Although I was displeased with Secretary Ma’s arrangement, I kept it to myself and turned back to the Investment Promotion Office. When I entered the room, I saw Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen sitting angrily in front of my desk, silent.

“What’s wrong, you two? Who made you unhappy?” I asked them.

Ning Shixuan shot me a sour look. “It’s all your fault for dragging us to this lousy Investment Promotion Office! Now everyone looks down on us, saying we have no prospects and will suffer a great loss following you, a beneficiary of nepotism. President Xu from Taohua Financial Investment Company was clearly invited by Specialist Zhou, yet they won’t let us handle the reception. This is obviously an attempt to snatch the credit for our office. If you, the director, don't step up and resolve this, we won't be coming to work starting tomorrow.”

I laughed. “All over this? Actually, I’m quite angry myself. But you two don’t need to worry. Just wait. I guarantee that beautiful president of Taohua Financial Investment Company will come knocking on her own, and those who looked down on us will be the ones who suffer a great loss.”

Zhang Fengzhen was skeptical. “You think President Xu will come looking for you? Do you think you’re her boyfriend? She’s only coming to Liangshan to take a look because of Specialist Zhou. At your level, I doubt you’d even be qualified to pour her tea!”

Ning Shixuan threw a book from the desk at Zhang Fengzhen. “How can you talk like that? Zhao Qian is our director. Others can look down on him, but we can’t. Don’t push him to rock bottom when times are tough, only to praise him to the skies once we’re making money. That’s not how we intellectuals should act.”

Zhang Fengzhen protested, “I’m not looking down on our director, but Secretary Ma’s current arrangement is infuriating. If we hadn't reported President Xu’s impending visit to him, he’d still be in the dark. But now, we get no credit and are just left out to dry.”

I stood up. “Alright, you two are the people I trust most in Liangshan. We can joke around casually, but I will prove my ability and charisma to you. When President Xu arrives, I’ll have her personally pour me tea, and I’ll let Secretary Ma see the real power of our Investment Promotion Office!”

They both jumped up instantly. “Really? Saying big things you can’t deliver makes you a puppy.”

I replied, “If I can’t do it, I’ll strip naked and run naked around the county town.”

Ning Shixuan grinned. “Fine! Since you have such resolve, we believe you! We must make those who mocked us pay! Let’s go. If they won't let us meet President Xu as county government staff, we’ll sneak over to watch the excitement.”

The entire county government compound was devoid of leaders from our Investment Promotion Office; all the important figures had gone to welcome the guests. So, the three of us locked the office door, mounted our bicycles, and headed toward the county entrance to watch the spectacle. Secretary Ma and the others had already departed with police escort vehicles clearing the way; Xu Jing must be close.

The road was already narrow, and now with nearly twenty cars parked along it, it was even more congested. Aside from five leading vehicles and six police motorcycles, the rest were ‘high-end’ sedans pulled from various parts of the county, mostly costing around a hundred thousand yuan. Rumor had it that Liangshan County owned five cars exceeding a million yuan, two of which belonged to Liang Kuan and Xie Lei, and the other three were special vehicles for their wives and mistresses.

Police officers were stationed at the intersections from the Liangshan Grand Hotel to the city entrance to maintain order, with traffic temporarily halted at several crossroads to ensure a smooth passage for the approaching motorcade. Seeing the scene, I couldn't help but sigh, “Secretary Ma’s approach certainly has more flair than ours. If we were in charge of the reception, we’d probably lead the way with a single bicycle, and even if we let her stay at the Liangshan Grand Hotel, she’d have to cover her own bill. Though, I could have brought Director Xu back to my dorm to rough it out; we could save a lot of money for one night.”

Zhang Fengzhen said, “Director, stop kidding around. Everyone knows that although Taohua Financial Investment Company has behind-the-scenes backers, President Xu actually calls all the shots. As long as she is satisfied, she could invest five billion without batting an eye, let alone five million. This kind of fanfare is nothing.”

Presumably, Secretary Ma also realized this, which is why he spared no expense in staging the welcome to please Xu Jing. The three of us found a spot, parked our two bicycles, and stood on the roadside waiting for the arrival of the big money-maker. I asked Ning Shixuan, “Has Lan Feng arrived yet?”

Ning Shixuan replied, “Not yet. He said he’d call me when he got here. Probably this afternoon.”

I looked toward the distance where the motorcade’s outline was already appearing. “I suspect Lan Feng’s company is mostly Taohua Financial Investment. He’s probably in one of the cars up front.”

