Power and Wealth

“Too much bullying! As the Director of the Municipal Investment Promotion Bureau, how can you, Lu Weiguo, be so biased?”

Chang Juan was no longer holding back her words. Even Zheng Dayou joined in with a curse. At a lower level, Chen Yunsong and Gong Na dared not use foul language, but the frustration on their faces was evident. In this matter, Lu Weiguo's actions were simply unacceptable.

"Mayor Dong."

"Let's report this to the higher-ups."

"The City Investment Promotion Bureau is already at the top. Where else can we report?"

Everyone murmured and discussed countermeasures.

Dong Xuebing had been patient initially because he didn't want to stir up trouble. At least for a while, he wanted to avoid the limelight. Therefore, he controlled his temper and did not clash with the City Investment Promotion Bureau. But hearing that Lu Weiguo, as the head of investment promotion, was undermining their efforts to attract investment in Zhen Shui County, it went beyond Dong Xuebing's tolerance. Now, thinking about Lu Weiguo's provocative look at the end, it was clear that he intended to curry favor with the city by targeting Zhen Shui County.

First, it was against us, and now, it's sucking up to the higher-ups by targeting us.

You're fucking daydreaming!

Following Hua Li, Dong Xuebing also included Lu Weiguo in his blacklist. "Let's not talk about it for now. Let's continue our work in the afternoon."

Everyone had no choice but to continue approaching potential investors with lingering frustration.

"Director Zheng." Suddenly, a middle-aged man passed by their booth. Upon seeing Zheng Dayou, he stopped and greeted him.

Zheng Dayou glanced at him. "Director Chen."

Chen Mingming smiled. "How's the progress today?"

"What do you think?" Zheng Dayou replied indifferently.

Chen Mingming smiled and said, "Sorry, I just heard that two investors who were supposed to visit your county went to our district. Our people didn't snatch them; it should be the investors' decision. Old Zheng, don't hold a grudge, okay?"

Zheng Dayou said nonchalantly, "Do I look so petty to you?"

"Hehe, that's good then." Chen Mingming said.

The two seemed old acquaintances, but their relationship didn't seem very good.

Dong Xuebing frowned. He didn't know Chen Mingming, so he asked Chen Yunsong next to him, "Xiao Chen, who is this?"

Another person approached from the side.

"Old Zheng, old Chen, having a chat?" It was a middle-aged woman in her forties with a perm and neatly arranged hair.

Dong Xuebing asked, "Who is this?"

Chen Yunsong whispered, "She is Ma Yanfen, the Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau in Yangling County."

Dong Xuebing nodded. With a higher rank than Ma Yanfen, he didn't take the initiative to engage with them. Instead, he sat there with crossed legs, smoking and reading a newspaper.

Ma Yanfen grinned, "Old Zheng, not looking good today. Didn't harvest much?"

Zheng Dayou chuckled, "How about you? Looks like things aren't going much better on your side either."

Chen Mingming looked at Ma Yanfen and said, "Director Ma, you excelled at last year's investment promotion meeting. Why does it seem so ordinary this year?"

Ma Yanfen twitched her eyes, "Many investors we contacted went directly to our county for inspection. We even signed several letters of intent."

Zheng Dayou commented, "Those are probably intentions obtained before the New Year. That can also be considered achievements during the investment promotion meeting."

Ma Yanfen exclaimed, "Whether it counts or not doesn't matter. As long as we secure the investment, your side seems a bit desolate, Old Zheng."

Chen Mingming laughed, "Indeed, it's quite refreshing here. Being close to the foot of the mountain, the booths in front of us are scorching hot. It's not as comfortable as Old Zheng's place."

Zheng Dayou looked at him, "How about we switch?"

Chen Mingming chuckled, "Forget it. I'm afraid of the cold, and I prefer warmth."

The three had a subtle relationship, seemingly old acquaintances who would mock each other. According to their conversation, whether it was Yangling County or Meiyang District, the annual investment promotion quotas far exceeded that of Zhen Shui County, possibly several times more. No wonder Zheng Dayou couldn't muster any confidence. Achievements were there; no matter what was said, it was futile. To turn things around and gain confidence, they needed some results.

An hour passed, three hours passed, and five hours passed.

As evening approached, the first day of the investment promotion meeting officially concluded. Since it was a special day, Hua Li came over again, sat on the main stage, and gave a brief speech.

Lu Weiguo was naturally present. However, to the surprise of many, he announced an intent letter signed by Meiyang District, almost like a formal contract. Chen Mingming, with a smiling face, went on stage to shake hands with the investors and sign the agreement. A large Industrial and Commercial Bank of China check was handed to them by the investors. The check was naturally fake, just for show, but its amount was not fake.

Eight million RMB.

Meiyang District had attracted eight million RMG worth of investment on the first day.

Clicking sounds of cameras taking pictures echoed, and a few people finally stepped off the stage.

But Lu Weiguo wasn't finished yet. He announced several agreements with an intent of over two million in investment, and Yangling County and Cheng Gang County were listed. These agreements were likely prearranged but signed during the investment promotion meeting to boost the morale of their counties.

Regardless, they had secured investments.

Even if no contracts were signed, they obtained letters of intent at least.Thɪs chapter is updated by ɴovᴇlꜰɪre.ɴet

In contrast, Zhen Shui County hadn't achieved anything. They hadn't signed any contracts or even attracted investors interested in visiting.

After Lu Weiguo's announcements, he smiled and left.

Hua Li nodded to him and waved him over. The two of them smiled and began a conversation.

People in the Investment Promotion Bureau were all familiar with each other. Several cadres who knew each other exchanged glances. Of all the counties and districts in Meihuo City, only Zhen Shui County had nothing to show. So, peculiar and gloating eyes turned to Dong Xuebing, Zheng Dayou, and their team.

Bottom of the list again.

Zhen Shui County was at the bottom again.

Zheng Dayou felt slightly embarrassed, and Chen Yunsong and Gong Na were also losing face. The scrutinizing gazes were too much to bear.

However, none of the people from Zhen Shui County were willing to accept this. It was biased treatment. If they were given a decent booth, if Lu Weiguo hadn't interfered, if the city hadn't undermined them, maybe they could have secured at least one letter of intent by now.