"Normally, someone like Chen Feng wouldn't give up so easily; they'd be desperately climbing the ladder of power. But this time, Chen Feng faced an opponent unlike any other – me, an unparalleled mayor of a direct-controlled municipality. To be frank, my power doesn't stem from being the mayor of a direct-controlled municipality. It's primarily due to the immense economic strength of the Jiang family. It's no exaggeration to say that a hundred years ago, they would have been one of China's four great families, controlling the nation's economic lifeline."
Jiang Tian spoke with a sense of self-importance.
"Elder Jiang, do you mean we no longer need to pay attention to Chen Feng, nor continue to trap Cheng Liren and Cheng Lu?"
His subordinate probed cautiously.
"Chen Feng has resigned and conceded, so naturally, we don't need to concern ourselves with them."
Jiang Tian replied with his usual self-assured tone.
"By the way, tomorrow, a massive overseas economic delegation will visit our direct-controlled municipality. Do you have any plans?"
The subordinate spoke with caution.
"A massive overseas economic delegation? I haven't received any news about that?"
Jiang Tian was taken aback.
"Elder Jiang, this overseas economic delegation received notification suddenly, so they haven't had time to inform you yet."
The subordinate quickly explained.
"I see."
"By the way, Elder Jiang, my suggestion is that you should perhaps not go to meet this overseas economic delegation tomorrow. I have a feeling that this delegation is quite peculiar."
The subordinate spoke with a serious expression.
In the political arena of China's direct-controlled municipalities, the sudden arrival of an overseas economic delegation worth trillions was unprecedented.
To say it wasn't peculiar would be unbelievable.
"Peculiar? I don't feel anything unusual."
Jiang Tian seemed somewhat bewildered.
"Elder Jiang, think about it. The timing is too coincidental. Chen Feng just announced his resignation, and then an overseas economic delegation arrives. No one would believe there's no hidden agenda."
The subordinate spoke with utter seriousness.
"Could it be that you're overthinking things?"
Jiang Tian paused.
"Elder Jiang, when it comes to high-level power struggles, it's better to be cautious."
The subordinate earnestly explained.
"That makes sense, but I don't think Chen Feng has the nerve. His weakness is in my hands. If he dares to make any moves, I can control him instantly using that weakness. Just like this time, why did Chen Feng back down so quickly and resign? Wasn't it because I had his woman, Cheng Lu, in my grasp? If he dares to mess around with this overseas economic delegation, I'll directly move against that old woman, Aunt Xue!"
Jiang Tian declared with full confidence.
"Indeed, even if Chen Feng were to scheme, there's nothing to fear. Besides, Chen Feng is currently abroad enjoying himself with women, so he probably doesn't have time for conspiracies."
The subordinate echoed Jiang Tian's sentiments.
This was the way of power.
A subordinate's competence always came second; pleasing the superior was paramount.
Even if their words held some truth, displeasing the leader could lead to severe consequences.
Time passed quickly, and the next day arrived.
Jiang Tian personally received the massive overseas economic delegation.
Jiang Tian did a brief investigation into the delegation.
The more he learned, the more astonished he became.
Damn it, the scale was over a trillion, an unprecedented figure.
Jiang Tian was overjoyed.
Securing this overseas economic delegation would be a massive achievement.
"Mayor Jiang, we have thoroughly understood your city. We intend to invest in high-tech projects. What are your thoughts, Mayor Jiang?"
The head of the overseas economic delegation spoke earnestly.
"A thousand percent agreement."
Jiang Tian replied with evident excitement.
"Mayor Jiang, since you agree to the investment, I won't beat around the bush. Let's be upfront. This overseas economic group can invest trillions, but there's a prerequisite condition."
The head of the overseas economic group spoke with shrewd cunning.
"As long as the money is there, we can discuss anything."
Jiang Tian continued, his excitement palpable.
"My proposal is, can we temporarily suspend the No. 20 Pile experiment?"
The head of the overseas economic delegation whispered.
"Are you referring to China's cold fusion No. 20 Pile experimental project?"
Jiang Tian's expression showed difficulty.
"Yes, that's the No. 20 Pile experimental project."
"That might be difficult. The reason China has caught up with the US over the past few decades is due to the rapid development of cold fusion. The No. 20 Pile experimental project will ensure China maintains its leading position in cold fusion worldwide. As long as the No. 20 Pile experimental project is operational, China's cold fusion will remain at the forefront globally."
Jiang Tian explained.
"Mayor Jiang, you've misunderstood. I mean a suspension of three months, which isn't a very long time."
The head of the overseas economic delegation feigned a relaxed demeanor.
"A three-month suspension? Honestly, even if China's No. 20 Pile project is suspended for three months, your Western countries still won't surpass China in cold fusion. Why bother with such futile efforts?"
Jiang Tian cut straight to the point.
"Mayor Jiang, you've misunderstood. The reason I want China's No. 20 Pile experimental project suspended for three months is very simple: to use this time to sell off all the energy held by our group and make a substantial profit. If China's No. 20 Pile experimental project continues to operate, who would buy ordinary energy?"