Ning Shixuan pondered for a moment. “You’re right. I should have thought of this sooner. That’s great! If he’s there to smooth things over, then the investment deal is practically guaranteed.”

I thought to myself, The investment is a certainty, but it won't be thanks to Lan Feng. It’s because of my wife.

The motorcade grew closer, consisting of eight cars. Each car looked identical, making it impossible to tell which one Xu Jing was in. No one recognized the make or model; they only bore a Flying Dragon emblem. Their appearance was luxurious and grand, yet possessed a sense of minimalist beauty. They moved fast and steady; even the bumpy, uneven road seemed to have no effect on them!

As the eight mysterious sedans approached the waiting area of Secretary Ma and County Head Zhao, there was a loud bang, followed by a volley of firecrackers. I hadn't expected Secretary Ma to turn the welcome into something resembling a wedding celebration, complete with firecrackers!

There must have been ten thousand firecrackers—Old Ma really spared no expense. They were still exploding as the motorcade drew near. Several stiff-looking men stepped out of the first and second cars. I recognized most of them; they were members of the Super Soldier Squad, led by Xu Wenqiang. It seemed the higher-ups were taking Xu Jing’s safety very seriously.

Secretary Ma immediately stepped forward and spoke a few words loudly. The firecrackers were too noisy; his words were lost in the din. Xu Wenqiang nodded, and Secretary Ma waved his hand. Six police motorcycles led the way, followed by three police cars, then the eight sedans with the Flying Dragon emblems, followed by Secretary Ma’s own vehicle, and finally two police cars brought up the rear. The massive entourage headed toward the Liangshan Grand Hotel.

Ning Shixuan sighed, “So spectacular! It would be amazing if my wedding had a scene like this. The only thing missing is photography. The Liangshan Broadcasting Bureau is too poor; aside from relaying CCTV and some local channels, they can’t do anything else. They can’t even afford a single video camera.”

Zhang Fengzhen watched the grand procession. “If I had six ordinary Xiali cars as an escort for my wedding, I’d be ecstatic. It would definitely be a scene that impresses all the neighbors for miles around, making my in-laws cry with joy.”

I said, “What’s the big deal? You can achieve that by the end of the year. If Little Ning can keep her boyfriend this time, I promise to find a photographer for your wedding—absolutely a professional from the National Television station. As for how many high-end cars you want leading the way, I can arrange thirty escort cars for you. I have plenty of police underlings.”

Ning Shixuan pouted. “All talk! Let’s hurry, or we won’t catch up to them. We can go to the Liangshan Grand Hotel and see if we can exchange a few words with President Xu. We must make sure she knows we are the real reason for her visit.”

I got on my bicycle. “Right, hurry up, let’s go see a beauty!”

Ning Shixuan hopped onto the rear rack of my bike and instinctively tried to hug me again. I reminded her, “Be careful. Lan Feng might be in one of those eight cars. If he sees you hugging me, your romance might be over.”

“Oh, right,” Ning Shixuan realized. “Even though I don’t believe Lan Feng would throw a fit over something like this, I should still maintain an image. You and Brother Zhang can share one bike, and I’ll ride one myself. Men can be petty sometimes; I have to stay extra vigilant.”

The three of us pedaled furiously behind the motorcade. We finally caught up to them at a crossroad in the city. For some reason, the motorcade had stopped. We had seen police securing all the roads to ensure smooth passage. Why would they stop now? It certainly wasn’t for a red light.

The bicycles skillfully maneuvered through the gaps and quickly reached the front of the procession. We saw an Audi A6 and several Jettas blocking the road. A very beautiful shrew of a woman was shouting and gesturing wildly, surrounded by a group of thugs eyeing everyone menacingly. The police were intimidated and retreating.

Zhang Fengzhen exclaimed, “That’s Bao Nana, Liang Kuan’s mistress. Why is she causing a scene here? Isn’t this embarrassing Secretary Ma and Director Xie Sen?”

The six leading police motorcycles stopped far away, afraid to approach. The police officers maintaining order on the roadside quickly located Director Xie Sen to report the situation. We were relatively close, and Zhang Fengzhen, ever curious, moved forward and quickly figured out what was happening.

