Chapter 198: A Home‑cooked Meal, a Conversation That Changes the Nation's Destiny

On the evening of the third day, as the setting sun sank, Lu Hua changed into his finest deep‑blue Zhongshan suit and carefully tidied his appearance in front of the mirror.

"Qingshan, are you ready?" Lu Hua asked, waiting for his son in the living room.

Lu Qingshan wore a hand‑made deep‑gray suit brought back from Hong Kong Island, with a silk tie, and he looked dashing and composed.

Although his heart was still nervous, his experience of being reborn allowed him to maintain a calm exterior in any situation.

"Dad, I'm ready," Lu Qingshan said as he stepped before his father, "I just don't know how to act."

Lu Hua patted his son's shoulder: "Just be yourself. Old Chen is very approachable; don't put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, they want to hear your genuine thoughts, not polite platitudes."

Wang Guilan stepped out of the kitchen, looking at the neatly dressed father and son, her eyes full of pride and worry: "Qingshan, when you meet the leaders, don't be nervous. Our ancestors were accomplished; you're no worse than anyone else."

"Got it, Mom," Lu Qingshan felt a warm surge inside him.

Lu Xiaoyu ran over, looking up with her little face, and said: "Big brother, you look especially handsome today! Even more handsome than actors on TV!"

Lu Qingjun also came forward: "Big brother, when you get back, remember to tell us what kind of person Old Chen is!"

The father and son got into the car driven by security guard Xiao Li and headed toward North Chang Street.

Along the way, Lu Qingshan watched the Capital City streets through the window, his heart fluctuating.

Before his rebirth, he had barely seen the county leaders; now he was about to sit at a table with the nation's top officials for a meal.

The car stopped in front of a courtyard house; this was Old Chen's residence.

The gate was plain, even somewhat shabby, far from the lavishness Lu Qingshan had imagined. Two security guards stood at the entrance; when they saw Lu Hua alight, they immediately saluted respectfully.

"Lu (Bureau Chief), you have arrived," one guard said, "Old Chen is waiting inside."

Entering the courtyard, Lu Qingshan was even more astonished. This courtyard was more modest than his own home, with a few jujube trees in the yard and the blue bricks on the ground mottled; it bore no sign of being a leader's residence.

"Qingshan, stay close to me," Lu Hua whispered.

The main hall door opened, and a middle‑stature, kindly‑faced elder stepped out. This was Old Chen, one of the helmsmen of the nation's economic work.

"Old Lu, you're here!" Old Chen's voice was gentle, with no airs, "So this is Qingshan? Indeed, a truly outstanding talent!"

"Good to see you, Old Chen!" Lu Qingshan hurried forward to greet, his heart beating fast.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Old Chen grasped Lu Qingshan's hand, examining him, "I heard Old Lu speak of you; your performance on Hong Kong Island was excellent! Young people have drive; that's good!"

At that moment, a few more people emerged from the living room. Lu Qingshan recognized Minister Lin among them; the others were unfamiliar, yet their bearing revealed distinguished status.

"Come, come, come, Qingshan, let me introduce you," Old Chen said enthusiastically, pulling Lu Qingshan, "This is Minister Lin of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; you should have met before."

"Minister Lin, hello!" Lu Qingshan greeted respectfully.

"Comrade Qingshan, we meet again!" Minister Lin laughed, extending his hand, "I heard you did something big on Hong Kong Island—impressive!"

"This is Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Foreign Trade," Old Chen continued.

Minister Zhang, a sharp‑eyed man in his fifties, said, "I've long admired your reputation! I heard you made waves in Hong Kong Island's financial market; our Ministry of Foreign Trade is very interested in your experience."

"Minister Zhang, you flatter me," Lu Qingshan replied modestly.

"This is Wang (Bureau Chief) of the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau."

