Among them was also Chairman Wen Qinmin.
Wen Qinmin did not know Zhang Liunian before. If it weren't for the newspaper that morning informing him that Zhang Liunian had earned ninety million in one day, he wouldn't have known about Zhang Liunian.
Now, seeing him in person, he found that he was not much different from his newspaper photo. Anyone who had seen the newspaper could recognize him at a glance.
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, could you tell us what you heard yesterday at the Hong Kong Business Association, especially regarding their development projects?"
Someone suddenly spoke up, asking if Zhang Liunian could disclose the enemy's details.
Zhang Liunian froze, suddenly realizing something was wrong.
Why would the Hong Kong businessmen, knowing he would attend the National Business Association's project meeting today, not mind him knowing the direction of their projects?
Could it be that they didn't care, or was this also their intended goal?
But whatever the reason, the Hong Kong Business Association seemed not to mind him revealing the content discussed yesterday. Since that was the case, he decided to speak his mind clearly.
"They only listed these two directions," Zhang Liunian said in one breath and then fell silent.
The members of the association were delighted that Zhang Liunian did not keep secrets for the Hong Kong businessmen. What pleased them even more was that they had learned the other party's intentions and could get ahead in developing a project.
"Chairman, I think the automotive project is indeed good. Since everyone coming to Pengcheng is for making money, they will definitely need cars for transportation then."
"Chairman, I also believe the automotive project is feasible."
"I think their idea of an integrated commercial street is even better. It should encompass many small projects, allowing all of us to get a share of the pie."
"I agree with that."
"..."
Zhang Liunian watched them reach the same conclusion as the Hong Kong businessmen and didn't know what to say.
He just hoped they wouldn't turn their anger towards him later.
However, he had underestimated the greed of businessmen. Relying on the information conveyed by Zhang Liunian, they had already confirmed the project direction and were now considering investment.
Zhang Liunian still had ninety million yuan, which could perfectly meet their needs.
So, when their discussions were almost over, they immediately turned their attention to Zhang Liunian.
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, you are so wealthy, will you help us with these projects?"
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, you are one of us from the National side. You should cooperate with us to deal with those Hong Kong bastards, right?"
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, we are all domestic businessmen, and we should unite as one, shouldn't we?"
"..."
These people were truly masters of hostage-taking. Simply because Zhang Liunian was not from Hong Kong, they automatically categorized him with their side.
Zhang Liunian replied, "Thank you for your high regard, but I am new here and have not figured anything out. It is not appropriate for me to rashly join any party. I ask for your understanding of my caution."
Boom!
As soon as he said this, it immediately aroused the dissatisfaction of all the members of the National Business Association present.
If Zhang Liunian didn't want to join them, did that mean he wanted to join the Hong Kong businessmen?
That wouldn't do. None of their National members had openly joined the other side yet. If such a person appeared, their reputation would be utterly ruined.
Therefore, no matter what, Zhang Liunian absolutely could not become a person on the side of the Hong Kong businessmen.
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, we must clarify some things beforehand. The Hong Kong Business Association is an association formed by people from Hong Kong, while our National Business Association is formed by Pengcheng businessmen. Your background dictates that you can only be a member of our National Business Association, do you understand?"
Chairman Wen spoke on behalf of everyone, reminding Zhang Liunian that even if he didn't want to join them, he absolutely could not join the Hong Kong businessmen; otherwise, he would be an enemy to all of them.
Most of the National Business Association members below nodded in agreement, with a few exceptions.
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, you must think this through. If we find out you have joined the Hong Kong side behind our backs, you will not be able to establish yourself in Pengcheng, understand?"
"That's right. Your background means you can only be with us. But if you don't choose us and instead betray us, we will not be polite."
"..."
Zhang Liunian looked at their united front and felt like laughing out of anger.
It was his freedom to associate with whomever he pleased. Weren't they interfering too much?
Who decided that being a domestic person meant he could only join domestic business circles?
Could he not play his own game? Why did he have to choose? Couldn't he remain neutral?
Although this did not comply with business circle rules, their current situation was too chaotic, and he naturally wanted to protect himself.
"Don't worry, I won't join anyone. I just want to be the second Feiyue."
His intention was to say that he wasn't the only one remaining neutral in Pengcheng, so his approach was not unprecedented.
However, to the members of the National Business Association, they all felt Zhang Liunian was mocking them.
This was because the boss of Feiyue, Zhang Ya, was that person who remained independent and had also snatched opportunities from under their noses.
In the past, whenever they were in conflict with the Hong Kong businessmen, this Zhang Ya would appear out of nowhere, seize opportunities, and profit greatly.
They were always infuriated but could do nothing about him, which was truly frustrating.
Having one Zhang Ya was already difficult enough, and now Zhang Liunian wanted to become the second Zhang Ya. How could this not anger them?
"You want to become the second Zhang Ya? You're probably seeking death."
A member with a quick temper couldn't stand it and immediately stood up to confront Zhang Liunian angrily.
Zhang Liunian was baffled by his words. He turned to scan the crowd and indeed saw that everyone had displeased expressions. This made his heart tighten. Had Zhang Ya offended these people? Otherwise, why were they so angry?
"Comrade Zhang Liunian, when you revealed the Hong Kong businessmen's direction to us earlier, we all thought you were on our side. We didn't realize you wanted to be the second Zhang Ya to profit from it. We will not agree to that.
After all, with one Zhang Ya, we already have enough headaches. If there's another you, we won't be lenient."
"Exactly. That scoundrel Zhang Ya always picks up benefits during the conflicts between our two business circles. And you, kid, want to imitate him? Truly shameless."/
"..."
Hearing this, Zhang Liunian finally understood. So this was how Zhang Ya had risen? By profiting from the conflicts between the two business circles?
He had to admit, he had done a good job.
If he had the opportunity, he probably would have done the same.
Even other businessmen, when seeing an opportunity, would likely make the same choice. This was the quality of a businessman. If an opportunity presented itself and you didn't take it, wouldn't that be foolish?
"There is one thing you need to understand. I, Zhang Liunian, have been in Pengcheng for less than a month. I am not familiar with your complex relationships and conflicts.
The reason I said I wanted to be the second Feiyue was simply to remain independent; I had no intention of profiting from your conflicts between the two sides.
Moreover, I don't need to do so, because the 'pie' of Pengcheng is huge enough for us to share. There is absolutely no need to fight like squabbling chickens."