I painted an aircraft carrier on the courtyard house for Dongda University.

As soon as he entered, Lou Xiao'e circled around him like a cheerful little bird, pointing to the Western oil paintings on the wall and saying, "My dad brought these back from abroad. They're said to be by a famous artist."

A moment later, she pouted and complained, "Why haven't you asked me to play since we last met?"

Lou Zhenhua pretended to cough and reminded her several times, but seeing that his daughter wouldn't listen, he could only shake his head helplessly.

Lou Tan smiled and smoothed things over, then turned and went into the kitchen to prepare tea.

"Xiao'e, please sit down for a while. I need to talk to your father for a bit."

Zhou Weiguo patted her arm with a smile, and Lou Xiao'e immediately sat obediently on the sofa, placing her hands on her knees, but her eyes were still glued to him.

Seeing this, Lou Zhenhua shook his head helplessly, then changed the subject and tentatively asked, "Weiguo, I wonder if you're married yet?"

Upon hearing this, Lou Xiao'e's body tensed instantly, her eyes fixed on Zhou Weiguo, and even her breathing became lighter.

Zhou Weiguo was a little embarrassed by the question, scratched his head and said, "Chairman Lou, I'm not married yet, but I have a close female friend."

Lou Xiao'e's joy was quickly dispelled by the second half of the sentence, and she hung her head, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, looking utterly dejected.

Lou Zhenhua waved his hand dismissively: "What's the big deal? It's perfectly normal for an outstanding young man like you to have a few female confidantes."

Zhou Weiguo could only nod with a forced smile, but in his heart he was thinking: Why does Lou Zhenhua keep bringing this up?

Just then, Lou Zhenhua said, "For the sake of the country, I'd like to go have a smoke. Would you like to come to the study with me for a chat?"

Zhou Weiguo shrugged and got up to follow.

Lou Xiao'e was about to get up, but Lou Zhenhua turned around and said, "Go to the kitchen and help your mother. We'll treat Weiguo well later."

The two entered the study. Lou Zhenhua took out a pack of cigarettes from a drawer, handed one to Zhou Weiguo, and lit one for himself. As he exhaled smoke, the study quickly filled with the smell of tobacco. He remained silent for a long time before hesitantly speaking, "Weiguo, although I know it's abrupt to say this, I still want to hear your advice."

Zhou Weiguo had already anticipated this, and sighed inwardly—it really wasn't that simple. He nodded: "Chairman Lou, please speak."

"Don't call me Chairman Lou anymore, it's too formal."

Lou Zhenhua waved his hand, "Since you and Xiao'e get along well, just call me Uncle Lou. To be honest, I'm just a figurehead as 'Chairman.' Apart from taking a share of the profits, I can't get involved in anything at the factory."

Zhou Weiguo smiled awkwardly but didn't reply.

Lou Zhenhua took another drag of his cigarette, his gaze turning serious: "For the country, can you tell me, what should people like us do in the future?"

Zhou Weiguo's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself: Given our relationship, is it appropriate to ask such a sensitive question?

Just as he was about to tactfully evade the question, Lou Zhenhua seemed to have guessed his thoughts and took the initiative to say, "I felt something was wrong from the beginning of the public-private partnership. I converted most of my assets into foreign exchange and sent my other wives and children to Hong Kong. I originally wanted to stay and look after the old house myself. But in the past two years, seeing my old friends either doing nothing like me or going far away, I've become more and more anxious—I'm afraid something will happen if I stay, but I can't bear to leave this place."

Zhou Weiguo then understood his concerns, but still couldn't help asking, "Uncle Lou, we're not that close. Aren't you afraid of causing problems by telling me all this?"

Lou Zhenhua paused for a moment, then smiled: "For the country, I'm not wrong in judging people. You're so young, yet you've already earned the special attention of Minister Song and Elder Qin, you're definitely not an ordinary person. Besides, I can see Xiao'e's feelings for you, and you should also have some affection for her, I can't treat you like an outsider. And don't worry, I myself have one wife and four concubines, I won't have any special demands on you."

He paused, then added, "You think I don't know anything just because I don't go to the factory? The steel rolling mill has been owned by the Lou family for over twenty years, and I know quite a few of the old-timers there. Although I don't know exactly what you're doing, the fact that the leaders pay so much attention to you means you must have real skills."

Zhou Weiguo then realized that Lou Zhenhua had been prepared in advance. He had both figured out Zhou Weiguo's importance and used "Xiao'e" to build a relationship, which was why he dared to talk to him about these sensitive topics.

Looking into Lou Zhenhua's expectant eyes, he knew that if he didn't offer some substantial advice, things might not end well today.

Zhou Weiguo touched his nose, still feeling uneasy, and could only vaguely laugh it off: "Uncle Lou, you flatter me. I was just lucky. It just so happened that the factory needed technical solutions, and I stumbled upon this by chance."

"You're quite modest, kid."

Lou Zhenhua smiled, tapping the cigarette between his fingers in the ashtray. "I've been in the business world for so many years, I'm pretty good at judging people. If you really didn't have any ability, would Director Song and Old Qin have given you special treatment? Every technical backbone of the steel rolling mill has to work for more than ten years before they get ahead. You're so young and you can lead the improvement of machine tools. That can't be explained by 'luck'."

That hit the nail on the head. Zhou Weiguo was speechless for a moment, and could only pick up the teacup on the table and take a sip.

Seeing this, Lou Zhenhua's tone became even more serious: "To be honest, the reason I dare to talk to you about these things is firstly because I trust your character, and secondly because I'm taking a gamble—I always feel that someone like you won't be limited to immediate gains and losses, and will definitely be able to see the future path clearly."

Zhou Weiguo put down his teacup and finally understood Lou Zhenhua's core concern.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Uncle Lou, your situation isn't actually that bad. You have funds and overseas channels; all you lack is a legitimate identity."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Lou Zhenhua's eyes lit up, and he involuntarily leaned forward.

"Think about it, what does the country lack most right now? It's advanced equipment, precision instruments, and the technology to produce goods."

Zhou Weiguo explained clearly, "If you can utilize Hong Kong's channels to import these scarce resources into the mainland, and even fund several scientific research projects, then you won't be a 'capitalist,' but a 'patriotic overseas Chinese businessman.' At that time, not only will no one cause you trouble, but the government might even treat you as an honored guest."

Lou Zhenhua frowned: "But with my identity... what if someone keeps accusing me of being a 'capitalist'?"

"This requires you to take the initiative to express your opinion."

Zhou Weiguo continued, "You can donate a portion of the steel mill's dividends to local development, and publicly express your support for the public-private partnership policy, completely severing ties with your 'old identity.' As for the business in Hong Kong, you can have your family manage it for you, while you focus on the resources and technologies the country needs. You can occasionally return to Beijing for a short stay. This way, you won't be far from your homeland for extended periods, and you can stay informed about your business developments—isn't that the best of both worlds?"

P.S.: Please urge me to update more and give me good reviews. Thank you!