Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

In the summer of 1984, the wind in Kyoto carried a dry heat, yet it couldn't dispel the vibrant atmosphere permeating the air. The reform and opening-up policy had entered its sixth year, and the city was changing rapidly: individual stalls lined the streets, and "ten-thousand-yuan households" became a new buzzword; imported goods were increasingly common in shopping malls, and color televisions and twin-tub washing machines began to enter ordinary households; the radio repeatedly played "The Story of Spring," its melody filled with anticipation for the future.

Twelve-year-old Zhou Jin stood at the entrance of his high school, wearing a brand-new blue and white school uniform. His posture was upright, and the composure in his eyes was becoming increasingly apparent. He had been admitted to a prestigious high school in Kyoto with excellent grades. Instead of skipping grades, he chose to build a solid foundation, integrating his financial knowledge from his previous life with his current studies. This approach was neither too abrupt nor too jarring, allowing him to handle the high school curriculum with ease.

A clear voice called out from behind: "Brother Jin, wait for me!"

Zhou Jin turned around and saw 10-year-old Chen Panpan running towards her with her schoolbag on her back. She had already graduated from elementary school and entered the junior high school affiliated with this high school. The little girl had grown up a bit, with a neat ponytail, wearing the same school uniform, and a childlike smile on her face. She ran like a light and agile deer.

"Slow down, don't fall." Zhou Jin stopped and naturally took her schoolbag. "How did you do on your elementary school graduation exam?"

"Third in the whole grade!" Chen Panpan looked up, chin raised proudly, "Dad said that as long as I keep working hard, I can get into the same university as Brother Jin!"

When Chen Dashan was mentioned, her tone became particularly affectionate—since correcting her way of addressing him, she called him "Dad" naturally and intimately. Chen Dashan is now the division commander of a division in the Jingzhou Military Region, having been promoted another rank. Although he is busy with military affairs, he always makes time to care about his daughter's studies, often saying to Zhou Jin, "Jin'er, we're entrusting Panpan to your care. With you here, her mother and I are at ease."

Zhou Jin smiled and nodded: "You're really good, keep it up. From now on, after you finish junior high, I'll wait for you at the entrance of the senior high school building, and we'll go home together."

The two walked into the campus side by side. The high school and junior high school were adjacent to each other, separated by a low wall. They encountered many familiar classmates along the way. Everyone knew that this pair of "prodigy siblings" were well-known throughout the school as top students, while Chen Panpan was a standout in the junior high school. Their childhood friendship was an open secret in the military compound and the school.

The difficulty of high school courses increases dramatically, especially in mathematics and physics, which deters many students. But for Zhou Jin, this knowledge is not just textbook content, but the foundation for future analysis of economic data and formulation of financial strategies. His grades consistently rank first in the grade, especially in mathematics and English, where he almost always gets full marks. Even his teachers can't help but praise him: "Zhou Jin's logical thinking and comprehension abilities have exceeded the scope of high school students."

In his spare time, Zhou Jin didn't just focus on studying. He noticed that with the development of the market economy, many people around him were starting to try their hand at business, but most lacked experience and blindly followed the trend, resulting in losses. As a financial expert from his previous life, he keenly perceived both the opportunities and risks involved.

That evening, at a family gathering, Uncle Su Weidong mentioned that one of his former subordinates wanted to start a small business after retiring from the army, but didn't know what project to choose, and was so worried that he couldn't sleep.

"Everyone's thinking about making money these days, but blindly following trends won't work," Zhou Jin said naturally, putting down her teacup. "Uncle, you could ask that uncle to observe the market demand. For example, there are more and more dual-income families in the city now, who don't have time to take care of their children. Opening a formal childcare center or daycare program would probably be very popular. Moreover, the investment is not large and the risk is low."

Su Weidong was stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "Jin'er, this is a great idea! How come I didn't think of that? Dual-income families do have this need. Setting up a childcare center is convenient for the public and can also make money. It's a stable project."

Chen Dashan nodded in approval: "Jin'er's vision is truly unique. Unlike us soldiers who only have tactics and strategies in our minds, we know nothing about the ins and outs of the market economy."

Zhou Jianguo looked at his grandson with eyes full of satisfaction: "Jin'er is able to combine book knowledge with reality, which is commendable. Remember, no matter what you do in the future, you must be grounded in reality and start from the needs of the people."

Zhou Jin smiled modestly: "I just thought about it while reading the book. As for the specifics of how to do it, that uncle will have to do more research."

After the party, Chen Panpan tugged at Zhou Jin's arm and whispered, "Brother Jin, you're amazing. Even Uncle admires you."

"I just got lucky, it just happened to come to mind." Zhou Jin ruffled her hair. "How's your studying lately? Middle school courses are much harder than elementary school. Ask me if you don't understand anything."

"Yes!" Chen Panpan nodded emphatically, took a math workbook out of her bag, and said, "There are two geometry problems I can't do. Can Brother Jin teach me?"

The two sat at a stone table in the courtyard, Zhou Jin patiently explaining the problem-solving process to her. Moonlight shone down, illuminating their earnest faces, while cicadas chirped and a gentle evening breeze created a warm and cozy scene.

