Qin Ya, the secretary at the factory, knew Song Qiao had an important client at Xinyuan that day but didn't know who it was. She quickly informed Xia Xueqing.
Xia Xueqing was furious, grinding her teeth.
She hadn't expected Song Qiao to be so heartless. Her sister was in the hospital due to an injury, and he was meeting with clients instead. She couldn't fathom what he was thinking.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She hailed a taxi at the intersection and rushed to Xinyuan Restaurant.
Unbeknownst to her, Song Qiao was completely oblivious to these developments.
Shortly after his wife had gone to the hospital, Song Qiao was preparing to drive there to accompany her.
Suddenly, the书记 (secretary) called, wanting to see him. The director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau was also present. They claimed to have a major project and wanted his opinion.
This sent a surge of excitement through Song Qiao. Ordinary projects rarely caught the书记's attention. Since they called it a major project, the potential profits were likely substantial.
Considering Xia Xueqing was looking after his wife, he wasn't overly worried. He readily agreed to the书记's request and hurried to Xinyuan Restaurant.
“Little Song, your business is growing bigger and bigger, and your reputation in our city is spreading far and wide,” the书记 said, pouring wine as the three were seated.
Xiang Piaopiao Processing Plant now had several branches, which had solved the employment problems of many laid-off workers and driven the economic development of the entire city. This greatly pleased the书记.
“Secretary Gao, you flatter me. It's all thanks to the support of our national policies,” Song Qiao replied humbly, waving his hand.
The director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau chuckled in agreement. “Boss Song is young and capable; he's a star entrepreneur in our city.”
He then raised his wine glass. “Let’s all raise our glasses together to celebrate Boss Song’s contribution to the city’s development.”
With that, he was the first to drain his glass.
Both the书记 and Song Qiao were known for their heavy drinking, and they naturally followed suit.
“I must say,书记, the road in the northern part of our city is indeed built too remotely. Very few people dare to do business there, it’s such a waste of resources,” said Sang Yong, the director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau, as they chatted, bringing up the topic.
Song Qiao immediately sat up straighter, listening intently. If he wasn't mistaken, the higher authorities would soon develop that area, reportedly for a food and resort center.
“Ah, there’s nothing that can be done. The city had to do it that way to save costs,” the书记 sighed helplessly.
He knew that leaving the area vacant was a waste but was unsure how to develop it.
Song Qiao subtly pursed his lips, forcing himself to calm down.
“书记, I think we could consider investing there, perhaps building a food city or a resort.”
“No, that place is too remote. It would be a sure money-loser,” the书记 immediately rejected the idea before Song Qiao could even finish.
Song Qiao smiled slightly, undeterred. He continued, “People are facing increasing work pressure. Resort areas will definitely attract a large number of city dwellers in the future.”
“If Young Master Guo has some spare cash, he could try it,” the书记 said.
Song Qiao knew that Guo Jun was the书记's de facto representative, and projects favored by the书记 were always invested in by Guo Jun.
“Really?” The书记 was clearly still skeptical. Song Qiao’s proposal seemed a bit too aggressive to him.
“书记, I don't think you need to worry. If it really doesn't work out, Young Master Guo and I can develop it together. After all, no one person can swallow such a large cake whole,” Song Qiao said.
Upon hearing this, the书记 fell into a long silence.
Since Song Qiao dared to participate in this investment himself, he must have had some confidence. Otherwise, he wouldn't risk losing money.
“Secretary Gao, if it’s not feasible, just give it a try. I can’t help much in other ways, but all the document approvals will be handled smoothly with just your word, and it will be completely compliant with laws and regulations,” Director Sang chimed in with interest.
He also had a relative who had invested with his support. If the书记 took the lead, he would be interested in joining for a share of the pie.
“Alright, let’s try it first. I’ll have that boy Guo Jun contact you then,” the书记, decisive as always, made up his mind after considering the feasibility.
Song Qiao rejoiced. His confidence stemmed from his past life's memory, where this area was later developed by the state and became one of the most profitable industries in the region.
“Secretary Gao is indeed forthright.” Song Qiao flattered him as he raised his wine glass. After a shared glance, the three drank their glasses dry.
Song Qiao had been looking for an opportunity for in-depth communication with the书记. With this cooperation, he and the书记 were now on the same side, meaning his business in the local area would have a more stable guarantee.
“That boy Guo Jun is a bit impetuous at times. You, Little Song, are much better than him in that regard. You’ll have to guide him more in the future,” the书记 said, slightly tipsy after a couple more drinks.
“Secretary Gao, Young Master Guo has the demeanor of a great general. I admire him greatly,” Song Qiao replied humbly.
Regarding the morning's events, although it involved an enterprise under Guo Jun, Song Qiao hadn't reported it to the书记. Dealing with a minor figure like Feng Yuan didn't require mobilizing a giant like the书记; it would have been overestimating him.
After a hearty meal, their relationship deepened. Sang Yong, in particular, felt an instant connection with Song Qiao, and they exchanged contact information.
“Little Song, that’s all for today. We’ll keep in touch,” Secretary Gao said warmly, shaking Song Qiao’s hand as they exited the restaurant.
“Secretary Gao, please be careful. I will visit you personally another day when I have time,” Song Qiao replied politely and personally saw Secretary Gao off to his car.
However, he was unaware that Xia Yuqing had just arrived at Xinyuan Restaurant and saw this scene the moment she stepped out of the taxi.
Upon recognizing the familiar face, she gasped and covered her mouth, almost crying out.
The person Song Qiao was meeting today was none other than Secretary Gao!
She had seen this official on television many times and he had even visited her school for an inspection. She had only caught a glimpse of him from afar then.