I hadn't slept so soundly in ages, vaguely dreaming I was back home in my grand ** bed, surrounded by beautiful women. A casual reach only confirmed the empty space beside me. When I opened my eyes, the sun was already high in the east.

Glancing around, I finally recalled that I had fallen asleep in Yun Yao’s ** last night! Where was Yun Yao? Though I had touched her ** breasts, I hadn't pressed further. This wasn't an evolutionary moment; there was no way I could have made a mistake last night, right?

I sat up in the ** bed, inhaling a scent distinct from Ning Shixuan’s, lost in thought. The door was gently pushed open, and Yun Yao peeked in. “Brother Zhao, you’re awake.”

I offered a sheepish smile. “I’m so sorry, I was exhausted last night and must have drifted off in your **.”

Bang! The door swung wide open as Ning Shixuan burst in, toweling her hair dry. “Shameless creature, spending the night in a girl’s room! You made us squeeze together all night. You owe us compensation, you know.”

It turned out Yun Yao had gone to Ning Shixuan’s room last night, so naturally, nothing else could have happened. I got out of bed. “A beautiful new day begins. Name your compensation, and I’ll consider it.”

Ning Shixuan was surprised by my immediate compliance. “I haven’t decided yet. Besides, you don’t have any money on you. We’ll talk when you get paid.”

Ning Shixuan still didn't know I’d been transferred to the Investment Promotion Office. If she knew I’d moved from the People’s Congress Office to that dusty corner, she’d surely erupt and curse me out.

After breakfast, I went to the Investment Promotion Office alone first. The door wasn't locked because there was nothing valuable left inside—just a few desks and dilapidated office supplies, all coated in a thick layer of dust. I frowned and backed out; it looked like I’d need to find someone to clean it up.

“Zhao Qian! I hate you! You… you bastard, if you’re going to attract investment, don’t drag me and Zhang Fengzhen along!” Ning Shixuan’s voice echoed from outside her office doorway until she finally stood right in front of me.

I smiled and tried to soothe her. “Little Ning, this is a good thing. I pulled you in because we’re friends. If others wanted to come to the Investment Office, I might not even have considered them.”

Ning Shixuan’s face was furious. “You, you! What do you know? Given Liangshan’s conditions, even someone selling flatbread wouldn't invest here. I was counting on my year-end bonus to save for a house! Now you’ve dragged me to this dump—you owe me a house!”

Zhang Fengzhen emerged from his Economic Committee office. “Hey, Zhao Qian, you’re setting me up! This Investment Office has been started and stopped so many times. Everyone who works here doesn't even get a year-end bonus. You’ve completely wasted my ten thousand yuan!”

I genuinely didn't know that the Liangshan County government paid such high year-end bonuses. Where did the money come from? I knew salaries were nationally standardized, but bonuses weren't allocated by the national treasury.

I asked Zhang Fengzhen, “Such high bonuses? Where is the government getting the money?”

Zhang Fengzhen squinted. “Are you deliberately playing dumb? It comes from the Poverty Alleviation Funds, of course. Otherwise, why would we be staring greedily at that money? But with your meddling, this year’s funds are uncertain. Oh well, since County Head Zhao and Secretary Ma both issued the transfer orders, we’ll just leave it to fate and come to this forgotten corner.”

I chuckled at both of them. “Neither of you should count on that money anymore. Follow me, and I guarantee you won’t regret it. Little Ning wants money for a house, but Brother Zhang, what do you want?”

Zhang Fengzhen narrowed his eyes. “Me? Right now, I just want to buy a car. I still have a couple of houses back in my hometown, so that’s manageable. Having a car to drive around—that’s prestige! I wouldn't fear wind or rain then.”

“Fine. As long as you two work hard for me, the Director of the Investment Promotion Office, you can achieve your wishes by year-end!”

They looked at me with suspicion. “Are you messing with us?”

I nodded seriously. “I swear it!”

“Swear in Commissioner Zhou’s name,” they demanded.

“Alright, I’ll swear in Commissioner Zhou’s name. If I fail to meet your requirements, let him demote me to cleaning the public toilets.”

Only then did they relax. “Okay, we believe you for now. So, Leader, what assignments do you have for us?”

“Assignments? Clean up the office!”

