Great Power Reclamation

The "Northern Xinjiang Clear Spring Project," this blue artery, stretches tenaciously across the vast land of northern Xinjiang, its pulse strong and powerful.

However, like any grand project capable of changing the world, beneath its magnificent exterior lie unimaginable challenges and pressures.

When the project entered the most arduous and costly phase of tackling the Gobi Desert section and laying out the intelligent system along the entire line, the rate at which funds were consumed exceeded everyone's worst-case scenario.

The initial funding pool, including matching funds from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, strong support from the Liu Qinghua Foundation, and early investments from the Warriors Group, seemed to be experiencing a frenzied evaporation in the Gobi Desert, with the water level dropping at a visible rate.

Although the Liu Qinghua Foundation has a solid foundation, its articles of association stipulate an upper limit on investment in a single project to ensure the fund's continued operation and broad benefits. At this point, it has already reached the red line and can no longer provide more direct capital injection.

In order to ensure that people's livelihood and other infrastructure construction are not halted due to the "Qingquan Plan", the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps has already stretched its finances to the limit.

The shadow of funding shortages, like a cold wave in the Northwest winter, quickly enveloped the entire "Qingquan Project" command center.

The atmosphere in the command post grew increasingly tense. Reports piled up on Commander Ma Jianguo's desk, almost every one marked with a red "Urgent!" or "Funds running low!" His once resolute face was now etched with the lines of fatigue and anxiety.

"Old Chen," Ma Jianguo said to Chief Engineer Chen Shanhe, who was sitting opposite him, rubbing his temples.
"For the No. 3 booster pump station, the core unit needs a batch of imported high-voltage frequency converters. If the payment isn't received soon, the supplier will postpone delivery, and we can't afford to delay the construction schedule!"

Chen Shanhe sighed, unfolded the blueprint in his hand, and pointed to a section marked with a red line:
"It's not just the pumping station. Look at this channel that crosses the shifting sand dunes. The original design was a composite scheme of 'ecological seepage-proof blanket + rigid lining'. However, because the cost of the ecological seepage-proof blanket was too high, the construction team below has submitted a report to apply for a change to the traditional thickened concrete lining scheme in order to save money."

"This thing is not very effective at preventing seepage, has high maintenance costs, and is not good at blocking the rise of underground capillary water, which can easily lead to secondary salinization of the surrounding soil! The little bit of ecology we have worked so hard to restore may be destroyed again!"

This is just the tip of the iceberg:
At the standardized medicinal herb planting base upstream of Awati Township, the advance payment for seedlings from Junken Pharmaceutical has been used up, and subsequent land leveling and drip irrigation system installation have been slowed down due to insufficient funds.

Zeng Rou anxiously called Liu Neng: "President Liu, if we don't plant our astragalus seedlings soon, we'll miss the best growing season! If that affects the efficacy of the medicine, we won't be able to explain it to Secretary Ye!"

The biological sand-fixing belt expansion project, which Xiao Zhao was in charge of, had to suspend its plan to extend 50 kilometers eastward due to a broken funding chain for purchasing seedlings such as Haloxylon ammodendron and Hippophae rhamnoides and paying labor costs.

Seeing that the quicksand that had just been contained was showing signs of a comeback, Xiao Zhao was so anxious that blisters appeared around his mouth. He led his team to collect grass trellises using the most primitive methods, barely managing to hold their ground.

The second phase of the "Qingquan No. 1" photovoltaic-storage combined power station's energy storage expansion project has stalled because the payment for the large flow batteries could not be made on time.

This means that during the upcoming peak electricity season, some pumping stations may face the predicament of operating at reduced frequency at night, directly affecting water delivery efficiency.

The procurement plans for more than a dozen intelligent water diversion hubs and remote monitoring stations along the route have been repeatedly delayed due to the high cost of importing core sensors and control systems.

Without these "nerve endings," the intelligent management of the entire "Qingquan Canal" would be nothing but empty talk.

Even some basic welfare benefits for construction workers have been affected, with the food standards for some construction teams quietly decreasing and the promised phased bonuses being delayed.

Although no one complained, the command center could clearly feel the oppressive atmosphere on the front lines.

At an internal meeting, Ma Jianguo lamented, "We cannot let our brothers sweat and shed tears! We cannot let this project, which benefits the present and future generations, fail because of money!"

