Chapter 147: The Role Model of Youth in the New Era

The three leaders exchanged glances; they had come to discuss business strategies, yet somehow felt as if they were being lectured by a mere youngster. Upon reflection, however, the boy did make some valid points.

His success stemmed from choosing the right product.

They had all seen the toys produced by Blue Fang Toy Factory, even using their contacts to obtain a few unreleased models. Each product was highly engaging and durable. No one had ever imagined that by employing mortise and tenon joints to create toy templates, then replicating these through advanced mechanical craftsmanship, such small items could generate such a vast market.

The mortise and tenon structure is a national cultural treasure, a legacy of China’s five-thousand-year civilization. The wooden joints, the surrounding elements, the dyes—perhaps all concealed similar commercial potential. It was just a matter of who would discover and how they would unlock it.

Lost in thought, the three leaders fell silent, pondering the words they had just heard.

After Zhang Tianfeng left the cliffside corridor and returned to the ground, the village chief was the first to rush over.

“Hey, chief, when did you get back?”

“You little rascal, is this how you treat provincial leaders?” His voice carried so that everyone nearby could hear.

When Lu Ling first returned, he had praised Zhang Tianfeng’s correct approach, but upon overhearing their exchange inside, he was nearly frightened out of his wits. This was a reckless youngster, boldly admonishing his superiors.

“Don’t worry, chief, they harbor no resentment. It’s you who carry a heavy burden.”

“Me? What burden do I have?”

“Let’s talk privately.”

The issue Liu Yueguang had raised earlier was just the right topic to discuss with the chief.

When Zhang Tianfeng briefed him on the current Canton Fair and the profits that Shuangshen Village stood to gain, Lu Ling’s eyes lit up. And when Zhang proposed leveraging this opportunity to launch a large-scale poverty alleviation project, Lu Ling agreed instantly without hesitation.

Firstly, Lu Ling was a deeply traditional man; otherwise, he would not have guarded this craft, living in the village for decades without venturing out. He held a strong tolerance and broad-mindedness toward fellow cultural inheritors.

Moreover, having emerged from harsh times himself, he understood all too well the torment endured by those preserving culture under such conditions.

“Chief, have the villagers wear their most tattered, worn-out clothes and serve the meals in the oldest, most broken bowls. Then bring those to the table.”

“Heh, you’re quite cunning, kid.”

“Can’t help it. Children who never cry get no sweets. The parents are here; if you don’t seize this chance, such opportunities will be hard to come by in the future.”

The leaders truly believed Zhang Tianfeng had gone to fetch items, never expecting he was setting a trap.

Returning with unfinished craftworks by the legendary Lu Ban, the leader surnamed Zhang said, “Young Zhang, your proposal is quite impressive. I think we can discuss it further and formulate a practical plan.”

“No rush, dinner is about to be served. Let’s eat first, then continue.”

“All right, I can already smell the food. What’s on the menu today?”

The meal was sumptuous: the villagers’ own stockpiled air-dried pork, fish, chicken, paired with fresh wild vegetables, filling the air with fragrance. Yet, seeing the ragged villagers carrying plates of exquisite dishes, the three leaders lost their appetite instantly.

They were so impoverished, yet upon the leaders’ arrival, they offered their most precious foods without hesitation. This scene reminded the leaders of their own days as sent-down youths during the Cultural Revolution.

So much so that even after the meal was fully prepared, they had yet to regain their composure.

“Leaders, it’s time to eat.”

“Xiao Zhang, what will they eat?”

“They have food, the same as what we eat.”

“That’s good. Once we finish our discussions, let’s dine with them again.”

“Leaders, seeing that scene just now must have touched your hearts deeply. That’s the motivation behind my drive to make money,” Zhang Tianfeng said. “When I first came to Shuangshen Village, many couldn’t even afford clothes, with whole families sharing just one set.”

“Fortunately, they had their craft to pass down, and even produced a prodigy. That marked the beginning of their improved lives.”