The three of us spent the entire morning finally clearing out the office. County Head Zhao, having heard the whole story from Secretary Ma that morning, was extremely pleased. Just before lunch break, he specifically came to the Investment Office to inspect.

“Little Zhao, I always knew you were a capable man who would bring honor to our Zhao clan. Liangshan is a small place, but even small places can achieve great things. I look forward to your rise! Secretary Ma told me about your relationship with Commissioner Zhou. Actually, from any angle, the Poverty Alleviation Funds are crucial for our Liangshan. Please consider this seriously. If you have a chance, explain clearly to Commissioner Zhou; perhaps he’ll grant it for your sake and secure this year’s funds. Otherwise, the people of Liangshan won’t have a peaceful New Year.”

I laughed. “County Head Zhao, I personally strongly oppose distributing the poverty funds per capita. They should be pooled to fund specific projects.”

County Head Zhao looked helpless. “Do you think I don’t want that? But we need projects to work on. If there’s nothing to do, everyone will just take their share and go home for the New Year.”

“I guarantee there won’t be any problem getting this year’s Poverty Alleviation Funds. However, how they are used won’t be decided by the County Government; it will likely be managed by a specialized group for unified allocation and reasonable use. Of course, I only heard Commissioner Zhou casually mention this last night.”

County Head Zhao sighed. “As long as the funds are released, it’s fine; it will ultimately be used in Liangshan County anyway. Little Zhao, since you are friends with Commissioner Zhou now, I think you should leverage that relationship to bring more benefit to Liangshan.”

“Rest assured, County Head Zhao. Even if I didn't know Commissioner Zhou, I would still help change Liangshan’s face. That’s why I came here.”

County Head Zhao gave me a thumbs-up. “Ambitious and motivated—a promising young man. I wasn't wrong about you. Work hard. If you show results by year-end, the government won't treat you unfairly.”

The moment County Head Zhao left the office, Ning Shixuan rushed over. “Zhao Qian, you aren't thinking of having Commissioner Zhou give our Investment Office the Poverty Alleviation Funds, are you?”

I countered, “And what if I am? It’s only five million yuan. We need something like five billion to handle Liangshan’s current situation.”

“Five billion! Did we hear that right?” Zhang Fengzhen, who was tidying his desk, also hurried over.

“Yes, five billion. Maybe a little less, maybe a little more. It depends on you two.”

Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen looked baffled. “Depends on us? What ability do we have to decide on such a large investment?”

They both knew about my relationship with Zhou Qiang. While my statement was a bit outrageous, they could barely accept it, since we were only talking hypothetically for now. I explained, “You two need to go out and find viable projects. Once you find them, I’ll be responsible for the investment attraction. The more developable projects you find, the more capital I can bring in. I won’t take a single cent of any government reward; I’ll split it all between you two.”

“Really?” Their faces showed disbelief. “The government used to have regulations for the Investment Office: a commission of one ten-thousandth of the funds brought in. If you really manage to bring in five billion…”

“That’s fifty thousand yuan in commission!” they exclaimed.

I confirmed. “If it’s one ten-thousandth, you two split it evenly, twenty-five thousand each. You can buy a car or a house easily.”

They became instantly excited. “Tell us quickly what we need to do now.”

I assigned tasks. “Little Ning, you’ll be my secretary and assistant, handling all internal, external, official, and private matters. Brother Zhang will remain the Deputy Director, primarily responsible for project development—that means finding business opportunities in Liangshan County. For example, where the scenery is beautiful enough to develop a tourist area, or where there are local specialties that can be processed for export, or where there are mineral resources that can be mined… In short, find things that can make money.”

Ning Shixuan looked displeased. “I refuse to be your secretary! I want to go out and find business opportunities too, otherwise, how will I get any commission from investment attraction?”

I teased her. “If you don't mind the sun and wind damaging your skin, go ahead. We’ll reward based on merit at year-end. Even without the government’s one ten-thousandth commission, the bonus I give you will be enough to buy a house.”

Ning Shixuan thought it over and smiled. “I am a girl; I shouldn't be too competitive. As long as I have a place to live, the other things aren't that urgent.”

