At nine o’clock in the morning, it was still the Chengzhou Business Hotel, where they convened with business representatives from China and foreign countries.

The previous investment promotion had ended in failure, delivering a blow to the entire Chengzhou municipal government and dampening the spirits of the economic staff and experts. As another attempt was initiated, the participants in the investment promotion discussion meeting, originally full of vigor, now seemed somewhat sluggish, lacking motivation and fighting spirit.

One of the two deputy mayors overseeing economics in the Chengzhou Municipal Government was under investigation, and the other was on the run, evading arrest. Now, Jiang Xiaochuan, the newly appointed mayor under the age of thirty, faced skepticism. With his background, having previously been a corrupt official in his previous life, predicting the outcome of this investment promotion proved challenging.

Most attendees were not optimistic about Jiang Xiaochuan. They knew him as a law student but were unaware of his economics degree and systematic study of economic theory in the party school. This lack of knowledge was destined to surprise them during the investment promotion meeting.

Jiang Xiaochuan had never been one to surrender. Although he initially hesitated to take on this job, now that he had, he couldn’t irresponsibly ignore it. Despite his past as a corrupt official, he executed his duties competently. Sometimes appearing black, sometimes white, he existed in the gray area between the two.

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During the meeting, Jiang Xiaochuan, as the hidden second-in-command of Chengzhou City, sat next to the first-in-command, Fu Peng, with their nameplates placed closely together.

Fu Peng, reluctant to delve into the situation, deferred to Jiang Xiaochuan to speak first.

But Jiang Xiaochuan was not foolish. Fu Peng now desired him to break the deadlock and become a game-changer. However, Jiang Xiaochuan was wary of Fu Peng settling scores in the future, so he couldn’t voice this concern and refrained from asking him to make the opening remarks.

He evaded, saying, “You should inform me. I’ve recently taken over work in this area and lack in experience unlike you.”

In one sentence, he clearly conveyed what he wanted to avoid, explained the reason, and even complimented Fu Peng. Impressed, Fu Peng couldn’t refuse.

He glanced fearfully at Jiang Xiaochuan. Eventually, he had no choice but to speak. Clearing his throat, he coughed a few times, adjusted the microphone, and surveyed the conference room’s occupants—senior government officials, civil servants, leaders of major companies, and small secretaries, all appearing serious. They awaited Fu Peng, the leader, to speak.

“Since Comrade Jiang Xiaochuan is too modest to speak, I’ll go first. Firstly, there was an issue with the last investment promotion, our government’s responsibility. It failed in the review, and the company involved was unscrupulous. I believe everyone here acts with conscience, and there’s no need for unnecessary emphasis. This time, Chengzhou’s investment promotion will be more cautious. We’ll select the most suitable company, so please, everyone, speak up enthusiastically.”

It was truly an excellent speech.

Jiang Xiaochuan sat nearby, observing the CEOs in front of him. His gaze lingered on the seat with the inscription ‘Lisson Group Group Qiao Sen’, where Qiao Sen, head of Lisson Group China, sat. Qiao Sen had returned home disappointed after the last foreign investment attempt. Now, he stared at the eager corporate leaders with cold eyes, choosing to remain silent.

Jiang Xiaochuan scrutinized the bids and reports from various major companies recently received by Wei Lai, focusing on the one from Lisson Group Group. As he opened it, his brows furrowed tighter and tighter. Lisson Group Group didn’t want to cooperate with Chengzhou?

The cooperation plan presented by Lisson Group Group was entirely different from their previous submission. The investment scale was smaller, and the requirements for preferential policies were more stringent.

This wasn’t surprising given Chengzhou Municipal Government’s credibility crisis following the previous investment scandal. It was reasonable for companies to take advantage of the situation, but he hadn’t expected the matter to become so serious—each subsequent plan he turned to was almost identical to Lisson Group Group’s.

The investment bidding seemed much more challenging than anticipated.

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Next, it was Jiang Xiaochuan’s turn to speak. Having prepared his draft in advance, he held the microphone calmly, showing no signs of anxiety. He raised the corners of his lips, appearing extremely comfortable.

“Chengzhou is a city with tremendous development potential, selected among the world’s top ten potential cities. Next year, the world’s top 500 companies will host a giant business wealth forum here. Chengzhou’s economic development is fast, ranking among the best in the country. Of course, these achievements result from the joint efforts of Chengzhou and external enterprises. Chengzhou’s rise will become a scenic highlight in southwest China, determined by economic laws and foreshadowed by economic trends.”

Chengzhou remained an excellent investment choice despite past issues, not diminishing its potential investment value. On the contrary, it would always be an outstanding and charming city, with increasing national policy support that wouldn’t change due to leadership shifts. The companies presented today decided to invest because they saw Chengzhou’s development potential.

“Thank you for your presence and your high expectations for Chengzhou. Mayor Fu Peng and I, as hosts, feel honored.”

He continued, “However, due to time constraints, we’ve arranged a group of experts to discuss investments with each major company in stages. If appropriate, follow-up negotiations can take place in your respective small conference rooms. Thank you.”

Fu Peng and others turned to look at Jiang Xiaochuan. This item was not on the agenda of the meeting, and they wondered what kind of trick Jiang Xiaochuan was playing.

They had brought many experts and scholars, not to engage with these insignificant state-owned enterprises. However, Jiang Xiaochuan quietly gestured to Fu Peng under the table. Fu Peng frowned but refrained from saying more.

So, these companies were led to different venues by the people Wei Lai had just handed over, including Rongyuan Heavy Industry and Lisson Group Group.