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

In 1995, the summer sun scorched the streets of Jingzhou City in Handong Province. Old-fashioned buses slowly drove along the asphalt road, state-owned stores and newly emerging individual stalls lined the roadside, and factory chimneys in the distance billowed thick smoke, exuding the unique atmosphere of the transition from a planned economy to a market economy.

When Zhou Jin arrived in Jingzhou with the Central Office research team, it was right after a rain shower, and the air was filled with the damp smell of earth. The research team was received by the deputy director of the Jingzhou Municipal Planning Commission, who shook Zhou Jin's hand, his tone respectful yet cautious: "Comrade Zhou, welcome to Handong to guide the reform of state-owned enterprises! Secretary Zhao Lichun specifically instructed that we must fully cooperate with your research, and please feel free to raise any needs you may have."

Zhou Jin understood perfectly well that in 1995, there was no "National Development and Reform Commission" (NDRC); it was uniformly called the "Planning Commission" (Planning Commission). As the Secretary of the Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee, Zhao Lichun's emphasis on the central research team was perfectly reasonable, and the reception work was naturally led by the Municipal Planning Commission. He humbly responded, "Secretary Zhao is extremely busy; there's no need for you to trouble yourself for us. We've come here to understand the situation firsthand and provide a reference for the reform of state-owned enterprises."

As Zhou Jin's gaze swept over the reception team, she quickly noticed a tall, capable-looking young man—Li Dakang, Zhao Lichun's secretary. At this moment, he had not yet been transferred to another post and was still the most capable assistant to the municipal party secretary. He was focused on organizing the research itinerary, his sharp eyes revealing an undeniable executive power. His aura was rigorous, perfectly matching the rumored image of "efficient and strict."

The research team's first stop was Handong Textile Factory, a key state-owned enterprise in Jingzhou City. The equipment in the factory was somewhat outdated, and the workers, dressed in uniform blue overalls, were busy at work, their faces showing fatigue but also anticipation for reform. During the research visit, the factory director repeatedly mentioned three major problems: "shortage of funds, aging equipment, and redundant personnel," his tone anxious: "Comrade Zhou, we also want to carry out technological innovation, but we lack policy support and working capital; it's really difficult!"

While taking careful notes, Zhou Jin asked precise questions: "Has the factory tried to reassign surplus personnel to the tertiary sector? Or partner with private capital for cooperative production?"

The factory director paused for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "We dare not attract private capital, for fear of being labeled as 'taking the capitalist road'; it's even more difficult to reassign personnel, as everyone values ​​their secure jobs and no one is willing to venture out."

During a break in the research, Li Dakang took the initiative to talk to Zhou Jin, speaking politely but firmly: "Comrade Zhou, your question just now hit the nail on the head. In fact, Secretary Zhao has also emphasized many times that the reform of state-owned enterprises cannot be bound by conventions, but the situation in Handong is complicated. We must be bold in taking risks, but we must also proceed steadily and surely."

"Secretary Li makes a good point," Zhou Jin nodded in response. "The core of reform is to balance development and stability. We need to revitalize the enterprise while also protecting the livelihoods of the workers. The problem at Handong Textile Factory is essentially insufficient resource allocation efficiency. Perhaps we could try a 'pilot program first,' selecting some workshops to introduce market-oriented management before gradually expanding it."

A hint of approval flashed in Li Dakang's eyes as he quickly jotted down the idea: "Your suggestion is very insightful. I will report it to Secretary Zhao. To be honest, the most difficult part of grassroots reform is breaking free from ingrained thinking. With guidance from the central government, we feel more confident."

During their conversation, Zhou Jin couldn't help but think of the future political figures in Handong. At this moment, Gao Yuliang was still teaching in the Department of Political Science and Law at Handong University. With his profound theoretical knowledge and refined temperament, he was well-liked by his students. Hou Liangping and Zhong Xiaoai were his prized students. The two fell in love on campus and were full of hope for the future, yet to step into the complex world of officialdom. Qi Tongwei had already graduated from Handong University and was assigned to a judicial office in a remote township. It was said that he was quite resentful of this "cold bench" and was looking everywhere for an opportunity to be transferred back to the city. However, he had not yet found a way to climb the ladder and could only lie low at the grassroots level.

The person in charge of the restructuring of the area surrounding the textile factory was Chen Yanshi, the vice mayor and director of the Public Security Bureau of Jingzhou City. During the inspection, we happened to meet him at the factory gate, where he was negotiating with the workers. He was wearing a simple white shirt with the cuffs rolled up, and he kept repeating, "Back then, I followed the organization to fight for the country. Secretary Zhao Lichun was still at the grassroots level at that time. Now, the reform cannot let the workers suffer..." His words always revolved around his past achievements and his "advice" to Zhao Lichun.

Zhou Jin watched coldly, shaking her head inwardly. This old revolutionary had indeed made contributions, but now he kept bringing up old stories like "the restructuring of Dafeng Factory" and "Zhao Lichun using air conditioning," seemingly speaking out for the people, but in reality revealing a deliberate reluctance to retire, and even a bit of hypocrisy—reform needs to be carried out pragmatically, not rely on past achievements to gain a voice.

Li Dakang seemed to notice Zhou Jin's expression and explained in a low voice, "Mayor Chen is an old revolutionary, straightforward, but he always likes to bring up things from back then." His tone was somewhat helpless.

Zhou Jin didn't respond, but instead turned his gaze back to the textile factory's production line. He knew that the reform of state-owned enterprises in Handong was not only about economic development, but also about the livelihoods of countless families, and that in the future, this land would witness a series of power struggles and battles between good and evil.

The research continued into the evening, and Zhou Jin and Li Dakang's exchange became increasingly in-depth. From fundraising to policy implementation, from personnel placement to risk control, the two shared their opinions on the pain points of reform, and each gained a new understanding of the other's capabilities.

"Comrade Zhou, tomorrow we will organize a symposium with relevant departments to give a detailed report on the overall situation of the state-owned enterprise reform in Handong." Before parting, Li Dakang said sincerely, "Your professional insights are extremely important to Handong."

Zhou Jin nodded: "I also look forward to gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Handong through this discussion."

Back at his lodgings, Zhou Jin spread out his research notes, his gaze growing increasingly resolute under the lamplight. His research trip to Handong had only just begun, yet he had already keenly perceived both the obstacles and opportunities for reform there. The upcoming symposium was destined to be a clash of viewpoints, and he would offer practical and feasible suggestions for Handong's reforms from his professional perspective.

In the distance, on the campus of Handong University, Gao Yuliang is revising his lecture notes under the lamp, Hou Liangping and Zhong Xiaoai are reading side by side in the library, and Qi Tongwei is writing job applications in a remote judicial office—the gears of fate have already quietly turned on their respective tracks, and Zhou Jin's arrival is destined to bring different variables to the future of this land.