Chapter 60: Donation
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Early in the morning, the bathroom door swung open, and Zhou Chao stepped out, towel in hand, wiping his damp hair. He heard a knock on the room door, and upon opening it, he saw that Lin Wu had come over. Zhou Chao turned and walked back inside.
“Why are you up so early?”
“Boss, you mentioned that there’s something to do today. So, I came early to await your instructions.”
“No rush. Let’s have breakfast first before we discuss anything. By the way, Lin Wu, did you bring a more formal set of clothes?”
“Boss, I did bring a set, just in case.”
“Alright, go change into it. We can talk after breakfast.”
Zhou Chao changed into a slightly more formal casual outfit. As he stepped out of the room, he saw Lin Wu dressed in a crisp suit. Paired with his air of a special forces operative, and perhaps a pair of sunglasses, he exuded an air of dominance.
They had a basic breakfast in a nearby eatery. Afterward, Zhou Chao left Lin Wu to tend to the car while he headed to the office building in Batang County. When Lin Wu drove the imposing black Karlmann King into the compound, it immediately attracted the gaze of several onlookers.
Once inside the building, a man dressed as an assistant, in his mid-twenties, stopped them.
“Hello, may I ask who you’re looking for?”
“We’re looking for the county secretary. We’re from Fuyou Investment.”
“You can wait here for a moment,” he said and led them to a waiting area before leaving.
Soon, a middle-aged man descended the stairs from above at a brisk pace.
“Hello, I’m Secretary Wang’s assistant. Please follow me.”
Zhou Chao and Lin Wu followed the county secretary’s assistant as they ascended the stairs. After some brief introductions, Zhou Chao learned that the assistant’s name was Liu, and he had been working alongside Secretary Wang for many years, making him a trusted aide.
Liu guided them into Secretary Wang’s office. Upon entering, they saw a middle-aged man with partially gray hair, but a youthful appearance that belied his forties, deeply engrossed in some writing.
“Secretary Wang, the gentlemen from Fuyou Investment have arrived.”
Secretary Wang rose from his seat and walked towards Zhou Chao and Lin Wu. “Welcome to our county for exploration, gentlemen. Please have a seat.” Earlier, Secretary Wang had looked up Fuyou Investment online. There wasn’t much information, but it was clear that they were a formidable investment company.
“Hello, Secretary Wang. I am Zhou Chao, the CEO of Fuyou Investment. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Zhou Chao promptly identified his role.
“Hello, hello. So, you are CEO Zhou visiting in person. What a pleasure. Please have a seat. Xiao Liu, go prepare two cups of good tea.”
Everyone took their seats. After a few polite exchanges, Secretary Wang delved into the heart of the matter.
“CEO Zhou, is your visit to our Batang with intentions of investment?” Secretary Wang’s hopeful gaze was fixed on Zhou Chao. After all, he had dedicated much of his life to the development of Batang and naturally wished for powerful companies to invest here.
“Perhaps I’m about to disappoint Secretary Wang. This time, I’m just passing through Batang for a tour.” As Secretary Wang heard Zhou Chao’s words, his initially hopeful expression gradually dimmed.
“No worries, it’s because Batang lacks the kind of resources that could attract major companies to invest here.”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Secretary Wang, you’ve misunderstood. The truth is, I did come to Batang today with a purpose. Though it’s not for investment, it’s still a positive endeavor.”
Soon, Zhou Chao recounted the story of the encounter with the children from the previous night. Secretary Wang fell silent for a moment upon hearing this. He understood that even in hardship, education should not suffer and that children’s well-being should not be compromised. Despite Batang’s development improving over the years, it remained relatively behind compared to other areas. Developing Batang was the goal that he and his team were striving for.
“I sought out Secretary Wang because I wanted to improve the conditions of the primary and middle schools in Batang, or perhaps provide additional facilities and equipment. These could include school buses, multimedia resources, and better meals for the children.”
Zhou Chao paused briefly before continuing, “We plan to invest 10 million annually as a special fund for schools under the name of Fuyou Investment. Of course, I will send someone to oversee this fund, and I’d like to know how Secretary Wang feels about it.”
“Is what CEO Zhou said true?” Secretary Wang exclaimed, standing up from the sofa in excitement.
Zhou Chao hurriedly stood up, “You don’t have to get too excited, Secretary Wang. I’m sitting here in your office. Can I really be lying?”
“Thank you so much. On behalf of all the students and parents in Batang, I’m truly grateful to you.” Secretary Wang warmly shook Zhou Chao’s hand.
“Secretary Wang, I’m just doing what 1 should. They are the future of our country and also the future of Batang.”
Without further ado, Secretary Wang swiftly completed the necessary procedures with Zhou Chao. Zhou Chao also called Ling Chen, who was in Modu City and explained the situation and its outcome to him. He also asked Ling Chen to arrange for someone to come over and assist in managing the funds.
Soon, the funds were transferred to the dedicated account. Zhou Chao had such confidence because he knew that these leaders in Batang were genuinely committed to making a difference.
After concluding their business, Zhou Chao was prepared to continue his journey. Secretary Wang wanted to invite him for a meal along with the leadership team of Batang. Although Zhou Chao was hesitant, he eventually relented and they ended up having their meal at the cafeteria, where he got acquainted with the various leaders of Batang.
After the meal, Zhou Chao bid farewell to Secretary Wang and the others. Lin Wu drove the car out of the compound and gradually merged into the flow of traffic.
Toward late afternoon, the two of them, somewhat travel-worn, finally arrived at Rumei Town. They took a brief rest in Mangkang along the way before reaching their current location. Rumei Town wasn’t large; one could take in the entire view at a glance. However, it was a crucial hub for traveling into Tibet, so there was still considerable vehicular traffic. After some searching, they managed to find a vacant inn.
Having finished their showers, Zhou Chao and Lin Wu didn’t venture out. Instead, Zhou Chao reclined on the sofa, pondering when they would reach their destination.
Lost in thought, Zhou Chao unconsciously drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened by a knock at the door.
“Boss.” Hearing Lin Wu’s voice outside the door, he got up and opened it.
“Boss, you fell asleep again. It’s nearly nine o’clock, and you haven’t had dinner. 1 apologize for disturbing your rest.”
“No problem. Let’s go. My stomach’s empty as well.”
Exiting the inn, Zhou Chao, fluent in Tibetan, quickly located a restaurant reputed for its good food. After ordering a few dishes, they were promptly served.
Both of them attacked the food as though they had been famished for ages, swiftly emptying the dishes on the table. They patted their satisfied bellies and exchanged smiles.
Exiting the restaurant, the two looked at the faintly illuminated streetlights and the tranquil mountains. Apart from the roar of passing vehicles, an alluring serenity enveloped the surroundings.
Zhou Chao gazed up at the stars, a shimmering constellation overhead. It truly was a beautiful sight. He took out his phone and captured a long video, planning to share it with Jiang Li when he returned.
After strolling around for about half an hour, they returned to the inn. Observing the dimly lit room and the silent mountains, Zhou Chao suddenly felt drowsy. He didn’t realize that he had drifted off to sleep until he was awakened by a knock on the door..