At the Autumn Canton Fair in 1978, several businessmen from France returned to Xiangjiang angrily because they could not find a suitable hotel.
In the same year, senior officials in Guangdong, who clearly felt that supporting facilities were holding them back everywhere, wrote a report on the matter and submitted it.
Soon, the higher-ups began to speak: the tourism industry also has a lot to do!
Therefore, under this prerequisite, various cities across the country have successively launched star hotel construction projects.
By 1980, the purpose of retaining foreign exchange at all costs forced even the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse to open to the outside world.
However, in the face of high-end hotels that are about to rise one after another, the operation and management of hotels has become another new problem.
Take the Yanjing Jianguo Hotel, which has just started construction. It is the first joint venture hotel in China and there is endless quarrel over who will manage it.
At the end, Chen Xuanyuan, the Chinese investor who was forced to panic, changed from his usual politeness and said the truth:
"Your hotel is just a guest house at best. You will understand when you go abroad."
"If there are management problems in the hotel later, who will be responsible?"
After hearing this, some cross-industry leaders who had nothing to do but repeatedly emphasized that "Chinese hotels must be managed by Chinese people" finally stopped interfering in the specific matters of Jianguo Hotel.
And Lu Xuzhang of the Tourism Bureau finally no longer has to deal with things around.
At this moment, Director Lu, who was sitting in the office, was holding an ancient biscuit "Songhe Yannian" and looking at it with a smile.
"This Xiao Jiang is quite thoughtful for a young man," Director Lu said with a smile to Director Hou in the same room: "Before he left, he even knew he left a gift for us."
"I can't bear to eat this gift from him," Director Hou, who also received a gift, was very happy with Jiangshan's handmade biscuits:
"By the way, Bureau Lu, the time of our trip to New York seems to coincide with the time of Xiao Jiang's trip to New York."
"Yeah,"
If Director Hou hadn't reminded him, Lu Xuzhang wouldn't have remembered it yet: "That's just right. When you get to New York, you can go and listen to Jiang Shan's opinion."
"I guess the Propaganda Department won't be able to arrange a high-end hotel for them."
In order to determine the future management structure of "Jianguo Hotel", Hou Xijiu, as the quasi-general manager, was ordered to go to New York and various places in Hong Kong for inspection and research.
"It's okay, the Tourism Bureau paid the money that the Propaganda Department refused to pay,"
Lu Xuzhang, who has always believed that investment will reward you:
"Besides, the advertisement that Jiangshan is responsible for originally contains promotional footage of the tourist city, so it is reasonable for our tourism bureau to contribute money."
"Okay," Director Hou nodded and said, "I'll make arrangements later."
"How many hotels are you going to check out in New York this time?"
"Three," Director Hou reported: "Marriott, Hilton, and Sheraton."
Director Lu knew it well: "Yeah!"
"I don't know how many members there are in Xiao Jiang's team," Hou Xijiu thought for a moment: "I guess it won't be a small sum."
"It doesn't matter,"
After Lu Xuzhang heard this, he extinguished half of the cigarette in his hand: "Xijiu, do you know how much a guest room costs for the Xiangshan Hotel that will start construction this month?"
Director Hou picked up the tea and blew it: "How much?"
"$200,000."
"How much? Cough, cough,"
Director Hou just took a sip of water and choked out again: "200,000...USD?"
"You didn't expect it, either," Lu Xuzhang smiled and shook his head: "Now that I think about it, the cost of building a 40,000-room Jianguo Hotel is really cheap."
"Oh my God," Director Hou really didn't expect: "Whether the guest rooms in the Xiangshan Hotel are inlaid with gold or silver, it actually requires such a high budget."
In 1978, the architect I.M. Pei was invited to design a high-end hotel for Yanjing.
Two years later, the Xiangshan Hotel, which he carefully designed, finally began to break ground.
Although the "Fragrant Hill Hotel" appointed by superiors received many privileges, the hotel has been criticized for its subsequent revenue generation and design.
Especially the painting signed "Zao Wou-Ki 82" that I.M. Pei invited his friend Zao Wou-Ki to create for the hotel lobby.
He was so angry that the person in charge of the hotel at the time criticized him unceremoniously: "Zhao Wou-Ki, this is called painting? I can do this kind of painting."
Lu Xuzhang, who did not express any opinions on this, was very glad that he did not have to ask anything about the Xiangshan Hotel.
"It's good to have a comparison," Director Lu said with a smile: "It will save them from criticizing our budget for being too high all day long."
"If this is the case, our New York delegation will not have to worry about cost overruns."
"You don't have to worry about this in the first place," Lu Xuzhang said: "Your task is to make investigation records so that you can choose a suitable management agency in the future. This is the most important thing."
"I understand," Hou Xijiu said, "I'll say hello to the Propaganda Department first, and then contact Xiao Jiang."
"Don't worry, I have one more thing to do."
"You say."
"When you go on a business trip this time, remember to pay attention to the food on the plane," Lu Xuzhang reminded: "See if there is any crumbs on the bread."
"This matter is now under our control?"
