The group laughed, and Qin Zhengyang said, "I really haven’t heard of it, but I have heard of Eastern Athens."

Zhang Hengyang said, "When it comes to tourism, we should learn from Wujin. What does Wujin have? Just a bit of Taihu Bay, yet they have made a big deal out of themed parks and brought the tourism to life."

Qin Zhengyang glanced at Zhang Hengyang.

Zhang Hengyang understood what he meant. Da Heng’s theme park is still under construction, progressing slowly, and recently the plans were changed again, reducing the park’s area by a third. In fact, the initial intent behind Da Heng building the theme park was for real estate. How much profit can be made solely from theme park tickets? Whether they can break even depends on future operations, but selling houses is much faster.

Looking nationwide, what cultural tourism project isn’t fundamentally about real estate sales?

Yiyang Hot Spring Town latched onto both the tourism and retirement concepts, initially showing good prospects, but the sudden real estate downturn made the project bleak. Jiang Ailian’s suicide made things worse, and Zhang Hengyang had to take responsibility for this project, eventually choosing to resign.

After dinner, Zhang Hengyang offered the two remaining bottles of wine to Li Wenjing to take away. Li Wenjing politely declined, took Qin Zhengyang’s arm, and left first. The couple was very loving.

Zhang Hengyang then handed the wine to Xu Chunliang, who smiled and said, "I can’t accept these when I haven’t earned them. These two bottles of wine might ruin my future prospects."

Zhang Hengyang laughed heartily, "Mayor Xu, like Secretary Qin, is careful of his reputation." He also understood that they didn’t care for such things, but more importantly, they didn’t trust him enough. If they truly saw him as a friend, there wouldn’t be so many concerns.

Xu Chunliang said, "You keep them. We’ll drink together next time."

Zhang Hengyang’s car arrived, and he offered to give Xu Chunliang a ride home.

Once Xu Chunliang got into the car, Zhang Hengyang said, "There were some things unsaid with Secretary Qin present. I’m actually planning to take over Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort."

Xu Chunliang was taken aback; wasn’t Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort a project of He Xingjian from the Ecological Environmental Investment Group?

Zhang Hengyang explained that since Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort was found to have excessive bacterial levels in the water, it had been closed for rectification. The issue of He Xingjian monopolizing hot spring development in Dongzhou was noticed by the Dongzhou City discipline inspection department, affecting his father-in-law, Deputy Director Chen.

To mitigate the impact and prevent worsening situations, He Xingjian and his wife decided to transfer the resort.

Zhang Hengyang had just resigned from Da Heng, was holding a lot of cash, and was planning to start his own business. When he encountered this opportunity, he wanted to take it. He had this plan even before meeting Fu Guomin and was now negotiating with He Xingjian. Initially, he wanted to contact Fu Guomin through Xu Chunliang, but now that Xu Chunliang had gone to the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, he could use him to lay the groundwork for the future.

Even though there had been some unpleasantness between Zhang Hengyang and Xu Chunliang in the past, it was always for Da Heng’s sake. All conflicts had ended with him conceding, so Xu Chunliang didn’t dislike him too much, thinking that Zhang Hengyang knew when to advance and retreat.

Xu Chunliang immediately expressed his welcoming attitude towards Zhang Hengyang’s investment in cultural tourism projects. The Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau would do its best to facilitate his future operations.

With Xu Chunliang’s promise, Zhang Hengyang felt much relieved. However, he still had a concern, which was Equatorial Capital. It’s known that He Xingjian ended up in this bleak situation because he offended Equatorial Capital, which is behind Mo Han. Now Equatorial Capital has acquired the liquor brewery hot spring project on Weishan Island, meaning they are competitors. If Equatorial Capital continues to suppress Han Yuan Hot Spring, his future path wouldn’t be easy either.

Xu Chunliang reassured Zhang Hengyang that Equatorial Capital was only responsible for the investment and not involved in specific operations. Mu Tian Group was responsible for the actual development and management of the hot springs, and Hu Shan Town Government wouldn’t allow them to monopolize the operating rights either. Xu Chunliang saw this very clearly; Equatorial Capital was not concerned with the small profits from operating hot springs; their ambitions went beyond that.

Zhang Hengyang suggested going to OMMIA Bar for a few drinks, but Xu Chunliang wasn’t interested and declined the invitation.

OMMIA Bar had resumed operations after the incident with Huang Daxian on its opening night and was reportedly doing great business. In contrast, Blue Star Group’s SEVEN STAR Bar had remained closed since the death of Yang Mufeng.

As the car passed by SEVEN STAR Bar, Xu Chunliang glanced over and saw that the bar was still dark, indicating it was still closed.

Getting off at the community gate, Xu Chunliang watched the car leave and sent a message to Hua Zhuyue.

Hua Zhuyue quickly called back, "Xu Chunliang, do you know I’m in Dongzhou now?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "I didn’t know. I just passed by SEVEN STAR and saw it still hasn’t reopened, so I thought of you."

Hua Zhuyue said, "Oh wow, you and I really have a telepathic connection."

Xu Chunliang replied, "Since you put it that way, it really seems so."

