Chapter 2453 - 2250: Pressing Forward No Matter What (Part 2)

The top officials in the province are not inclined to meet with businessmen like Niu Yun, so they subtly declined Boss Niu's invitation. Instead, they expressed a stance of handling matters officially, stating that they would provide certain policy support to Boss Niu.

It's essentially an empty promise, so Boss Niu had no choice but to settle for less and got in touch with Deputy Director Zhang of the Provincial Tax Bureau.

The position of Deputy Director at the Tax Bureau is a coveted one, second only to that in finance.

Boss Niu hopes Deputy Director Zhang can reduce taxes, while Deputy Director Zhang hopes Boss Niu can pay more taxes. Thus, the two have engaged in a tug-of-war, staying close without making significant progress after a long discussion.

Today, Boss Niu actually wasn't very hopeful, inviting Deputy Director Zhang to a pork feast. Deputy Director Zhang only showed up when everyone was nearly finished, which already signaled an issue. Nonetheless, Boss Niu felt he had to do his best. If he failed today, he might abandon the business model he had studied for a long time.

Deputy Director Zhang soon arrived. He was a slim middle-aged man like Niu Yun but taller, dressed in the typical black jacket often worn by leading cadres, with black-framed glasses, holding a black briefcase, and walked over to the group cheerfully.

Knowing that the provincial tax bureau leader had arrived, Niu Yun jogged over to greet Deputy Director Zhang. Wang Shangjin and Ma Jiayi saw Niu Yun's move and quickly stood up to follow him.

However, Zhou Yuanzhi and Zhang Lijiao didn't need to flatter Deputy Director Zhang; they simply stood up from their chairs and stayed put while Song Xiaodong casually sat in his chair with one leg over the other, tilting his head and watching the group of sycophants with a cold smile.

"Deputy Director Zhang, why did you come so late? Look, we're halfway through our pork feast!" Niu Yun said to Deputy Director Zhang.

"I actually planned to come after you finished, but the meeting at the bureau ended quickly, so I came earlier." Deputy Director Zhang replied to Niu Yun.

"That's perfect, Deputy Director Zhang, please have a seat. My homemade pig's braised pork just came to the table, please, Deputy Director Zhang, have a taste!" Niu Yun urged Deputy Director Zhang to sit down.

"Hmm, I've heard that Boss Niu started his own pig farm, and invited the major internet figures a few times. It seems I'm in for a treat today!" Deputy Director Zhang glanced around at the guests and then cheerfully spoke to Niu Yun.

"It's nothing but pork, not exceptionally good. It's just my own pig farm with no hormones or feed, only grain and fodder. This pork tastes healthier and more reassuring." Niu Yun lowered his head and leaned towards Deputy Director Zhang, smiling apologetically.

"Hmm." Deputy Director Zhang nodded with satisfaction.

"Let me introduce you all; this is Deputy Director Zhang Ping from the Ningjian Provincial Tax Bureau." Boss Niu introduced Deputy Director Zhang to everyone.

"Oh, Boss Niu told me many internet giants are present today, so I came to meet you all. Our economic development in Ningjian Province relies on everyone here!" Deputy Director Zhang said after looking around.

"Let me introduce to Deputy Director Zhang, this is Wang Shangjin, CEO of Tiangou Group."

"Hello, Deputy Director Zhang." Wang Shangjin quickly stood up and extended his hand to Deputy Director Zhang.

"Hmm." Deputy Director Zhang nodded and shook hands with Wang Shangjin.

"This is Ma Jiayi from Zhongwang Group."

"Hello, Deputy Director Zhang." Ma Jiayi also stood up and shook hands with Deputy Director Zhang.

"This is Zhou Yuanzhi, Director Zhou."

"Hello, Deputy Director Zhang."

"A great director!" Deputy Director Zhang remarked while shaking hands with Zhou Yuanzhi.

"No, no, I'm not worthy." Zhou Yuanzhi quickly waved his hand.

"I've watched several of Director Zhou's films, they are indeed of high quality, not only box office hits but also profound." Deputy Director Zhang commented to Zhou Yuanzhi.

"Oh my, Deputy Director Zhang, please don't say that, it embarrasses me!"

"Director Zhou, if you're shooting another film, remember to come to Ningjian Province, come to Minghe City for filming! And help promote us while you're at it!" Deputy Director Zhang added.

"Certainly, certainly!" Zhou Yuanzhi nodded repeatedly.

"This is..." Boss Niu continued introducing Zhang Lijiao to Deputy Director Zhang.

"Zhang Lijiao? I recognize you! A big star!" Deputy Director Zhang said while shaking hands with Zhang Lijiao.

"Deputy Director Zhang, please don't say that! I'm just a small-time actress!" Zhang Lijiao replied with a big smile.

"Modesty, modesty is good!" Deputy Director Zhang nodded.

"Come, let me serve Deputy Director Zhang a piece of meat to taste!" Boss Niu picked up a piece of braised pork ready to place in Deputy Director Zhang's plate.

"Boss Niu, Boss Niu, let me do it myself!" Deputy Director Zhang quickly said.

Boss Niu intentionally did not introduce Song Xiaodong.

But this piqued Deputy Director Zhang's curiosity instead; he didn't rush to eat the meat but pointed towards Song Xiaodong, asking Niu Yun, "Who is this gentleman?"

"Oh, I forgot to introduce!" Niu Yun pretended to forget, and slapped his forehead hard.

"This is Director Zhou's friend." Boss Niu said to Deputy Director Zhang.

"Hmm." Deputy Director Zhang heard this, realizing he's not some big boss, and lightly nodded to Song Xiaodong.