Road to Revival

The Development Planning Department is a core department of Red Star Company. Although its external social engagements are not as numerous as those of the Marketing Department, they are still considerable. Lü Qi realized early on that drinking capacity is a form of combat effectiveness, and one's alcohol tolerance largely reflects their work ability. Almost every leader at various levels she knows is a heavy drinker.

Lü Qi had a considerable capacity for alcohol. She didn't even know her own limit. Her prodigious drinking was legendary in Hongxing. When Tao Tang's predecessor, Song Yue, first took office, he was overjoyed because a nationally funded technological upgrading project had successfully passed inspection. He invited the directors and section chiefs of the Development and Planning Department to celebrate, his target being the beautiful female middle-level cadre, Lü Qi. He kept finding excuses to clink glasses with her, to which Lü Qi helplessly replied, "Let's say something drunk. Now, the leader is above me, so you say how many times, and that's how many times."

The crowd erupted in cheers.

That time, Lü Qi got Song Yue completely drunk. Song Yue was eventually helped back to the hotel by her secretary. Duan Hui, who was in charge of the project, was already unconscious, while Lü Qi, as usual, showed no signs of losing her composure and walked steadily home.

Lü Qi became famous because of this. But she learned her lesson, because that drinking contest brought her a lot of negative rumors. As a result, she made a rule for herself that she would never touch baijiu (Chinese liquor) except on special occasions, and even Luo Chong, the leader in charge of the Development and Planning Department, advised her not to drink anymore.

Today was a special day for her. She had many questions for Tao Tang, especially after their brief reunion in her office that day. She wanted to know the "story" of Tao Tang's wife's death, how he had managed these past few years, and what his plans were for the future, given his young age of forty-three. She even had an impulse to tell him that she had never forgotten him, but she suppressed the thought as soon as it arose. If Tao Tang hadn't returned as the head of Hongxing, even if he were impoverished, she could have "chose an opportunity" to confide in him about her feelings that had been hidden for over twenty years. But not now. She didn't want him to misunderstand and think she had ulterior motives.

Everyone here is an adult, and Lü Qi was confident that she could control herself completely. Yes, she had secretly liked him before, but that was just a colorful dream of a young girl. There would be no consequences if she confessed, but it would at least put her mind at ease.

After three small cups of baijiu shared among the guests, the banquet entered a free-flowing phase. Lü Qi downed her drink without hesitation. Another woman, Gu Meijun, was even more forthright, taking the initiative and spouting witty remarks, always finding a reason to toast. She clinked glasses three times with Tao Tang, and they were large cups—Gu Meijun scoffed at the drinking vessels Tang Yikun had prepared, saying they were for women, "Change to larger ones, this is too damn fussy."

The wine cups that were brought out were of a simple and unadorned style, each cup holding enough to hold three coins.

"We haven't seen each other for twenty-five years, shouldn't we have a drink? You haven't contacted your classmates for twenty-five years, shouldn't you be punished with a drink? You've been promoted to the top position at Red Star, shouldn't we celebrate with a drink? Small drinks are too tedious, let's have a big one! I'll go with you, let's have a big one!" Gu Meijun pressed Tao Tang.

Tao Tang could not refuse.

Zhou Hongyou watched the two drink with a smile, and after they finished, he said to Gu Meijun, "Squad Leader Gu, you're probably going to be in trouble today. I saw his drinking capacity when Secretary Wang and Mayor Shangguan hosted a welcome party for Tao Tang a few days ago."

"Really? Why didn't you say so sooner? That's not very nice of you. But I'm more concerned about the relationship than my physical health. I knew there were tigers in the mountains, yet I still went into the tiger's den." She understood Zhou Hongyou's implication: Tao Tang must have some connections, otherwise the city's top leaders wouldn't have hosted a welcome dinner for the head of a central state-owned enterprise.

Gu Meijun kept her word and went on to approach Lü Qi, the two of them downing two drinks in a row, followed by Sun Dunquan and Han Ruilin. Gu Meijun took the lead, immediately raising the atmosphere to a climax. That's how drinking parties are; if the female guests take the initiative, the effect is completely different.

Han Ruilin had been keeping an eye on Gu Meijun. When she challenged Zhou Hongyou, he leaned over and said to Sun Dunquan, "Now I realize that being a leader really requires qualities."

Sun Dunquan raised an eyebrow. "If you were one of them, you would have mastered it long ago. Besides, good wine doesn't intoxicate."

The two bottles of 52-proof Wuliangye liquor on the table were finished in less than half an hour, and someone immediately brought in a case. Tang Yikun, beaming with delight, waved away the waiter and personally refilled everyone's glasses. "Brothers and sisters," he said, "my place is all-inclusive for eating, drinking, and having fun. Singing, playing cards, sauna, sports—water sports, land sports, whatever you can think of, I have it all. Make sure you drink and have a good time today, or you'll be disrespecting Old Tang."

