Zhang Hengyang actually understood in his heart that Xu Chunliang’s focus on the hot spring was probably because of He Xingjian’s matter. He initially thought that He Xingjian securing the exclusive development rights for the winery hot spring was a done deal. However, he didn’t expect this guy to be no match for Xu Chunliang at all. Despite his initial arrogance, he’s now being trounced without any power to fight back.

Xu Chunliang said, "You can rest assured regarding policies. We will treat all investors equally and improve your business environment as much as possible."

Zhang Hengyang, accustomed to dealing with people within the system, knew these were merely set phrases, discussions that didn’t touch on anything substantive. They were casually spoken, to be casually listened to, and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Zhang Hengyang considered applying pressure through higher-ups, but He Xingjian’s situation served as a warning to him, leading him to decide to bow his head and make concessions.

Zhang Hengyang said, "Actually, He Xingjian approached us before to discuss cooperation on developing the hot spring."

Xu Chunliang said, "I’ve heard about it. If you really intend to cooperate with them, that would be seeking relief from the wrong source amidst desperation."

Zhang Hengyang said awkwardly, "Recently, there have been indeed more issues. As you know, the personnel in Weishan Island’s department have changed. The new person in charge is eager to show results. I am responsible for the overall coordination of the East China Region, and cannot manage everything in time."

Xu Chunliang heard that he was shirking responsibility and smiled, saying, "Manager Li came to me, and I made it very clear to him. It seems he didn’t grasp my meaning. As long as you do your business well, we certainly won’t target you. If you develop well on Weishan Island, our Hu Shan Town will also benefit substantially."

At this moment, Xu Chunliang’s phone rang. He took it out and saw it was a call from Fu Guomin, the former deputy director of Dongzhou’s Beijing Office.

Now, Fu Guomin had just been appointed as the Director of Dongzhou City’s Tourism Bureau. He had returned to Dongzhou and had just visited Zhao Feiyang’s home. Hearing that Xu Chunliang had just left, he called to ask where he was, wanting to meet up for a drink and chat.

Xu Chunliang was planning to find an opportunity to talk with him, so he immediately sent him the location.

After finishing the call, he mentioned it to Zhang Hengyang, who was pleased to make the acquaintance of the new tourism director and quickly instructed the waiter to serve the dishes again.

Xu Chunliang told him not to go overboard, saying they were all friends and that Fu Guomin was not someone who cared for pomp. Still, Zhang Hengyang added a few specialty dishes according to his wishes.

Fifteen minutes later, Fu Guomin arrived, opened the door, and said, "Sorry for interrupting your enjoyment."

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "Brother Fu, your arrival just increases our joy." He introduced Zhang Hengyang to Fu Guomin.

After shaking hands with Fu Guomin, Zhang Hengyang handed over his business card with both hands.

After sitting down, Fu Guomin smiled and said, "I’m late, so I’ll drink a glass as a penalty."

Zhang Hengyang quickly raised his glass to accompany him, showing every respect for the new tourism director with his every move.

Once Fu Guomin finished drinking, he promptly refilled his glass.

Xu Chunliang asked, "Brother Fu, when did you come back?"

Fu Guomin said, "The day before yesterday. Originally, I bought a high-speed rail ticket for today, planning to leave after attending Zhao Feiyang’s wedding. However, the city’s sudden recall disrupted my plan. I didn’t intend to return to Dongzhou."

Xu Chunliang said, "Called upon in a time of crisis, it shows the leaders’ trust in you. Brother Fu, I congratulate you on your promotion."

Fu Guomin clinked glasses with him, and Zhang Hengyang followed suit, thinking to himself that this trip was worthwhile as he had befriended the new tourism director.

The three of them clinked glasses and drank. Fu Guomin said, "What’s going on with your Weishan Island? How did a single hot spring cause such a stir?"

After learning of Zhang Hengyang’s identity, Fu Guomin inquired about the progress of their Weishan Island theme park.

Zhang Hengyang stated that according to the plan, their theme park would be completed within three years. For a large comprehensive theme park, a three-year construction period isn’t particularly long. However, their water park section was accelerating in construction and should be ready for a trial operation by July this year.

Fu Guomin was very interested in the water park’s construction. He asked Zhang Hengyang to send him the theme park’s plan when he had the time, as he wanted to understand the specific situation. The two exchanged contact information.

After a few drinks, Fu Guomin asked about the winery hot spring matter, and Xu Chunliang briefly explained the situation.

Fu Guomin listened attentively. Although returning to serve as the tourism bureau director was not in his plan, since the superior entrusted the tourism bureau to him, he had to perform well. Dongzhou’s tourism was not very thriving to begin with, and the situation had worsened due to the Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort incident. Fu Guomin was pondering where to start.

Secretary Zhou was a pragmatic person, doing things decisively. This movement suggested that he intended to make a big move in Dongzhou’s tourism.

