Power and Wealth

Noon.

County Investment Promotion Bureau.

During the lunch break, Dong Xuebing, along with his subordinates, went out for a meal. It was a form of communication and a celebration for their upcoming promotions. However, upon hearing about the county's requirement for a tough target of 50 million RMB in investment, the expressions of Zheng Dayou, Gong Na, and others became a bit strained. Although everyone seemed casual, the unnatural expressions were evident. They ate very little. Even Chen Yujie, promoted to Deputy Section Chief, seemed listless. Only Chang Juan was carefree, smiling, eating and drinking, and in a good mood.

"Chang Jie," Dong Xuebing called her.

"Mayor Dong, what's up?" Just as she was about to call him Xuebing, Chang Juan quickly changed her address. While their relationship was good, with others present, Chang Juan was no longer Dong Xuebing's old colleague but had been transferred to the Investment Promotion Bureau, so the address form had to change.

Dong Xuebing raised his glass and said, "Let's drink. This meal is a welcome for you."

Chang Juan smiled, "Hehe, I'm not drinking alcohol. Okay then, I'll toast you with water."Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novelenglish.net . Firᴇ.nᴇt

Dong Xuebing and she clinked glasses, and he said, "This is not alcohol for me either. I don't drink during work hours. As long as the meaning is conveyed, that's enough. Come on, cheers."

"Director Chang, I also toast to you." Chen Yunsong also raised his glass.

Seeing this, Cheng Yujie and Gong Na also picked up their glasses and toasted Chang Juan.

Hearing the title "Director Chang," Chang Juan blushed joyfully, clinking glasses with everyone individually. In the end, she also proactively toasted Zheng Dayou.

At the dining table, Dong Xuebing and Chang Juan were all smiles, while others pretended to have things on their minds, unable to relax, with worried expressions.

After the meal.

Upstairs in the office area.

After entering, Dong Xuebing turned to look at his subordinates, feeling that everyone should have digested the task this time. He gathered them again, "Let me assign the tasks."

As soon as everyone sat down at their desks, they stood up again at his words.

Dong Xuebing immediately gestured to them, "Just sit down. No need for formalities."

The group glanced at each other, seeing Zheng Dayou sit down first, and then they gradually sat down at their respective positions.

Dong Xuebing looked at them and said, "I discussed with Old Zheng and have set the tasks. This Saturday is the City Investment Fair. The month after that is a time when we must be fully committed. It may involve overtime, use of your rest time, and even the temporary cancellation of your weekends. I want everyone to be prepared. If there's anyone who can't work overtime or has family matters…"

No one spoke. Working overtime was not a big deal.

After all, they had all been promoted, and the sweet taste was already in their hands.

Dong Xuebing said, "Alright, let me discuss the work plan. In the Business Department, Xiao Chen, you must contact investors quickly. Don't limit yourselves to companies we have communicated with before. Expand your scope. Make phone calls to potential investors. We'll reimburse you for the plane tickets, and the city will manage the accommodation. If investors come to inspect our Zhen Shui County, we'll arrange the best accommodations. In short, we must try to attract as many investors as possible. Whether they invest or not is a task for after Saturday. First, we need to ensure that people come. If investors don't come, our efforts will be in vain. Only when people come can we figure out how to secure their investment."

Chen Yunsong immediately said, "Yes, we will contact them as soon as possible."

Xiao Hong, assigned to the Business Department, expressed her stance briefly.

Dong Xuebing asked, "How many investors have we confirmed contact with, and how many are sure to attend?"

Chen Yunsong's face showed a moment of embarrassment. "We have contacted more than twenty people, but none have confirmed their availability. The main issue is that the notification from the city came too late."

Dong Xuebing frowned. "Not a single one?"

Chen Yunsong said, "Uh, not yet."

Dong Xuebing said solemnly, "Then you all need to put in more effort. Although this is a city investment fair, many investors are contacted by the city, and there are plenty of resources and probably a good number of participants. However, these are not companies we have communicated with in Zhen Shui County. With so many counties and districts in the city, those brought in by others will surely prioritize inspecting the places they came from. Even if many investors may inspect our county, we are likely considered one of the later options in their minds. That puts us in a passive position. I don't like being passive or relying on luck. We must take the initiative. If we can bring in even one person, that's one person. Both you and Xiao Xiao must do your best. Don't let it happen that the investment fair is held and we have not brought in a single investor. It's not just embarrassing; failing the task is the real issue."

"We understand."

"Mayor Dong, we will do our best."

Both Chen Yunsong and Xiao Hong responded.

"Good, then I'll leave this to you. If there are any difficulties, report directly to Director Zheng and Director Chang," Dong Xuebing continued, looking at Cheng Yujie and Gong Na. "Now, the tasks are more diverse and numerous for the office. The main thing is to first compile a list of investment projects. I looked at it yesterday and selected some. You can use them as a reference and continue to pick out excellent projects."

Cheng Yujie momentarily said, "Mayor Dong, many of our high-quality projects have already been contracted. What's left may be somewhat average."

Dong Xuebing quickly said, "Then focus on the policies—tax exemptions, support for small and medium-sized investments, list everything. The specific amount of exemptions can be negotiated later. First, show the attitude that our county will strongly support investment. Let the investors feel at ease. As for the project list, show it to me and Director Zheng after you compile it. Once approved, print a small booklet and make multiple copies, as we will distribute them at the investment fair."

Cheng Yujie said, "Okay, I'll take care of it this afternoon."

Dong Xuebing then looked at Gong Na. "Xiao Gong, your tasks are a bit more. Whether answering phones or handling logistics, you need to pay attention. If there's any spare time, I hope you can also take on some responsibilities for contacting investors. After all, the number of personnel in our Investment Promotion Bureau is limited, and I hope you can put in some extra effort."

Gong Na immediately responded, "No problem."

Dong Xuebing turned to Zheng Dayou and said, "Old Zheng, say a few words."

After contemplating, Zheng Dayou said, "Mayor Dong has made it very clear. I won't repeat it. Just one thing, Xiao Chen, if there are investors from the business side that you find challenging to attract but think might come to the investment fair, let me know, and I will personally contact them."

"Yes, Director Zheng," Chen Yunsong agreed.

Dong Xuebing clapped his hands twice. "Alright, that's it. Everyone, start taking action. I'll reiterate: the investment target is 50 million RMB, and we must not fall short."