"This matter is really not our responsibility," Director Lu said with a smile: "I just want to see what the level of the newly established aviation catering company is."
"Oh," Director Hou understood what the other party meant: "Okay, I'll write a report to you after I finish eating."
"Hahaha," Lu Xuzhang laughed: "Remember to look at the expressions of the foreign guests."
In 1980, the Tourism Bureau, which had been suffering from complaints from foreign guests, also wanted to see the effectiveness of its sister units in solving the service difficulties.
After all, those who work together are called brothers.
…
No. 51 courtyard, Anhe Street, Pujiang.
Father Jiang and Mother Jiang, who were sitting in the main room, would glance at the clock on the wall from time to time.
"It's supposed to be time to come back."
"That's it," Father Jiang couldn't help but stood up again: "Why is there still no one there?"
In fact, not only the two of them, Lu Xiao, Jiang Chuan, and Ruhua, but also Li Ruocheng and his wife next door are also looking forward to it.
Suddenly, the voices of Xiaoyu and Xiaobai came from the yard:
"grandparents……"
"We're back……"
"Xiaoxiao, they are back." As Jiang Ma jumped up, she did not forget to call her daughter-in-law.
A few whirring sounds.
Everyone in the room got out one by one.
"Xiao Bai," Father Jiang was the first to rush out of the house, picked up a child and hugged him in his arms: "My good grandson."
"Xiao Yu'er, give grandma a hug."
Before little aunt Jiang Chuan could express her love for her little niece, grandma snatched her away.
"Grandpa, look, this is the gift we brought to you and grandma from Yanjing,"
Jiang Xiaoyu and Jiang Xiaobai rushed to take out the items in the bag one by one.
Desserts from Fangshan, cigarettes from Zhongnanhai... When Guqin and Parrot were also brought to the table, Father Jiang and Mother Jiang's eyes were so full of smiles.
"Okay, okay," Father Jiang picked up the cigarette with satisfaction: "It seems you guys had a good time this time."
"Well," Jiang Xiaoyu nodded happily: "Grandpa, the third uncle also bought a house this time."
Jiang Xiaobai opened his hands and gestured: "There are many rooms, and the third uncle said that even Grandpa Li and Grandma Li can live in them together."
Jiang Xiangnan's eyes widened: "What kind of house did you buy this time?"
Jiang Ma covered her heart: "Siheyuan?"
Jiang Hai on the side was also shocked: "Lao San, is what this kid said true?"
Just as they were looking at Jiangshan in disbelief, Li Ruocheng, Li Huaiying, Jiang Chuan, and Ruhua also looked at Jiangshan.
"That's right," Jiang Shan reached out and picked up Xiao Bai and put him on his lap: "I bought a courtyard house this time."
"Four..." Only now did Father Jiang understand that the third child not only bought a house in the capital this time, but also bought a set: "Siheyuan?"
Mother Jiang tilted her neck and looked at her beloved son: "A single-family courtyard?"
"Yes, it's a single-family house." Jiang Shan also reached out and gestured: "The 18 houses in the two yards are all ours."
While Jiang Shan was talking, Jiang He also nodded to his wife: "The courtyard house that the third brother bought is not far from Tiananmen Square. I will take you to see it next time I have a chance."
Lu Xiao, who had always been calm, was dumbfounded now: "Did you really buy a courtyard house?"
"Oh my God!"
"Two yards?"
This is the most exaggerated thing Jiang Hai has heard recently: "Lao San, this is incredible."
"Long live my little brother," Jiang Chuan immediately raised his hands and cheered: "Brother, you are great!"
Ying Ruhua on the side nodded repeatedly: "Your brother is indeed great."
At this time, Li Ruocheng and his wife, who had been smiling with their lips pursed, looked at each other.
Xantou Jiangshan's words made them both feel very happy just hearing them.
The fact that they couldn't live in it was actually secondary, but the fact that the Jiang family didn't regard themselves as outsiders was the most gratifying thing for them.
…
In the small courtyard No. 51 under the night, Jiang Shan finally lay down in his own room.
The eldest brother Jiang Hai looked at his younger brother with concern: "Third brother, when will you leave for New York?"
"It should be the 27th,"
Jiang Shan was lying on the bed, pillowing his arms: "First fly to Tokyo, and then transfer to New York."
In 1980, direct flights between China and the United States had not yet opened, but they were not far away from opening.
"You must be careful when you go on a long journey this time."
"Don't worry, brother, I was not careful."
"This time it's the United States," Jiang Hai emphasized: "Moreover, the United States has not been quiet recently."
Seeing Jiang Hai's face becoming more and more solemn, Jiang Shan stood up and said, "What? What happened in the United States recently?"
"You don't know yet, right?"
Jiang Hai talked about international news that ordinary people cannot access:
"Just a few days ago, Castro of Cuba announced that the Port of Mariel will be opened for three months starting from this month. Anyone who wants to leave Cuba can leave from here."
country:"……"
"What worries me most is this," Jiang Hai said, looking at Jiang Shan: "The Cuban government ordered the doors of all prisons and mental hospitals to be opened..."
