Needless to say, the outcome of the meeting was Jiang Xiaochuan’s inaugural battle to assume control of economic affairs, and failure was not an option.

Qiao Sen had previously met briefly with Jiang Xiaochuan. Qiao Sen had a favorable impression of Jiang Xiaochuan, the unconventional deputy mayor, and the negotiations proceeded smoothly.

The Lisson Group’s board of directors provided Qiao Sen with specific criteria to adjust the investment amount and policy requirements based on the original plan. Consequently, Qiao Sen had significant autonomy during the negotiations, and the process unfolded seamlessly.

While the negotiation team from Lisson Group was formidable, they couldn’t match the proficiency of the Chengzhou Municipal Negotiation Expert Team. Jiang Xiaochuan’s brilliant moves energized the team, and Chengzhou’s inherent advantages spoke volumes. When faced with challenges, they brought out the formidable weapon Jiang Xiaochuan had provided them with—competition!

Their investment plans were competitive, with several powerful groups, aside from Lisson Group, expressing interest. This constant news increased Lisson Group’s sense of urgency. Even if they doubted the accuracy of such reports, the exceptional performance of other players during negotiations influenced them, leading them to unconsciously lean toward concluding the negotiations immediately.

Lisson Group aimed to secure the investment access certificate, and other groups also pursued it, creating competition. Only by modifying its investment plan could Lisson Group garner favor from Jiang Xiaochuan and others to secure this opportunity. This was Jiang Xiaochuan’s intention in creating separation among the groups.

Lisson Group remained unaware of the plans proposed by other groups. Due to the constant psychological influence from the negotiation team, they might develop an illusion that the terms offered by other groups were more favorable. Without modifying their plans or making concessions, they risked losing in this negotiation.

In the midst of these intricate internal battles, Lisson Group found itself unwittingly led by Jiang Xiaochuan.

Quickly, a series of follow-up contracts were drafted and sent to all parties for signatures.

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After the meeting, Jiang Xiaochuan extended his hand to shake Qiao Sen’s hand, congratulating him with a smile, “Congratulations to your group for securing the investment quota this time. Happy investing.”

“I hope it can be a win-win situation.” Qiao Sen reciprocated the joy, having successfully secured a substantial investment quota in the vital southwestern region of China, providing a solid explanation to the board of directors upon his return.

Following a few more pleasantries, they left and eventually held a press conference. Mayor Fu Peng signed the final words, and the two parties exchanged agreements. Flashing lights clicked, signaling the imminent use of their voices to influence the tumultuous crowd beneath Chengzhou City. The undercurrent of sound was suppressed.

Standing on a glamorous stage, adorned in elegant attire, and presenting a glamorous image, Jiang Xiaochuan initially experienced an indescribable sense of accomplishment. However, this feeling vanished in an instant.

Recalling that just a few weeks ago, Qian Qiming and others had stood gloriously under countless flashing lights, surrounded by microphones, saying beautiful words and performing admirable actions, Jiang Xiaochuan felt a sudden chill. Those individuals were now relegated to a bleak corner, openly and covertly betrayed, and subjected to harsh criticism.

Feeling a sudden coldness, Jiang Xiaochuan completed some handover formalities with Lisson Group based on habit, concluding today’s affairs, and sat in the car.

Observing Jiang Xiaochuan’s distraction, Wei Lai refrained from calling him, simply gesturing to the driver to proceed slowly.

Seated in the back, it took Jiang Xiaochuan a while to regain composure. He inquired of Wei Lai, “Where are we?”

“We’re almost at the municipal government,” Wei Lai replied nonchalantly, still observing the surroundings.

Unbeknownst to them, a considerable amount of time had passed.

Jiang Xiaochuan found his recent state of mind was peculiar. Feeling uneasy, he furrowed his brows and asked, “Is there any news?”

‘What news?’, Wei Lai, slightly puzzled, shook his head, “No.”

“Did you notice Dai Xu’s expression when we left?” Jiang Xiaochuan, pressing his forehead with his finger, posed this question.

The situation with Dai Xu, a party organization secretary at a state-owned enterprise, was enigmatic. Given that state-owned enterprises like Rongyuan Heavy Industry had numerous party members, Dai Xu’s level aligned closely with Jiang Xiaochuan’s, both being at the department level. However, Jiang Xiaochuan operated within the government, while Dai Xu was affiliated with the party committee.

The inquiry into Dai Xu’s affairs might appear unusual, but probing into a leader’s matters was a challenging and major taboo. To avoid this delicate topic, Wei Lai opted to provide a vague response, stating, “It’s not very good.” Even Wei Lai could discern that things weren’t ideal, giving the impression that it wasn’t just a standard talk.

Jiang Xiaochuan nodded, and in a while, the car had already entered the gate of the city hall.

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After getting out of the car, Wei Lai followed him and briefly discussed his recent itinerary, then mentioned something about Deputy Mayor Fan Quanwei.

Chengzhou City had nine deputy mayors, and Jiang Xiaochuan wasn’t very familiar with Fan Quanwei. He was surprised when he heard Fan Quanwei’s name. “Isn’t Mayor Fan in charge of cultural and educational work? Why is he looking for me?”

Wei Lai looked at the notes in the back, saying, “Please attend Chengzhou University’s military training report performance…”

Jiang Xiaochuan found it hard to refuse.

Key universities were focal points for party and league training. Senior party organization leaders of some schools were on the same level as the mayor. If it was a nationally renowned university, a school party committee secretary might hold the same level as a provincial party committee secretary. As a deputy mayor, attending such a reporting performance was quite normal.