Before entering the era of technological advancement, Jiangzhou would likely need another wave of economic stimulation. The real estate economy, long considered a double-edged sword, would once again take center stage. However, this resurgence would likely focus on high-end consumers rather than catering to mid- and lower-tier demand.

At the same time, to unleash Jiangzhou's new potential, policies to attract investments would intensify, bringing in more high-end industries to pave the way for the full arrival of the technological age.

Ye Chen analyzed earnestly.

Meanwhile, Yan Huaili was almost left gasping in astonishment.

Because everything Ye Chen said aligned precisely with the discussions he had had with the Provincial Party Secretary after their return from Beijing.

Their objective was exactly what Ye Chen had just stated—to lay the groundwork for the nation's planned technological era.

Now, Ye Chen had casually and completely articulated this.

Who is this genius?

Shocked, Yan Huaili suddenly thought it would be a tremendous waste not to recruit Ye Chen into the National Development Strategy Bureau!

"Brother Ye, are you saying investing in real estate now will yield significant returns soon?" asked Zhang Jingshan, who felt completely lost in the conversation.

From Ye Chen's elaborate analysis, he only grasped three points:

1. Jiangzhou is incredible, with limitless potential.

2. The real estate sector might stimulate another wave of economic growth, presenting an opportunity.

3. Ye Chen is absolutely remarkable!

Yes, Ye Chen is remarkable.

Though he didn't fully understand, Zhang Jingshan's admiration for Ye Chen skyrocketed based on his eloquence and Yan Huaili's reaction.

As for Zhang Xingguo, he was even more baffled than Zhang Jingshan.

Although he couldn't digest what Ye Chen had said, his gaze toward Ye Chen turned utterly dazed.

Given Ye Chen's background, which he had thoroughly investigated earlier, this confident and sharp young man conversing freely with Yan Huaili seemed like a completely different person.

Before Zhang Jingshan could voice his awe, Ye Chen shook his head and smiled faintly.

"I'm talking about high-end real estate. So don't think about speculating. The future of the real estate market won't collapse into chaos, but it will gradually stabilize. Anyone trying to gamble on speculation now is courting disaster. Prices won't rise significantly, but they won't crash either. That's the reality."

"Ah, I see..." Zhang Jingshan laughed awkwardly.

"Xiao Ye, you truly deserve the old secretary's high praise for your talent. Regardless of whether you're right, your ability to deduce all this leaves me in awe. I've met many talented young individuals, but compared to you, they fall short. Perhaps 'talented' doesn't even suit you anymore. Genius, prodigy—these are more fitting! Haha!"

Not probing further, Yan Huaili ended the topic tactfully, his face full of admiration.

"Secretary Yan, what genius? I was just speaking off the cuff. These are personal opinions. If I was off the mark, please take it as a joke," Ye Chen replied with a calm smile.

This balance of confidence and humility, of boldness and subtlety, made Yan Huaili pause in amazement.

How many years had it been since he had encountered such a young man?

No, it would be more accurate to say he had never encountered anyone like Ye Chen.

Even among the legendary figures who had achieved monumental success, none had such mastery over when to reveal or withhold their talents.

"You not only speak freely but also boldly, haha!" Yan Huaili laughed heartily.

The conversation gradually transitioned into casual chat.

When Yan Huaili learned that Ye Chen had grown up in an orphanage and was a self-made success, his admiration deepened further.

No background, no influential connections—yet he possessed such vision and analytical acumen.

This... Yan Huaili was at a loss for words to describe his feelings.

With Ye Chen's earlier display of brilliance, the meal ended on a highly pleasant note.

Since Yan Huaili held a public position, the lively atmosphere soon quieted down as they prepared to part ways.

As they stepped out of the elegant wooden house named Guanlan, Yan Huaili suddenly stopped and smiled playfully.

"Oh, right. I almost forgot. I heard you're good at face-reading?"

"Huh?" Ye Chen was momentarily taken aback.

"Take a look at mine," Yan Huaili said with a smile.

Zhang Xingguo:

Zhang Jingshan:

Ye Chen mused aloud, "Secretary Yan believes in this?"

"Don't you know? Nine out of ten politicians believe in such things," Yan Huaili replied.

"I see. But I'm worried you'll accuse me of flattering you..." Ye Chen said with a smile.

"So you're saying I have great fortune ahead?" Yan Huaili teased.

"Indeed," Ye Chen nodded.

"Tell me, how great?" Yan Huaili pressed, amused.

"Within two years, you'll be the province's second-in-command. Within five, the first," Ye Chen replied confidently.

"Haha!"

Yan Huaili laughed heartily, patting Ye Chen on the shoulder before striding away.

As they watched Yan Huaili's car drive off, Zhang Jingshan swallowed hard and couldn't resist asking, "Brother Ye, will Secretary Yan's career really follow the trajectory you predicted?"

"I don't know!" Ye Chen replied with a light laugh.

"Then why did you..." Zhang Jingshan trailed off, confused.

Did Ye Chen just make it all up?

"I was just speaking casually," Ye Chen admitted.

"Damn!"

Zhang Jingshan couldn't help but curse.

Ye Chen even dared to joke about someone like Yan Huaili?

"Let's go," Ye Chen said, shaking his head, unwilling to elaborate.

Just as he opened the door to his Mercedes G-Class, Zhang Jingshan suddenly called out, "Hey, Brother Ye, wait a moment."

"What now?" Ye Chen turned back.

"Brother Ye, about Lin Mengxi from the sales office at Mountain Streams... she..."

Zhang Jingshan's tone turned hesitant, his playful intentions obvious.

After all, Lin Mengxi was Ye Chen's former classmate.

Unbothered, Ye Chen raised an eyebrow and replied directly, "If you want a fling, she's not right for you. If you want a wife, she's even less right for you."

His words weren't driven by resentment over his past rejection or by a desire to sabotage Zhang Jingshan's intentions.

Ye Chen simply knew better than anyone, thanks to his dual lifetime experience.

A woman who had sought to climb the social ladder as a teenager, going so far as to trade herself in a grove, wouldn't have changed her scheming ways a decade later.

Even if she weren't calculating, someone with her qualities wouldn't still be single at her age.

Lin Mengxi's outward indifference to love wasn't genuine; her actions and words betrayed her true nature.

Thus, Ye Chen didn't want Zhang Jingshan to get entangled with someone like her.

Because roses like Lin Mengxi had thorns that could cut deeply.

"Alright, I'll drop it. I just thought she seemed interesting and wanted to settle down. But never mind." Zhang Jingshan reluctantly dismissed the idea.

"Don't even think about it. She's not right for you," Ye Chen repeated firmly before getting into the car.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Jingshan also returned to his vehicle.

Inside the G-Class, as Ye Chen started the engine, his phone buzzed with a WeChat notification.

When he glanced at the screen, his brows furrowed slightly.