It turned out that Liang Kuan’s secondary wife, Bao Nana, was passing by, but the road was blocked for the grand reception of Liangshan’s big investor. The officer on duty didn't know the Audi A6 was Liang Kuan’s mistress's special car, so he stopped her and ordered her to take a detour. This enraged Bao Nana. In Liangshan, she was accustomed to walking sideways; when had she ever yielded the road to anyone? Even though the other party was a company president, she didn't care. In her eyes, the president was just a rich person; she was also wealthy and saw no reason to give way!

Thus, the dispute ignited. Several cars moved into the middle of the road, completely blocking it. Liang Kuan’s mistress wanted to see who would yield to whom. Liang Kuan’s entourage was sizable, and most police officers knew their background, so nobody dared to move the roadblock. The situation remained at a stalemate.

Secretary Ma got out of his car, nervously wringing his hands. The saying about poor mountains and vicious people was true. Although he was the County Party Secretary, the top dog in Liangshan County, he didn't dare offend those gangster bosses who lived by the sword. His own capabilities were limited, and he couldn't rely on police protection every day. If he provoked them, it could endanger his personal life and family.

Xie Sen, the Director of the Public Security Bureau, was also furious. Security issues were his responsibility. If the VIP investor was scared away because of this, he would certainly face criticism. He stepped forward to consult Secretary Ma urgently. “Secretary Ma, I suggest we immediately take the motorcade on a detour. We can’t just leave President Xu stranded on the road; it looks terrible.”

Secretary Ma agreed. If their side detoured, Liang Kuan’s mistress would stop arguing. He signaled Secretary Liu to notify everyone about the change of route.

Just then, several more people emerged from the first two of the eight cars bearing the Flying Dragon emblem. The leader, Xu Wenqiang, quietly asked a nearby police officer a few questions. That officer was honest and recounted the situation briefly to Xu Wenqiang. Xu Wenqiang showed a faint, almost imperceptible smile. The few Super Soldiers beside him suddenly vanished and reappeared in front of the cars blocking the road center.

Bang, bang, bang! With a few kicks, the cars, including the million-yuan Audi A6, were sent flying into the sky! What kind of strength was required to kick a car into the air? The previously ranting Bao Nana immediately shut up. Xu Wenqiang pulled out a gun from his coat and fired several shots toward the cars in the air. Bao Nana’s mouth immediately dropped open into an ‘O’ shape again.

Boom! Boom! A few explosions echoed in the sky, scattering the onlookers. Debris from the destroyed cars rolled everywhere, and many people were covered in thick dust. Fortunately, no one was hit—it seemed Xu Wenqiang had judged the force perfectly; Super Soldiers certainly possessed such ability.

Bao Nana looked at the powerful handgun and asked Xu Wenqiang, “W-who are you? How dare you touch Liang Kuan’s property?”

Xu Wenqiang said coldly, “I don't care if you are Yat Sau, Liang Kuan, or Wong Fei-hung. Anyone who poses a potential threat to President Xu’s safety deserves to die. Clear the way immediately, or we will engage lethal force!”

The Super Soldiers behind him simultaneously pulled out guns—submachine guns. With this level of firepower, they could quickly eliminate hundreds of opponents.

Secretary Ma and Xie Sen had never witnessed such a scene. They knew President Xu surely had bodyguards, but they never expected her guards to be this formidable—destroying Liang Kuan’s mistress’s car and carrying weapons powerful enough to awe them. Even Xie Sen, with his experience, couldn’t name the type of firearms.

Xie Sen coughed and stepped forward, whispering to Xu Wenqiang, “Comrade, possessing firearms is illegal in our Great Dragon Country unless you have a license. As the Director of the Public Security Bureau, I cannot explain this to the citizens; it will cause panic.”

Xu Wenqiang smiled faintly, then pulled out an identification document from his coat and flashed it before Xie Sen. “Here. Is this acceptable now?”

Xie Sen glimpsed the bright red seal of the Central Military Commission. It read: ‘Leader, Central Military Commission Direct Special Operations Team.’ They were military personnel! That was Xie Sen's immediate reaction. A special team directly under the Military Commission—they wouldn't just be allowed to carry guns; they could execute people!

Xie Sen repeatedly nodded, his face becoming exceedingly deferential. “My apologies, Team Leader Xu. I will immediately arrange for personnel to clear out these irrelevant parties. Please remain calm, Team Leader Xu.”

Xie Sen pulled Secretary Ma over. “Old Ma, things have changed. President Xu’s bodyguards are actually a Special Operations Team directly under the Central Military Commission! You saw they all have guns. They could even kill someone here and not break the law. We might even be implicated. Order Liang Kuan’s people to withdraw immediately, or there might be bloodshed. Does this fool dare oppose the Central Government?”