Wang (Bureau Chief) looked scholarly, wearing gold‑thread glasses: "Comrade Qingshan, your foreign‑exchange operations on Hong Kong Island shocked all of us at the Foreign Exchange Administration Bureau. When we have a chance later, we must definitely seek your advice twice."

Lu Qingshan nodded repeatedly, silently marveling at how deeply these figures understood him, far beyond his expectations.

"Alright, everyone, stop standing and let's eat!" Old Chen clapped his hands, "When you're hungry, nothing goes well in conversation. Qingshan, sit beside me."

The dining table was simple—a plain eight‑immortal table—topped with a few homestyle dishes: braised pork with beans, stir‑fried bok choy, steamed egg custard, and a bowl of millet porridge. The modest fare surprised Lu Qingshan, even less lavish than his own family's meals.

"Qingshan, don't be restrained; treat it as if you're at home," Old Chen passed Lu Qingshan a piece of braised pork, "I heard Old Lu say you were already ambitious in the countryside, and later made a name on Hong Kong Island. Young people have drive; that's good!"

During the meal, Old Chen didn't rush to ask Lu Qingshan about finance; instead he chatted with the ministers about everyday matters—from children's education to changes in their hometowns, to recent weather—just like a group of old friends gathering.

This atmosphere gradually relaxed Lu Qingshan. He realized these national leaders were no different from ordinary people; they worry about their children's grades and care about the health of their elderly family members.

"Qingshan, I heard you ran a breeding business in the countryside?" Minister Lin asked suddenly.

"Yes, we raised Wild Boar and Spotted Deer, and also cultivated astragalus and ginseng," Lu Qingshan answered honestly.

"How effective was it?"

"Not bad; the local farmers grew prosperous alongside us," Lu Qingshan recalled the villagers of Shanwan, "In fact, the countryside has huge development potential, only lacking capital and technical support."

Minister Zhang set down his chopsticks: "What are your views on rural development?"

"I think the biggest problem in the countryside is poor information flow; good products can't be sold, and advanced external technologies can't enter. If a nationwide agricultural product distribution network were established, allowing farmers to deal directly with consumers, their incomes would surely rise dramatically."

The leaders exchanged glances, each seeing interest in the other's eyes.

After the meal, everyone moved to the living room. Old Chen brewed a pot of tea and personally poured for each person.

"Qingshan, now let's talk formally," Old Chen sat at the head seat, his gaze turning serious, "What are your thoughts on the future of our country's financial development?"

Lu Qingshan took a deep breath, glanced at his father Lu Hua, received an encouraging look, and began to speak at length.

"I believe financial economics is the lifeblood of national development, and its prospects are unquestionably bright," Lu Qingshan's voice became clear and firm, "From my experience on Hong Kong Island, the financial market's power is immense; it can allocate resources swiftly and drive economic growth. Yet regulation must keep pace, or excessive speculation will arise."

Old Chen nodded: "Well said. How do you think we should find a balance between development and regulation?"

"First, set up pilot programs in several key cities, accumulate experience, then gradually expand. At the same time, we must establish a comprehensive legal and regulatory system so the market can develop healthily within a legal framework." Lu Qingshan combined his past‑life memories.

Wang (Bureau Chief) listened attentively: "How should we adjust our foreign‑exchange management policy?"

"I think we could moderately relax some restrictions, allowing capable enterprises and individuals to participate in the international market. But we must set up strict review mechanisms to prevent capital flight and also guard against foreign capital hollowing out the economy," Lu Qingshan answered after a moment of thought.

The leaders nodded repeatedly, all satisfied with Lu Qingshan's answers.

"Qingshan, aside from finance, what else do you wish to do?" Old Chen asked suddenly.

"I have many ambitions. Finance is just the foundation; I also want to venture into the energy sector, transportation and shipping, and high‑tech industries," he paused, "High‑tech industry is the cornerstone of future development."

Old Chen's eyes showed keen interest: "Qingshan, that's a great idea. Could you elaborate on your concrete proposals?"