After hearing this, Jiang Shan's memory finally caught up.
On April 20, 1980, Cuba announced a piece of news that shocked the world.
This news not only changed the history of the United States and Cuba, but also made Florida a refugee haven for Cuba.
On one side are overcrowded prisons, mental hospitals, and asylums in the country, and on the other are stowaways who are instigated by the United States and trying their best to leave Cuba.
In anger, Castro simply launched his ultimate move: Since they insist on leaving, I will give them a ride.
Then, the decision to open the port for three months was announced.
One of the most absolute is that as long as domestic criminals leave the country in time, the government will ignore them.
Otherwise, everything will start from scratch.
Later, in order to worry that the United States, which had always warmly welcomed refugees, would go back on its word halfway, Castro also set a 15-day countdown time for the "seeded contestants" to leave the country.
According to subsequent statistics, Cuba sent away a total of about 150,000 people this time.
Prisons, mental hospitals, and asylums across the country were all emptied.
According to subsequent reports from the United States, those who came ashore this time were all Cuban gangsters, thieves, prostitutes, mentally ill people, drug addicts...
There are a lot of talented people from all walks of life.
With the assistance of this group of Cuban elites, Miami quickly became a very distinctive city.
"Is this what you're worried about?"
Jiang Shan looked at the boss and waved his hand: "It's okay, brother."
"Why don't you get in the way?" Jiang Hai said, "Do you know how chaotic it is abroad?"
"You will find out later when you go back and check the map," Jiang Shan said, "That port is still far away from New York. It is estimated that by the time the impact reaches New York, we will have already returned to China."
"Okay, as long as you know what's going on," Jiang Hai stood up and prepared to leave: "Anyway, you have to be careful this time."
"I know, brother." Jiang Shan, who was an only child in his previous life, especially liked the feeling of being remembered.
"By the way, third child,"
Before leaving, Jiang Hai thought of one more thing: "That Pan Hong really asked someone to send Xiaochuan a copy of the admissions brochure of Pujiang Drama Academy."
"She actually still remembers this?" Jiang Shan: "What did Xiaochuan say? Is she willing to take the exam?"
"You don't even have to ask," Jiang Hai said with a smile, "Not only is she preparing to apply for the exam herself, she also wants to drag Ruhua along with her!"
"Ruhua agrees?"
"No," Jiang Hai said, "This little girl Ruhua is quite independent."
"Then where did she say she was going to take the exam?"
"Listen to Uncle Li..." Jiang Hai thought for a moment: "Ruhua probably wants to major in English."
"English?" Jiang Shan asked strangely: "Didn't she want to learn dubbing before?"
"Ruhua talked to you?"
"We talked about it," Jiang Shan said, "Has it changed again now?"
"The little girl's thoughts," Jiang Hai waved his hands and prepared to go out: "Let's not make any more guesses."
"English?"
Jiang Shan, who lay down again for a moment, suddenly remembered the time when Ying Ruhua was studying English with Li Ruocheng and his wife.
"It was a smart decision,"
Thinking of two high school students who had no connection with mathematics, Jiang Shan lit up a cigarette and said, "Yes, both of them are good choices."
"The third child,"
Suddenly, Jiang Hai, who had already gone out, turned back and lay down at the window: "If Xiaochuan really wants to apply for the Drama Academy, will you help me?"
A sentence in the yard caused Jiangchuan and Ruhua in the other room to prick up their ears.
"you still need to ask,"
Jiang Shan, who has always believed that having connections with customers is a skill, immediately gave the answer: "I definitely need to help!"
After finishing his sentence, a burst of cheers erupted from the room next door.
The two high school girls hugged each other and jumped happily on the spot.
The rivers and seas outside the window looked at each other and smiled.
"Don't forget to finalize this before leaving."
"Can't forget,"
At this time, Jiang Shan had already gotten up and walked over to the phone: "I will go and implement it right away."
…
At Pujiang Hongqiao Airport, a Boeing 747 with "China Civil Aviation" spray-painted on it landed smoothly.
Then, the first flight from Yanjing picked up dozens of guests from Pujiang.
"Jiangshan, here it is!"
Huang Yongyu and Wang Shixiang, who were lying on the backs of their chairs, waved vigorously to Jiang Shan.
"Uncle Yongyu,"
As soon as he entered the cabin, he saw Jiang Shan, an acquaintance, and smiled very happily: "I didn't expect us to meet again so soon."
After a while of eye contact, both parties laughed tacitly.
"In other words, there are three main tasks for our trip,"
When the plane entered a stable flight state, Wang Fulin and Zhang Lu, who were sitting in the same row as Jiang Shan, were summarizing the final mission.
"First, participate in the New York Advertising Festival,"
Wang Fulin looked at his small table and said: "Second, shoot the Mingxuan Exhibition Hall of the Metropolitan Museum..."
"The third task is mine," Jiang Shan continued: "Design an advertisement for Phoenix and Forever Bicycles that will be a hit in the newspaper..."
