The Hong Kong businessman Cen Wanli and his companions originally intended to stay in Star River Town for only a few days. However, Li Zhong insisted they stay longer, and he went so far as to bring in Liu Zhihe, Bai Zhenbang, and eventually Su Min and Su Chen, who had heard the news, to keep them company.
In the end, they were persuaded to stay in Star River Town for over half a month. By the time they left, they had secured a bounty of results. They had not only signed multiple contracts with the local government and production brigade but also secured tax subsidies and government assistance. Furthermore, it was promised that any future businesses they established in mainland China—provided they were legal and compliant—would benefit from expedited procedures and full government support for their development.
Beyond their initial joy, a subtle change took hold within Cen Wanli and his friends. Their motivation shifted from simply wanting to make quick money to a genuine desire to contribute to the nation’s economic development. Given that the country had just embarked on the Reform and Opening-up, being able to participate in such a monumental period was, for any Chinese person, the most significant and meaningful endeavor of their lives.
Chapter 96