Chen Feng was initially going to politely decline. He was merely Nie Xiaosu's secretary and did not qualify to attend such a formal meeting.
"If I say you qualify, then you qualify."
Secretary Nie said with a smile.
Chen Feng was stunned for a moment.
These words felt very familiar. He recalled that these were the kind of words that influential figures in official circles loved to say.
It seemed that the world of politics and the world of business had many similarities.
"Miss Nie, I know you have the authority to make me attend the Sandong City Electronics Factory Association meeting. However, I haven't been in the electronics factory industry for very long. Having me attend would be a waste of a spot, wouldn't it? What I mean is, it would be better to call an experienced mid-level manager from Hongfeng Electronics Factory to go with you. That way, if you have any questions at the Sandong City Electronics Factory Association, they could at least help you a little."
Chen Feng replied truthfully.
"On the surface, that's how it seems, but in reality, it's not. This is because the agenda for this internal meeting of the Sandong City Electronics Factory Association is how the electronics factory industry can deeply integrate with the political sphere. While the mid-level management of Hongfeng Electronics Factory certainly has expertise in electronics factory management, they aren't as adept as you are at navigating the political landscape."
Nie Xiaosu explained with a serious expression.
"Miss Nie, you think too highly of me. I'm just an employee at an electronics factory. How could I possibly understand the world of politics?"
Chen Feng replied humbly.
"Chen Feng, I don't know why you choose to hide your identity and your past. However, I can confidently say that you have immense talent in politics. Otherwise, how could you have so easily resolved the difficult situation with the fire department not too long ago?"
Nie Xiaosu looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
Chen Feng's face was full of stories and experience, exuding a strong sense of masculinity.
"Miss Nie, since you think so highly of me, then I will respectfully accept."
Chen Feng decided not to be humble any longer.
If he continued to be too modest, Nie Xiaosu might start to guess his true identity.
Once his real identity was revealed, it would be very difficult for him to continue his mission of quietly investigating the secrets of economic development in the coastal areas of Sanhai Province, specifically in Sandong City.
Thus, Chen Feng enthusiastically accompanied Nie Xiaosu to the internal meeting of the Sandong City Electronics Factory Industry Association.
During the three days of the conference, Nie Xiaosu and Chen Feng mostly listened quietly.
On the last two days, there was a speech competition. Whoever won would be rewarded by the association with a major contract for their electronics factory.
"Chen Feng, it's your turn to shine. You can not only impress everyone but also bring a significant contract for Hongfeng Electronics Factory. It's killing two birds with one stone, so why not?"
Nie Xiaosu said excitedly.
"Miss Nie, perhaps not. This gathering includes talents from all the electronics factories in Sandong City. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself."
Chen Feng said modestly.
"Chen Feng, you're too modest. To be honest, if it were just for showing off, or just for Hongfeng Electronics Factory, you wouldn't have to give a speech. However, as a member of the electronics factory sector, you need to have a broader perspective. For the greater development of the entire electronics factory industry, you must share your unique and profound insights. Only when the entire electronics factory industry develops can Hongfeng Electronics Factory achieve sustained growth."
Nie Xiaosu said earnestly.
"Then, shall I go up and make a fool of myself?"
Chen Feng smiled modestly.
"You absolutely must go up. If you don't give a speech, this internal meeting of the Sandong City Electronics Factory Industry Association will not be considered a success."
Nie Xiaosu encouraged him.
Chen Feng didn't hesitate and went on stage to represent Hongfeng Electronics Factory.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Chen Feng took the stage, a wave of murmuring swept through the audience.
"This is interesting. Even a small factory like Hongfeng Electronics Factory has a representative giving a speech? Since when has the electronics factory industry in Sandong City fallen so low?"
"Exactly. The electronics factory industry in Sandong City is considered one of the best in the country, with many large factories. When it comes to speaking, it shouldn't be the turn of such a small factory like Hongfeng Electronics Factory to send a representative."
"Look closely at the representative from Hongfeng Electronics Factory. He's a fresh-faced kid, still wet behind the ears, with little life experience. How can he deliver a speech with rich content?"
"Forget it. After several days of meetings, it's all become rather tedious. Let's just treat this overconfident young man as a topic of lighthearted conversation after dinner to lighten the mood."
...
The crowd buzzed with discussion, but Chen Feng remained unfazed.
Compared to the political arena, this kind of scene was child's play.
Chen Feng calmly surveyed the surroundings and began his speech.
Chen Feng's speech topic was a brief analysis of the relationship between the electronics industry and the Foreign Trade Bureau.
Initially, the audience was indifferent.
However, as he continued.
The attention of the listeners in the audience was immediately captured.
The reason was simple: Chen Feng proposed a completely new operational approach.
For the electronics industry to build good relationships with the Foreign Trade Bureau, it could no longer rely on last-minute efforts as it had in the past.
In the past, whenever the electronics industry encountered difficulties with foreign trade exports, it would think of offering gifts. This approach was too passive.
A proactive strategy was necessary!
The best proactive measure would be for the Sandong City Electronics Factory Industry Association to rent a space with a substantial budget from the Foreign Trade Bureau and establish a liaison office.
During normal times, the liaison office should provide the Foreign Trade Bureau with various benefits.
This could include organizing trips, sending gifts during holidays, or celebrating birthdays of Foreign Trade Bureau staff...
In essence, it meant finding every possible reason to foster relationships with the Foreign Trade Bureau through monetary means.
Spending a little money during normal times.
And when major issues arose, large sums could be transferred smoothly.
After this speech concluded, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Nie Xiaosu was stunned.
She knew Chen Feng had a talent for politics.
But she had not expected his political acumen to be so sophisticated.
According to the association's prior decision, the winner of the speech competition would be awarded a major contract for their electronics factory.
The association was true to its word and efficient, allowing Hongfeng Electronics Factory to sign the contract on the spot.
Furthermore, the association also put the matter of establishing a liaison office with the Foreign Trade Bureau on its agenda.
These two actions deeply shocked Chen Feng.
He finally began to understand why Sanhai Province, a coastal region, had developed so rapidly. It was closely related to the decisive and efficient style of work prevalent throughout Sanhai Province.
In inland provinces, the efficiency of carrying out tasks was very low.
A brilliant idea could be stalled for half a year due to inter-departmental squabbling and buck-passing before even being considered for the agenda.
In Sandong City, however, a good idea could be put on the agenda for action immediately.
This was the difference.
Efficiency is life, efficiency is money!
"Chen Feng, your performance this time was absolutely dazzling!"
Upon returning to Hongfeng Electronics Factory, Nie Xiaosu exclaimed excitedly.
"Miss Nie, I just got lucky. It was like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse."
Chen Feng replied humbly.
"Chen Feng, your modesty has reached a new level. It's great that you have extraordinary talent and are also humble. Your future is boundless, and I cherish the time I spend with you."
Miss Nie said with a happy smile.
She knew that she would eventually marry into a wealthy family, and Chen Feng would undoubtedly enter the political arena. Their separation in the future was inevitable, so there was no need for sadness; they should be happy.
In life, the outcome is very important.
However, sometimes, the process is also important.
"Miss Nie, thank you for your kind regard. By the way, Miss Nie, I feel that the contract awarded by the Sandong City Electronics Factory Industry Association this time is not as simple as it seems..."
Chen Feng changed the subject, his expression becoming serious.