Secretary Ma’s face changed. “How is Taohua Financial Investment Company connected to the Central Military Commission? Why would they dispatch a Special Operations Team to protect her?”

Xie Sen urged, “Don’t worry about that now; solving the immediate problem is what matters. This President Xu has extremely high connections; we must be cautious. This isn't just about investment anymore; one wrong move and our official hats might fall off.”

Secretary Ma repeatedly agreed, “Yes, yes! I’ll talk to Liang Kuan’s mistress right now. If she doesn't want to die, she needs to leave quickly. And we must strengthen security again. If this President Xu can mobilize people from the Central Military Commission as escorts, she is definitely not someone we can afford to offend. We must avoid failing to secure the benefactor only to gain a massive liability.”

Xie Sen nodded repeatedly and went to make arrangements. Secretary Ma still had to give Bao Nana some face. Although Liang Kuan wasn't overly afraid of minor county officials, maintaining courtesy between them was important. If he truly fought the government, Liang Kuan wouldn't necessarily benefit. Moreover, the other side had already displayed weapons, giving Bao Nana a perfect exit strategy through Secretary Ma's words. She told Xu Wenqiang, “You just wait. My car won’t be destroyed for nothing. I will settle this score with you sooner or later.”

Xu Wenqiang said coldly, “I’ll be waiting. But if I find out you’ve committed any evil acts, I will shoot you dead!”

Bao Nana shuddered, quickly gathered her thugs, and left. The motorcade resumed its journey. Ning Shixuan gasped by the roadside, “What was that all about? They actually carry guns? They didn't even care about Liang Kuan’s people—so imposing, so powerful!”

I said, “I don’t fear Liang Kuan either. Are you all so scared of him? Does he have three heads and six arms or something?”

Zhang Fengzhen explained, “Liang Kuan himself might not be terrifying, but the key is the bigger figures supporting him. Rumor has it that the heads of the underworld in Shimen and the provincial capital are close friends with him. Who wants to offend the triads these days?”

“Are they more powerful than the Brotherhood Alliance?”

Zhang Fengzhen replied, “That’s impossible. The Brotherhood Alliance is now a world-class triad boss. Although they aren't expanding their territory externally, if Fatty Zhu speaks, even triad figures in Japan and America have to listen, or they face only one outcome,” saying this, Zhang Fengzhen made a beheading gesture, “Their power has reached a monstrous level. When the Japanese Yamaguchi-gumi defied the Brotherhood Alliance’s warning, thirteen bosses had their heads chopped off overnight. Their current strength is far inferior to what it was.”

I said, “I know about that. The Japanese were muscling in on the Brotherhood Alliance’s business, so Fatty Zhu naturally wouldn't agree. He asked me once, and I said just kill a few to teach them a lesson; don’t wipe out all the Japanese. We might have a reason to vent our anger on them again later.”

Zhang Fengzhen laughed. “Are you trying to say you know Boss Zhu of the Brotherhood Alliance?”

“Why wouldn’t I? We are good friends, grew up together in nothing but our birthday suits. His nickname is Big Bear…”

Zhang Fengzhen interrupted, “You went to school together, grew up together, and often drank and chased girls together.”

I pretended to be surprised. “Oh? How do you know so much?”

Zhang Fengzhen roared with laughter. “Because I’ve been watching you two! Didn’t you forget that Brother Zhang and I grew up as neighbors?”

Ning Shixuan tapped my head. “Stop messing around, Director. Hurry up and follow them! I’m eager to see Lan Feng.”

By the time we cycled to the entrance of the Liangshan Grand Hotel, everyone else was gone except for the pile of cars. Ning Shixuan lamented, “We’re too late; they’ve all gone in to eat.”

I said, “Let’s go inside and look too. I still have over four hundred yuan borrowed from Specialist Zhou in my pocket. I’ll treat you two to lunch today to celebrate the establishment of the Investment Promotion Office.”

Zhang Fengzhen was delighted. “That’s great! I know this place well. Let’s go.”

The three of us had just reached the door when a doorman stopped us. “I’m sorry, the entire hotel has been booked by the County Government today and is not accepting outside guests.”

