After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xiao Wanjun finally returned to the main point: "Wang Zhuo, tell me what happened today." "I'm too angry to speak," Wang Zhuo let out a short laugh, adding, "Let Director Guan from our company speak; she knows the ins and outs of this matter better than I do." This girl, only twenty-one or twenty-two, was Director Guan? Xiao Wanjun and Zhou Mi exchanged a glance that was half-amused, half-exasperated.

How could the business of Shengshi Dynasty feel like a children's game? From the boss to the general manager, not a single person seemed old enough.

Especially Xiao Wanjun. He had seen Wang Zhuo’s actual girlfriend, Gan Lin, and knew she was a rare beauty—otherwise, she wouldn't have been abducted in broad daylight by people from the Red House.

Yet, upon closer inspection of Guan Yingying now, he realized this girl was in no way inferior; her long legs and slender waist gave her a distinct star quality. Could it be that Wang Zhuo had deliberately recruited her as eye candy?

A pretty face for window dressing would suffice as a secretary or something; making her the general manager was sheer nonsense. Only when Guan Yingying began to speak did Xiao Wanjun realize how completely wrong he was.

It turned out she possessed genuine talent. She recounted the incident logically, clearly, and supported by evidence, summarizing the entire affair succinctly.

Once Guan Yingying finished, Zhou Mi took over, inquiring, "So, you're saying they deliberately came looking for trouble?" "Definitely deliberately looking for trouble," Guan Yingying nodded emphatically. "As a professional supervisory department, they couldn't possibly not know that there is a color difference between renderings and physical objects.

Even the best 3D software and printers cannot replicate an object exactly; this is common knowledge even to beginners. Moreover, they had an additional excuse, claiming the font on our new sign was too unsightly and would negatively affect the city's appearance.

Where were they during the approval process? Why didn't they say anything then, only to nitpick the moment we finished the sign and were about to hang it up?" "Are there any backups of the renderings?

Give me one to look at." Although Zhou Mi was clearly intending to back up Shengshi Dynasty, he still wanted to maintain a veneer of fairness. Guan Yingying immediately handed over the prepared rendering.

Zhou Mi held it, examining it closely, and murmured, "This character..." Before he could finish, Xiao Wanjun quickly interrupted him, "Director Zhou, this font seems perfectly fine to me, doesn't it?" Zhou Mi paused. He had intended to say the character looked somewhat familiar, but Xiao Wanjun’s somewhat abrupt interruption gave him pause.

Logically, Xiao Wanjun, as Qin Xue's second secretary, would never act so rashly. Therefore, there could only be one reason: this character could not be criticized in any way.

Xiao Wanjun was afraid that Zhou Mi might let slip something that could cause trouble. This meant Xiao Wanjun was protecting him; this character must have a significant origin.

"This character has a vigorous, sharp stroke and is wonderfully expressive—it’s a rare piece of excellent calligraphy!" Realizing this, Zhou Mi immediately launched into the highest praise he could muster. Xiao Wanjun chuckled and nodded, "Director Zhou has excellent judgment." Zhou Mi also smiled and nodded, wondering internally who had written this script.

Regardless of who wrote it, it certainly wouldn't be offensive to the eye, let alone ascend to the level of damaging the city's appearance. The Urban Management Bureau had clearly provoked the wrong people this time.

"Director Xiao, Boss Wang, Director Guan," Zhou Mi switched to a formal tone and stated gravely, "I believe there is no need to investigate this matter further. There have been some issues within our Urban Management team, and they are very serious issues with extremely adverse effects.

I will promptly notify the responsible comrades in the relevant departments and supervise them to investigate thoroughly, hold accountable, and show absolutely no leniency." These three phrases were delivered with such finality and force that Zhang Dongsheng, standing nearby, seemed to be struck by three consecutive hammers, his body trembling involuntarily three times. Xiao Wanjun repeatedly said "Good," and Zhou Mi then asked Wang Zhuo, "Wang Zhuo, how do you feel about handling the matter this way?" Wang Zhuo smiled and nodded.

Zhou Mi visibly relaxed, only to hear Wang Zhuo say, "Director Zhou, if I am dissatisfied with the results of the handling by the relevant departments, can I file a complaint with you?" This was pushing for every concession. Zhou Mi readily agreed, understanding Wang Zhuo completely.

Being bullied to one's doorstep and even resorting to physical altercations meant the feud was already deep. If it were him, he wouldn't easily let it go based on someone else's word either.

After exchanging business cards with Wang Zhuo, Zhou Mi turned to Zhang Dongsheng and said coldly, "With this resolution, do you have any dissatisfaction?" Zhang Dongsheng immediately nodded, then quickly shook his head as if beaten with a drum. Remaining silent meant conceding defeat.

Zhou Mi couldn't be bothered wasting words on such a minor figure and waved his hand dismissively, "Take your men and leave quickly. Go back and wait for the official notice." Zhang Dongsheng tucked his tail between his legs and scurried away.

Guan Yingying, unsure if Wang Zhuo and the others needed to discuss matters she shouldn't hear, excused herself, citing the need to settle accounts with the construction team. Zhou Mi walked over, closed the door, and turning back, asked with a smile, "Director Xiao, since there are no outsiders now, could you reveal the origin of that calligraphy?

It looked quite familiar to me earlier." This was an attempt to build rapport. Although the Urban Management Brigade was directly managed by the Construction Department, no matter how large the mess, Zhou Mi bore no personal responsibility.

