"No industrial zone?"
Chen Feng was stunned.
"Yes, Deputy County Head Chen. Jiuniao County has no Han people, only Miao people. In our Miao settlements, apart from simple commodity exchange, we are completely ignorant of industrial matters. To put it bluntly, we are a backward agricultural area. Even in agriculture, we are behind the Han people. Miao people are only mysterious and cool in movies; in reality, no one likes to be a poor and backward Miao person."
Mu Chi Wang Mu explained earnestly.
"What you said aligns quite well with Jiuniao County's situation. However, it's fine. Even without an industrial zone, you can still show me around the county town."
Chen Feng replied calmly.
"Deputy County Head Chen, since Jiuniao County has no industrial zone, is there any point in wandering around everywhere?"
Mu Chi Wang Mu retorted.
"Of course it's meaningful. Jiuniao County truly has had no industrial zone in the past or present, but it definitely will in the future. From ancient times to the present, social development from backwardness to advancement is an irresistible trend. Our touring Jiuniao County now is for the future site selection of Jiuniao County's industrial zone. Jiuniao County cannot remain poor forever."
Chen Feng explained earnestly.
Mu Chi Wang Mu was inwardly astonished.
Judging by this young man's actions, he wasn't just going through the motions; he was serious.
It seemed that Jiuniao County's development was about to welcome a turning point.
Thus, the two toured Jiuniao County town for a day.
Chen Feng had originally planned to spend at least three to four days. To his surprise, Jiuniao County was truly small, not even a third the size of Ming Shan Town.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't that Jiuniao County was small. To be honest, Jiuniao County had a vast area, but most of it was primeval forest. Otherwise, it was just a small patch of thin farmland. In short, land for industry was even scarcer.
The backwardness of Jiuniao County was undeniable.
"Deputy County Head Chen, after touring for a day, where do you think would be a suitable location for Jiuniao County's future industrial zone?"
Mu Chi Wang Mu asked tentatively.
"I have a general idea in mind, but I'd like to hear your opinion."
Chen Feng asked calmly.
"I think the northern suburbs would be more suitable for Jiuniao County's future industrial zone. The flat terrain there makes it easier to achieve economies of scale."
Mu Chi Wang Mu said earnestly.
"If it were me, I would choose the southern suburbs."
Chen Feng replied decisively.
"What? The southern suburbs? Deputy County Head Chen, are you sure you were in charge of the economy before? The northern suburbs have more level terrain and are more suitable for an industrial zone. Everyone thinks so, yet you believe the southern suburbs are most suitable for an industrial zone. Deputy County Head Chen, you're not joking with me, are you?"
Mu Chi Wang Mu looked at Chen Feng with astonishment.
This man was quite interesting.
Every idea he had was unique and different from others.
Describing him as imaginative was not an exaggeration.
"I'm not joking, it's true. The reason is, although the southern suburbs have more mountainous terrain, as long as a tunnel is opened, it will connect to the neighboring county. The neighboring county is a Han county and is economically very developed. Jiuniao County is a poor county. To develop, it must rely on developed counties. It cannot develop on its own. Let alone a county, even a country cannot develop if it remains isolated."
Chen Feng explained earnestly.
"What? Digging a tunnel? That's too large a project! Jiuniao County's finances don't have that much money."
Mu Chi Wang Mu replied softly.
"A tunnel project connecting two counties is a major undertaking, and the higher authorities will naturally provide the funds. Don't worry."
Chen Feng earnestly reassured.
"Even if the higher authorities provide the funds, it still needs to be processed. If nothing is done, the higher authorities won't proactively provide money. The problem is, I haven't even been to Nanmiao City, so I don't know how to operate with the higher authorities!"
Mu Chi Wang Mu sighed softly.
"It's fine. I have some connections in the capital. Applying for a tunnel project with the higher authorities shouldn't be a big problem. In fact, even without seeking connections for a tunnel project, it's not a big issue. You know, in recent years, the state has been advocating for major infrastructure policies. A large tunnel connecting two counties is one of them. As long as the tunnel project is feasible, the higher authorities will not intentionally make things difficult."
Chen Feng's fluent explanation instantly won over Mu Chi Wang Mu.
"Deputy County Head Chen, to be honest, when I first met you and saw you as a deputy county head at such a young age, I thought you got promoted through opportunism. After working with you for a few days, I realized I was wrong; you have real substance."
Mu Chi Wang Mu looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
"It's nothing much, just a little experience. After all, I've been in the political arena for several years. Miss Mu Chi Wang Mu, since the matter is settled, I need to go to Nanmiao City. For projects like the tunnel and industrial zone, relying solely on the capital's support without specific support from Nanmiao City will hinder progress."
Chen Feng stated directly.
"That's true. Jiuniao County doesn't have the authority to decide on a major tunnel project; it must go through Nanmiao City. I'm a local. How about this, I'll go to Nanmiao City with you."
Mu Chi Wang Mu volunteered.
"Mu Chi Wang Mu, I appreciate your kindness. I can go alone. Most people in Jiuniao County are Miao people. Locals indeed have advantages in doing things locally. However, Nanmiao City is largely populated by Han people, so locals don't have much of an advantage. I can handle it alone. You stay here and manage Jiuniao County's daily affairs with County Head Qin; that would be the greatest support for Jiuniao County's development."
Chen Feng's explanation convinced Mu Chi Wang Mu, and she immediately went to find Qin Yan.
Chen Feng did not hesitate. After some preparation, he headed directly to Nanmiao City.
Chen Feng's first stop in Nanmiao City was to speak with the president of the Nanmiao City Agricultural Bank about loan matters.
Only when funding is secured can all economic plans cease to be empty talk.
With capital in place, Jiuniao County's major tunnel project and industrial zone project will become a possibility.
"Deputy County Head Chen, did I hear correctly? You want to develop Jiuniao County's economy?"
The bank president asked in astonishment.
"Is that not allowed?"
Chen Feng calmly retorted.
"Jiuniao County is a thoroughly impoverished place. Even immortals couldn't develop it. I advise you not to waste your efforts. Deputy County Head Chen, you are also an experienced figure in the political arena; you should know that some things in politics are not as easy as they seem! I am doing well as a bank president in Nanmiao City now, and I don't want to get involved in this mess. If the tunnel connecting the two counties is done well, it's the higher authorities' merit. If it fails, I will bear the blame. I will absolutely not do this kind of thankless task, this so-called practical work for the common people. You should find another bank president."
The president sternly refused.