"You're just bragging," Gu Meijun said, holding her wine glass as she approached Tao Tang again. "Tao Tang, can you do me a favor?"

"you say."

"Transfer your basic account to me, as a way of supporting me."

"I already said, we're only talking about friendship, not business. You broke the rules, so you're punished with a drink." Tao Tang's expression remained unchanged. "Drinking rules are more important than military orders; rules are meant to be followed."

"Okay, I accept the punishment. I'll treat you to a meal in Beian another day, don't break your promise." Gu Meijun accepted the punishment, downed the cup, and said, "You can't just sit there like a mountain, shouldn't you toast everyone too?"

"No problem. But let me say something first. Thank you all, everyone. Look, we have our government officials here. When it comes to government matters, Hongyou will naturally take care of things. Funds are the lifeblood of a business, and it's inevitable to need bank loans, especially for a struggling company like Hongxing. I didn't expect our class monitor to be the head of the company department, which makes things much easier. And our Lao Tang, he's now very wealthy and powerful. If Hongxing comes to us for help, Lao Tang can't refuse. Lü Qi and Ruilin are both key members of Hongxing and know the company's situation much better than I do. With their help, I'll naturally feel more at ease. Lao Sun is even more remarkable. It would be even better if we could borrow your powerful pen to write a few articles for Hongxing. Anyway, thank you all. I'll drink three glasses to express my gratitude. Please feel free to drink as you please. No, this isn't about work. Class Monitor Gu, don't look at me like that. This is purely about classmate friendship, right?"

"Hey, you're really good at beating around the bush. But since you've punished yourself with three drinks, we won't say you broke the rules. How about this, I'll drink with you." Zhou Hongyou stood up. "Mutual support. Haha."

"You flatter me. Donghu can't compare to the rich heritage of Hongxing. I'll join you for a drink. How about we have one together?"

Sun Dunquan, Lü Qi, and Han Ruilin naturally wouldn't refuse Tao Tang's request. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Tao Tang downed two cups first, and then they drank the third cup together.

Tao Tang turned to Lü Qi, moved his chair closer, and said, "Hearing that song 'My Deskmate' always reminds me of you. Let me toast my former deskmate with this cup of wine. May you stay young forever and have everything you desire."

"No, no, not just one cup. It takes a hundred years to share a boat ride; sharing a table is better than sharing a boat ride." Zhou Hongyou laughed heartily upon hearing Tao Tang's words. "Don't you all agree?"

"That's right, that's right." Tang Yikun nodded. "You're absolutely right. At least three cups."

A strange pang of sorrow welled up in her heart, and Lü Qi's eyes moistened. "I'll stay with you, whatever you say."

"That's straightforward. Since Lü Qi has expressed her opinion, let's get a large glass." Tang Yikun clapped his hands, and immediately a waiter came in. "Bring a large glass."

He poured three cups into the slender-waisted cup, saying, "Cheers first." Tao Tang finished his cup, then refilled it, adding, "I hope you'll help me more in the future."

"Have some food..." Lü Qi said with concern.

"It's alright, I'm happy today," Tao Tang said without eating any food, going straight to Han Ruilin's side. "Old classmate, shall we have a drink?"

"Thank you, Mr. Tao. I toast you." Han Ruilin quickly stood up.

"A penalty drink!" Tao Tang said with a smile, "You broke Zhou Hongyou's rules."

"I accept the punishment, I accept the punishment. However, I will need more guidance from General Manager Tao in the future," Han Ruilin stammered.

"Hurry up, or you'll get punished again," Sun Dunquan reminded him.

Tao Tang turned around, and Zhou Hongyou took his place. The vice mayor offered a toast, and even though Han Ruilin couldn't hold his liquor, he had to keep up with the toast, and the two bottles of wine were quickly emptied.

Finally, Tang Yikun circled around and said, "It's been a long time since I've had this much fun. Classmates, I have a suggestion. This is the last bottle of baijiu. Let's slow down, otherwise we'll waste a table full of good food. After dinner, let's find another place to have a proper chat."

"Let's go sing karaoke. Old Tang has the best karaoke room in Pingquan, with absolutely top-notch sound system," Gu Meijun said.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Qi Ping, the club manager, entered carrying a large stemmed wine glass. "Mr. Tang, may I propose a toast to your classmates?"

"Of course. You should have arrived sooner. Let me introduce you. Everyone, this is Manager Qi Ping, the highest-ranking manager of the club, and President Tao, the chairman of Red Star Company," he first introduced Tao Tang to Qi Ping.

"I've heard so much about you. Our CEO Tang often mentions you. Please, make yourself at home. I'll drink half." She picked up the wine bottle on the table and poured herself a small glass, at least an ounce.

