As the conference dispersed, Fu Peng’s face darkened: “Mayor Jiang, what do you mean? This completely disrupted the meeting’s arrangement. It’s not how we set the agenda!”

Despite Fu Peng’s stern scolding, Jiang Xiaochuan remained composed and showed Fu Peng the investment plans submitted by the major companies: “Sorry, Mayor Fu, it’s not that I don’t want to discuss the bidding issue face to face, but this investment plan really can’t be approved. We in Chengzhou cannot accept these unreasonable demands, and many companies’ environmental reports are not up to standard – even Rongyuan Heavy Industry, the largest state-owned enterprise in Chengzhou, has significant problems.”

Although Fu Peng wasn’t an exemplary official, having received training from the mayor before taking office, he naturally understood these matters. He knew Jiang Xiaochuan was telling the truth and viewed it as an expedient measure. Regardless, the decisions made by Jiang Xiaochuan now didn’t concern him. If any problems arose in the future, he could shift the blame onto Jiang Xiaochuan. As long as he pushed Jiang Xiaochuan to the forefront, he believed he would be safe, with Jiang Xiaochuan acting as his shield.

Jiang Xiaochuan understood Fu Peng’s plan, having been a provincial governor in his previous life. Familiar with Fu Peng’s tactics, he remained silent, waiting for Fu Peng to express his position: “It’s not impossible to proceed this way. Let’s see if it has any effect. You will be responsible for this matter. Consider it a valuable experience.”

Jiang Xiaochuan responded modestly, “Then I have to work hard to live up to the market. I have longed for your support.”

Staying low and being small…

He really disliked this attitude. No wonder everyone wanted to climb up.

Jiang Xiaochuan thought too.

So, Fu Peng became a theatergoer next, and Jiang Xiaochuan led a team of experts to the conference room at Lisson Group Group’s location.

.

When Jiang Xiaochuan sat opposite Qiao Sen, the foreigner seemed surprised. Speaking fluent Chinese, he expressed his astonishment as soon as he spoke, “Mayor Jiang, who are you?”

Jiang Xiaochuan inquired about the Lisson Group Group. He presented the plan, placing it on the table, and smiled formally. Pointing at the footer of the page, he faced Qiao Sen’s bewildered eyes.

Jiang Xiaochuan stated, “Actually, here in Chengzhou, we are very optimistic about Lisson Group Group. We watched the last meeting introducing foreign investment. Although I don’t know why Warwick Group was selected in the end and Lisson Group Group was missed, this Jiang believes that cooperation between Chengzhou and Lisson Group Group is only natural this time. We can provide you with excellent preferential policies and hope for a win-win situation. However, this Jiang never expected Lisson Group Group to submit such an investment plan.” Jiang Xiaochuan expressed his disappointment subtly.

He demonstrated goodwill and expectations for the Lisson Group Group but ultimately hinted at his disappointment, successfully capturing Qiao Sen’s maximum attention.

In the expert group, individuals responsible for business negotiations lit up when they heard Jiang Xiaochuan’s words. “What superb conversation skills and brilliant negotiation methods!” they exclaimed.

What Jiang Xiaochuan had in mind was precisely what he wanted to achieve. He had separated the venues of so many companies not on a whim but with a purpose. In the business world, during a bidding meeting, companies usually keep their bids confidential, and each company remains unaware of the contents of others’ bids—providing Jiang Xiaochuan with an advantage.

The fact that Lisson Group still appeared here proved Chengzhou’s attractiveness to them. Moreover, after the last failure, Qiao Sen’s expression was more than just depressed; it can be confirmed that Lisson Group still had a tendency to invest in Chengzhou.

However, the Lisson Group still presented this harsh investment plan, probably wanting to capitalize on the situation. Capitalists were often perceived as having malicious intentions. Jiang Xiaochuan was well aware of this, having studied ‘Das Kapital’, but he had no insight into Lisson Group’s plans. Although slightly dissatisfying, he found this behavior quite normal.

Jiang Xiaochuan aimed to successfully secure investment from Lisson Group and simultaneously negotiate for better terms to benefit Chengzhou. Despite domestic banking institutions offering subsidies with various preferential policies, Chengzhou Municipal Finance remained overwhelmed.

Lisson Group was unaware of other groups’ investment plans, making it uncertain whether Chengzhou’s current investment environment was favorable or unfavorable. Ultimately, it all hinged on Jiang Xiaochuan’s communication.

Qiao Sen’s blue eyes stared at Jiang Xiaochuan with some hesitation.

Jiang Xiaochuan smiled and said, “What Chengzhou needs now is high-tech enterprises. Honestly, only your Lisson Group fully meets our requirements, but the investment plan you proposed falls short compared to others.” The truth was, only Jiang Xiaochuan himself knew that Lisson Group’s plan was already considered good, but he aimed to maximize profits.

The experts who were originally responsible for the negotiations at the back suddenly brightened up. Some people almost shook their fists under the table in excitement: Mayor Jiang, well done!