Yes the Chi Coms studied NEP and Deng talked to Armand Hammer about NEP. Hammer was there in Russia at the time.
I think Stalin ended NEP after Lenin died -- the useful idiots and the Nepmen became a, if not the, major factor in building the economy. Lenin's purpose to save the revolution because Marxism sure as hell wasn't helping and the masses were restless. Ditto post-Mao Red China.
After Lenin the Soviet ideologues were scared of NEP. They ended NEP and the Nepmen. I am sure "the people" seized their property back from the useful idiots like Henry Ford also.
The Chi Com ideologues have done NEP right.. they became the Nepmen and they are now millionaires and billionaires: Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.
.. but they are Dengists and are increasingly opposed by Maoists.
No matter who survives, Dengists or Maoists, the useful idiots' property will be "returned to the people." .. and I say, NO TARP to compensate the useful idiots!