No one understood the future better than he did. The situation he described was indeed real.
However, they hadn't considered that small cars back then were not as valuable as they are now, costing hundreds of thousands each and being difficult to obtain.
At that time, even a used car could be bought for ten thousand yuan.
"Nonsense. If it weren't for us Hong Kong businessmen in Pengcheng, you wouldn't even know where to dig, nor would you have the chance to eat your fill." Xiao Huangmao always believed that they were the saviors of the country and could not accept Zhang Liunian's words that China could build itself without them.
He would never admit this.
Zhang Liunian didn't need his admission. He just wanted to say, "The Earth will keep spinning without anyone. Don't think too highly of yourselves. You are also our compatriots; don't forget your ancestors and your roots just because you've lived abroad for a few years."
"You..." Xiao Huangmao was furious at his words. Was he saying he had forgotten his roots? How hateful! When had he ever been spoken to like this by a country bumpkin? It was unbearable.
"Alright, Xiao Huang, calm down. Comrade Zhang Liunian is right. If the country opens up its market, there will be others if not us. Let's not get sidetracked; let's talk about the project and not bring personal grudges into it." Chen Jiayuan admired Zhang Liunian. His vision and perspective were truly unlike those of a twenty-something young man in China.
Not even one person among the foreign business community could match Zhang Liunian's foresight.
It would have been great if this Zhang Liunian were on his side, but he had known long ago when cooperating with the Gu family that they could never truly be friends; at most, they could only trick him out of his money.
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, why are you so sure this project won't be popular for thirty-five years?
Also, if it won't be popular for thirty-five years as you think, do you think this project is worth investing in and building?"
Chen Jiayuan threw out two questions, wanting to get answers from Zhang Liunian.
Zhang Liunian paused. These questions weren't difficult, but they wouldn't believe him if he answered.
However, he didn't need them to believe him. After thinking, he said, "Thirty-five years is my judgment of the future economy. Whether you believe it or not is up to you; it's everyone's freedom.
As for whether this project is worth investing in and developing, as I said before, as long as the people in charge don't interfere, it can be done."
But if his memory served him correctly, the car project was confiscated by the authorities. He wasn't clear on the specifics at the time, but eventually, the state took over this sector, which he knew for sure.
Therefore, the car project wasn't worth developing. However, he couldn't say that he knew the authorities would confiscate it. He could only assume that if they didn't, thirty-five years would be enough for them to earn their investment back, and of course, it could be done.
However, compared to this, he was more interested in the integrated commercial project, which would maximize resource utilization. He believed they could figure this out themselves.
Zhang Liunian was not wrong; they did think of this, but they were also optimistic about the car project.
"Tsk! All nonsense." Xiao Huangmao scoffed dismissively.
Zhang Liunian ignored him and looked directly at Chen Jiayuan, remaining silent.
Chen Jiayuan looked back at him and smiled, "We have heard your thoughts and opinions. We will decide which project to choose later. For now, let's continue our discussion to see if anyone else has any ideas."
As he spoke, everyone started whispering amongst themselves. Only Zhang Liunian remained silent, sitting aside, with his hands crossed, watching them.
Not long after, the third person stood up to speak, followed by the fourth, the fifth...
By the time they finished from morning until 1 p.m., the project had a result.
They finally settled on two directions: one was automobiles, and the other was the integrated commercial project.
Both projects were excellent choices, and they were reluctant to let either go.
Although Zhang Liunian had said the project might not be popular for more than thirty-five years, they didn't believe him.
After all, thirty-five years was far from enough for the country to reach this standard of living. Therefore, they were convinced that thirty-five years was the minimum timeframe.
With this thought, they would at least make money for more than thirty-five years, not only recouping their investment but also earning dozens of times over. Thus, they absolutely could not let this project go.
A businessman never misses an opportunity to get rich.
Zhang Liunian didn't say anything about it. He just watched them select the projects, and then he heard Chen Jiayuan say, "Let's stop here for now. Everyone is hungry. Let's take a break and continue discussing how to implement these two projects after lunch, as well as investment shareholding and other related matters."
As he finished speaking, someone opened the conference room door and personally brought them their meals.
Zhang Liunian also received a portion. Without being polite, he ate with everyone, and then they continued the meeting.
Zhang Liunian watched them lay out the issues one by one, then come up with solutions, and decide who could handle these matters.
Seeing their seriousness, Zhang Liunian thought it was futile. The car project would eventually be handed over to the authorities. They would be lucky to get two percent, so there was no need to ponder this project.
However, he could only keep these thoughts to himself and dared not voice them.
Just as he was thinking this, Chen Jiayuan suddenly looked at him and asked, "Comrade Zhang Liunian, would you like to invest in our car project?"
"..." Zhang Liunian was speechless. How was he supposed to respond? Participate when he knew the money would be wasted? How was that possible?
"I need to consider it further before making a decision. You can discuss it amongst yourselves first." This was Zhang Liunian's excuse. Everyone present was a shrewd individual; who hadn't understood the meaning behind his words? He didn't want to invest.
Chen Jiayuan was somewhat displeased but didn't show it too obviously. He added, "We are discussing the shareholding matters now. If you don't invest, we will have to divide these shares amongst ourselves. Are you sure you still need to consider it? Even if you have no shares later and can't participate, you still won't invest?"
These words were somewhat sharp, drawing everyone's attention to Zhang Liunian.
Their expressions varied: some looked down on him, some sneered, and some disdained to associate with him. In short, very few people had a good impression of Zhang Liunian.
"President, he's a timid private business owner in China. Do you expect him to invest tens of millions? How is that possible? Judging by him, he has no money."
Seeing Zhang Liunian disrespecting their president, Xiao Huangmao immediately jumped out to mock him.
Zhang Liunian remained silent upon hearing this. Such people were not worth his response.
He didn't want to speak, while those who looked down on him were rejoicing.