processing seafood into dry goods and canned goods, labeled for export."

"Are you planning to sell domestically?" Zhou Rui asked anxiously.

"Yes, but while selling domestically..." Lin Chuan shook his head, "I want to export to the Middle East, hehe."

"Great." Zhou Rui was delighted to hear this, "That could add hundreds or even thousands of jobs to Jiangbei City."

"Yes." Lin Chuan nodded, "Labor is too costly in Japan; China's labor is cheaper. Of course, my main goal is to create some jobs in Jiangbei City. Otherwise, I could just set up the factory in Southeast Asia where labor is even cheaper than in China."

"Don't, we can earn a little less." Zhou Rui laughed, "Also adding a glorious achievement to Secretary Tang's record."

"That's what I thought too." Lin Chuan nodded, "So, I'm counting on you for this. Get the factory prepared quickly, procure the necessary equipment as soon as possible, and recruit workers swiftly to begin production in the second half of the year."

"Don't worry." Zhou Rui laughed, "The more challenging it is, the more motivated I am. So you don't have to worry about me. As long as you're willing to do it, I'll always be with you."

Subsequently, the two engaged in a discussion about the foreign trade company. Since it involved import and export, there were many issues to address. However, with Tang Yumeng, the big secretary, involved, everything seemed less complicated.

With Tang Yumeng's approval, everything became much simpler.

Based on the output of Fukuoka Fishery, a large factory in Jiangbei City would likely be needed to handle the seafood being transported over. Not only to process it into dry goods but also canned goods, fish jerky, and snacks to suit Middle Eastern tastes.

After a long discussion, the two finally selected a plot of land in the Western City District. This plot was inside the industrial park of the Western City District. The area is accessible by both water and land, and there was plenty of cheap real estate. With the City Committee's approval for a plot, they could start building the factory swiftly. Building a factory isn't as complicated as commercial housing. A large factory could be erected in at most two months.

On the fourth day after Lin Chuan returned to Jiangbei City, Tang Yumeng also returned to Jiangbei City.

Outside the airport, Lin Chuan met Tang Yumeng.

Tang Yumeng was all smiles, looking radiant.

"Sister, you're finally back?" Lin Chuan rushed over quickly and hugged Tang Yumeng tightly.

"Hey, put me down." Tang Yumeng quickly said, "There are so many people here, and they all know me."

"Hehe." Lin Chuan said excitedly, "Alright, let's hurry back. Don't let these people take advantage. We can't let them see us being affectionate."

"Go to hell!" Tang Yumeng quickly slipped into Lin Chuan's car.

They drove back to the City Committee compound.

With Tang Yumeng away these past few days, the Executive Deputy Secretary temporarily took over his duties at the City Committee. So, Tang Yumeng had been quite relaxed these days.

Upon returning home, it was spotless. The windows were tightly shut, and the curtains were drawn.

With the lights on, the floor could practically be used as a mirror.

"So clean." Lin Chuan laughed.

"By the way, your house got demolished, where are you staying?" Tang Yumeng curiously asked.

"I... I've been crashing at the second floor of the Feixiang Company for a few nights." Lin Chuan chuckled.

"Here!" Suddenly, Tang Yumeng handed Lin Chuan a set of keys, saying, "These three keys are for the garage, the door access, and the security door. You can move in here from now on."

Lin Chuan was stunned. Just yesterday morning he got the keys to her place from Mu Bai. Today, Tang Yumeng was also giving him keys to her home. He couldn't be in two places at once! Lin Chuan awkwardly laughed: "Sis, your place is so clean, I... I'm afraid I won't get used to it."

"You're not used to clean?" Tang Yumeng looked at Lin Chuan in surprise.

"I'm quite rough by nature." Lin Chuan awkwardly said, "Moving suddenly into such a lavish and clean place, I'm afraid I'll feel restrained. Besides, aren't you afraid of what people might say? You're the City Secretary. If some tabloid reporter catches wind of this, it could be troublesome."

"This..." Tang Yumeng was taken aback.

Indeed, she was still unmarried, and the head of Jiangbei City at that. Everyone living in this building were City Committee staff and leaders. They all knew each other. If someone suddenly saw a stranger in her place, they'd be suspicious.

However, it was awkward to take back the keys once given out.

"It's fine, we're engaged anyway." Tang Yumeng giggled.

"Hehe..." Lin Chuan awkwardly looked at Tang Yumeng.

"What? You're not willing?" Tang Yumeng frowned, saying, "If you're not willing, give the keys back to me. I'll give them to another man. I believe many men would be interested?!"

"That won't do!" Lin Chuan immediately shook his head.

Poof...

Tang Yumeng burst into laughter, as if seeing a mischievous child.

Lin Chuan sat down on the sofa, while Tang Yumeng made coffee for him on the side.

"Sis, I need your help with something." Lin Chuan held a cigarette in his mouth. There wasn't originally an ashtray in Tang Yumeng's house, but to accommodate Lin Chuan, she specifically bought one and placed it on the coffee table.

"What is it?" Tang Yumeng walked over with the coffee.

"Well..." Lin Chuan said awkwardly, "I'm planning to set up a foreign trade company and eyeing a piece of land in the Western City District. Can you help me secure it?"

"Land? For what?" Tang Yumeng looked at Lin Chuan with suspicion.

"Don't look at me like that." Lin Chuan said helplessly, "I'm doing legitimate business. I plan to establish a seafood processing plant, and then use the trade company to sell the seafood to the Middle East. Sell it to the locals to earn some extra for the country."

"That's quite a thought." Tang Yumeng nodded, saying, "If you really want to set up a factory, I can indeed allocate a piece of land. But, how many jobs can you create for Jiangbei City?"

"At least a thousand!" Lin Chuan smiled.

"So many?!" Tang Yumeng looked at Lin Chuan in surprise.

"Indeed." Lin Chuan laughed, "A thousand is a conservative estimate. The fishery resources at Fukuoka Fishery are abundant and yields are high. The Middle East faces food shortages, the processed dry goods and canned fish can be supplied to their armed forces. Some of the snacks produced can be provided to local residents. Additionally, we can process seafood foods to suit the Chinese palate and sell them domestically. I think that's also a great option."

"Sounds great!" Tang Yumeng was overjoyed upon hearing this, as it meant an enhancement to her political achievements.

Though Tang Yumeng wasn't particularly keen on political achievements, she still hoped to achieve some. As long as it's compliant with regulations and aids local economic development, it can be greatly endorsed. The seafood processing factory wouldn't pollute the soil or water quality and can increase employment opportunities, so why not?

With Tang Yumeng's cooperation, a piece of land in the Western City District's industrial park was quickly approved. A piece spanning thousands of square meters was approved. Sichuan University Group purchased this land for only ten million, which was a steal.

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