I'm reborn and I'm an international student again?

"The association needs a lot of money to operate. I heard that Chairman Yang always refutes some members' suggestions at meetings. There are too many restrictions. How can we make money? Sigh, I'm just saying a few more words out of kindness. Don't blame me." Lin Xi said cheekily.

After listening, Yang Xiao waved his hand and said, "Our association never does anything shady or cheating. Even if we make money, we do things that promote positive energy. Our goal is to serve the public and contribute to the development of the country. Unlike some people who always like to play petty tricks. You can play those petty tricks for a while, but you can't play them forever."

"Hey, that's sophistry. What I'm saying is that your thinking is flawed. You're always trying to restrict everything. The real way for an association to grow is through freedom and progress, not by using your slogans to confine members' minds. What sharing projects? Can you even make money from that? And those stage plays you put on, what era are we living in? Still playing that game, it's incredibly outdated."

Linxi got more and more excited as she talked, and the two of them argued loudly and passionately, attracting curious glances from those around them.

"Why haven't they started fighting yet? If they do, Linxi's fighting skills will definitely get her beaten half to death by Yang Xiao." Chen Xi muttered to himself as he watched the show from a distance.

Vice President, you're so cunning! But I like it.

Qian Jiajia, standing to the side, had stars in her eyes.

"Oh dear, what a pity, they were pulled apart." Hearing Chen Xi's next words, Qian Jiajia followed his gaze and saw a group of people appear at the door.

Those are all presidents of overseas returnee associations in various places, and many of them are actually members from both sides.

"Why don't you two just fight? I'm getting impatient watching from the sidelines," Chen Xi shouted from behind the crowd half a minute later.

Seeing this, the two glared at each other and then straightened their clothes.

"What's going on? They're already fighting before the meeting even starts? No problem, there will be plenty of opportunities later." At this moment, Zheng Wei appeared at the main entrance wearing an executive jacket.

Yang Xiao and Lin Xi both understood what he meant: the achievements of both associations on the Silk Road.

Seeing that Zheng Wei wasn't angry about their argument, but rather seemed inclined to sow discord, Chen Xi thought to himself: "The higher-ups are really something else. They don't want any one company to get too powerful. Sending this guide to do ideological work on us is actually a way to plant someone in the middle to play a balancing act. It's a pity they don't know that Lin Xi isn't so easy to tame at all."

Having been reborn, Chen Xitai clearly understood what had happened in his previous life. Lin Xi was the kind of person who would do the very thing you forbade him to do.

Finding someone to suppress him will only push him too far; it's better to just replace him.

"The guide is here, everyone go inside for the meeting," Chen Xi called out from behind the crowd.

After everyone went inside, Zheng Wei stopped him: "I don't think Xu Yun's management is very good, and Lin Xi has been so busy lately. The enthusiasm of everyone in the association is getting lower and lower. Why don't you take over their work temporarily?"

Chen Xi gave a wry smile: "Comrade guide, I'm very busy."

If you keep saying things that people don't like to hear, who will be motivated?

This is just like when you're in school and the principal is reading from a script while the students below are all dozing off.

Chen Xi mentally complained.

"I know you have businesses such as trading companies, factories, and rural e-commerce platforms. This Silk Road event is a perfect opportunity to make your businesses soar. Make the most of it. Sometimes, focusing more on the association can yield unexpected results..." Zheng Wei's words were full of enticement.

"The Silk Road is a policy concerning the future development of the country. How can I only think about my own interests? Of course, everything should be considered for the sake of the country, society, and the association..." Chen Xi straightened his chest and answered seriously.

"..." Zheng Wei was speechless at his explanation and could only point to the meeting room, meaning let's go in and start the meeting.

"Chen Xi, it's been a long time."

Hey, I heard you're doing pretty well these days.

As Chen Xi entered the venue, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Turning around, he saw several familiar faces standing behind him.

The people who greeted me were the student representatives who had fought alongside me in Kansas City back then.

The person being photographed is Wei Bao, a representative of the international students from Acun.

"Hey, you guys are doing pretty well too, you've even become the presidents of the local overseas returnee association." Chen Xi patted their arms with a smile.

The scene of a group of people bleeding and crying back then is still vivid in Chen Xi's mind. He can't help but sigh at how fast time flies. In the blink of an eye, seven years have passed.

"Why are you back? Weren't you supposed to stay in Australia?" The last time Chen Xi saw them was many years ago.

He remembered that some of these people worked for large companies.

“It’s not like you can get a job in China and then it’s easier to get things done abroad, you know…” Wei Bao whispered in his ear.

