Chapter 1903

After the meeting, Song Guanchao noticed Tan Miao following him.

He stopped and turned around, saying, “Secretary Tan, is there something you need?”

Tan Miao looked around, and asked quietly, “Is there anything you need me to do?”

He actually wanted to ask why it had to be kept secret, why not just openly arrest the person.

But he didn’t want to seem too naive in front of Song Guanchao, thus he asked in a roundabout way.

Song Guanchao said, “Just wait for Mayor Liang’s call, he will contact you if he needs your help.”

“Oh…” Tan Miao thought to himself, I’m just a backup.

Seeing his thoughtful expression, Song Guanchao, as if guessing something, said, “For now, don’t mention this case to Secretary Bao, nor to anyone else.”

“Why?” Tan Miao blurted out.

Song Guanchao looked him up and down, his gaze making Tan Miao feel uncomfortable, as if he was an idiot.

“Mayor Wu is concerned that the museum case might be linked to some big figures,” Song Guanchao said cautiously, using a gentle tone.

Now Tan Miao understood, suddenly realizing, and nodded repeatedly, so that was it.

He cursed himself internally for not seeing such a simple reason and needing Song Guanchao to explain.

“I see,” Tan Miao pretended to be calm and nodded, while Song Guanchao smiled faintly, not exposing him.

The two went downstairs and then departed separately.

Back in his office, Song Guanchao again searched for Cai Zixiang’s number and dialed it.

Though a small mishap occurred, it did not affect him handling the main task.

Moreover, the museum case was a criminal case, which was Liang Jianfeng’s job.

Ring, ring…

The call connected and Cai Zixiang’s cheerful laughter echoed, asking what he needed.

Song Guanchao said, “Brother Cai, help me arrange a meeting with a foreign-invested supermarket.”

“Wait for my call,” Cai Zixiang wasted no words, hung up, and went to handle the matter.

About twenty minutes later, Cai Zixiang called back.

“Do you have time the day after tomorrow?” Cai Zixiang asked.

“I do.”

“Chairman Yao will be in Beijing for a meeting the day after tomorrow, call him when you arrive for a face-to-face talk.”

“Who is Chairman Yao?”

“The Senior President of Walmart China.”

After hanging up, Cai Zixiang sent Yao’s number.

Song Guanchao dialed it, and upon connection, introduced himself.

Chairman Yao’s voice was gentle, “I’ll be in Beijing tomorrow and the day after, call me when Director Song arrives.”

“Alright, see you then.”

Many cities in the country wish to bring in these foreign-invested supermarkets but can’t even meet their representatives.

Such large multinational chains possess strong brand cohesion and are not short of a market.

Ordinary enterprises seek policies from the government, while enterprises with strong brand power are courted by the government.

Only a few cities in the country can sit down and negotiate equally with them.

Most cities face them from a weaker position.

Moreover, most of the time, even offering various favorable policies won’t necessarily make them agree.

Whether an establishment happens depends on their due diligence results.

If the results show the place isn’t suitable for a supermarket, no matter how favorable the conditions offered, they won’t be interested.

Thus, even with Cai Zixiang present, at most they would meet him once.

Whether an establishment happens still depends on their investigation report.

In this aspect, Song Guanchao wasn’t too worried.

Though he hasn’t conducted due diligence, he could roughly deduce based on Jiangzhou’s conditions.

If the entire Nanjiang Province can only have one foreign-invested supermarket, Jiangzhou would definitely be the most suitable city, without a doubt.

After confirming the time with Chairman Yao, Song Guanchao again sought Wu Qiangwei: “I have scheduled a meeting with Walmart’s president, we’ll meet in Beijing this weekend.”

Wu Qiangwei was surprised: “Already scheduled?”

“Yes, just finished the phone call,” Song Guanchao said, “I need to find two professionals to go with me, otherwise I won’t be able to answer various data questions posed by Chairman Yao.”

Wu Qiangwei, understanding the importance of the first meeting, took the matter seriously.

“I’ll arrange the personnel, you can head back first.”

After Song Guanchao left, she immediately called Director Ning of the Commerce Bureau to come over.

Director Ning soon arrived at the City Government, his chubby face wearing a smile, “Mayor Wu, did you need me?”

Wu Qiangwei said, “Director Song from the City Government Office is meeting with a foreign-invested supermarket’s manager this weekend to discuss investment. Who in your bureau is knowledgeable in this area?”

Investment?

Foreign-invested supermarket?

As the head of the Commerce Bureau, Director Ning had sensitivity in this aspect.

His mind quickly conjured up a few foreign-invested supermarkets.

Walmart, Metro… except he hadn’t considered Sam or Costco.

Although the former doesn’t have branches in every city, their entry requirements aren’t as strict.

If the local government invites proactively and offers rental and tax policies, they are willing to come.

“Let Director Zheng from the Foreign Trade Section contact Director Song.”

Regarding professionalism, Director Ning first thought of Director Zheng from the bureau.

As the deputy director of the Foreign Trade and Investment Section, Zheng Ting often interacts with different types of enterprises and understands the main points of concern for major businesses. She could easily secure a senior executive position in a foreign company even if she leaves the Commerce Bureau.

Wu Qiangwei nodded, “Have Director Zheng contact him today, Director Song is quite urgent.”

“Alright, I’ll have her contact him shortly.”

Returning to the Commerce Bureau, Director Ning immediately called Zheng Ting to his office.

Zheng Ting, age 33, stood 1.65 meters tall, her short hair and women’s suit exuding a capable aura.

“What’s the matter?” Zheng Ting came in without sitting down, standing in front of the desk, her tone not exactly respectful.

Capable people, no matter how temperamental, won’t anger the leadership.

It’s unpredictable when you might need them. 𝐟𝑟ⅇ

Zheng Ting wasn’t temperamental, just simply didn’t like Director Ning.

Given her capabilities and the projects she has overseen in recent years, not only should she be more than capable as a deputy director but also as a deputy head.

But now she remains just a deputy director, naturally feeling discontent.

Her inability to be promoted wasn’t much to do with Director Ning; it was because she had offended Vice Mayor Chang Youcai, hence being kept down.

Director Ning said, “Set aside your current task and accompany Director Song from the City Government Office to connect with a foreign-invested supermarket.”

“No time.” Zheng Ting flatly refused.

“…” Director Ning, smiling wryly, said, “Xiao Zheng, don’t be difficult. This matter was personally ordered by Mayor Wu.”

“Mayor Wu?” Zheng Ting’s eyes flickered, and she immediately changed her stance, “I understand.”

After saying that, she turned and left, with Director Ning calling her back. Zheng Ting turned around, “Anything else?”

“…No more,” Director Ning waved, not wanting to bicker.

Zheng Ting first went back to her office, delegated her current work, then promptly drove to the City Government.

After parking, she went to Song Guanchao’s office and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Upon hearing the voice inside, Zheng Ting pushed the door open, her gaze landing on the young man behind the desk, walked forward, saying, “I am Zheng Ting, Deputy Director of the Foreign Trade and Investment Section from the Commerce Bureau.”