Therefore, by helping out today, he had done Xiao Wanjun a small favor, a debt anyone would acknowledge. Xiao Wanjun was not one to be overly reserved, and besides, there was no need to hide something like this.

Many leaders inscribed characters for businesses, and given that Qin Xue was already at the level of a provincial governor, it was unlikely anyone would twist this fact maliciously. He chuckled and revealed the source of the writing: "The Old Man wanted Mayor Qin to write that for Wang Zhuo.

It's only natural it looked familiar to you." "Impressive," Zhou Mi thought, confirming his suspicion, and praised, "The care Old Qin shows for Wang Zhuo is evident. I’ve long heard that Secretary Qin's calligraphy is rarely granted to others." "Don't call him Secretary Qin; Mayor Qin is more appropriate," Xiao Wanjun gently corrected him, secretly hoping to one day become Secretary Qin's secretary.

No matter how high the mayor was, he was still number two, constrained by others. The Municipal Party Secretary was different; not only did they govern the region, but further advancement led to national positions.

After a few more casual exchanges, Xiao Wanjun and Zhou Mi stood up to leave. Wang Zhuo politely bid them farewell and escorted them downstairs.

There was no question of staying for a meal; both men were aides to high-ranking officials, and taking time out of their workday to come meant they had already given considerable face. The police patrol's electric scooter was still parked downstairs; escorting these two back to the municipal government was a political duty.

The electric sightseeing vehicle commandeered by the Urban Management crew, however, had silently driven away long ago. One could only wonder what the city management officers were feeling now and what fate awaited them.

On the surface, the storm seemed to have calmed, but the undercurrents beneath the surface were far from settling. As soon as Zhou Mi returned to his office, he reported the incident to his superior.

Although the matter itself was minor, the reason Qin Xue's second secretary sought him out, and what his attitude implied, were things his position couldn't fully fathom. Thus, caution was best; informing his superior now was better than having to bring it up later should any issues arise.

Moreover, this was a critical time. The old secretary had moved to Beijing; a lateral transfer was akin to a demotion.

Qin Xue’s ascent was nearly certain, so everyone’s nerves were taut. Any slight ripple required scrutiny and careful consideration.

Indeed, Director Xia Jiulin listened intently to Zhou Mi’s report and quickly drew a conclusion: "Strong." Qin Xue was still the Acting Secretary, yet he wasn't maintaining a low profile. This suggested at least one thing: the higher-ups were very optimistic about him.

Although the confirmation of his promotion to full Secretary wasn't finalized, it was almost guaranteed. Regardless of Director Xia’s analysis, the Nanjing Street incident was being reported up the chain within the Urban Management system.

Since it involved Director Xia’s top secretary, Zhou Mi, Zhang Dongsheng, let alone his direct supervisor, couldn't handle it alone; even the supervisor’s supervisor couldn't. Consequently, within just one hour, the report reached the number one boss of the Jiangzhou City Urban Management system, Director Li Yuecong.

Director Li Yuecong immediately summoned the relevant personnel for questioning and reached a decision. While the matter wasn't large, he felt it best to confer with Zhou Mi before issuing a final ruling.

Despite being a rank higher than Zhou Mi, Li Yuecong knew Zhou Mi was a trusted confidant of the Director. Once the call connected, Li Yuecong and Zhou Mi, both capable subordinates of Xia Jiulin, had no need for pleasantries.

Li Yuecong directly offered, "Director Zhou, handle this as you see fit; I, Li Yuecong, have no objections." "Director Yuecong," Zhou Mi replied with a trace of a bitter smile, "To tell you the truth, Xiao Wanjun, Mayor Qin's second secretary, accompanied me today. The signboard those subordinates of yours were attempting to smash was inscribed by Mayor Qin himself.

I reported this to Director Jiulin the moment I returned and haven't dared delay. Don't blame me for not keeping this quiet for you." Li Yuecong gasped upon hearing this.

If that signboard had been smashed, let alone the men who did the deed, he himself might have been forced out of his position. Glaring fiercely at Zhang Dongsheng, his supervisor, and his supervisor's supervisor, Li Yuecong then spoke into the receiver in a deep voice, "Director Zhou, I now recognize the gravity and severity of this incident.

What was Director Jiulin's instruction on this matter?" "Director Jiulin didn't say anything specific," Zhou Mi sighed here. Li Yuecong’s name wasn't given in vain; he was astute and immediately understood that Zhou Mi had something more to say.

He quickly prompted, "Director Zhou, I currently lack a full understanding of the situation. If you have any mature ideas, could you share them?

The incident is serious, and time is pressing." This was the deference a deputy department head showed a bureau chief, a gesture that could be reciprocated later. Zhou Mi nodded with satisfaction before speaking slowly, "Director Yuecong, the root of this problem lies with that Director Zhang Dongsheng and Shengshi Dynasty.

I believe the one who tied the bell needs to untie it." Thanking Zhou Mi, Li Yuecong hung up the phone, pointed at Zhang Dongsheng and his supervisor, and said coldly, "Don't say I didn't give you a chance to save yourselves. Go to Shengshi Dynasty immediately and apologize, go beg for forgiveness!" The heads of the Urban Management department looked at each other in shock.

Director Li was known as a famously strong figure in Jiangzhou's construction system. Just how large an iron plate had they hit today to make Director Li disregard the reputation of the entire Urban Management system and his own standing, offering his own face to be slapped?

All eyes quickly fell upon the person who had caused this disaster—Zhang Dongsheng. Zhang Dongsheng, what kind of person have you provoked?