As the days went by, Zhou Jin's "reputation" extended beyond the school. Su Weidong's old subordinate took his advice and started a childcare program, which proved to be a huge success, quickly earning him a considerable sum. When the news reached the military compound, many people sought Zhou Jin's advice on "business acumen." Zhou Jin always patiently offered suggestions but never took credit, consistently emphasizing the importance of "market research and focusing on demand."

At the same time, he did not relax his self-discipline. In addition to his high school courses, he began to systematically study English and computer skills—his past experience told him that these two skills would be crucial in the future financial field. He also used his father's connections to frequently visit the State Planning Commission's library to research materials and keep abreast of domestic and international economic developments, especially the development of special economic zones such as Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

In 1985, the national price reform entered a critical stage, and the market experienced some price fluctuations, causing panic among many people. Drawing on her past experience and the current situation, Zhou Jin wrote "Several Suggestions on Stabilizing Prices and Guiding Market Expectations," which analyzed in detail the reasons for price fluctuations and proposed specific measures such as "strengthening market supervision, ensuring smooth information channels, and guaranteeing the supply of essential goods for people's livelihoods."

He handed the suggestion to his father, Zhou Chengbang, who was astonished after reading it. The suggestion was logically clear, data-rich, and comprehensively considered the issues; it was completely unlike what a 13-year-old child could have written. He dared not delay and immediately reported the suggestion to his superiors.

Unexpectedly, this suggestion received high attention from the State Council leadership, and many measures were incorporated into subsequent price control policies. Zhou Jianguo specifically called Zhou Jin to his study and said earnestly, "Jin'er, your suggestion is very well written and has solved a major problem for the country. But you must remember, the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled. You are still young and should not be too flamboyant. In the future, you can report such suggestions through your father or grandfather, and do not come forward directly."

Zhou Jin nodded emphatically: "Grandpa, I understand. I just want to do something practical for the country, I don't want to be famous."

"Good, good!" Zhou Jianguo patted his shoulder with satisfaction. "This is what our Zhou family's children should be like. Talented, but not arrogant; ambitious, but never forgetting their original aspirations."

When the news reached the military compound, Su Tian and Chen Dashan also praised Zhou Jin highly. Su Tian said with a smile, "Old Zhou, your grandson will definitely achieve more than any of us in the future. We protect the country's territory, and he protects the country's economy; we are both contributing to the country."

Chen Dashan chimed in, "Yes, Jin'er is a calm and farsighted child. It's a blessing for Panpan to grow up with him."

Chen Panpan was overjoyed to hear that Zhou Jin's suggestion had been adopted by the country. Holding Zhou Jin's hand, she said with eyes full of admiration, "Brother Jin, you are amazing! I want to learn from you and do practical things for the country in the future."

Looking at her innocent face, Zhou Jin felt a warmth in her heart: "Let's work hard together and become useful people for the country in the future."

Throughout their three years of high school, Zhou Jin and Chen Panpan made great strides in their studies. Zhou Jin consistently ranked first in her grade and won numerous awards in national middle school mathematics and physics competitions, making her a sought-after student by top universities. Chen Panpan was equally impressive, consistently achieving top grades and developing a gentle and sensible personality. In addition to her academic excellence, she also proactively helped her classmates, earning her the affection of both teachers and peers.

The two remained very close. Every day after school, Zhou Jin would wait for Chen Panpan at the entrance of the junior high school and walk home together; on weekends, Zhou Jin would tutor Chen Panpan or take her to the library to read; if anyone bullied Chen Panpan, Zhou Jin would always stand up to protect her immediately and use her wisdom to resolve the conflict instead of a simple argument.

In the summer of 1987, the bell rang signaling the end of the college entrance examination. Fifteen-year-old Zhou Jin walked out of the examination hall with a calm smile on his face. He knew that his goal was to study economics at Huaguo University, and with his grades, he was sure he would achieve his goal.

Chen Panpan stood outside the examination hall, holding a bottle of iced soda, and ran over quickly: "Brother Jin, how did the exam go?"

Zhou Jin took the soda, took a sip, and the cool sensation dispelled the summer heat: "No problem, I should be able to get into Huaguo University."

"That's great!" Chen Panpan cheered. "I'll work hard too, and get into Huaguo University in three years, so I can be with Brother Jin!"

Seeing her excited expression, Zhou Jin said earnestly, "I'll wait for you."

As the sun sets, its golden rays bathe the two figures, lengthening their shadows. In the distance, soldiers train diligently on the military training ground; closer by, the tide of reform and opening up continues to surge, and the nation's development is progressing rapidly.

Zhou Jin knew that his high school career was over and he was about to step into the university campus to begin a new stage of his life. His goal was not only to complete his studies, but also to accumulate knowledge and experience in the wave of reform and opening up, so as to prepare himself for contributing to the country's economic development in the future.

This childhood friendship, this pure devotion, will accompany him through his university years and into a wider world.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating Zhou Jin's desk and a line of words he had written: "Never forget your original aspiration, and you will achieve your goal; cherish your youth, and the future is promising." This was his summary of his high school life and his expectation for the future.

Youthful vigor and early promise are intertwined. Zhou Jin's life path, accompanied by the rise of the nation and pure friendship, extends step by step forward. And his legend will continue to write new chapters in this magnificent era.