This time, Jian Wei and I were heading to a small county in Northern Jiangsu. The county was rich in water resources, and the scenic spot we were going to inspect was located right by the Huaihe River. A few years ago, it gained popularity due to the area’s thriving aquatic products. At that time, many uniquely styled floating restaurants were set up on the lake within the scenic area. In the evenings, dining on fresh river delicacies while admiring the night view of the Huaihe River was indeed a delightful experience. However, the county itself lacked influence and had almost no radiating power. As other water-adjacent cities began to mimic this floating restaurant model, the scenic spot soon lost popularity due to competition, eventually falling into a state of unsustainable operation.
I heard that, back then, the county had mobilized nearly all its resources to develop this scenic spot. After barely making a profit for a few years, it fell into significant losses. The local government also faced intense public pressure, which led them to consider selling the scenic area. They promised that once a tourism company took over the site, the government would offer strong policy support, hoping the scenic area could regain vitality and relieve the pressure of being criticized for inaction.
Since we left early in the morning, Jian Wei and I arrived in the county before noon. The director of the local Tourism Bureau had already arrived at the entrance of the scenic area with a small team to greet us.
The weather was quite nice today, and since it was a weekend, there were a few vehicles with out-of-town license plates parked sporadically near the entrance. It seemed some people had come here for a vacation. This was somewhat ironic because a medium-sized scenic spot that once heavily relied on floating restaurants needed a dense flow of visitors to survive. Now, due to lack of attention, it had turned into a quiet resort. The lake within the scenic area had become a fishing zone where a small number of tourists came to fish for entertainment. The business situation was practically pitiful. At this moment, I really began to doubt Jian Wei’s and Yang Congrong’s investment judgment.
After the car stopped, Jian Wei and I got out. The director seemed to have had prior contact with Jian Wei. With a small belly, he hurriedly walked up to her, extended his hand, and said with a strong local accent: “Ms. Jian, you must have had a tiring journey!”
Jian Wei shook his hand with a very professional smile and replied, “Not at all tiring. Rather, we’ve kept you waiting.”
“No problem, no problem at all. We are already very glad you came. Ms. Jian, you wouldn’t know how much pressure we’ve received from above… But this scenic area… sigh! It’s really a headache. It has been troubling our Tourism Bureau team to no end!”
Jian Wei just smiled and then introduced me to the director and the group behind him. The director warmly shook my hand and addressed me as “Director Zhao.”
“Director Zhao, since this is your first visit, shall we take a look around the scenic area first?” the director suggested.
I gestured for him to lead the way, and we all walked into the scenic area. Upon entering, the view opened up immediately. Thanks to the nice weather and the blue sky with white clouds, the deserted scenic area actually looked somewhat lively. The mist that had not completely dissipated over the lake, combined with willow branches gently brushing the water surface, added a sense of subtle mystery. Moreover, dozens of ancient-style boats neatly parked on the lake added a retro charm to the entire scenic area.
The director and his team led the way, briefly introducing the scenic spot. Then, Jian Wei and I deliberately slowed our pace to talk privately. Jian Wei asked me, “Zhao Yang, what do you think of this scenic spot?”
I looked around and replied, “My first impression is okay, but it feels more like a resort. Also, due to limitations in its business model, it is heavily affected by seasons and competition. Moreover, the county’s tourism market is underdeveloped. I think the possibility of reviving it is quite low.”
Jian Wei smiled and said, “That’s exactly what Uncle Yang and I think too.”
I was surprised and said, “Then isn’t this a blind investment?”
Jian Wei looked at me meaningfully and said, “The drunkard’s intention is not in the wine.”
“What do you mean?”
Jian Wei did not answer me immediately. Instead, she first called out to the director who was leading the way, saying that she and I wanted to explore the area on our own. The director naturally agreed. Before leaving, he reminded Jian Wei to wait for his call so he could arrange a meal for us, but Jian Wei politely declined. I knew that as the daughter of an official, she was very cautious about official banquets.
After the director and his team left, Jian Wei and I sat down on a viewing platform by the lakeside. Around us, willow branches swayed in the wind. Below us, the lake rippled gently. Occasionally, fish leaping out of the water in search of food created splashes before quickly diving back in, leaving only ripples on the surface. In that moment, my restless mood gradually calmed down.
Jian Wei gazed at the vast lake. The autumn breeze blew the yellowing willow branches across her face, and falling leaves fluttered around her, making her seem like a figure in a painting, so beautiful that I dared not look directly at her. I took out a cigarette, lit it, and asked again, “Tell me, what did you mean by ‘the drunkard’s intention is not in the wine’?”
“What do you think of the county’s transportation?”
“The waterways and land transport are both very smooth. Logistics are quite developed.”
“What about labor costs?”
“They should be quite low…”
I had barely finished answering when I suddenly understood what Jian Wei meant and asked, “Are you and Uncle Yang planning to set up a production line for tourism products in this county?”
Jian Wei nodded and said, “Zhao Yang, Uncle Yang and I never take uncalculated risks. Before this, we had already communicated with the local government. If we acquire this scenic spot, they will provide strong policy support, including rent-free factory buildings for our production line, which will significantly reduce our investment costs… Moreover, most importantly: although Uncle Yang and I don’t think this scenic spot has high investment value, the county itself has abundant tourism resources. The local government just doesn’t know how to integrate and utilize these resources effectively. However, they are very eager to develop this county into a tourism-based city. Therefore, choosing this place as our first step into new territory offers many future possibilities. It’s definitely worth looking forward to…”
I pondered and realized that this was indeed one of the few counties in Jiangsu Province with both mountains and water, and due to its economic backwardness, the city had barely been affected by industrial pollution. If the right tourism development positioning could be found in the future, there would indeed be many possibilities. Added to that, with Jian Wei’s influence in the advertising industry and Yang Congrong’s experience in tourism, there was a real chance to establish tourism as the city’s calling card. Perhaps the local government was well aware of Jian Wei’s and Yang Congrong’s influence in their respective industries, which is why they were so eager to accommodate us.
I turned to Jian Wei again and asked, “How much are they planning to sell this scenic spot for?”
“It hasn’t been decided yet, but the price definitely won’t be high… Hehe, I believe the contribution we will make to the local economy in the future will far exceed the value of this scenic spot. I think they understand this better than anyone… Zhao Yang, let’s work hard together, strive together, and make Luku the largest listed tourism company in China in the shortest possible time. Okay?”
I looked at her, unsure of how to respond. Because she and Yang Congrong were both great entrepreneurs and strategists, with far-sighted plans. But I was just an angry youth who liked alternative and niche things. Even now, I was still thinking about how to find more shops like “West of the Old City” to enrich the cultural atmosphere of the artistic path.
Their ambitions were too great, while my needs were too peculiar! At this moment, I truly felt the divergence between us! Yet I still couldn’t quite understand: if Yang Congrong and Jian Wei had such great capabilities, why didn’t they choose to strike out on their own? Why had they chosen to invest in my company back then?
Initially, I thought they were interested in this artistic path, but now I realize I was wrong! Their strategic intentions had completely exceeded my expectations!
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