The head of the overseas economic delegation lied with great conviction.
In reality, the reason he wanted the suspension was to try and catch up with China in the cold fusion project.
To prevent Jiang Tian from suspecting anything, he had to tell a lie.
"Three months is quite a long time; I'm afraid I might not be able to manage it."
Jiang Tian's eyes darted around.
Since they needed his assistance as the mayor of a direct-controlled municipality, he decided to extract a hefty price.
"I understand, which is why this investment can be increased fivefold from the original amount. I believe that if you manage such a large investment project, your political achievements will be extraordinary. No one in China will be able to compete with you. At that point, wouldn't the highest position in China be yours?"
The head of the overseas economic delegation continued his convincing act.
"Deal."
Jiang Tian didn't waste any more time and immediately agreed.
A fivefold increase in investment was undoubtedly the largest investment project in Chinese history.
With such an astronomical investment, his political achievements would certainly outshine all other mayors of direct-controlled municipalities.
It was no exaggeration to say that if his direct-controlled municipality received this astronomical investment, it would undoubtedly ascend to the ranks of the most developed cities in the world.
"Director, are you really going to invest such a huge sum?"
The deputy director of the overseas economic delegation asked with a puzzled expression.
"Jiang Tian is a high-ranking official in China's power structure. Small favors and bribes won't fool him. We need an astronomical investment to appease him."
The head of the overseas economic delegation replied with a grave expression.
"That logic holds, but the problem is, is it worth it to delay China's cold fusion project progress?"
The deputy director still inquired with confusion.
"You don't understand."
The head of the overseas economic delegation shot his deputy a stern look.
"Director, I may not fully grasp some of the intricacies of cold fusion, but I do have some general knowledge. A three-month period is unlikely to be enough to catch up with China's cold fusion project progress. Frankly, for decades, China's cold fusion project has been at the forefront globally. How can they be surpassed in just three months?"
The deputy director expressed his disbelief.
"Under normal circumstances, it is indeed unlikely. However, money can make the wheels of the world turn. We can use investment as a bait to win over the mayor of the direct-controlled municipality, and similarly, we can use immense funds to win over top talent in China's cold fusion field."
The head of the overseas economic delegation stated with a solemn demeanor.
"Director, to be honest, I don't quite understand why we are going to such lengths to delay China's cold fusion project."
The deputy director probed hesitantly.
"You call yourself smart, but you're still clueless. Do you know why the US suddenly fell from its high position? Do you know why China rose powerfully from a low point? It's energy. I repeat, whoever firmly controls energy will inevitably become the strongest. Cold fusion is increasingly becoming a global energy source. We must seize the cold fusion advantage from China before they truly become powerful, using a financial offensive. This is a matter of national destiny spanning centuries, and we cannot be careless. Furthermore, no amount of money is too much. The future of the world for the next century belongs to Europe, not China or the US."
The head of the overseas economic delegation spoke with great conviction.
"Director, while the theory is sound, I still have a significant concern."
The deputy director spoke with earnestness.
"What concern do you have?"
The head of the overseas economic delegation calmly inquired.
"It's that remarkable figure in China, Chen Feng, who went from being a mere driver to the mayor of a direct-controlled municipality. Although he is no longer the mayor, I still find him rather formidable. This whole scheme to trick China's cold fusion project was instigated by Chen Feng. I have a strong feeling this is all a trap."
The deputy director expressed his worry.
"You're overthinking it. Chen Feng comes from a rural background and worked as a driver. He doesn't have that kind of strategic vision. The reason he instigated us is likely just for a commission."
The head of the overseas economic delegation dismissed the idea.
Upon hearing this, the deputy director said nothing further.
The next day, China's No. 20 Pile experimental project was inexplicably halted.
The reason provided by the relevant personnel was maintenance.
And the resumption date was temporarily uncertain.
Chen Feng, at his overseas holiday base, received the news immediately. He inwardly gasped at Jiang Tian's extraordinary capabilities.
China's No. 20 Pile experimental project was a matter of national destiny.
Even the highest decision-making body in China, the "Top Five," could not easily halt the No. 20 Pile project.
To put it simply, China's No. 20 experimental project was even more crucial than the Mars landing plan!
Yet, Jiang Tian had achieved it so effortlessly.
Such a person with ill intentions and immense power, if placed in the highest position in China, would be a devastating blow to the nation.
Chen Feng spent a day calmly analyzing the situation and decided it was time to return to China.
Thus,
The very next morning, Chen Feng appeared in the capital of China.
"Elder Wang, I've come to see you again."
Chen Feng said with a serious expression.
"Didn't you already deal with the mayor of that direct-controlled municipality who was issuing local currency? Why are you here to see me again?"
Wang Jianshan was taken aback.
"Elder Wang, I never expected the struggles within China's high-level circles to be so intense. Just as I dealt with that mayor of the direct-controlled municipality, Jiang Tian has emerged."
Chen Feng pronounced the name "Jiang Tian" quite loudly.
"Jiang Tian? The Jiang family, one of the four great families of China?"
Wang Jianshan asked with confusion.