The wheels of the train started to turn, and there was an acceleration process at the beginning, with a slight bump.
Soon, the train stabilized at a steady speed and moved forward like the wind. The businessmen sitting in the carriage clearly felt different feelings. Through the door of the carriage, the businessmen stared at the trees and scenery outside the carriage with their eyes wide open and kept retreating. They felt so excited that some people even danced as if they had seen the big world.
At first, each businessman was immersed in the excitement of riding the train. Slowly, as time passed, and after the businessmen got used to the speed of the train, they slowly calmed down and began to think about the business opportunities mentioned by Li Zhen.
They are businessmen who ultimately focus on making profits.
If you can't make money, at most you can just experience the thrill of riding a train. You can make money, you can continue to influence businessmen, and you have a vital interest relationship with businessmen. This is what really attracts them.
Hu Xueyan sat with his back against the carriage, closing his eyes and meditating.
At this moment, Hu Xueyan was thinking about how to make money through trains. The other businessmen were also thinking about the business opportunities. Things that directly affected them were what the businessmen were most concerned about.
In the first carriage, Li Zhenxiao said: "Sister, the train is moving smoothly, don't worry."
Li Xiaotong said: "The train is really good. It is not bumpy and the speed is very fast. From now on, when our family goes to Beijing, it will greatly shorten the time and avoid many detours."
Li Xiaotong sat relaxed and comfortable, getting used to the speed of the train.
Li Zhen turned his eyes and asked: "Qi Zhenhai, where will we stop next and when will we stop?"
Qi Zhenhai answered without thinking: "The train will run for three hours and then stop at Dawang Village. The rest time is half an hour. At that time, people on the train can get off the train and take a break. The train staff We also need to replenish coal, water, etc. in Dawang Village, and then continue south."
Li Zhen nodded, stood up and walked to the driver's side of the train, watching the driver operate.
However, Li Zhen couldn't arouse interest.
Compared with the operation of trains in later generations, the operation of current trains is too cumbersome.
Li Zhen returned to his seat and sat down. He looked back and saw that since the train was an iron train, each carriage was separated and not connected in series like the trains of later generations. Therefore, Li Zhen wanted to When meeting a businessman, you have to wait until the next train stops before you can go to the carriage where Wang Chi, Hu Xueyan and others are.
After all, the train was in the middle of the journey, so it was inconvenient for Li Zhen to stop the train at will. The train drove smoothly, and gradually, Li Xiaotong, Gu Lina and others rested with their backs on the chairs.
Three hours later, the train stopped at the first stop, Dawang Village.
Li Zhen, Qi Zhenhai, Liu Jintang, Chen Yucheng, Li Xiucheng and Lu Shaochuan all got off the first carriage and rushed to the second carriage. Compared with the first carriage that Li Zhen took, the second carriage The environment is obviously much worse. The place to urinate is very simple, there is a strange smell after going to the toilet from time to time, and there is no desk, etc. It is quite cold and uncomfortable.
Even though Li Zhen asked the soldiers to prepare thick clothes and many small supplies for the businessmen on board, it was still quite uncomfortable. Thirty minutes later, all the staff and people getting off the bus got on the bus.
The train starts and continues south.
Li Zhen sat in the middle of dozens of businessmen, feeling the bumpy progress of the train, and his eyes swept across all the businessmen present. His voice was slightly higher, but he said unhurriedly: "There are three of you who are riding the train." It's been an hour, and you should have a clear feel for the general situation of the train. Have you thought of the business opportunities I mentioned in Beijing?"
Wang Chi took the lead and said: "Teacher, this disciple has not thought of it yet."
Hu Xueyan continued: "President, I didn't expect it, because this train is for your army."
After a pause, Hu Xueyan continued: "The emergence of trains has shortened the travel time between the two places. The speed of your army from Nanjing to Guangzhou will be greatly improved. By then, your control over the place will be greatly enhanced, and even , once railways are built across the country, your control over the country will reach a terrifying stage. This is for your own service and has nothing to do with us."
Li Zhen was extremely surprised. He didn't expect Hu Xueyan to think clearly.
In fact, the emergence of the railway was indeed beneficial to Li Zhen's control of the place.
Li Zhen smiled and said calmly: "Trains are transportation hubs. Mr. Hu's words are partly correct. However, Mr. Hu does not see the commercial value of trains. For example, trains can transport people between Nanjing and Guangzhou. , so that people in Nanjing can go to Guangzhou in a short time. Under such circumstances, will the people spend a little money to travel."
"At least, this is a little business opportunity."
Li Zhen stared at Hu Xueyan, looking calm and easy-going.
Hu Xueyan nodded, but was not moved.
Compared with transporting people and building railways, the price gap is too big.
Li Zhen was not discouraged and continued: "In addition to transporting people, we can also transport commercial goods, etc. For example, if two merchants sell the same commodity, one of them transports it by train and the other one transports it by carriage. In comparison, which one is better and which one is worse, the train must have the advantage. Whoever arrives first will get the winning point first. At the same time, if you purchase the goods from a certain point and then transport them, the train is undoubtedly better."
"The emergence of trains can be used for both military and commercial purposes. For military purposes, it is nothing more than transporting military supplies and troops, etc. Commercial use is what you need to develop."
Li Zhen said loudly: "The purpose of commercial use is actually very clear. Do you have any doubts?"
The head of the Qiu family asked: "Although there are business opportunities, how can we participate?"
Hu Xueyan said in a deep voice: "Participating in the operation of trains is not a simple matter. President Li, if we want to participate, it will probably cost a lot."
Li Zhen smiled slightly and said: "Anything can only be rewarded with investment. You are the top businessmen across the country, with strong financial resources and sufficient confidence, so I want to cooperate with you. If I were an ordinary businessman, I would definitely I won’t tell them about the train, and telling them will be in vain and useless.”
"How to cooperate?" Hu Xueyan asked with interest.
Li Zhen said: "For now, it is actually inconvenient and difficult to build railways in many places. Therefore, for the time being, we can only build main roads, such as Beijing to Nanjing, Nanjing to Hunan, Beijing to Shanxi, etc. For hub arteries, how about you form a group to raise funds together, build a certain section of railway together, and then distribute the benefits among yourself."
After Li Zhen finished speaking, he waited for the reactions of the businessmen present.
His purpose in gathering businessmen was just for this moment. Even if the construction of railways across the country could not be realized, the main trunk roads across the country must be built. This is an urgent need.
