Chapter 196: then title translation, then ===GLOSSARY=== then list

Zhang Wanhe knew his task; he needed to work in tandem with Secretary Wang, cooperating to get those present to agree to Qin Miao's plan. Now, as soon as he spoke these first words and saw the expressions of those present, he felt a wave of relief—everyone who could sit here was no greenhorn.

"After San Shui got the money, he was very troubled. He originally wanted to donate it, but… he was afraid of letting down the old leader's good intentions, and even more afraid of triggering a chain reaction. Back then, when Zigong did a good deed and refused the reward, Confucius scolded him severely—this is truly selfish."

Back then, the King of Lu issued a policy: anyone who saw a Lu national sold abroad into slavery could redeem them and receive a reward.

Zigong redeemed a Lu slave, feeling that he rescued the person only out of compassion for a fellow countryman's suffering, not for money, so he did not claim the reward.

Many people thought Zigong helped others without seeking reward, of high moral integrity, and spread his virtue everywhere. When Confucius heard of it, he lashed out: "You've made a name for yourself, but what about others? If they took the reward, they'd be accused of lacking character and low morals, so then no one would redeem slaves anymore!"

In modern terms, this is moral blackmail.

Now Qin Miao faces this dilemma: if he donates, will others later claim the reward by donating or not donating?

Everyone understood Zhang Wanhe's meaning: the reward the old leader gave was not meant for Qin Miao to donate, but to do concrete work!

"San Shui thought for days and nights, losing a handful of hair, then decided to invest in industry. Since our country's microelectronics industry, lacking state investment, faces the severe problem of widening the gap with the West, he decided to pour all his money into the crystal element industry, went to consult the leaders of Ha Gong Da, and obtained this plan."

Zhang Wanhe looked at the crowd: "If we handed all the money to the school, it would again be a donation. We finally came up with this allocation plan—indeed, it's unprecedented—but the old leader also said, we are reforming, which means treading a path no one has taken before! We also need to emancipate our minds and seek truth from facts…"

The crowd's attitude was gradually easing.

"Everyone, I know this kid San Shui: he brought in a large sum of foreign exchange for the country, and he himself doesn't really have much need for money. This proposal he's made is just a trial; back in '78, the old leader already suggested letting some people get rich first, then let the rich lead the less rich to prosperity."

Zhang Wanhe looked at the crowd: "So after this group becomes wealthy, how do they drive the less wealthy? Should we simply distribute their wealth to others? Or should we use their wealth to develop our nation's industry, ultimately making the country prosperous?"

Those present fell into contemplation.

"Everyone, my opinion is this: since Ha Gong Da can serve as a pilot in import‑export, why couldn't it also be a pilot in exploring company operations? Let's first see whether this entirely new approach suits our country's development; if it fails, we'll shut the company down and donate San Shui's shares to the state without compensation; if it succeeds, we can roll it out widely."

Zhang Wanhe finished speaking and sat down.

That's all he could say; he didn't know how those present would respond.

Inside the meeting room, silence fell once again.

Secretary Wang looked at the people below and said calmly: "Everyone, letting Ha Gong Da become a reform pilot—I personally think it's a good plan. If it fails, the loss is Ha Gong Da's; anyway, they have money. If it succeeds, we will have forged a new path…"

He had originally said it half‑jokingly, but evidently no one below could laugh; this pilot is just opening a crack, and… almost everyone had a feeling that this kid Qin Miao is capable and will surely pull it off!

If this exploration succeeds, more and more people will open factories; even if they hang under a state‑owned or collective enterprise, developing this way, will the country's basic institutions change?

"Like this, let's vote by show of hands—those opposed, please raise your hands."

The people looked at each other; nobody dared to raise a hand.

"Alright, since nobody objects, we'll take Ha Gong Da as the pilot; if it truly succeeds, our country can save a lot of investment and also develop the crystal element industry—multiple benefits in one move…"

The matter was settled just like that! However… Secretary Wang knew many people were still unhappy in their hearts and might stir up some petty tricks; now that Qin Miao is far from the power center, that's actually a good choice…

"Well, let's discuss the next item: in the near future, five models of Western heavy trucks will come to our country for comparative trials…"

Zhang Wanhe also breathed a sigh of relief; securing this pilot was a win, but this San Shui is practically a bomb—we must always guard against his various maneuvers… yet this kid actually managed to guess the old leader's mind, win his support; after a few more years of seniority, he will surely become a pillar, his future prospects… definitely better than mine.

After the meeting ended, it was already five in the afternoon; Zhang Wanhe stepped out, gazed at the sunset on the horizon, and couldn't help but think of his daughter and son‑in‑law who had gone to the West.

"Chief Zhang, Chief Zhang!" At that moment the secretary came over: "Just received news from Germany—Comrade Qin Miao and Comrade Chu Miaomiao have satisfactorily completed their negotiation task and are about to return together with the leaders of the Fifth Machinery Bureau who went to the West for inspection."

"Leaders of the Fifth Machinery Bureau? They've gathered together?"

"Yeah, I heard they also gave the Fifth Machinery Bureau a big hand…"

In distant Germany, Frankfurt, a group waited at the airport for the flight back home.

Direct flights from the East to Europe are few, mostly concentrated in France, Britain, and West Germany; Frankfurt, as West Germany's largest airport and also an international aviation hub, is virtually connected to the whole world.

"Mr. Schultz, I never expected you would personally come with us to the East."

Watching Schultz and his entourage travel together, Qin Miao felt somewhat moved; it seemed this deal of ours was very important to them.

"Well, we hope to sign the contract as soon as possible so we can get you into production quickly; as long as you pay the deposit, we can pull ten units from the production line for you… huh… Joseph? How did you come? You… are you also heading to the East?"

Schultz finished speaking, then thought of something: "Come, everyone, let me introduce you—this is Josef, the head of Austria's Steyr automobile company! Josef, these are all people from the East; this is Mr. Zhao…"

Steyr, trucks! Qin Miao instantly realized that, as he was about to return home, he had also run into another major matter concerning the development of Eastern industry!