A young man named Jiang Cheng from the State Administration of Taxation sat down beside Sun Lei. It was clear he was on good terms with these women. Jiang Cheng addressed me: "Mr.

Zhao is truly blessed. Friends over there asked me to come over and see if you dare join them for a few drinks." Li Qi stood up for me: "Sorry, my boyfriend doesn't drink." Jiang Cheng wasn't deterred and continued, "There aren't many families named Zhao in our Great Dragon Kingdom. I wonder which prestigious family Mr.

Zhao belongs to." Frankly, Jiang Cheng was here to probe my background. I replied irritably, "I belong to no one. I'm just a discharged soldier who managed to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after applying for a civil service position, and I happen to have Minister Li as my girlfriend." Jiang Cheng let out a laugh tinged with contempt: "Honest, Mr.

Zhao is truly honest. No wonder he won the affection of the great beauty Li. I admire you, little brother." At some point, a tall man appeared behind Sun Lei.

He murmured to her, "I'm sorry I'm late." Sun Lei immediately stood up upon hearing his voice and happily introduced him to everyone: "My boyfriend is here. Everyone, let me introduce you to President Qiu of Global Communications." Qiu Sihai? Was he pursuing Sun Lei, the Deputy Director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, again?

It seemed after his setback in Africa, he had to lower his sights, as Sun Lei appeared far, far inferior to Hua Qingqing. Sun Lei was about to introduce Qiu Sihai based on their respective ranks when, unexpectedly, Qiu Sihai proactively extended his hand, greeting me with great deference: "Consultant Zhao, I didn't expect to meet you here. A pleasure." Sun Lei forgot about the introductions and asked Qiu Sihai, "Do you two know each other?" In Sun Lei's eyes, Qiu Sihai was, after all, the president of a major company; he shouldn't have to pay much attention to a Division Director from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Song Chuncui also inquired, "President Qiu, what did you just call him? Isn't he just a minor director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?" Qiu Sihai knew I was a National Economic Consultant, as we had jointly thwarted the financial invasion by Country M. However, he dared not publicly reveal my status and was stammering an excuse when Li Qi spoke up: "Oh dear, it seems you can't stay low-key.

Zhao Qian, why don't you tell everyone your real identity?" Li Qi's sly glance clearly indicated she had been waiting for this opportunity. Which girl wouldn't want her boyfriend to be dazzling in front of others? Her earlier inquiry about my wallet wasn't about money; every wife knows all my credentials are kept in the wallet, so carrying it was tantamount to carrying my ID.

In truth, showing the National Economic Consultant credential was inconsequential; one couldn't deceive others about official positions, or the embarrassment would fall back on oneself. Nevertheless, to satisfy a little vanity—which Li Qi had, and I possessed too—I displayed the badge of National Economic Consultant, stamped with the great seal of the State Council. I didn't even need to introduce myself, as Qiu Sihai saw I no longer intended to hide my status.

He was happy to play the facilitating role, announcing solemnly to everyone, "Do you know that Consultant Zhao led several major companies like ours to final victory in the financial war between China and Country M? After the war, Premier Qiao personally hosted a banquet for Consultant Zhao to show his gratitude. The genius and super intuition Consultant Zhao displayed in economics are far beyond what ordinary people like us can match." In reality, I had no intuition; everything was meticulously planned by us, including using a submarine to ambush and annihilate a formidable fleet of Country M, causing a sharp drop in its international status and triggering violent fluctuations in the US dollar market.

Everyone at the table was stunned. Jiang Cheng choked on his beer, which dribbled down his chin, while Song Chuncui nearly choked to death on a piece of fruit. Even if Qiu Sihai's words were hard to believe, the credential stamped with the great seal of the State Council and a large red mark was undeniably real.

These were discerning central government officials; they recognized such documents. Li Qi proudly pulled my arm to rest against her chest. Such a gesture in front of everyone was undoubtedly a declaration of our closeness.

"Zhao Qian, let's go. I'll introduce you to some other friends. You always like to keep to yourself." "Consultant Zhao, Consultant Zhao," Qiu Sihai called out anxiously, hurrying after us as we started to leave, "Consultant Zhao, to be honest, I've been trying to reach you recently." "What is it?" Qiu Sihai ensured Sun Lei behind him couldn't overhear our conversation before saying to me, "Consultant Zhao, I have a favor to ask.

Global Communications is on the brink of bankruptcy due to pressure from Huanyu. I know you have the power to save my company. Please help me.

Think of Global as a national enterprise of the Great Dragon Kingdom, help us, I beg you." Li Qi interjected, "Let's discuss this after tonight. We also have some connections with Huanyu Communications. We'll discuss it and give you an answer then." "Thank you, thank you," Qiu Sihai repeatedly expressed his gratitude, then glanced towards Li Qi and asked me, "Is this your girlfriend?

Where is Miss Hua Qingqing?" Back in Africa, Qiu Sihai had seen my relationship with Hua Qingqing progress to the lover stage. Seeing me switch female companions now confused him. In his view, I first got involved with Yi Xiaorou, then snatched Hua Qingqing from him, and now I had swapped her for this princess whom he couldn't look up to.

This revolving door of girlfriends—wasn't that too arrogant? I said, "Qingqing is out entertaining guests tonight. You carry on with your business; we have things to do." I didn't give Qiu Sihai a concrete answer, letting him guess.

Jiang Cheng quickly relayed my new status to the group of men who had been waiting. The Sino-US financial war was known worldwide. Although both sides appeared to be fighting using private capital, any astute observer knew that both governments were actually involved.

The economic war was no less brutal than a military one. China's victory resulted in the US dollar being unable to regain its previous strength for a long time and led to the acquisition of massive American assets. Now that the central figure who led this war had appeared, how could they not be astonished?

Song Chuncui, a gossip magnet among the wives, quickly spread the news within the circle of women. As a result, wherever Li Qi and I went, we were met with envious glances. The previous scorn and disdain seemed a million miles away.

Li Qi beamed at me, "We should have done this long ago. My husband has grown up; he should face the world openly." I gently tapped Li Qi's nose: "As if you're so worldly-wise. But you look better when you smile than when you keep a straight face." Li Qi said, "Then I'll smile for you every day from now on.

Look at that young military officer over there—a Senior Colonel from the Ministry of National Defense. Hmph, he shouldn't get too smug; my husband will be far more capable than him."

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