The command center was like an overloaded machine, with every gear making a screeching noise due to a lack of lubricant.

Ma Jianguo and Chen Shanhe used almost every channel they could think of to seek support at all levels and bank loans, but faced with such a huge funding gap, these efforts were like pouring water into the desert, instantly absorbed and yielding very little result.

Across the ocean, in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, atop the Brothers Group's international headquarters building.

Ye Feng stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the Hudson River and the towering buildings in the distance.

He had just finished a video conference with Wang Lina in China, who gave a detailed report on the severe financial situation facing the "Qingquan Project".

The barely concealed anxiety of Commander Ma Jianguo on the screen, and the resentment of Chief Engineer Chen Shanhe when he mentioned the forced compromise on the technical solution due to funding issues, deeply stung Ye Feng's heart.

Despite the massive investment of technology and capital by the Warrior Group, even a business giant like the Brothers Group felt unprecedented pressure in the face of such a bottomless demand.

There were dissenting voices within the group, with some shareholders and executives expressing concerns about continuing to "inject capital" into a project that did not show clear commercial returns in the short term.

But Ye Feng's resolve never wavered. He was born in Boston, but he knew he was from the military reclamation city, and the fighting spirit and patriotism of his parents were already ingrained in his blood.

For him, the "Northern Frontier Clear Spring Project" is not just a business investment opportunity, but a mission, a deep affection for his roots. He understands the profound meaning of his father Ye Yuze's discourse on "responsibility and foundation".

"We can't stop, 'Clear Spring' absolutely cannot stop!" Ye Feng muttered to himself, his eyes sharp and resolute.

He knew that conventional financing methods were no longer sufficient to meet the demand, and that it was necessary to find another way and use unconventional resources.

He picked up the encrypted phone and dialed a number. On the other end was his longtime friend and business partner—Michael Chen.

A prominent investment banker on Wall Street, whose "Dragon Capital" is renowned for its keen insight and powerful global capital operation capabilities.

They are particularly adept at financing major infrastructure projects in emerging markets and developing countries.

Michael and Ye Feng shared the same ideals and worked seamlessly together in business, and also had a deep affection for their motherland.

“Michael, it’s me, Ye Feng.” Ye Feng’s voice was steady and powerful. “The ‘Northern Frontier Clear Spring Project’ has encountered a major problem and needs you, and we need the power of ‘Dragon Soaring’.”

He didn't engage in much small talk, but went straight to the point, explaining in detail the financial difficulties he had encountered back home.

Michael Chen was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then his voice came through with unwavering certainty:
“Feng, I understand. This is a major event that benefits the country and its people, and it is also what we overseas Chinese are concerned about.”

"Rest assured, Longteng Capital will go all out. We will not only solve the funding problem, but also let the whole world see this great project!" A grand financing plan quickly took shape during a brief exchange between the two top business leaders.

Ye Feng and Michael Chen's actions were remarkably efficient.

Led by Dragon Capital, a syndicate was quickly formed, uniting several other top-tier investment banks with global influence.

They based their decisions on the enormous social and ecological value of the "Northern Frontier Clear Spring Project" and the long-term potential for regional economic growth (such as the agricultural industry chain and tourism potential planned by Liu Neng).

A sophisticated "Northern Frontier Clear Spring Sustainable Development Bond" was designed, with a reasonable risk-return profile.

This bond aims to raise funds publicly in the global capital market, specifically for the construction, technological upgrades, and ecological protection of the "Clear Spring Project." The bond's highlights include:
1. Double guarantee: The Warriors Group provides partial commercial credit guarantee, while the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps issues a letter of support, providing moral and policy endorsement, which enhances the credit rating.

2. Green attributes: The use of funds is clearly defined and complies with internationally accepted green bond standards, focusing on renewable energy (photovoltaic power plants), water-saving irrigation, ecological restoration, etc., attracting the growing global demand for ESG investment.

3. Long-term vision: A longer term is set to accommodate the payback period of infrastructure projects, and attractive interest rates are offered, with a portion of the interest rate subsidized by the Warrior Group to reduce financing costs.

However, in the fiercely competitive global capital market, even the best financial products need strong publicity to attract attention. Ye Feng had already planned for this.