Zhang Fengzhen swaggered a bit. “Open your eyes and look properly! Aren’t I a government employee? Do you want me to show you my work ID? This is the Director of the Investment Promotion Office, the main organizer of this investment inspection meeting. Can you bear the responsibility if you delay important business?”

The doorman quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, I’m new and didn’t recognize you. Please come in, please come in!”

The three of us entered the lobby, smiling. Zhang Fengzhen was indeed an old hand; he found some acquaintances and learned that Secretary Ma and Xu Jing were in the banquet hall. It was already past eleven, so lunch was probably starting soon.

I said, “Let’s go to the banquet hall first. If possible, we can sneak in for a free meal and save me some money.”

Ning Shixuan agreed. “Yes, hurry.” She certainly wasn't concerned about saving me money; she was anxious to find her Lan Feng.

Zhang Fengzhen expertly led us to the entrance of the banquet hall. The security here was much tighter—plainclothes officers from the Public Security Bureau on the outermost perimeter, and two Super Soldiers wearing sunglasses standing at the door. I knew those weren't ordinary sunglasses; they could probably see everything on a person. This was troublesome; Ning Shixuan was my friend, and I didn't want her body to be seen by other men.

Zhang Fengzhen was negotiating with the plainclothes officers. I coughed to get the attention of the two Super Soldiers while subtly shielding Ning Shixuan’s body. The two had already spotted me; I was their elder brother. Every Super Soldier had to acknowledge me as their elder brother upon successful modification to stabilize their volatile emotions. They naturally took off their sunglasses and didn't stop the three of us.

Zhang Fengzhen remarked, “The security is tight. If you didn't have a work ID, you wouldn’t get in.”

“Lan Feng! He really is here! His company truly is Taohua Financial Investment!” Shixuan exclaimed, tugging my arm.

“Hey, Miss, aren't you afraid he’ll get jealous when you’re clinging to me like that?”

Ning Shixuan said, “I’m not talking to you. I need to go say hello to Lan Feng right now.”

Zhang Fengzhen grabbed Ning Shixuan’s arm abruptly. “Are you tired of living? The woman next to her must be CEO Xu. Look at the phalanx of bodyguards behind her; if you rush up like that, you might get shot on the spot. Even if they don't kill you, you wouldn't want to cause trouble for your boyfriend, would you?”

Ning Shixuan understood the logic and had to desist. Only then did she have the mind to look at others. “She—she is truly stunning. Is there really such a beautiful girl in the world? I thought Yun Yao was the prettiest girl I had ever seen.”

A woman praised as beautiful by another woman was naturally extraordinary, yet Xu Jing wasn't even the fairest in her family. Long Nü possessed the best features from all her lineage, lavished with boundless adoration. If she were here, perhaps every man in the room would drop to their knees in worship.

“She has such presence. In every gesture, you can sense a quiet elegance radiating from her. Moreover, her beauty requires no paint or powder to enhance it; it is a naturally reserved beauty.”

Zhang Fengzhen wiped a string of drool from the corner of his mouth and said to Ning Shixuan, “Stop talking. We aren't blind.”

Ning Shixuan turned to me and asked, “Zhao Qian, who is more beautiful, her or Yun Yao?”

I replied, “Xu Jing’s beauty lies in her quiet temperament and unadorned grace. Yun Yao’s beauty is in her figure; she was born for dance. If there’s a chance, you absolutely must witness her dance.”

Ning Shixuan mused, “Yun Yao is already taken. I wonder if this young, beautiful CEO Xu has a boyfriend.”

“Of course, she does,” I said. “It’s just that you two don't know it.”

“Could it be that you know?” Ning Shixuan pressed.

“Yes. We are friends, so naturally, we know each other well.”

“Great! Since you’re friends, then take me over to see Lan Feng. I’m not entirely comfortable leaving Lan Feng near such a beautiful woman.”

Seeing that Lan Feng’s eyes never left Xu Jing, I echoed with concern, “Yeah, I’m not entirely comfortable either.”

Zhang Fengzhen came over and pulled us both. “I’ve found a spot. Hurry up and sit down; standing here makes it too easy for Secretary Ma to spot us.”

Zhang Fengzhen led us to a corner. No wonder no one wanted to sit there, but at least it saved me the trouble of footing the bill myself. We’d have to make do. By the time we arrived, ceremonies like raising the national flag and playing the anthem had likely concluded. Under Secretary Ma's arrangements, Xu Jing naturally occupied the seat of the main guest, with Zhou Qiang seated beside her in attendance. As Xu Jing's assistant, Lan Feng was also afforded a seat, as was Manager Hu from Xiaocheng Department Store.

