In 1979, beside the still run-down Shen City Train Station.
A sign stood outside an unremarkable single-story building: "Hua Country Construction Engineering Company, Shen City Office."
The premises were ordinary.
Yet this was the first truly state-owned construction enterprise in the history of the Shen City Special Economic Zone's development.
The local construction crews in Shen City were still at a technical level where even putting up a three-story building was a struggle.
This office, however, had come south to Shen City with an authorized establishment under the National Construction Commission, entire companies and battalions of construction workers, and a complete industrial management system.
The locals might not yet think much of it.
But Song Ning knew that this was where "Shen City Speed" had begun.
It was the people in this single-story building who, over the years to come, would build countless "Tower Kings" and "landmarks" that would amaze later generations.
She paused in front of the sign for a moment, then pushed open the door.
Inside, the office was rather untidy, even downright spartan.
Song Ning found the person in charge, whose surname was Lin.
First, she asked whether they were looking to hire anyone.
Manager Lin replied tactfully, "If you're looking for work, you can try the construction site. There are people responsible for recruitment there, but we aren't hiring here at the moment."
Song Ning then took out a copy of the contract from yesterday.
She explained that she had leased a plot of land nearby and wanted to invest in building a factory there.
Actual construction, however, would probably have to wait until next year.
Today, she had brought along the person responsible for infrastructure construction on her side.
She hoped he could spend some time here learning and observing.
That would help them prepare