Zhang Fengzhen rushed back to the dormitory. Ning Shixuan explained to me, "It’s a village at the foot of a mountain in Liangshan County. There’s a spring there with several hundred years of history. Legend has it that a great general once rode past there, was attracted by the clear water, dismounted to drink, and after drinking his fill, his strength surged, allowing him to crush his enemies in one fell swoop."

I said, "Then I must have a taste. Perhaps after drinking it, my strength will increase enough to soar to the heavens and achieve immortality."

Ning Shixuan chuckled sweetly. However, after Zhang Fengzhen poured me a bowl and I took a sip, the taste was truly excellent—sweet, clear, and wonderfully cool. Zhang Fengzhen said proudly, "How is it?"

"Much better than the tap water in your big city, right? If it weren't for this flimsy plastic bucket not keeping it fresh, it would taste even better."

Ning Shixuan replied, "People in big cities don't drink tap water anymore; they have mineral water and purified water, and the taste isn't any worse."

I shook my head and countered, "No, I've tried no fewer than ten different kinds of drinking water in Jingdu City, but none of them compare to this. The mineral content is incredibly rich. Although I can't taste exactly how many different types there are, I believe it comes from an outstanding source—it can be utilized, it can definitely be utilized."

Secretary Liu, being Secretary Ma's secretary, naturally had a quick mind. He probed cautiously: "You mean developing and utilizing Xiamà Spring?"

I’ve been racking my brains trying to figure out how to get rich these past few days. Processing agricultural products here doesn't yield much surplus grain, and large-scale cultivation is impossible due to water shortages. No matter what product we try to manufacture, we face difficulties bringing in raw materials and getting finished goods out of the county. There are no minerals here, and even if there were, transportation would be the first problem to solve.

"Exactly. I've observed closely these past few days. There isn't much we can utilize here since we are poor and bare. I think we can make something out of this Xiamà Spring. Even if it can't drive the entire county's economy, it can at least help a segment of the population become prosperous."

Zhang Fengzhen said, "Our office handles the economy, but no matter what project we undertake, road construction is paramount. Otherwise, if products can’t be sold and raw materials can’t be brought in, nothing will get done. The county’s only road was built with the army's help after the liberation, reportedly costing nearly ten million at the time. Later, the Liangshan garrison withdrew, and no one has been willing to pay for its maintenance since. That road is now worse than a motorized path. If we transport the water to the nearest city, Shimen, it'll probably be shaken stale all the way there."

I said, "If we manage preservation properly, it shouldn't be a big problem. But I’ve traveled that road; it truly is something else. Why doesn't Liangshan County apply to higher authorities for road repair funds?"

Zhang Fengzhen said, "Apply for road repair funds? Putting other things aside, to fix that road, considering current prices, don't even think about it for less than a hundred million. Even repairing it to county-standard specifications, I doubt 150 million would cover it—the entire route is mountainous! If we were to build it to provincial highway standards, three hundred million might not even be enough; just along the route, there would need to be thirty to forty tunnels blasted open!"

I said, "Let’s not dwell on the difficulties first. As long as everyone has faith, I believe no difficulty can stop us. I suggest we first send a water sample from Xiamà Spring to the relevant departments for chemical analysis. If its potential value is extremely high, then we can apply to the supervising department to build a beverage factory. If there is a feasible project, I believe even the problem of securing a three-hundred-million-yuan allocation for road repair shouldn't be too difficult."

Zhang Fengzhen held up a piece of watermelon, Secretary Liu was taking a sip from his cup, and Ning Shixuan was bending over to discard a watermelon rind. The movements of the three froze instantaneously. Could my idea be that terrifying?

"Ahem!" I coughed to alert Ning Shixuan. This girl hadn't noticed her chest was exposed in the slightest. Her summer clothes had large necklines for coolness, and as she bent over, her breast was fully displayed before my eyes. Zhang Fengzhen and Secretary Liu were to her side, unable to see as clearly as I was from my angle. Although there was the wrap of a bra, it was still exposed.

Ning Shixuan glanced down, realized her mistake, and quickly stood up with a blush. "Little Zhao, I see you aren't here just for show or to escape romance."

"Huh?" I asked doubtfully.

Ning Shixuan said, "I think you are an envoy sent by Guanyin Bodhisattva to save suffering people."

Sweat! I just wanted to find something to do to prove my ability, to let my wives know that even an ordinary me could achieve great things!

Zhang Fengzhen burst out laughing too. It seemed none of them truly believed my proposal. I said solemnly, "Everyone, don't treat this as a joke. If you agree, the four of us will get this off the ground. Whether it's for fame or fortune, if we can build a beverage factory and sell water products to the surrounding cities, the provincial capital, or even Kyoto, it will not only employ a large number of people in Liangshan County, but the profits generated will also be absolutely considerable. Everyone knows that water in our country can be acquired at virtually no cost—all you need is a development permit."

Zhang Fengzhen kept laughing heartily. "You've only been here two days, made a few splashes in the newspaper, and you dare to think about starting a factory? You really are someone from a big place! Whether your idea is brilliant or far-fetched, Liangshan's economy is my responsibility. Fine, I'll play along with you, just for some amusement when I’m bored."

I looked at Secretary Liu, but he stuttered, "I was just transferred to Secretary Ma’s office. I’m afraid I don't have enough time to spare..."

I said, "It's fine. We're not starting an underground organization that you'd be forced to join. It’s just that strength in numbers helps. Moreover, once this factory is established, it won't be under our direct management. There are national regulations preventing civil servants from engaging in business; we’ll only play a supportive and guiding role."

Zhang Fengzhen laughed and ran out of Ning Shixuan's dormitory. "Little Zhao, you have the makings of a high official—you have foresight, hahahaha."

Damn it, was he complimenting me or mocking me?

As I was leaving Ning Shixuan’s dormitory, I said to her, "Tomorrow I'll go to Xiamà Spring to collect water samples and survey the area, then entrust a long-distance bus driver to take the water to the provincial geological team for testing. If you have time, we can go together."

Ning Shixuan probably didn't expect me to be so serious. She thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll go crazy with you just once. I'll call my aunt and tell her I won't be visiting her on Sunday; tomorrow, we'll go to Xiamà Spring."

Zhang Fengzhen and I left Ning Shixuan's dormitory. Secretary Liu, left alone, also felt awkward staying longer. He excused himself and followed me out. We stopped at the doorways of our respective rooms. Secretary Liu said to me, "Did you just graduate?"

I said, "Not yet graduated. I came out early for social practice."

Secretary Liu nodded. "You still lack social experience. You need more tempering, young man."

After speaking, Secretary Liu closed his door and went into his room, leaving me standing there in a daze. Unbelievable, my social experience is insufficient? I served five years in the army and have handled major affairs! If they don't believe what I say, then they just wait and see. If I don't pull off something substantial, my surname isn't Zhao!

Before I even stepped inside my own door, I saw Zhang Fengzhen suddenly leap out from somewhere and barge in ahead of me. "Let me tour a university student's dorm! Ah! Where is your bed?"

I plopped down onto the bare wooden plank. "Right here. Surely you can see something this big."

Zhang Fengzhen nearly dropped his jaw. "You're sitting on a bare board? Where are your bedding and mosquito net?"

"Aren't you afraid of mosquitoes without a net?"

"The mosquitoes are afraid of me."

Zhang Fengzhen laughed again. "Zhao Qian, you are a very individual person. Come on, someone is treating me tonight; I'll take you out to see Liangshan's nightlife."