"Thank you, Manager Qi..." Tao Tang politely clinked glasses with Qi Ping.

"Welcome, Mr. Tao, to visit the club often and provide guidance." Qi Ping downed her drink in one gulp. Before Tang Yikun could speak, Qi Ping went to Zhou Hongyou and said, "Mayor Zhou, would you give me some face?"

"Look at what you're saying..." Zhou Hongyou personally poured wine for Qi Ping, and the two clinked glasses and drank it down.

Qi Ping then approached Gu Meijun and said, "President Gu, this isn't our first time together. It's been a while since you've come."

"Xiao Qi, you should respect Hongxing's friends." Gu Meijun seemed to be a regular at the club.

"Of course, I'm doing it one step at a time, aren't I?"

Lu Qi shifted her attention away from Tao Tang and watched as the elegant female manager of the club toasted each guest. During this time, she didn't eat a single bite of food, but by the time she finished, she had already drunk half a jin (250ml) of liquor.

"You missed one..." Seeing Qi Ping walking over with a smile, Lü Qi stood up.

"Mr. Tang is my boss. I told you I'm here to pay my respects to Mr. Tang, a distinguished guest. Oh, you're really Mr. Tang's classmate? That can't be right, can it?"

"I'm definitely older than you, much older."

"Ah, I used to admire President Gu's youthful appearance, but now I have a new idol. Sister Lü, you must leave your phone number so I can ask you for advice anytime."

"Stop flattering each other. You'll make me feel ashamed. Hurry up," Gu Meijun said with a smile.

After clinking glasses with Lü Qi, Qi Ping actually asked Lü Qi for her phone number. "President Tang, would you like some main dishes prepared? Also, is there anything else we can arrange?"

"You can decide on the main dishes, make sure there's a variety. Mr. Gu just mentioned he wanted to sing some songs, go and arrange that."

"Alright. Please enjoy your meal, everyone." Qi Ping bowed and left.

Sun Dunquan had always wanted to write an online novel about grassroots entrepreneurship, but he suffered from a severe lack of life experience; otherwise, given his cynical nature, he wouldn't have come to the Donghu Club. However, he didn't reveal his true purpose to Tao Tang. As the banquet entered its final stages, Sun Dunquan approached Tang Yikun.

"Old Tang, I need your help."

Tang Yikun, of course, couldn't guess what Sun Dunquan was thinking. He chuckled and said, "Tell me, as long as it's within my power." Over the years, countless people had asked him for favors; asking for favors and being asked for favors made up the main part of his life. He had a precise yardstick in his mind for whether to do something or not, and Sun Dunquan was definitely not among the people he would definitely agree to and strive to achieve.

"You can definitely do it. I'm not asking you to sell me a house cheaply." Sun Dunquan immediately dispelled Tang Yikun's concerns.

"Haha, buying a house isn't necessarily a bad idea."

"Old Tang, I believe not many people address you like that anymore, isn't it quite novel? Old Tang, could you spare some time to tell me about your entrepreneurial history? I'm very interested, really. Especially how you made your first pot of gold, that's the most crucial part."

"What do you need to know about this for?" Tang Yikun immediately became wary.

Do you know how I make a living now?

"To be honest, I don't know. Everyone has their own way of surviving..."

"I make a living by writing. You probably won't really understand, but I want to write a book about entrepreneurship, and I want to use you as a model. Don't worry, in my vision, you are the modern-day carp leaping over the dragon gate. Apart from business expansion, all your personal, family, and emotional stories have nothing to do with you. It's all fiction."

Why did you write this?

"The readers like it, right? Everyone dreams of wealth, fantasizing about becoming one of the lucky ones with billions. In my real life, you're the only real billionaire I know. How about it, will you grant my wish?"

"No way," Tang Yikun immediately refused.

Why?

"No reason. Old Sun, it's not that I don't want to help, it's just that I don't want to relive those tough times... You wouldn't understand. If you want some discounts on buying a house in my development, we can discuss it, but what you're talking about is absolutely out of the question."

"I've always believed that at least 70% of the wealthy people who have emerged since the reform and opening up have some kind of original sin. Are you the same? Otherwise, why are you unwilling to talk about your first pot of gold when you started your business? Actually, that's the most touching part..." Sun Dunquan persisted after drinking.

"Write about whomever you want, don't bother me. Really."

"Then can you introduce me to one? Birds of a feather flock together, right? There must be some wealthy people who are willing to show off their proudest achievement, right?"

"I never care how others started their businesses. As far as I know, no one would tell their past to an unrelated person." Tang Yikun's gaze was cold.

"Forget it, don't force people," Tao Tang said, trying to smooth things over.

"That's right, don't push Boss Tang..." For some reason, Lü Qi was feeling a bit off today. Her head started to spin, and she saw double. "Tao Tang, come sit down..." She patted the empty chair next to her.