Hua Zhuyue said, "I just checked into the Marriott and was planning to contact you tomorrow."

"Then I’ll give you a welcome feast tomorrow."

Hua Zhuyue laughed, "It seems like you’re not a bit excited about my arrival."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t say that. I’m bursting with excitement and can’t wait to see you."

Hua Zhuyue giggled, "Come to the Marriott; I’m waiting for you at the hotel."

Xu Chunliang said, "It’s so late; if I come over, isn’t it inappropriate for us to be alone?"

Hua Zhuyue replied, "Mayor Xu, don’t overthink. I haven’t planned to corrupt a righteous young cadre like you; come to the executive lounge and have a drink with me."

Looking at the nearby Marriott Hotel, Xu Chunliang realized it was just a five-minute walk away.

Xu Chunliang entered the executive lounge, hearing soothing piano music inside. There weren’t many people there, as such lounges are generally open only to hotel VIP guests.

Hua Zhuyue, dressed in a Chanel suit, sat by the window, savoring wine while listening to the music. Her chestnut hair cascaded in waves, highlighting her charming demeanor.

Xu Chunliang approached her: "If I may be so bold, can I sit here?"

Hua Zhuyue glanced at him, her gray-blue eyes sparkling: "Why have you gotten so tan?"

Xu Chunliang sat down, sighed, and said, "Working in the fields under the midday sun, sweat drips onto the crops. It’s no wonder I’m tanned."

Hua Zhuyue handed him the drink menu, and Xu Chunliang ordered a glass of lemon water, having just had half a liter of Moutai.

Hua Zhuyue came over this time specifically to address issues with SEVEN STAR. Since the start of the year, Blue Star Company has adjusted its business strategy, beginning to streamline bars and nightclubs in various locations, including the one in Dongzhou.

Xu Chunliang said, "Weren’t you originally planning to compete with that OMMIA? Now you’re retreating without a fight?"

Hua Zhuyue laughed, "Business is not about being stubborn. The current climate isn’t favorable. Bars and nightclubs already have a lot of issues, so if He Dong wants to take over, we’ll let them have the market. After all, we’re all in the same circle; no need to benefit outsiders."

Xu Chunliang said, "Not bad, Sister Hua, haven’t seen you for a while, your outlook..." His gaze swept over her chest, "You’re bigger again."

Hua Zhuyue returned a playful glance. This guy’s eyes carried a hint of mischief, but Hua Zhuyue didn’t mind. His teasing made her feel as though she had indeed developed further, perhaps due to the arrival of spring.

The server brought over a glass of whiskey, which Hua Zhuyue had ordered for him.

Xu Chunliang clinked glasses with Hua Zhuyue and took a sip of his drink, "I was actually thinking of partnering with you."

"Partner in what? You want to open a bar too?"

Xu Chunliang then explained that he had officially been transferred to the Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Hua Zhuyue said, "Really? Well, the daily operations of bars and nightclubs do fall under the culture bureau’s jurisdiction."

Xu Chunliang said, "Did you withdraw early because you were worried I’d cause you trouble?"

Hua Zhuyue laughed heartily, "You’re just a deputy section chief, how much power can you have? But we still have opportunities for cooperation; Blue Star will focus on the film industry in the future."

Xu Chunliang said, "Is making movies profitable? I heard it’s just for money laundering."

Hua Zhuyue gave him a sidelong glance, "Where did you hear such things?"

Xu Chunliang said, "News about celebrities getting into trouble surfaces every day. The film industry is more chaotic than nightclubs. Some actresses aren’t even as good as nightclub hostesses."

Hua Zhuyue said, "Nonsense, every industry has good people and bad people. I’ve met many who keep themselves clean. You’re an outsider, so don’t talk nonsense."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Alright, I won’t say anything. If there’s a suitable role in the future, save one for me. I’ve recently discovered I have some talent in acting. I also know martial arts, can film action scenes, and can handle romance scenes too, as long as the actress playing opposite me is pretty."

Hua Zhuyue said, "There’s a role that’s quite fitting for you."

Xu Chunliang leaned forward slightly.

"Ximen Qing!"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "If you play Pan Jinlian, I wouldn’t mind partnering with you."

Hua Zhuyue said, "I don’t have any acting talent."

Xu Chunliang said, "Category III films don’t demand acting skills, only looks and physique."

Hua Zhuyue said, "Xu Chunliang, you’re getting cocky!"

"You could tell?" Grandmaster Xu crossed his legs with a bit of guilt, realizing he might indeed be a bit cocky.

Early in the morning, Xu Chunliang was awakened by a call from Lu Qi. He checked the time; it was five in the morning.

Xu Chunliang knew that calling so early must mean something urgent.

Lu Qi informed him that Tang Tianyi got beaten up again last night, and his friend Han Wensheng, who was with him, also got beaten up. Both were seriously injured and were taken to Changxing Hospital.

Xu Chunliang was somewhat gloating, "Those two getting beaten up serves them right. Why are you calling me? What does their beating have to do with me?"

Lu Qi said, "Didn’t you beat them up before?"

"Come on, I’ve already beaten him up twice. Things shouldn’t happen a third time. He hasn’t offended me now, so why would I beat him up?"