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

In April 1993, spring was in full bloom in Kyoto. Pedestrians on the streets had shed their heavy winter clothes, their faces filled with anticipation for a new life. Zhou Jin held a savings book containing 500,000 yuan. He felt both hope for the future and a touch of caution about the unknown. He knew that 500,000 yuan was by no means a small amount in 1993. Purchasing stock subscription certificates in bulk in Shanghai as a student could easily arouse suspicion from local authorities and even lead to him being labeled as a "speculator."

After much thought, Zhou Jin thought of her cousin, Su Mingzhe. Su Mingzhe had already graduated from the National Defense University and was assigned to a unit in the Kyoto Military Region as a staff officer. He was young, capable, and possessed considerable military resources. More importantly, Su Mingzhe was a steady and reliable person who had always supported Zhou Jin's ideas.

When Zhou Jin found Su Mingzhe, he was organizing the training plan. After listening to Zhou Jin's concerns and plans, Su Mingzhe pondered for a moment: "This is not difficult. I'll ask my dad for permission. We'll use the military region's vehicle, so we can look out for each other along the way."

Su Mingzhe immediately dialed his father Su Weidong's number. Su Weidong, now the commander of a certain army in the Jingzhou Military Region, listened to his son's report and inquired in detail about Zhou Jin's plan. Especially after hearing about the initial intentions of "supporting the development of the national capital market" and "helping enterprises raise funds," he immediately agreed: "Jin'er's idea is visionary. This isn't speculation; it's supporting national development. Mingzhe, you personally accompany him and ensure his safety and a smooth trip." Before hanging up, Su Weidong specifically instructed, "Have Chen Hongjun come along too, so the two of you can look after each other."

Chen Hongjun was interning at a unit of the Kyoto Military Region at the time and happened to have a few days off. After receiving Su Mingzhe's call, he agreed without hesitation. He was a straightforward person and had watched Zhou Jin grow up, so he had long regarded this "prodigy" younger brother as a role model. He was naturally very happy to be able to protect and support him.

Two days later, a black SUV with a special license plate from the Kyoto Military Region pulled up in front of Huaguo University. Its sharp lines and distinctive license plate exuded undeniable authority—this was a military vehicle specially requested by Su Mingzhe, granting it priority passage through checkpoints along the way.

Zhou Jin walked out of the school gate with a simple bag on her back. Su Mingzhe waved from the driver's seat, and Chen Hongjun leaned out of the passenger seat, grinning, "Jin'er, get in! We're heading to Shanghai!"

Zhou Jin opened the car door and sat in the back seat, nodding with a smile: "Thank you for your hard work, cousin and Brother Hongjun."

"Don't be so polite with us!" Chen Hongjun patted the steering wheel. "We feel honored to be able to work with you on such a significant project 'supporting national development'!"

The SUV slowly drove away from Kyoto, heading south. Su Mingzhe's driving skills were superb, and the car traveled smoothly on the national highway. They passed numerous checkpoints along the way, and upon seeing the military license plate on the vehicle, the officers on duty saluted and let them pass, ensuring a smooth journey and saving them a lot of trouble.

Inside the train carriage, Chen Hongjun couldn't help but ask curiously, "Jin'er, what exactly is a stock subscription certificate? Why do you say that buying it is to support the country's development? I heard from my dad that many people nowadays think it's a scam."

Su Mingzhe also turned his head, his eyes filled with the same doubt. Although his father was supportive, he didn't know much about the capital market and felt somewhat uncertain.

Zhou Jin smiled and patiently explained, "Stock subscription certificates, simply put, are 'qualification certificates' for buying stocks. The government issues these to give ordinary people the opportunity to participate in the capital market and at the same time help companies raise funds—with money, companies can expand production, improve technology, and the real economy can develop. Currently, people have a weak financial awareness and think it's 'speculation,' so no one is willing to buy them, companies can't raise funds, and economic development will naturally be affected. Our bulk purchases help the country solve the problem of unsold goods and also inject vitality into the early development of the capital market."

He paused, then added, "This isn't short-term speculation, but a long-term investment. As the capital market matures, these subscription certificates will appreciate in value along with the company's growth. At that time, the money we earn can be reinvested in the real economy or used for public welfare to help more people. Ultimately, we are following the country's lead; only when the country develops well can we truly benefit."

Chen Hongjun nodded repeatedly, suddenly realizing, "So that's how it is! I thought it was just about making money, I didn't expect there to be such a big deal involved. Jin'er, you're really smart, you can understand such profound principles."

Su Mingzhe smiled with relief: "Jin'er is right. Following the country's direction is definitely the right thing to do. I was worried about the risks before, but now that you've said that, I feel much more at ease."

The scenery along the way constantly changed, from the ancient and dignified Kyoto to the gentle and beautiful Jiangnan region. The off-road vehicle sped along the highway; its special status as a military vehicle not only ensured a smooth journey but also deterred onlookers from easily peeking. Zhou Jin leaned against the car window, watching the fields and villages rushing past, his heart filled with emotion—this trip to Shanghai was not only to seize wealth opportunities but also the first step in fulfilling his initial aspiration to "support national development."

Su Mingzhe and Chen Hongjun would occasionally chat about interesting things that happened in the army, or ask Zhou Jin about his research direction during his doctoral studies. The atmosphere in the carriage was relaxed and harmonious. Looking at Zhou Jin's composed profile, the two men became more and more convinced of his abilities—this younger brother, who was several years younger than them, was not only knowledgeable, but also had foresight and vision far beyond his peers. Working with him gave them both peace of mind and confidence.

Heading south, the SUV traversed several provinces and cities, arriving in Shanghai on the evening of the third day. As the car entered the city, the streetlights gradually illuminated the scene, with skyscrapers intertwined with old-fashioned alleyways, exuding both modern vitality and the charm of old Shanghai.

Su Mingzhe parked the car in front of the military district guesthouse, which he had arranged in advance, and turned to Zhou Jin, saying, "Jin'er, we've arrived. Get some rest for the night, and we'll go check out the sales point tomorrow."

Zhou Jin opened the car door, took a deep breath of Shanghai's humid air, and a determined glint flashed in his eyes. He knew the real challenge would begin tomorrow, and he was ready.

The military escort not only solved the safety and passage issues during the journey, but also allowed Su Mingzhe and Chen Hongjun to fully understand and accept Zhou Jin's plan. The three walked side by side into the guesthouse, where an opportunity concerning wealth and national development awaited them in this vibrant city.