"Hmm, are you feeling a little unwell?" Tao Tang asked, noticing that Lü Qi's face was flushed, making her appear even more stunning.

"No, it's alright. Maybe the wine just wasn't to her liking... I'd like to know, what's wrong with your wife...?"

"Have some grape juice. You shouldn't have drunk so much just now." Tao Tang pushed the grape juice to Lü Qi's side.

"There's nothing hard to say... I'm just concerned about you..."

"I know. I don't want to talk about these things today..." Tao Tang's gaze met Lü Qi's, and he immediately looked away.

Just then, Zhou Hongyou came over. "How have you been these past few days? I think your General Manager Feng values ​​you quite a bit."

"They're putting me on the hot seat. It's much more relaxed at headquarters. I'd rather not have this kind of favor."

"You're definitely going to be promoted to the top leadership at Red Star, congratulations again." Zhou Hongyou raised his glass, and Tao Tang clinked glasses with him, each taking a small sip. "Red Star is indeed facing some difficulties right now, with quite a few people sending letters to the city to complain... Where do you plan to start your rectification efforts, brother?"

Feng Shizhao's trip was highly valued by the provincial government. After the Pingquan matter was concluded, Mayor Shangguan Hong accompanied him to the provincial capital, Bei'an. Zhou Hongyou did not accompany him to the provincial capital, but according to his information, Governor Xing, who was also an alternate member of the Central Committee, met with Feng Shizhao, and the two sides successfully reached a so-called strategic cooperation agreement. The provincial television station broadcast the second item on "G Province News" the following day: "...Our province has reached a strategic cooperation agreement with China Huihuang Machinery Industry Group Corporation. The two sides will strengthen cooperation in a series of areas..." However, as far as Huihuang Group is concerned, its enterprises in Bei'an are inferior to Hongxing Company, which is located in Pingquan, in terms of both scale and influence.

"I don't know... Survival comes before development. Even though I grew up in Red Star City, my understanding of it is extremely superficial, so I really can't say for sure."

"I know a bit about Hongxing's situation. Lao Tao, Hongxing needs a phoenix-like rebirth. This opportunity is right in front of us. The city's new city construction plan has basically been approved by the province. I happen to be in charge of this area. Why don't we work together? If we do it well, we can get rid of all of Hongxing's historical burdens in one go. This is much more effective than doing anything like product development or market expansion."

"I've heard some official news before. In principle, headquarters supports the relocation and restructuring of Hongxing. But I've never researched this before. The current situation doesn't allow me to devote more energy to this; I'm barely getting enough to eat. To be honest, I was surrounded by people when I went to the workshop today."

"Red Star is a large and powerful company with a particularly heavy historical burden. Ordinary methods of extricating it from its predicament are unlikely to be effective. You need to find another way."

"yes."

"If you need my help, just say so. However, you are a state-owned enterprise, and you have always had little contact with the city. Moreover, I am not in charge of the industrial and transportation sector, so I'm afraid I can't be of much help."

"No, I'm very grateful for your words."

"Don't be so formal! Come to my house another day, and we can have a small get-together."

"It would be better if you came to the factory; that would be a form of support for me."

"Let's forget about it. Saying it's because of my sensitive status is arrogant. But it's true that officials are not in control of their own lives. You work for a state-owned enterprise, so you can definitely understand my difficulties."

"By the way, who else in your family works at the factory?"

"Nobody's here anymore. They've all left... By the way, where are your parents? Are they still at the factory? Are they alright?"

Tao Tang wasn't surprised that his successful son wouldn't leave his family in a declining company. "They've been with me in Binjiang for a long time and have always wanted to come back. After all, they've lived here for most of their lives. I'll bring them back in a while."

"Alright, I'll visit you two then. What about your wife and children? Will they come back with you too? I didn't have a chance to ask at the city government guesthouse the other day."

"No, my child is in junior high school in Binjiang, and I don't want her to transfer schools."

"That's true. People like us are like rootless duckweed, not knowing where we'll end up next. It's right that they don't come back. I don't have time, I have to rush back to the meeting." Zhou Hongyou checked his watch, stood up, and shook hands with Lü Qi, Han Ruilin, Sun Dunquan, and Gu Meijun to say goodbye. "Enjoy your meal, everyone. After you're done, have Lao Tang arrange for you to relax. It's the weekend, don't rush home."

Tang Yikun asked Zhou Hongyou, "Is leaving absolutely necessary?"

Zhou Hongyou pointed to the ceiling, "I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do. Please take good care of everyone."

"Alright, I'll see you off on behalf of everyone." Tang Yikun gestured to Tao Tang and the others, and accompanied Zhou Hongyou out of the private room.

Zhou Hongyou was a regular at the club. But neither Tang nor Zhou expected that this would be Zhou Hongyou's last visit to the club.