Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

In early April 1984, Waisha Airport

Today, the weather in Tuocheng was exceptionally clear, with a bright blue sky and a gentle breeze. The weather vane at the airport turned slowly. The Tuocheng Waisha Airport had made temporary adjustments to passenger flights today, and passengers were temporarily stranded in the waiting hall.

Today is a special day for Tuocheng. Wu Nansheng has come to Tuocheng for a formal inspection. From the Fifth National People's Congress in 1980, which designated Tuocheng as a special economic zone, to 1981, Tuocheng officially began operating under the special economic zone model.

Three years have passed; it's time for someone from the central government to come and see for themselves how this fruit, sown in the south, has yielded.

Led by Ding Zhuo, Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee, and represented by Zhou Haimin, Secretary of the Tuocheng Municipal Party Committee, and Guo Hengwen, Mayor of Tuocheng, a group of leaders and cadres of all levels in Tuocheng, as well as representatives from industry, agriculture, commerce and other sectors, had been waiting at Waisha Airport for the arrival of the special plane.

Waisha Airport is under complete lockdown. Armed police are deployed at all major intersections leading to the municipal government building. Many citizens who have heard the news are holding colorful flags and flowers and standing on the streets, eagerly waiting.

Today, Tuocheng is adorned with flowers, a time when spring is in full bloom and flowers are proudly in full bloom. Bright red national flags flutter in the wind everywhere, the streets are swept clean and not a single leaf is on them, and various slogans are written on welcome banners in the surrounding area.

Chen Dong got up very early today. After washing up, his wife Zhang Yi specially chose a dark gray "Angel" custom-made suit for him. The national flag-colored tie was tied meticulously. Next to him, Chen Zaiguang was wearing a navy blue suit, also with a national flag-colored tie, and his face was glowing.

Today can be considered by Chen Zaiguang to be the most glorious day of his life. Important figures from China have come to their Tuocheng. As a representative of the business community, he was able to go up and shake hands and say a few words, which is something that many people can only dream of in their lifetime.

The style was a bit different when it came to Chen Zaixing. He was wearing a blue suit with a yellow tie, a gleaming gold Rolex in his hand, and his hair was combed straight and neat, clearly showing that he had put a lot of thought into it.

While the private jet was still waiting to arrive, some heavy smokers gathered outside in small groups, smoking and chatting. The three Chen brothers sat in the Dilu car with the door open, smoking. When others looked over, Chen Dong just smiled and nodded.

"There are quite a few people here today. By the way, Ah Dong, what should I say when I see him later? I'm afraid I'll be too nervous to say anything, and that would be so embarrassing," Chen Zaixing said, though he was worried about being embarrassed, he still smiled and looked at the people around him.

"Just don't say anything nonsense. Just answer whatever they ask you," Chen Zaiguang was really afraid that his younger brother would say something inappropriate, so he had to give him these instructions in advance.

"It's alright, Big Brother and Fifth Brother. There will be so many people, they'll just shake hands with us and exchange a few simple pleasantries. It's impossible for them to just talk to you all and neglect the others." Chen Dong was an old capitalist who had accompanied President America on visits to many countries in his previous life, so he had seen this kind of scene before.

"When it comes time for us to actually speak, we'll be in the city government conference room. You've all prepared your speeches, right? If you're really nervous, just read from your prepared speeches," Chen Dong and his two brothers said, smoking to pass the time.

Inside, Ding Zhuo received accurate news from the control tower that the special plane had arrived over Waisha Airport and was circling down. Upon hearing this, Ding Zhuo immediately went out and lined up to prepare to welcome it!

The three Chen brothers stood in the middle of the crowd, with some provincial leaders and cadres from Tuocheng standing in front of them. Standing in the middle was considered to be the most prominent position representing the business community.

The roar of the private jet landing grew louder as it approached. A blue and white passenger plane came to a steady stop on the runway. The boarding stairs pulled up, the cabin door opened, and Wu Nansheng appeared at the doorway. With his graying hair but vigorous spirit, he wore a dark gray Zhongshan suit and black cloth shoes. He walked steadily down the pier, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd of people who were lined up to welcome him.

"Hello everyone!"

As soon as Wu Nansheng said this, everyone present burst into applause. The old man, clapping as he walked, approached Ding Zhuo, the Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee, who was at the front of the line. He looked at Ding Zhuo with a warm smile and said, "Comrade Ding Zhuo, thank you for your welcome!"

"Hello, Mr. Wu. On behalf of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, I welcome you to Tuocheng for research and inspection," Ding Zhuo firmly grasped Wu Nansheng's hand. The old man smiled and nodded, then said to Ding Zhuo, "Could you introduce me to some of the younger comrades? I don't know any of them!"

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing Wu Nansheng's words, everyone present smiled knowingly. Ding Zhuo, standing beside Wu Nansheng, introduced Zhou Haimin, "This is Comrade Zhou Haimin, the Party Secretary of Tuocheng."

Zhou Haimin bowed slightly, excitedly grasped the man's hand, and said in a trembling voice, "Hello, Mr. Wu!"

Wu Nansheng grasped Zhou Haimin's hand, turned to Ding Zhuo, pointed at Zhou Haimin, and laughed, "Comrade Haimin is a good comrade. The construction of Tuocheng is progressing very well. I saw it from the plane; construction is everywhere, and it's a thriving place!"

Zhou Haimin's eyes reddened with excitement. To receive a word of praise from this old man Wu was a testament to the success of his many years of work in Tuocheng.

When it was Guo Hengwen's turn, Wu Nansheng also gave him his affirmation and commendation, while jokingly urging Mayor Guo Hengwen to speed up the renovation of the Xiaogongyuan area while ensuring both quality and quantity.

"Whether our cadres in Tuocheng can be sheltered from the wind and rain in the future depends on your mood, Mayor Guo," Wu Nansheng liked to joke. When he needed to be serious, he could scare you out of your wits, but when he was humorous, he could also get along well with the masses and cadres.

Guo Hengwen naturally understood Wu Nansheng's joke, and he smiled and assured him, "We will absolutely fulfill the expectations of the Party and the people with high quality and quantity, so that our people and cadres will not have to worry about housing!"

"Yes, yes, the mayor of our Tuocheng Special Economic Zone really speaks with authority!"

"Hahaha!"

Wu Nansheng walked hand-in-hand with the three Chen brothers through the crowd. When Ding Zhuo introduced Chen Dong to the old man, Wu Nansheng maintained his calm and smiling expression, "You're Chen Zaidong?"

Wu Nansheng's hand was warm, and although his grip wasn't strong, Chen Dong felt that hand was like a mountain—steady and reliable. His slightly accented words were easy for Chen Dong to understand. Chen Dong smiled gently and replied, "Yes, I am Chen Zaidong!"

"A $500 million investment in Ningcheng, that's quite a large sum!"