Wei Bao used to be a member of the Youth Returnees Association, and now he has become the president of the local association, so he naturally receives many more benefits.

"How do you plan to develop this Silk Road?" Chen Xi looked around.

"That's why I'm here today. There are too many factories in China right now, and they're facing a situation where goods can't be sold. If you open your phone, you'll see that many online celebrities have started live-streaming sales. Although the number of orders from users is currently very small, I think it will definitely surge in the future. But this sales method can only be popular for a few years, just like Alibaba, which targets Chinese customers. Once there's an economic downturn, no one will want to spend money. So I think it's necessary to get involved in export projects like the Silk Road that connect with foreign countries as soon as possible..." Wei Bao told him his thoughts without reservation.

"No... I mean, are you planning to do this on your own? Like, the local overseas returnee associations banding together?" Chen Xi secretly glanced at Zheng Wei in the distance.

Wei Bao followed his gaze and then said, "The reason they made us set up associations is to limit the growth of the other two, and to create a third force through a balancing act. Although I used to be a member of the Youth Returnees Association, I can't openly cooperate with them to grow stronger. The presidents of these associations in different places all have different ideas, and most of them only care about their own development, just like the warlords of the past. To be precise, so far, it's just a few of us acquaintances hanging around together. There are quite a few others in the same situation as us, everyone is in their own circle..."

As Wei Bao spoke, he pointed to the group of people in front of him. They were all international students who had shed blood together in Australia, so their bond was naturally quite strong.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xi suddenly had some thoughts.

There are so many local associations for returned overseas students across the country. If these people were secretly integrated, their strength would not be underestimated.

But this kind of thing can't be discovered by the higher-ups, otherwise they'll definitely call him in for a talk.

Since forming a large clique won't work, we can always start a small group. We're all good friends, so there won't be any problems if word gets out.

“You’re right. We’re all comrades who have shed blood together, so naturally we should help each other…” Chen Xi understood what Wei Bao meant.

At this point, all the leaders arrived, and the conference officially began.

Similar to other meetings, the initial remarks focused on national development policies and how returnees should contribute to the motherland.

The article then gradually gets to the main point: "As of this year, my country has reached cooperation agreements on the Silk Road with more than 60 countries, and plans to launch 42 key projects. The China-Europe freight train has opened 16 routes, covering 28 cities. In the first half of this year, freight volume reached 3.1 TEUs, double that of the same period last year. This is precisely the time for the Overseas Returnees Association to shine."

At the strategic alignment level between countries, relevant departments are responsible for overall coordination. However, in specific business cooperation, you all need to fully leverage your bridging role. Each country along the Belt and Road has thousands of companies waiting to be connected; this is not something any single organization can handle. The resources and networks you've accumulated through your overseas studies are key to filling this gap. The market is there, the opportunities are there. How much of the pie you can capture depends on your abilities…”

This wasn't the first time Chen Xi had heard these words from his superior.

The Silk Road was divided into two main routes: sea and land.

With so many regions in the world, each region has its unique advantages.

Southeast Asia: proximity, rapid economic growth, large and young population, deep historical ties with China, RCEP agreement, and benefits from industrial transfer, such as electronics, textiles, and manufacturing.

The Middle East: abundant capital, strategic geographical location, logistics hub, tradition of energy cooperation, and economic transformation, such as new energy and science and technology parks, can create demand for infrastructure and industrial products.

Africa: A huge potential market, with a demographic dividend, early-stage urbanization, massive infrastructure debt, explosive demand for infrastructure, rapid growth in some countries, and primarily resource-driven growth. Europe, needless to say, boasts a large population and purchasing power, with strong consumer demand for high-quality, innovative, environmentally friendly, and branded products. Coupled with a sound legal system and a mature market, most people want to go there.

Unlike traditional foreign trade, this Silk Road initiative is spearheaded by the state, with substantial preferential policies offered. If you have the capability, the returns will be very generous.

In fact, Chen Xi understood what it meant to have a meeting being held above.

The Silk Road national policy has been in place for many years, but it has encountered numerous difficulties in the early stages. The government wanted domestic companies to explore the market, but many remained hesitant, and some who went abroad, after encountering setbacks, returned and began spreading negative energy, causing widespread anxiety. Therefore, the government wanted the Overseas Returnees Association to set a good example and drive overall development.

After the meeting, Chen Xi was about to leave when Lin Xi stopped him: "You heard what I just said, right?"

Chen Xi blinked: "I heard you."

"You saw that I almost got into a fight with Yang Xiao at the door before the meeting, right?"