Zhang Hengyang, very tactfully, accompanied Fu Guomin for less than an hour and then excused himself to leave. Of course, he wasn’t actually busy; he recognized that in his presence, the two had much they couldn’t say.

Before leaving, Zhang Hengyang presented a case of Moutai, hoping to show his sincerity to Xu Chunliang in this manner.

Xu Chunliang rose to see him off to the door, but Zhang Hengyang urged him to stay. Before leaving, he proactively expressed humility, saying in a low voice, "Mayor Xu, if I have done anything inadequately in the past, I hope you can forgive me. I still believe we have the potential to become good friends."

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "Anything is possible." Zhang Hengyang was a smart person; there were no irreconcilable contradictions between them. The primary issue was their different positions. Zhang Hengyang was in the Da Heng camp, and even if he didn’t target him, Mo Han, backed by Equatorial Capital, wouldn’t spare him.

After watching Zhang Hengyang leave, he returned to the private room and closed the door.

Fu Guomin pointed to the case of wine and said, "Is he planning to get us drunk here?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "It’s all because of your influence, Director Fu."

Fu Guomin said, "I don’t have any particular connections with him."

Xu Chunliang sat down, picked up his glass, and said, "Welcome back to Dongzhou, Brother Fu."

Fu Guomin clinked his glass and said, "To be honest, I didn’t plan to come back. I was initially planning to coast at Dongzhou’s Beijing Office until retirement, but this messed up my plans, turning it into living apart."

He had bought a house in Capital City, and his wife and children were already residents there. His son studied there. Now, they were forced into living apart.

Xu Chunliang said, "Look at it from another angle; you’re gaining new freedom now."

Fu Guomin laughed heartily, drank the glass, and said, "Tourism in Dongzhou has always been lackluster and is considered backward within the entire Pinghai Province."

Xu Chunliang said, "Dongzhou was never a popular tourist city. It used to focus on coal resources, but now that the coal is gone, it has to emphasize environmental development and tourism – there’s no other option."

Fu Guomin said, "The Han Yuan Hot Spring incident made Secretary Zhou very angry. With the Weishan Lake National-level Resort project just starting, Dongzhou tourism has shown such significant problems. This rectification is going to be serious."

Xu Chunliang said, "The previous development and operating model of Dongzhou’s hot springs had issues. Exclusive development and operation mean monopoly. The Ecological Environmental Investment Group had no competition and lacked self-restraint, so they became greedy and reckless."

Fu Guomin said, "I heard He Xingjian ended up so embarrassed because he offended you. Be honest, did you report to Secretary Zhou?" Fu Guomin knew that Secretary Zhou admired Xu Chunliang greatly. Their acquaintance was thanks to his introduction. However, not many in Dongzhou knew about Xu Chunliang’s relationship with Secretary Zhou.

Xu Chunliang said, "Brother Fu, you’re giving me too much credit. This time, the province directly issued a closure penalty. He Xingjian, relying on some background, wanted to monopolize the development and operation of the Weishan Island Winery Hot Spring. But the problem is, it’s Equatorial Capital that is running the winery, and they have strong backing. It was He Xingjian’s own shortsightedness and has nothing to do with me. Earlier, Zhang Hengyang invited me for dinner today because he misunderstood the direction."

Fu Guomin said, "Help me contact someone from Equatorial Capital. I want to meet with them. Wherever we fall, we must start again. I plan to start with the hot springs."

##

Saturday was a gray day, with heavy smog. Pei Lin’s mood was somewhat affected. In the past, she looked forward to this wedding, but when the day finally arrived, she felt extraordinarily calm.

Pei Yu and some of her girlfriends were in the room preparing. Caught up in the festive atmosphere, they chatted and laughed joyfully. Pei Yu handed a down jacket to Pei Lin, reminding her that the temperature outside was low and just wearing the wedding dress wouldn’t keep her warm.

Pei Lin’s hand instinctively fell to her abdomen, where the life growing inside her was developing day by day. She found her anticipation for this new life far exceeded that for the marriage itself.

Perhaps it was because she had already attained it, so she no longer anticipated it, or perhaps it was Zhao Feiyang’s attitude towards her. Though he outwardly showed her great care, she still could keenly feel the coldness he harbored inside. She could perceive Zhao Feiyang’s resistance to marriage.

Their relationship increasingly resembled a rivalry rather than a marriage. Reaching this day already signified her victory.

But victory did not equate to happiness. Yang Mufeng almost ruined her life. Although Yang Mufeng was already dead, the police had yet to suspect her. Yet there was Wu Fajun, who seemed to be aware of everything, like a time bomb ready to go off. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"Xiaolin, you should be happier on such a big day." Pei Yu did not sense any joy from her furrowed brows.

Pei Lin said, "I’m just a bit nervous."