He utilized the "Brother News Channel," which the Warrior Group acquired years ago and now has considerable influence in the United States and even globally.

This channel enjoys a good reputation among the elite for its relatively objective reporting and in-depth international analysis.

Just as the "Qingquan Bonds" were about to embark on their roadshow, Brothers News Channel launched a meticulously produced three-part documentary, "Lifeline: Qingquan in Northern Xinjiang Across the Gobi Desert."

The documentary uses magnificent aerial shots to showcase the grandeur and desolation of northern Xinjiang, and delicately records the figures of builders fighting against the wind and sand. The characters of Ma Jianguo, Chen Shanhe, Xiao Zhao, Uncle Aishan and others are vivid and touching.

The film highlights the significant role of the "Clear Spring Project" in addressing people's livelihood issues, restoring the ecosystem, developing modern agriculture and animal husbandry, and ensuring the prosperity and stability of the border regions. It also frankly addresses the current financial difficulties faced by the project.

The documentary's narration is profound and moving: "In the East of the world, a great dialogue between humanity and nature is unfolding."

A blue artery is trying to inject life into the parched earth... This is not just a project in China; it is a global effort concerning sustainable human development, addressing climate change, and creating a harmonious home.

Now, this lifeline needs the power of global capital to accomplish this feat.

The documentary quickly generated a huge response upon its release.

It was broadcast not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions through the global network of its sister news channels and partner media.

The film's depiction of the grand engineering projects, the builders' resilience, and the project's inherent green value and profound significance deeply moved audiences worldwide.

Immediately afterwards, Ye Feng personally took charge, together with Michael Chen, leading a powerful roadshow team to begin a global "tour".

From New York to London, from Frankfurt to Singapore, from Tokyo to Dubai… wherever they went, they not only provided detailed explanations of the investment value of “Clear Spring Bonds”, but also passionately recounted the story behind the “Clear Spring Project”.

During his roadshow speeches, Ye Feng often said emotionally, "I am a businessman, but first and foremost, I am a descendant of the Yellow Emperor and a descendant of the military reclamation family. My ancestors came from that land, and I know what water means to the people there."

"That is not just water, it is hope, it is the future, it is the smiles on children's faces, it is the peaceful old age of the elderly, and it is the cornerstone of the enduring stability of the frontier!"

"Investing in 'Clear Spring Bonds' not only brings you financial returns, but also the honor of participating in writing a chapter of history and contributing to the sustainable development of our planet!"

His words, combined with the visual impact of the documentary and Longteng Capital's professional financial solutions, created a wonderful chemical reaction.

A wave of interest in this "clear spring" bond quickly swept across the global capital market. Sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, university endowments, large asset management companies, and even some family offices focused on sustainable development have all shown great interest in this unique bond.

The global roadshow and promotional efforts have had an explosive impact.

The subscription orders for the "Northern Xinjiang Clear Spring Sustainable Development Bonds" came in like snowflakes, far exceeding the initial issuance plan.

The underwriting syndicate had to increase the issuance size several times.

Ultimately, the first tranche of bonds raised an astonishing astronomical figure, enough to completely reverse the funding difficulties of the "Clear Spring Project" and even reserve sufficient funds for subsequent operation and maintenance.

When the first huge sum of money was successfully transferred into the special account of the "Qingquan Plan" through the safe channel built by Longteng Capital, Ma Jianguo, who was far away at the command center in northern Xinjiang, could hardly believe his eyes.

He repeatedly checked the bank's notification of the deposit, a figure he had dreamed of for the past few months but dared not even imagine.

"Old Chen! Old Chen!" Ma Jianguo rushed out of the office excitedly and found Chen Shanhe, who was sketching and revising the blueprints. His voice was trembling.

"The money...the money has arrived! Ye Feng...Ye Feng is abroad, he's got it all sorted out! An astronomical sum! Our problem is solved!"

Chen Shanhe was taken aback at first, then put down his pen and let out a long sigh of relief, as if the pent-up frustration that had been building up in his chest for so long had instantly dissipated.

He took off his glasses, rubbed his slightly moist eyes, and murmured, "Great...that's wonderful..."

"Now our 'green energy corridor' can be fully connected, and the intelligent system can be implemented. As for the waterproofing blankets... we'll use the best!"

The news spread like wildfire throughout every corner of "Project Clear Spring." (End of Chapter)