And so, the Investment Promotion Office was established under the spotlight. Now, everyone in the entire Liangshan County government knew I had secured the Director position by leveraging the Commissioner’s prestige. Many people secretly applauded Secretary Ma’s arrangement. People naturally feel jealous, and being closely associated with the Commissioner naturally invited suspicion, but this derelict Investment Office Director position was such a poor post that many people unaware of the full situation felt Secretary Ma’s move was brilliant.

In the afternoon, Zhou Qiang arrived at the office with a fax. After reading it, I announced to Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen, “Comrades, I have good news! Our first investment project has been found. This is the water analysis report: the water from Xiama Spring contains various minerals and trace elements that are highly beneficial for human health if consumed regularly. Next, we will invest in building a beverage factory. Initially, we will produce simple products like mineral water and purified water, then expand to a wider variety of drinks, perhaps even brewing wine using the spring water. In short, our venture has a starting point!”

They offered me a brief round of applause. Ning Shixuan asked, “Director, if this project successfully attracts investment, do I get a cut? You even ruined my bicycle!”

I replied, “Don’t I know where we took the water samples together? If this project attracts investment, the entire commission goes to you. I won’t take a cent.”

“Really! Director, you are too generous!” Ning Shixuan was so happy she looked like she wanted to kiss me. I just couldn't grasp why money held such immense attraction.

Zhang Fengzhen deliberately tried to deflate her excitement. “Little Ning, don't celebrate too early. It’s not set in stone yet. Wait until the investment is secured before you treat us.”

Ning Shixuan paused. “That’s right, Director Zhao. Will anyone really invest in our remote place?”

I asserted, “Your Director has broad experience and countless contacts. Building a small beverage factory is nothing. However, since we now have a development project, our first step should be to build the road.”

Zhou Qiang interjected. “The investment for road construction is too large. I discussed it with the provincial government this morning; they can’t cover those costs.”

If the road isn't built, having many projects is useless. Ning Shixuan’s happy expression turned to gloom. I deliberately teased her. “What? You’re sad because the money you almost had is slipping away? You truly are like a child.”

Ning Shixuan glared at me playfully, which stirred something in me—her pouting was incredibly captivating. Zhou Qiang continued, “The provincial government gave me a rough estimate: repairing the road to Shimen will cost at least three to four hundred million yuan. If we build it to provincial road standards, it could cost a billion. And this level of investment won't significantly alter Liangshan’s economy. The state won't approve such a project.”

I agreed. “Yes, investing a billion to build a road just for a beverage factory isn't worth it. However, we must think about the bigger picture. Since the government won’t fund the road, we must find a way ourselves.”

Zhang Fengzhen asked, “How do we solve it? Who is going to shell out several hundred million to build a road?”

I turned to Zhou Qiang. “Brother Qiang, you understand my current situation. It would be better for you to handle this matter.”

Zhou Qiang looked confused. I couldn’t explain clearly in front of Ning Shixuan and the others, so I could only hint. “Doesn't Brother Qiang know the leaders at Peach Blossom Financial Investment? We could invite them to cooperate in developing Liangshan’s economy.”

“Peach Blossom Financial?” Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen were stunned. “That’s a world-class investment firm! Would they even be interested in us?”

I countered, “How do we know if we don't try?”

Zhou Qiang was intelligent. His family knew I was in Liangshan, but due to our prior agreement, I couldn't make things explicit. If it were a formal business collaboration, incorporating a bit of personal connection wouldn't be a big deal. For Peach Blossom Financial Investment, a billion yuan is nothing.

“That’s right, Zhao Qian, you reminded me, I almost forgot. I’ll call President Xu right now.”

Ning Shixuan’s eyes widened. “Commissioner Zhou, you really know that young female President? I heard she used to be the President of the Baixing Shopping Group. How did she switch to Peach Blossom Financial Investment? She’s my idol—young and beautiful. I envy her so much.”

Zhou Qiang started dialing. “It’s normal for top executives to have frequent personnel changes. Hello, little sister, what are you busy with? Can you check the mobile number for my sister, Sister Xu Jing? I’ve never called her, so of course, I don't have her number... I’m in Liangshan now.” Zhou Qiang didn't know Xu Jing’s cell number, and he couldn't ask me in front of Ning Shixuan, but he knew his sister Zhou Ni certainly would. So, he called her first.