Xu Jing scanned the hall. Our position was too remote; she didn’t see me. She murmured a few words to Zhou Qiang, who glanced at Secretary Ma before explaining things to Xu Jing. Xu Jing nodded slowly.

Secretary Ma raised his glass. “First, on behalf of all the people of Liangshan County, I extend our warmest welcome to CEO Xu. Let’s all drink this toast!”

Xu Jing paid Secretary Ma no mind, leaving him deeply embarrassed. Thinking she hadn’t heard, he raised his voice slightly. “CEO Xu, how about we drink this welcome toast for the people of Liangshan?”

Xu Jing still didn't raise her glass or respond. Secretary Ma thought, This is bad; I must have offended her somewhere again. He set down his glass and pulled Zhou Qiang aside. “Special Commissioner Zhou, why is CEO Xu displeased? She was fine just a moment ago.”

Zhou Qiang said, “Secretary Ma, don’t take this the wrong way, but you never manage to get anything quite right. Do you even know why CEO Xu came here?”

“Isn’t it because of Special Commissioner Zhou’s influence?”

Zhou Qiang retorted, “Wrong. She’s here because of the great reputation of the Liangshan County Investment Promotion Office.”

“The Investment Promotion Office? Special Commissioner Zhou, you’re kidding me. What great reputation does the Investment Promotion Office have?”

Zhou Qiang shrugged. “Believe it or not.” He then returned to his seat.

Although Secretary Ma didn't fully believe Zhou Qiang, he had to try this desperate measure. He knew that CEO Xu now represented more than just investment potential; she had power and influence, even backing from the Central Military Commission. Offending her would spell disaster.

“Secretary Liu! Secretary Liu!” Secretary Ma called out.

Secretary Liu, seated at another table, immediately responded. Secretary Ma instructed him, “Hurry up and fetch Director Zhao from the Investment Promotion Office. Tell him it's an emergency of the highest order and that he must arrive at the Liangshan Hotel Banquet Hall immediately, without delay!”

Secretary Liu was clearly annoyed internally, thinking, Why him again? But he dared not delay and immediately pulled out his phone to make a call.

“Hello, Director Zhao? Where are you? Eating? Stop eating for now. Secretary Ma needs you at the Liangshan Hotel right away. Hurry up, don't miss the important matter, or there will be huge trouble.”

“I apologize. It’s 11:30 PM; my workday is over. We can discuss this tomorrow afternoon.”

Secretary Liu panicked and rushed into a corner, pleading into the phone, “Director Zhao, Brother Zhao, Uncle Zhao, please hurry! If you don't come soon, Secretary Ma is going to run into a wall!”

“Is it that dramatic? I’m also at the Liangshan Hotel. Why don’t I see Secretary Ma about to hit a wall?”

Secretary Liu looked around frantically. “Where are you?”

I tapped him lightly on the back of his head, pulling my phone away. “I’m right here!”

Secretary Liu jumped up in fright. “Heavens above, you scared the life out of me! When did you get here? Hurry, Secretary Ma needs you to save the day!”

Secretary Ma spotted me as if I were a savior and grabbed hold of me. “Little Zhao, you’re finally here! CEO Xu specifically requested that you sit with us to keep her company. Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”

I told Secretary Ma, “Secretary Ma, our Investment Promotion Office isn’t actually responsible for hosting this reception. I only invited two colleagues for dinner after finishing up my work today. You all carry on; I think I’ll head back.”

“No, no, no,” Secretary Ma pleaded, holding me back. “Do this for old Ma’s sake. Help me out this one time. As long as CEO Xu is satisfied, you can have whatever you want afterward.”

I replied politely, “It seems I can’t avoid meeting her after all. Go ahead and introduce me then.”

Secretary Ma pulled me over to Xu Jing. “CEO Xu, this is Director Zhao from our Liangshan County Investment Promotion Office. Special Commissioner Zhou mentioned that you greatly admire the reputation of the Investment Promotion Office. Getting acquainted will benefit future work collaboration.”

Xu Jing stood up, her beautiful eyes fixed on me. “You’ve lost weight.”

The sound of several chairs tumbling to the floor echoed. Everyone seated except Zhou Qiang was deeply startled. This CEO Xu either remained silent, or she delivered shocking statements. Such gentle, warm words filled with concern were directed at a mere director of the Investment Promotion Office!