"Yeah, if I hadn't shouted something, you probably would have been beaten to death."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Linxi regained her composure and said, "This competition for the Silk Road is a matter of pride for our Youth Returnees Association. As the vice president, and with your many years of experience in foreign trade, you must do your best to bring honor to the association!"

"That's natural."

Chen Xi grinned.

"Ahem, are you thinking of making a fortune behind the scenes? Let me tell you, this time it's for the association to make money." Lin Xi pulled out the words she had prepared beforehand.

"That's easy. We'll do anything for the association."

"Hehe, I saw you chatting happily with Wei Bao and the others before you left, are you planning to form a group to make a fortune? You always talk about the association's honor and the big picture, but don't be like Yang Xiao who only knows how to shout slogans."

"Yes, don't worry. But as the president, you should set an example."

Seeing Linxi's smug look, Chen Xi curled her lip.

Damn it, you're really cunning.

"Hehe, I'd be embarrassed if I lost. Alright, enough said. Yang Xiao's here, you need to hold him off for me. I don't want to fight that violent madman in such a serious setting." Lin Xi glanced to the side, then, as if she'd seen a ghost, tossed out those words and made her escape.

"Hey, isn't this Vice President Chen? Long time no see. Has that kid Linxi been bossing you around again? I'm telling you, you should just quit your job and come work for me. You can still be the vice president." Yang Xiao walked over and patted his arm with a smile.

"How can you so blatantly poach someone? There are so many people here, aren't you just digging my grave?" Chen Xi made a bitter face.

"I advise you to cooperate with me. I haven't agreed to deal with anyone else who asked me to!"

"Targeting me? Someone else? Who is it?"

Chen Xi's eyes narrowed to wariness.

"A woman!"

"Ok?"

Yang Xiao's words left Chen Xi a little confused, and the first person he thought of was Xu Yun.

Jiangcheng, Guanggu.

This once remote suburban new district has now become a sea of ​​factories and office buildings. With the release of policy dividends, the entire area is showing a kind of unbridled growth.

Because Jiangcheng has one of the top three cities in the country in terms of the number of college students, a large number of students come here to find jobs as soon as they graduate.

Later, a large number of financial companies settled here. Because most of the country's telephone scams originated here, Kokko was jokingly called "Little Myanmar."

The headquarters of Douyu, one of the four major live streaming platforms in China, is also located nearby.

Inside an office building.

On the elevator sign, below the words "Dingding Entertainment," traces of the words "Xinhai Financial" that had not been completely torn off remain.

As you walk into the company, you are greeted by hot, stuffy air mixed with the scent of perfume.

The 200-square-meter space was divided into dozens of square cubicles, each illuminated by pink and purple ambient lighting. A female streamer in a JK uniform was making a heart shape with her hands towards the camera, saying, "Thank you for the rocket, big brother~", while the girl at the next workstation pulled her collar down further, the game screen still showing the character selection screen.

At the end of the corridor, a sign read "Artist Management Department," and from inside, one could hear reprimands: "Our data has dropped to third! If this continues, you'll be transferred to the outdoor group next month!"

In the break room, several girls touching up their makeup were exchanging their experiences: "That guy with the fortune spent 60,000 yuan in one night yesterday."

"I have a guy named Zhijiang here who insists on seeing lace."

"Oh dear, don't talk about that. I received a lawyer's letter yesterday, saying they're going to sue me!" a tall girl complained pitifully.

"Which company is going to sue you?" another girl with pink hair asked.

"Oh my god, the company is saying I spread rumors in the live stream, which has had a terrible impact on their game. I had no choice, I was just doing my job for money..."

"Go find the manager and let him handle it."

He said he'd let me handle it myself.

"Then go find a lawyer. It's just a lawsuit. We can countersue him for malicious slander. We might even win and get paid."

"But I don't know any lawyers."

"I know someone who's pretty good, but he charges a bit too much. How about I introduce you? You'll make your money back in one night of streaming anyway..." The pink-haired girl snapped her fingers excitedly.

"Really? They're a big company; they must have hired some really top-notch lawyers."

"Of course it's amazing! I found you the Pizza Hut in Jiangcheng!" The pink-haired man patted his chest.

I can get another commission this time. I'll run away after I finish this month.

"Oh, what's that lawyer's name? I'd like to look it up online." The tall girl was keeping an eye on things.

"Go ahead and investigate, the renowned lawyer Li Guang!"

"Ah!"

At that moment, a middle-aged man in a law firm on the other side of Jiangcheng suddenly sneezed. (End of Chapter)