Traveling back to 1966, starting by living in a cowshed.

Chapter 113 Meeting the Big Boss

As night deepened, Lin Zhou and Manager Wang arrived at the gate of a large compound guarded by soldiers. After registering, they were allowed to pass. This was the compound of a ministry in Beijing, which was like a small society. There was nothing to eat, drink, or use here; they didn't need to go out to buy anything.

Moreover, the scenery here is beautiful, with birds singing, flowers blooming, and lush trees providing shade. It's a pity that it's nighttime now, and the greenery that provided shade during the day now looks like clusters of black monsters in the darkness.

The air was filled with the fragrance of sycamore trees and the faint chirping of insects, making it seem like a completely different world from the hustle and bustle of the main streets of Beijing outside the wall.

Lin Zhou followed Manager Wang's footsteps, walking forward on the smooth cement road under the dim streetlights. His leather shoes crunched over a few fallen, withered leaves, making a soft rustling sound.

His gaze unconsciously swept over the buildings on both sides—all of them were Soviet-style Western-style buildings. Under the streetlights, he could vaguely see some ivy climbing on the exterior walls of the buildings, the window frames were painted dark brown, and the eaves were slightly upturned, exuding a dignified yet elegant atmosphere.

Manager Wang walked steadily, clearly having been here before. He turned his head and lowered his voice to instruct Lin Zhou: "When you meet the leaders later, be careful with your words. Don't be too flamboyant, but don't be too reserved either."

This person is no ordinary individual. The fact that he's willing to meet you at night is due to the Zhonghua Group's resources and your connection to Hong Kong.

Lin Zhou nodded, his palms feeling slightly warm. He took a deep breath, suppressing the unease in his heart.

Having worked his way up in Hong Kong over the years, from a small newspaper owner to a behemoth conglomerate, what kind of scene hadn't he seen? But this time was different. This was in a ministry compound in Beijing, and he was going to meet a big shot who could influence his next move.

He straightened his suit, checked his tie and shirt collar, performing these actions meticulously.

The two stopped in front of the innermost Western-style building. This building was more imposing than the ones next to it, with two endearing stone lions in front of the door, and a gilded plaque hanging above the door, but unfortunately the words on it were not visible because they were blocked by the shade of the trees.

Manager Wang stepped forward and gently knocked on the heavy solid wood door.

"Knock knock knock".

Three knocks on the door, neither too loud nor too soft, just right.

The door opened quickly, revealing the face of a man in his thirties. He was wearing a clean white shirt and black trousers, his hair was neatly combed, and he wore black-rimmed glasses. His eyes were gentle yet exuded a sense of competence.

Upon seeing Manager Wang, he first gave a polite smile, then his gaze fell on Lin Zhou, looking him up and down before he said in a courteous tone, "Manager Wang, you've arrived."

"Secretary Li, this is Mr. Lin Zhou, the owner of Xiangjiang Zhonghua Group, whom I mentioned to you." Manager Wang stepped aside to let Lin Zhou step forward.

"Hello, Mr. Lin." Secretary Li quickly stepped aside and gestured for him to come in. "The boss is already waiting in the study. Manager Wang, please sit in the living room for a moment. Mr. Lin, please come with me."

Lin Zhouchong nodded to Manager Wang, then smiled at Secretary Li: "Thank you for your trouble."

"Of course, of course, please follow me." Secretary Li said, leading Lin Zhou inside.

Passing through the entrance hall, there is a corridor covered with a red carpet. Several ink landscape paintings hang on the walls, along with a few calligraphy and paintings left by the teachers, their brushstrokes vigorous and their artistic conception profound. At the end of the corridor is a half-open wooden door.

Secretary Li slowed her pace, gently pushed open the door, and whispered inside, "Boss, Mr. Lin is here."

"Let him in." A steady and powerful voice came from inside the room, not loud, but carrying an unquestionable authority.

Secretary Li gestured for Lin Zhou to enter, then opened the door for him. After Lin Zhou went in, Secretary Li quietly withdrew and closed the door behind him.

Lin Zhou stepped into the study, his gaze sweeping across the entire room in an instant.

This is a spacious and bright study, with good ventilation from north to south. The south-facing window is open, and a gentle breeze carries the fragrance of the sycamore trees in the courtyard.

Against the wall stood several huge mahogany bookshelves, filled with densely packed books, ranging from Marxist-Leninist works to economic classics, as well as some ancient thread-bound books—everything imaginable.

In front of the bookshelf was a large rosewood desk covered with a dark green tablecloth, a desk lamp, a stack of documents, and a blue and white porcelain pen holder with several calligraphy brushes inserted inside.

Opposite the desk was a set of dark brown leather sofas, and on the coffee table in front of the sofas was a set of purple clay teaware.

Sitting on the sofa was an elderly man with gray hair, about sixty years old, wearing a gray Zhongshan suit, the buttons fastened tightly. His face was etched with several deep wrinkles, but his eyes were bright and piercing as he looked at Lin Zhou with a smile.

Lin Zhou dared not delay, quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said in a clear yet respectful voice: "Hello, leader, my name is Lin Zhou, and I am the owner of Xiangjiang Zhonghua Group. I apologize for the intrusion in visiting you today and disturbing your work and rest."

The old man stood up, reached out, and patted Lin Zhou's shoulder with a gentle, measured touch, conveying the warmth of an elder towards a younger person. His voice was a bit gentler than it had sounded from outside the door: "Sit down, Lin. No need to be so polite. Since you're here, you're a guest."

Lin Zhou thanked the old man and sat down on the sofa opposite him, his back straight and his posture upright. He had never sat like this to study, not even when he was in school.

The old man sat down, his gaze falling on Lin Zhou as he scrutinized him. He raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone a mixture of surprise and admiration: "You're the boss of Zhonghua Group? Unbelievable!"

He paused, picked up the purple clay teapot on the coffee table, poured a cup of tea for Lin Zhou, and then poured one for himself before continuing, "As far as I know, Zhonghua Group is now a behemoth in Hong Kong, isn't it?"

Newspapers, real estate, factories, records—they're doing incredibly well in everything. Last year, they even acquired many properties in Hong Kong. They're riding high!

I'd heard before that the owner of Zhonghua Group was a young man, and I assumed he was some scion of a wealthy family who had taken over the business. But after doing some research, I was surprised to learn that you founded it all by yourself. So young and promising!

The old man's tone was full of appreciation, and his eyes were filled with genuine admiration.

Lin Zhou picked up the teacup, his fingertips touching the warm rim, and the tension in his heart completely dissipated. He took a small sip of tea; the aroma was rich and the aftertaste lingered.

He put down his teacup, a humble smile on his face, and said sincerely, "You flatter me, sir. I'm not some young and promising person; I've just been lucky."

I happened to catch the wave of Hong Kong's economic development and met a few benefactors who were willing to help me, which allowed me to stumble and fall as I built up Zhonghua Group.

Ultimately, it was the times that gave me this opportunity; otherwise, I would have been just writing novels to make a living.