Chapter 529 - 525: A Heavyweight Figure

"Mr. Young!"

Outside the restaurant, Mr. Young was standing by a flowerbed, smoking. When Cecilia Sterling saw him, she walked right over.

Hearing her voice, Mr. Young looked up. The moment he saw it was Cecilia, he stubbed out his cigarette and looked over her outfit for the evening with a smile.

He then nodded in satisfaction. "You look great. Did you change specifically for tonight?"

"Well, Mr. Young, you did tell me to take this seriously, so I couldn’t afford to be careless," Cecilia said, looking around. "Why are you out here? Haven’t the others arrived yet?"

Mr. Young nodded. "The traffic is bad at this hour. They’ll probably be a little late."

"And parking is a nightmare," Cecilia complained. "Why didn’t we meet at Aetherium?"

"This place is more private. The restaurant only has six private rooms. I prefer to discuss business with government people here."

As he spoke, Mr. Young gestured for Cecilia to go inside. "Today, I’ve managed to get Section Chief Sutton from the Transportation Bureau and Director Marshall from the Housing and Urban-Rural Development and Planning Bureau..."

At this point, Mr. Young paused and glanced sideways at Cecilia.

Cecilia blinked, confused. She could tell Mr. Young had more to say.

Mr. Young smiled slightly. "And also the newly appointed Deputy Chief Coleman of Sunstone District."

"A deputy chief?" Cecilia was slightly stunned and stopped in her tracks. "Mr. Young, your network is incredible. How did you get such an important figure on such short notice?"

"The timing was just right," Mr. Young explained softly. "Sunstone District has just started a new planning phase and has even established a special project team composed of senior leadership. They’ve been meeting with many of Sunstone District’s major construction companies recently. Director Sanders of the Sutton Group is an old friend of mine. He just had dinner with them last week, so he has a connection. He’s the one who made the introduction for me."

"He’s here today, too. He’s already inside. Remember to toast Director Sanders later."

Cecilia nodded. "Of course. I’ll definitely have to thank him."

The two of them entered the private room as they spoke. A single middle-aged man in a suit was sitting at the round table inside.

Mr. Young cheerfully made the introduction. "Sanders, our Cecilia is here. Cecilia, this is Director Sanders of the Sutton Group. You can call him Mr. Sanders. Tonight’s dinner wouldn’t have been possible without him."

A warm smile spread across Cecilia’s face. She walked over quickly and extended her hand to shake his. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sanders. I’m Cecilia Sterling."

Usually, these big bosses were never short of beautiful women at their dinner parties, but the women were often just decoration. As men in positions of power, they weren’t always known for their restraint.

But Cecilia’s role today was clearly different. Director Sanders only politely shook the tips of her fingers and said graciously, "So you’re Cecilia? I’ve heard Young mention you quite a bit. You’re every bit as young and beautiful as he said."

"Of course she is!" Mr. Young said with a laugh.

The three of them sat down together. Director Sanders glanced at the time. It was almost the appointed hour, but none of the other three guests had shown up yet.

However, neither Director Sanders nor Mr. Young seemed anxious, both remaining perfectly calm.

Director Sanders looked at Cecilia and asked with a smile, "Cecilia, have you ever dined with officials like this before?"

Cecilia thought for a moment. She realized she actually hadn’t, so she shook her head.

Mr. Young let out a soft chuckle. "Sometimes you just have to wait. That’s how it is when you’re asking for a favor. But it’s not always intentional lateness; the traffic really is bad."

’Cecilia was a little surprised. In this day and age, businesses and the government are mutually dependent. This isn’t ancient times with its rigid social hierarchy. Even if these officials hold high positions, they shouldn’t dare to disrespect a major business owner like Mr. Young.’

"But Mr. Young, your company is so large..."

Mr. Young shrugged helplessly. "But my group’s headquarters isn’t in Sunstone District. I’m a taxpayer in Midpoint District."

Cecilia nodded in understanding.

"Don’t be nervous," Director Sanders said. "I just met with these men. A new broom sweeps clean, as they say. They’re all eager to make their mark and do a good job with Sunstone District’s new construction projects. Just tell them your ideas honestly. Whether it succeeds or not, it’s worth a shot."

"Okay," Cecilia agreed. In truth, she wasn’t nervous at all.

Unlike Mr. Young and the others, she didn’t have to deal with these people regularly. Today was just a special case.

A short while later, there was a knock on the door, and a staff member pushed it open. "Right this way, gentlemen."

At the sight, Cecilia and the others stood up instinctively. Three men in suits then walked in one after another.

Director Sanders, who was familiar with them, went up to greet them. "Section Chief Sutton, Director Marshall, Chief Coleman, you all came together?"

The slim man in the lead was Deputy Chief Coleman of Sunstone District. He smiled, shook Director Sanders’ hand, and explained, "We had a meeting this afternoon. We came over together right after it ended. The traffic was awful. Our apologies!"

"We just got here ourselves. Let me make some introductions." Director Sanders then proceeded to introduce everyone.

Mr. Young’s company was well-known in Lorcain, so the officials had all heard of him. After all, the dinner had been arranged in his name.

Cecilia, however, seemed out of place among this group of middle-aged men in suits. She stood out, but she wasn’t the least bit timid. After Director Sanders introduced her, she confidently extended her hand to greet them.

The men all paused for a split second, looking at Cecilia. Although they shook her hand, a hint of hesitation lingered in their eyes. They weren’t sure what her role was tonight.

"Let’s all have a seat. I’ll tell the server to bring the food," Director Sanders, acting as the middleman, said at the opportune moment, inviting them to sit.

Mr. Young took charge of getting the drinks served first.

"I really was just trying my luck when I contacted Sanders today. I didn’t expect you esteemed leaders would do me the honor. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us for this meal."

"You’re too kind, Mr. Young. We came today for business, not just for a meal."

"Of course, of course. But I’m still sincerely grateful that you all could be here."

Mr. Young was a seasoned veteran and completely in his element in situations like this. Just as a server brought in the liquor, he quickly stood up, took the bottle, and opened it. "I won’t say much more for now. Allow me to toast you all first."

"Cecilia, is hard liquor okay?" he asked, not forgetting to check with her.

Cecilia was ready for anything. She picked up her empty glass and held it out. "Of course."

They started drinking before the food had even arrived.

Seeing this, Director Sanders took the initiative to move things along. He looked at Mr. Young and smiled. "Alright, Young, we’ve had the opening toast. Why don’t you tell the leaders what’s on your mind?"

The officials’ gazes also fell upon Mr. Young. Up to this point, it hadn’t occurred to any of them that the main person of interest for tonight’s dinner was this young woman, Cecilia.

Mr. Young nodded. ’I have to be the one to open this discussion for Cecilia. The project might be hers, but I have to get myself involved to make them take it seriously.’

’Otherwise, they would never trust a young woman like Cecilia on her own, with no major company backing her.’