Chapter 1907

Leaving the restaurant, Song Guanchao went to Lin Wanqiu’s apartment where she lived alone. As soon as he entered, he turned into a fervent dog, picking up Lin Wanqiu and carrying her away while brusquely undressing her.

Soon, the room was filled with an air of romance.

Meanwhile, Zheng Ting had already arrived at the airport.

After getting off the plane, on her way home, she remembered that Song Guanchao had asked her to send him a message, so she casually sent a “I’m here” text.

In less than two seconds, Song Guanchao replied.

Zheng Ting slipped the phone into her bag, her mind flashing back to the parting words from Song Guanchao that afternoon.

She had no hope for Song Guanchao’s plan to introduce a foreign supermarket.

If she hadn’t met President Bao, she might have thought there was a slight possibility.

After meeting and talking with President Bao, Zheng Ting felt staying in Beijing would only be a waste of time.

With that time, it would be better to return early to accompany Secretary Zhou on business trips.

Director Ning had told her on the phone that Secretary Zhou was going to the Northeast Three Provinces, then to Japan and South Korea, and Europe.

Such an intensive travel schedule clearly showed that Secretary Zhou intended to devote considerable effort and energy to attracting investment.

Following him would be the best way to demonstrate her professional abilities.

If she could earn Secretary Zhou’s appreciation, she might soon break free from the constraints of an assistant director, soaring high.

Even Chang Youcai wouldn’t dare trouble her anymore.

Reflecting on this, Zheng Ting’s mood became increasingly delightful and light. 𝖋𝙧ⅇ

Back home, after taking a hot shower and changing into clean, cotton pajamas, Zheng Ting quickly fell asleep.

She woke up early the next morning, first making a cup of coffee, and after freshening up, the coffee had cooled down to a perfect temperature.

The bitter coffee slid down her throat, and her somewhat groggy morning thoughts slowly cleared.

She arrived at the City Committee and waited for half an hour outside the secretary’s office before Secretary Pan allowed her in.

It was rare for her to visit the City Committee and meet the city’s leading figure.

Sitting at the desk now, she appeared rather constrained, sitting upright with both hands on her knees, trying her best to remain still, fearing to disturb the prominent figure in front of her.

Zhou Zheng slowly put down the document in his hand and upon lifting his head, Zheng Ting’s previously easing mood tensed up again, forcing a strained smile: “Secretary Zhou, I am Zheng Ting, the Deputy Director of the Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Department of the Bureau of Commerce.”

“I know you,” Zhou Zheng said. “Director Ning recommended you to me.”

He pushed the document over: “Take a look at the upcoming schedule and see if you can handle it.”

Zheng Ting quickly scanned through the document and nodded: “No problem.”

Zhou Zheng said: “Leave your credentials with Secretary Pan later, we’ll depart this afternoon, go pack. In the coming period, you’ll be traveling with me; it’ll be strenuous, so hang in there.”

“Okay, I… I’m not afraid of hard work.”

“Alright, you can go.”

Zheng Ting stood up, and before she had taken two steps, Zhou Zheng suddenly asked: “I heard you went to Beijing with Director Song recently?”

Zheng Ting stopped and turned around, saying: “Yes, I just got back yesterday.”

Zhou Zheng let out an “oh” and asked casually: “Who did Director Song meet in Beijing?”

Zheng Ting didn’t think much of it, replying: “Director Song arranged to meet with the Senior President of Walmart in the country, intending to discuss a foreign supermarket project.”

Zhou Zheng was taken aback: “Walmart?”

“Yes, but the project he was discussing was Sam’s.”

“How did it go?”

“Chairman Yao didn’t meet with him, he saw the general manager, and their attitude…” Zheng Ting suddenly stopped, realizing such matters shouldn’t be casually commented on by her.

Zhou Zheng noticed her concern: “No need to feel pressured, I’m just trying to understand. You’re professional, and I’d like to hear the viewpoint of a professional.”