“But have you considered what about other impoverished regions?”

“Poverty alleviation is already on the national agenda as a key initiative. You need not worry about that,” the leader surnamed Zhang replied.

Zhang Tianfeng nodded. “Leaders, I’m not here to accuse anyone. I trust the nation. I’m simply aligning with your topic to launch an ancillary poverty alleviation campaign.”

“As the old saying goes, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility.”

“I’ve already discussed with the chief about establishing a charitable foundation. From now on, Blue Fang Toy Factory will donate 0.5% of its profits from each product sold to people in impoverished areas.”

Blue Fang Toy Factory enjoyed high profits, especially from foreign sales, averaging thirteen yuan per item. Though 0.5% seemed small, the accumulation over time would be substantial.

Moreover, all three leaders believed the factory would not go bankrupt; the longer it operated, the more it would earn, providing even greater charitable funding.

Such an initiative moved the three leaders. Many people’s awareness paled in comparison to that of this mere youngster.

“Comrade Zhang Tianxiong, your awareness is commendable. The nation is fortunate to have talented youth like you.”

“Leaders, please don’t praise me too soon. I’m straightforward by nature, and what I say next may not be pleasant. Please bear with me.”

Zhang Tianfeng’s poverty alleviation efforts served also as a badge of honor, facilitating future business dealings. But his investment was genuine, a true partnership with impoverished people to expand the enterprise.

Being frank, the leaders’ admiration for Zhang Tianfeng only grew. Such a young man, given opportunity, had a promising future.

“In business, charity should be treated as a venture. As long as you invest sincerely and get funds into the hands of the poor, you are a good comrade.”

“Since you three leaders agree with my proposal, I’ll now address the matter you wanted to discuss.”

Being the head of an enterprise was one thing; discussing business with private entrepreneurs was another. Zhang Tianfeng had always planned this approach. The more friends, the broader the business.

Official involvement could filter out many frauds and scoundrels, giving the endeavor legitimacy.

Zhang Tianfeng intended that anyone willing to join the charitable foundation and adopt the same donation scheme could receive free consultations from him.

This truly struck a chord with the three leaders—a win for all parties.

Zhang Tianfeng achieved his goal, networking with more business owners and expanding his circle.

The leaders achieved theirs: boosting the coastal region’s economic development, fostering rapid enterprise growth, and earning dazzling achievements in poverty alleviation.

The entrepreneurs seeking guidance also found satisfaction, only paying a modest price.

“Comrade Zhang Tianfeng, your proposal is constructive. The three of us have agreed.”

“However, the specifics need further discussion. Could you give us a few days to coordinate?”

“No problem, as long as the general framework remains unchanged. Also, leaders, there’s one more favor I’d like to ask.”

“Speak.”

“I don’t want to appear in public for now. I wish to quietly finish high school before making an appearance. Could you help me with that?”

Finish high school? This made the three leaders smile wryly. They had been so engrossed in profound discussions, they had forgotten this youngster was only eighteen, still a high school student.

Truly, each generation produces new talents, and the new surpass the old!

Two days later, all coastal newspapers published an advertisement: “A Benchmark for Talented Youth in the New Era—Zhang Qifeng.”

The article excerpted parts of Zhang Tianfeng’s conversations with the three leaders, emphasizing poverty alleviation and the preservation of traditional skills.

Accompanying the piece was an interview program. In the video, Zhang Tianfeng appeared only from behind. Facing reporters, he spoke eloquently about his unique business insights and post-profit support projects.

With champion teams advertising ahead and the prodigy from the poverty-stricken village facilitating a $50 million foreign trade deal behind, Zhang Tianfeng, long overshadowed, finally rose to fame.

As the nation buzzed with his name, he had already boarded a plane with Gao Ranyun, Qian Xi, and a team of bodyguards, heading to the United States.

Before formally enrolling in school, he still had one final matter to resolve—consolidating the overseas market and supporting a trustworthy ally.