Chapter 536: Tian Shi's Worry

Tian Shi lights a cigarette,

"Come on, let's hear it."

I said, "The expenses for this village history office can be covered by Qi He Kuang."

The money we earn is also another way of repaying Zaocheng.

Qi He Kuang covers the expenses, and their records are kept in the Cultural History Museum. This works fine—no one objects, after all, it's not coming from the city's finances.

It is a corporate sponsorship that pays wages to these people.

I agree.

Jianqiang, wouldn't this increase the burden on Qi He Kuang?

I shook my head and said, "Tian Shi, as long as you help us connect with Zaocheng Mining Group, this expense is nothing for Qi He Kuang."

Tian Shi nods,

"Alright, that's settled. At tomorrow's meeting, we won't need to trim the village history office matters."

"Thank you so much, Tian Shi; I don't have to worry about my brother-in-law's matter either," I said.

"Why thank me? You also help me ease the financial burden—we are cooperating."

"Jianqiang, I want to ask you: are you really not planning to develop in real estate? I find it hard to believe," Tian Shi asked with a smile.

"Tian Shi, we are friends; as friends, we don't lie. I truly don't intend to get into this."

"Sigh, I've already withdrawn from Da Heng Group. If I were to do this again, what would Wen Han think?"

"In Zaocheng, wouldn't that be competing with him?"

"In that case, I might as well just drift along at Da Heng Group," I laughed.

"It's a pity; after learning more about Da Heng Group, I realized you are a talent with deep experience in the real estate industry, especially construction, and you have your own specialized expertise."

"Not being able to exert your talents in this area,"

"I find it stifling," Tian Shi said, looking at me.

"I don't know what Tian Shi means by that—is he probing me, or is it his sincere opinion?"

"After all, we've only known each other a short while; some things can't be said too plainly."

"Tian Shi, to be frank, I've told you before: I plan to develop the mountain village. Once I'm done with these few things, I'll go back to Gourd Village to have a look."

"I want to find a sustainable development path for the mountain village."

"After all, our mountain village has relatively good resource advantages; we just haven't brought them out."

"These all need time for gradual research," I said, looking at Tian Shi.

"I understand; you want to develop tourism, to boost Zaocheng's tourism industry," Tian Shi said.

"I have considered this aspect. I can only say it's tentative for now. Tian Shi, I haven't figured it out yet; after I do the research and my thoughts are clear, I'll give you a detailed report," I said.

"Alright, come, let's drink this cup. Zaocheng can no longer rely on underground resources for development."

"Coal is ultimately a limited resource."

"The history of coal mining in Zaocheng spans over a century; look at Zaocheng's old urban area—frequent subsidence incidents are the hidden dangers left by past mining."

"We have basically exhausted Zaocheng's underground resources."

"Modern coal mining is mechanized,"

"A coal mine's designed capacity used to last several decades, but now, after just over ten years, there's no coal left to mine."

"Zaocheng rose because of coal,"

"If we curb this development model,"

"relying solely on coal resources for development, the road ahead will only grow narrower."

"The higher authorities call on us to pool wisdom and create a new development mindset."

"I have been thinking, what is sustainable development?"

"Not only can cities develop, but they can also drive rural development."

"I personally think tourism is a good choice."

"Zaocheng's history can be traced back over two thousand years,"

"Here tourism resources are abundant; it's just that no one has tapped into this potential."

"Now people only see immediate benefits,"

"that is, underground coal and above-ground houses."

"These two forms of wealth are limited."

"They are unsustainable."

"I am very worried about Zaocheng's economy," Tian Shi said worriedly.

"Hearing Tian Shi's worry, my impression of him changed again."

"Tian Shi's consideration is very reasonable."

"Coal and real estate development really have limits."

"Tian Shi is a person of depth, a person with ideas."

"But at the same time, he is also a somewhat worldly person who considers his own interests."

"Such a person is a normal person."

"As the ancient saying goes, 'Water too clear holds no fish; a person too discerning has no friends.'"

"Living in this secular society, one's behavior must be somewhat secular."

"At this moment I said to Tian Shi: 'Tian Shi, what you think is my inner heart.'"

"But my ideas are not yet mature; after all, coal resources are visible, and so is real estate."

"Tourism is an investment with huge risk, and the returns are very slow."

In this society, no one is willing to risk doing low‑return work.

It seems we both thought of this together; it's a bit of a coincidence.

As for me, I now have to survive by relying on Qi He Kuang.

The next step is to conduct a deeper investigation.

Tian Shi, right now I'm still unsure what to do. I just have an idea in my head.

I don't really have anything to report to you," I said with a smile.

"Jianqiang, there's no need to report for now.

Having ideas is normal; in one's life you must have some thoughts and do something.

Our time is limited; you're in your early forties, and in ten years you'll be in your early fifties.

At fifty one knows one's destiny.

Your ideas are just ideas.

Therefore, having ideas requires action.

Seize this ten‑year golden period and turn ideas into reality.

Make an effort once, prove yourself.

"Am I right or not?" Tian Shi said, holding up his cup.

"Prove myself, Tian Shi, thank you for your encouragement.

Today I think I've found a kindred spirit.

Life is about proving oneself, not being weak.

I've gone through so many things, and I've given up everything that needed to be given up.

But can I forge another path and create even greater glory,

that depends on whether I have that ability.

Tian Shi, I need your support," I said sincerely.

"Jianqiang, everything's in the wine; I won't say anything else," Tian Shi said, then downed his drink.

I also downed the wine in my cup.

We happily shook hands and said goodbye.

I escorted Tian Shi out of the hotel, and the driver drove to pick him up.

As soon as Tian Shi left, Hou Laoban suddenly appeared from nowhere,

walked to my side, patted my shoulder and said, "Jianqiang, Tian Shi is a good person, someone worth befriending."

I was wary of Hou Laoban, because I really didn't understand his background.

Even though I was so close with Kong Shi, it turned out he's a follower of Wen Han.

And Shi Yong torments him so much,

he's just putting on a show, doing it so well that even I was fooled.

This Hou Laoban is far from ordinary. His vegetarianism and Buddha chanting are not in vain.

I hurriedly smiled at Hou Laoban and said, "Hou Laoban, Tian Shi is truly good. He's very sincere. Like you, he's worth associating with,

he's the person I, Zhao Jianqiang, trust most in Zaocheng."

Hearing me say that, Hou Laoban laughed happily,

"Being someone you, Zhao Jianqiang, trust is enough for me to brag," Hou Laoban said proudly.

"Hou Laoban, you can't use the word 'awesome' because you're a vegetarian who chants Buddha; otherwise the Buddha would be displeased," I deliberately reminded Hou Laoban.