"You're not old, but you speak with such confidence, as if you've lived a long life. The news that stirred up half of China last year, how did it become a minor achievement from your youth?"
As Li Yong spoke, his eyes flickered to Chen Yang. For some inexplicable reason, although Chen Yang appeared to be a young man in his twenties, he gave Li Yong the impression of a seasoned middle-aged man.
"The leader overpraises me. I was merely more attentive than others, observing policy changes, and possessed a bit more courage. In truth, our country has countless individuals smarter and more capable than I. The only difference is that I'm more willing to act on my convictions."
Chen Yang didn't think too highly of himself. He was looking at the present from the perspective of the future, possessing foresight. Those who managed to prosper at this time were the ones with genuine skill and capability.
"Oh? It seems you have some thoughts on the country's policies. I'd be interested to hear them."
Hearing Chen Yang's words, Li Yong didn't dismiss his humility. He was more intrigued by Chen Yang's claim of observing policy changes. Even he, who was deeply involved in governance, wouldn't claim to fully grasp the intentions of those in higher positions. It was remarkable that a young man claimed his current achievements were due to policy benefits.
"Markets need to flow for the economy to develop."
"Relying solely on state-owned economies leads to a rigid market. It's like in the sardines transported by ocean liners; you need to introduce a few catfish to keep the water active, preventing the sardines from dying of hypoxia."
"With competition, opponents, even enemies, the market becomes more vibrant, pushing enterprises forward. The business world is a battlefield; if you don't advance, your market share will be seized, or your enterprise may even collapse."
"Private enterprise is that catfish. State-owned enterprises don't necessarily contribute to the nation by being solely protected; they need to have rivals cultivated for them."
Chen Yang spoke concisely. Of course, this was just his opinion. No matter how much the country opened up, core industries vital to the nation's survival must remain under state control.
Energy, electricity, transportation, telecommunications, banking, healthcare, education, tobacco...
Some sectors could benefit from the stirrings of the private economy, but others, even if they only sought a minor share, were not permissible.
Li Yong had initially approached the conversation with a critical eye, but as he listened, his expression gradually became more serious. His posture unconsciously straightened, becoming rigidly upright. Those who knew him well understood that he only adopted such a stance when addressing his superiors.
"Are you truly just a youth sent to the countryside?"
"What do your parents do?"
Li Yong gazed at the young man before him, no longer daring to converse with him from a condescending position. Only through direct interaction could one truly understand the direction and purpose of policies. These were discussions he had overheard from leaders from Beijing visiting Shanghai for meetings. While Chen Yang's words weren't entirely in sync, they shared common ground to a significant extent. He found it hard to imagine that a young man with no background could glean such insights from a few newspapers.
"Leader, please don't probe me. I am indeed a youth sent to the countryside. My parents are ordinary state-owned enterprise workers, not even cadres."
"What I've said are just my humble thoughts, not necessarily correct. If they are correct, please consider me a bit clever. If not, I apologize; please pretend I said nothing."
A faint smile curved Chen Yang's lips. This man clearly knew something, otherwise, he wouldn't have this expression. When he had previously swayed Zou Chenguang and Liu Fuchun, they had no idea how significant the policies he spoke of would become. As an old saying goes, ignorance is bliss. Those who truly understood would realize how extraordinary Chen Yang's insights were at this moment.
"Young brother, may I have a word in private? Yingying, I'll chat with your student. You don't need him, do you?"
Li Yong looked at Chen Yang as if he had discovered a piece of uncarved jade among a pile of stones. Zhang Yingying looked at Li Yong. She had never seen her father's friend regard anyone with such importance. While she knew Chen Yang was exceptional, she had underestimated him.
"Uncle Li, I'm fine. I'll explain the situation to the principal. Please, feel free; no one will disturb you."
Although shocked, Zhang Yingying reacted quickly, understanding what needed to be done.
"Alright, thank you. I'll bring you some specialty products from Beijing when I return."
Li Yong smiled faintly. From his words, Zhang Yingying was more certain of one thing: her Uncle Li was indeed about to go to Beijing. Her father's friends were never ordinary. When Uncle Li returned, his status would likely be different, perhaps requiring her grandfather to be present for their reception.
"Leader, please."
Being able to have an in-depth conversation with such a person was exactly what Chen Yang desired. He picked up his luggage and followed Li Yong out. Leaving the auditorium and the music behind, they both felt a sense of quietude.
"Young brother, please don't call me 'Leader' anymore. I'm just a few years older than you. If you don't mind, call me Uncle Li."
"Hello, Uncle Li. Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Hearing this, Chen Yang knew Li Yong wanted to establish a closer relationship. Despite being just a form of address, it signified a shift in their dynamic.
"Honestly, when Yingying told me about you before coming, I didn't pay much attention. But after hearing your words, I'm truly impressed."
"Uncle isn't calling you out for anything else; he just wants to hear your views on our country's future development."
Li Yong smiled faintly. He was going to Beijing soon to discuss certain matters and offer his suggestions. As a representative from Shanghai, the country's most economically developed region, he would need unique insights when tasked with overall coordination. Of course, he already had ideas and had prepared them. However, hearing Chen Yang's words today, he felt he might even benefit from them. This trip to Beijing would be an opportunity to change his destiny, so he would prepare meticulously. This was why he was willing to set aside his pride and engage with a young student.
"Uncle Li, since you've asked, I won't hold back."
"I believe our policies should change. First and foremost, we must ensure people have enough to eat and live good lives. Other regulations, if they need to be changed, must be changed; if they cannot be changed, they must even be abolished."
"Development should be the primary task. Economic development drives social progress. The ancients said, 'When the granaries are full, people know propriety.' Only when people are well-fed and clothed will they focus on cultural refinement."
"The progress of society and the strength of the nation are inseparable from a robust economy. We need to mobilize the production enthusiasm of the broad masses of working people. The first step is to loosen the constraints on private enterprise."