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

In the winter of 1994, Kyoto's first snow fell quietly, but the corridors of the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China remained brightly lit. Six months after joining the company, Zhou Jin, with her solid professional skills and rigorous work attitude, had gradually become involved in more core tasks—drafting supporting documents for the Central Economic Work Conference.

"Xiao Zhou, please refine this 'Guiding Opinions on the Standardized Development of the Capital Market in 1995 (Draft)' based on your previous research data, emphasizing 'risk prevention and control' and 'investor protection'." The supervisor handed Zhou Jin a draft, his eyes full of trust.

Zhou Jin took the document and worked through the night. He retrieved nearly three years' worth of capital market data, combined it with research findings from his doctoral dissertation, and consulted Professor Shen Mingyuan's suggestions, meticulously refining the draft word by word. He detailed specific measures such as "establishing and improving the information disclosure system for listed companies" and "strengthening the enforcement of securities regulations," and also added content on "promoting the normalization of investor education," making the document both policy-oriented and practical. After the initial draft was completed, the leader nodded repeatedly during the review: "Zhou's revisions are very insightful, both aligning with the central government's directives and addressing practical problems; his professionalism is truly impressive!"

Besides his paperwork, Zhou Jin also accompanied leaders on numerous field research trips. In the spring of 1995, he accompanied leaders to rural areas in northern Hebei to investigate rural economic reforms. During the trip, instead of listening to reports from the car, he went into the fields with his superiors to interact with farmers face-to-face. When an elderly farmer complained about the difficulty in selling agricultural products and the low prices, Zhou Jin immediately took notes. Later, drawing on his economic knowledge, he proposed suggestions such as "establishing a regional platform for connecting agricultural product production and sales" and "introducing a market-based pricing mechanism." These suggestions were included in the research summary report, and subsequent policy implementation effectively solved the problems faced by local farmers.

Handling letters and visits from the public is an important part of the work of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. Zhou Jin would set aside fixed time each week to receive the public or review their letters. One retired worker from Shanghai wrote to express his anxiety, saying he didn't know how to liquidate his purchased stock subscription certificates and was worried about losing all his money. After reading the letter, Zhou Jin didn't simply forward it to the relevant departments. Instead, he proactively contacted the Shanghai Stock Exchange to understand the process of liquidating the subscription certificates. He then replied to the elderly man in simple language, explaining the steps in detail and providing the exchange's contact number. After receiving the reply, the elderly man sent a thank-you letter, filled with gratitude: "Comrade Zhou was patient and responsible, solving a major problem for me and making me feel the warmth of the Party and the government."

Outside of work, Zhou Jin and Chen Panpan's relationship steadily progressed to a new stage. During the Spring Festival of 1995, Zhou Jin officially accompanied Chen Panpan to the Chen family to pay New Year's respects. Mr. and Mrs. Chen Dashan had long regarded Zhou Jin as half a son. During the meal, Chen Dashan patted Zhou Jin on the shoulder: "Jin'er, we are at ease entrusting Panpan to you. You are both ambitious and responsible children. You should support each other and make progress together in the future." The Zhou Jianguo and Su Tian families were also very satisfied with Chen Panpan, and Su Qinghe had already begun preparing for their engagement.

On the Lantern Festival, the two strolled through the streets of Kyoto, their faces illuminated by red lanterns. "Brother Jin, I'm going to work as a political reporter at the Kyoto Daily News after I graduate next year. Maybe I can even report on the policies you helped formulate," Chen Panpan said, her eyes full of anticipation as she linked arms with Zhou Jin.

Zhou Jin stopped and looked at her earnestly: "Then let's make a promise. You will use your pen to record the times, and I will use my actions to promote development. Together, we will do things for the country." He paused and added, "After you graduate, we will get engaged, and then steadily move towards a wedding. We won't go to any extravagance; a simple and warm one will suffice."

Chen Panpan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded emphatically: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

At this time, Zhou Jin would occasionally take some time to check the market value of his stock subscription warrants at the bank. In late 1994, when bank staff informed him that the market value of his 5 warrants had exceeded 100 million yuan, he felt little excitement. To him, this wealth was always a "byproduct of supporting national development." He quietly planned to use the money to establish a small charitable foundation to support education in impoverished areas, fulfilling his initial promise to "do something more meaningful with the money he earned."

In the summer of 1995, Zhou Jin had completed a year of training at the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. He not only became a capable and independent young backbone member of the leadership, but also found lasting happiness in his personal life and quietly accumulated wealth. None of this changed his original aspiration of "serving the country and the people, and striving for excellence."

That day, Zhou Jin received a new assignment—to accompany his superiors to Handong Province to investigate the reform of state-owned enterprises. The moment he received the notification, a slight stirring stirred within him. Handong, a province in his memory closely linked to the TV series "In the Name of the People," a place destined to be full of both competition and opportunity, was finally about to welcome his footsteps.

As he packed his bags, Chen Panpan came to see him off, handing him a thick coat: "It's cool in the mornings and evenings in Handong in the summer, so be careful to keep warm. Be careful during your research trip, and remember to call me."

Zhou Jin took the coat and held her hand: "Don't worry, I will. When I get back, we'll go pick out an engagement ring."

Watching Zhou Jin's departing figure, Chen Panpan's eyes were filled with reluctance and anticipation. Meanwhile, Zhou Jin sat on the train bound for Handong, gazing at the fleeting scenery outside the window, his heart filled with both caution about the unknown and anticipation for the experience. He knew that his trip to Handong might be a crucial turning point in his career, and he was already prepared.