Zheng Ting hesitated for a few seconds and said: “Their attitude seemed somewhat perfunctory.”

After she spoke, Zhou Zheng’s expression changed subtly, apparently quite satisfied with the “perfunctory” assessment.

“Didn’t they take Jiangzhou seriously?” Zhou Zheng asked.

Zheng Ting responded earnestly: “At least, this general manager’s attitude was like that.”

“I got it, you may go now.”

After Zheng Ting left the office, Zhou Zheng was no longer deliberate in hiding his emotions, a smile stretching to the back of his ears.

He really underestimated Wu Qiangwei, who actually attempted to introduce a foreign supermarket into Jiangzhou.

If she managed to succeed, it would be quite remarkable.

Fortunately, they were not interested in Jiangzhou.

As he laughed, Zhou Zheng found he couldn’t continue laughing.

Wu Qiangwei’s inability to attract a foreign supermarket indicated that in the eyes of this multinational corporation, Jiangzhou City was not a worthwhile place to invest.

In a city deemed unworthy of investment, no matter how hard efforts were made, the results achieved would be very limited.

This was no good news.

“Xiao Pan,” Zhou Zheng called out towards the door.

Secretary Pan entered: “Secretary, you called for me?”

Zhou Zheng said: “During the business trip, keep an eye out, report any important matters to me by phone.”

Secretary Pan nodded: “Rest assured, Secretary.”

Zhou Zheng continued: “Also, keep an eye on the City Government’s activities. Mayor Wu is also focused on attracting investment recently. I heard she asked Director Song to meet with the representative from Sam’s in Beijing, intending to bring in a Sam’s Supermarket. However, the other party doesn’t seem interested in Jiangzhou, which may be a blow to Mayor Wu. If the City Government needs any assistance from our City Committee, report to me immediately.”

Secretary Pan chewed over these words, quickly realizing the main point Zhou Zheng wanted to convey: “Understood.”

After leaving the office, Secretary Pan sent messages to several small clerks he usually valued, instructing them to spread the word about Mayor Wu’s attempt to introduce Sam’s Supermarket, and the subsequent refusal.

This was the core message of Zhou Zheng’s earlier words.

No one could guarantee that all contacted enterprises could smoothly settle in the locality.

However, some things couldn’t withstand public dissemination.

Like this incident.

An investment attraction failure is not unusual.

But if it is deliberately spread, even without embellishing the event itself, people might think Wu Qiangwei lacks capability.

This was Zhou Zheng’s intention.

If he could burden Wu Qiangwei’s reputation to a certain extent, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Many times, it’s the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.

…

“Brother Cai.”

Song Guanchao sat up from the bed, placed a pillow behind his lower back, picked up the phone, and answered Cai Zixiang’s call.

Cai Zixiang said: “Chairman Yao has indeed been busy lately. When he communicated with President Bao, it wasn’t clear enough, leading to a misunderstanding.”

As expected, Song Guanchao’s confusion was resolved.

“When would Chairman Yao be available?”

“It’ll take some more time,” Cai Zixiang responded. “He’s currently busy negotiating investment affairs with Gwangju in Han Country, and seems to have encountered some obstacles. He’s not in the country for the time being, you should head back first. Once he’s done, I’ll talk to him.”

Song Guanchao gritted his teeth, wondering how long it’ll take before Chairman Yao is finished.

“What issue did he encounter in Gwangju?”

“I’m afraid I can’t ask about that…” Cai Zixiang paused: “What are your thoughts?”

Song Guanchao glanced at the bathroom, the frosted glass reflecting Lin Wanqiu’s graceful silhouette. He said softly: “I have a few friends in Han Country, and a little influence. If it’s not too big of an issue, perhaps it can be resolved. Brother Cai, if you could help, find out what’s specifically going on with Chairman Yao.”

Cai Zixiang was silent for three seconds before responding with a hum: “I’ll get back to you.”