“Liangshan? Then you must be with Brother Zhao! How are things going over there?”

Zhou Qiang laughed. “Haha, it’s very backward here. The food at the mess hall is almost inedible. Zhao Qian has been promoted from newspaper distributor to cook, and now from cook to Investment Office Director—all uphill, generally speaking.”

Zhou Ni didn't dare interrupt her brother’s business and quickly found the number before saying goodbye. Zhou Qiang called Xu Jing directly and explained the situation. Xu Jing replied, “Brother Qiang, there are internal regulations; no one can arbitrarily help Zhao Qian by breaking the rules. However, if this project passes review, we can cooperate as a standard business deal. How about this: I’ll bring some people over the day after tomorrow to check the specific situation, and then we can decide?”

Zhou Qiang laughed. “Deal! It would be best if you could come. The people of Liangshan are enthusiastic; everyone will surely line the roads to welcome you.”

Zhou Qiang was standing by the window making the call, so Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen couldn't hear what was being said. Seeing Zhou Qiang hang up, they nervously asked, “Commissioner Zhou, how was it? Is there hope? Our entire hope rests on that road, you know.”

Zhou Qiang replied, “President Xu said the project must pass review before a decision can be made. She’s coming to Liangshan the day after tomorrow to take a look. We’ll know the result then.”

“Ah!” they both exclaimed. “The President of the internationally renowned Peach Blossom Financial Investment is coming to Liangshan? Heavens, this is huge! Hurry and report this to County Head Zhao and Secretary Ma! Otherwise, we’ll be in deep trouble!” They bustled out of the office and ran upstairs.

Zhou Qiang chuckled. “Zhao Qian, Sister Xu Jing is using official business as an excuse to come see you, haha.”

I nervously rubbed my hands. “I miss them. Let them come. It would be great if they could stay a few extra days.”

Zhou Qiang glanced at the time. “It’s almost noon. Why don’t you invite me to the mess hall for lunch?”

“No problem. Today, we won't use County Head Zhao’s tab. We’ll eat whatever we want.”

The moment the two of us stepped out of the office, Secretary Ma rushed in breathlessly, while County Head Zhao’s bulky figure was still struggling on the stairs. Secretary Ma immediately seized Zhou Qiang’s hand. “Commissioner Zhou, you are truly amazing! You managed to invite President Xu of Peach Blossom Financial to our Liangshan! You are the great savior of Liangshan!”

Zhou Qiang cast an awkward glance at me. He knew President Xu wasn't coming for Liangshan, of course, but how could he say that to Secretary Ma? Secretary Ma pulled Commissioner Zhou. “Let’s go, we must celebrate at lunch today! Director Zhao should come too; after all, we are all friends. Having a meal together occasionally is perfectly normal.”

Hearing that Xu Jing was coming, I was naturally delighted, so I secretly nodded to Zhou Qiang in agreement. Zhou Qiang stopped insisting, and under the left-and-right embrace of Secretary Ma and County Head Zhao, the group headed toward the Liangshan Grand Hotel.

In the afternoon, while I was drowsily slumped over my desk, feeling quite drunk, Ning Shixuan suddenly shouted from her side, “My boyfriend is coming! My boyfriend is coming!”

“Miss Ning, could you keep it down? Or should I go find someone at the county radio station to make an announcement?”

Ning Shixuan ignored my joke and ran over to me. “Zhao Qian, my boyfriend said he’ll visit me in Liangshan over the next couple of days. Wish me luck, everyone! My boyfriend is handsome and talented. This time, I’ll show you his true brilliance.”

“Fine. Just don't treat him to stinky tofu when he gets here. People from the big city probably won't appreciate that stuff.”

Ning Shixuan sniffed. “Of course, I’ll take him to the best restaurant in Liangshan. But sorry, I can’t bring you guys this time.”

I assured her. “Don't worry, we promise not to be the third wheel. By the way, where’s Zhang Fengzhen?”

Ning Shixuan replied, “After lunch, he grabbed his bicycle and headed to the countryside. He said he’s going to chase after me, especially since I already have an investment project in hand. He’s envious of me.”

Heh, seeing Zhang Fengzhen’s enthusiasm, it seems he’s truly ready to roll up his sleeves and get started. Liangshan’s economy is about to turn around. Haha…