Chapter 677: Sparring with Director Guo

I shook my head,

Li Jia, you think Zhuang Shi too simply; he doesn't know anything about the situation below, does he? Secretary Wu has already explained it—he knows the situation inside the Ancient City very well. He knows it, Zhuang Shi definitely knows it too.

He's actually been following us all along, just waiting for your call for help. Otherwise, how could he have shown up so quickly?

«Mr. Zhao, why is it that Zhuang Shi wants us to go play at Huaihai Ancient City? Please explain. » Li Jia looked at me and asked.

I smiled at Li Jia,

«Li Jia, it's getting late; go back and rest early. There are some things you need to think through yourself. »

Once you work in the city, you'll need to use more ingenuity; you need to understand the leaders' motives in doing things. Think ahead. Tomorrow, we'll meet with Director Guo and then talk.

Li Jia also smiled,

«All right, Mr. Zhao, good night then. I'm too tired; I'll go back and think it over carefully. »

I saw Li Jia out the door.

Then I went back inside and lit another cigarette.

Regarding Zhuang Shi letting us go play in the Ancient City,

I'll give my personal analysis,

There are two possibilities. The first possibility is that he wants to explain to us—that the situation in Huaihai City's Ancient City is chaotic, and there are some things he cannot manage.

As for the tourism development project in Xue County, he can't make a decision on it right now.

The second possibility is that he wants us to help him—he has a problem that needs solving.

I think that's the case; otherwise, he wouldn't have let us go play in the Ancient City.

Let's wait until tomorrow to see Director Guo and then talk.

I personally think Director Guo probably isn't in the same car as Zhuang Shi.

Zhuang Shi having us meet Director Guo is actually just having us test the waters in Huaihai City.

That depends on our ability to test the waters.

If we really have the ability, I believe everything will develop in a good direction.

If we don't have the ability, then quit spouting nonsense here. Get lost.

Time quickly came to the next day.

Li Jia had Secretary Wu take us to Director Guo's office.

Upon arriving at Director Guo's office,

we found nobody there.

Secretary Wu had no choice but to first call Director Guo to make contact.

Director Guo directly told Secretary Wu on the phone, «

«Secretary Wu, I have something on right now; let them wait half an hour. »

After saying that, he hung up.

Secretary Wu could only tell us that Director Guo had something on, so we should wait half an hour.

When I heard that, I thought Director Guo was deliberately trying to intimidate us.

I smiled and said to Secretary Wu, «Secretary Wu, go ahead and get busy if you have something to do; Director Li and I will wait here for Director Guo. »

Secretary Wu said, «All right, Mr. Zhao, call if anything comes up. »

After saying that, Secretary Wu left.

Only Li Jia and I remained in the room.

Li Jia looked at me,

«Mr. Zhao, in their eyes, isn't Zao Chengshi not considered a city? »

«It both counts and doesn't count. » I laughed.

«What do you mean by that? »

«In administrative terms it counts, but economically it's about the same as one of their subordinate counties. Think about it—when people from the county come to request a meeting, it's obvious. »

«I understand—everything is measured by market economics, right? »

«Yes, but also completely not. » I said.

«What does that mean now? I understand even less. » Li Jia asked.

«If you don't understand, think about it slowly. Anyway, we have plenty of time. » Li Jia and I were saying.

The office door was pushed open.

A rather burly man walked in.

He was in his forties, with a dark complexion and short hair.

He liked to stare at people with his eyes.

People like him are single-minded.

This man must be Director Guo.

He came in and looked at me and Li Jia,

He didn't speak.

I also stared straight at him without speaking.

Li Jia quickly stood up,

«Hello, are you Director Guo? I'm Li Jia, the person in charge of the project development team at the Zao Chengshi Cultural Tourism Bureau. »

«I'm very pleased to meet you. »

Li Jia reached out his hand, wanting to shake Director Guo's hand.

But Director Guo completely ignored Li Jia.

He didn't reach out either.

"What group? We only have five minutes to talk. Is there something you came to Huaihai for?"

Li Jia's outstretched hand could only be pulled back, her face flushing scarlet with embarrassment.

"Director Li is part of the tourism project development group. We came to Huaihai to learn from you about tourism project development."

"Learning, huh? I'll have the secretary in charge of reception arrange a brief learning session for you." Director Guo waved his hand at that moment.

He treated us as if we were begging for food.

What nonsense.

People like that just don't know how high the sky is or how thick the earth is, I thought to myself.

Li Jia glanced at Director Guo, then looked at me, not knowing what to say.

"Director Guo, we came not to learn but to point out your mistakes," I said, then stood up immediately.

"Point out our mistakes, huh? Hmph, which scallion are you counting?" Director Guo said, looking at me.

"Hehe, which scallion I count is irrelevant.

Director Guo, let me put it this way: your position is about to become untenable. If you listen to a few words from me, perhaps you can continue in the future,

If you won't let me speak, I'll leave right now.

"I believe by the end of the year you'll know your own fate," I finished, then pulled a cigarette from my pocket.

I intend to give him a show of force.

He Zuming once taught me that you must firmly subdue those who come to ask for divination; otherwise they simply won't believe you.

I think Director Guo values his official rank above all else. So I will restrain him with words.

After I finished speaking, Director Guo's expression turned strange.

He was both skeptical and eager to listen, yet didn't know how to voice it.

Li Jia, angry, said, "Mr. Zhao, since they don't welcome us, let's leave."

"Director Li, we're leaving; I believe some people will fall heavily," I said with a smile as I walked toward the door.

"Sir, please make your words clear," Director Guo could no longer hold back.

I shook my head,

"Director Guo, is it still necessary to speak now? You don't believe us at all."

"You haven't spoken; how would I know you aren't believed?" Director Guo said, then walked to the doorway and shut the door,

and then turned to Li Jia and me, "Please have a seat, both of you."

I said to Li Jia, "Director Li, sit down; Director Guo wants to hear a few words from us."

Li Jia sat down at that moment.

"Director Li, this Mr. Zhao, where is he from and what does he do now?" Director Guo asked Li Jia directly.

Li Jia replied, "Mr. Zhao is from Zaocheng; he is currently a private consultant for Tian Shi of Zaocheng.

His words carry weight in Zaocheng. If you don't believe it, you could call to verify now. This identity cannot be fabricated."

Upon hearing that my identity is a private consultant for Tian Shi,

Director Guo's expression changed further; being a Tian Shi private consultant shows my ability is exceptional.

He must be well‑versed in officialdom affairs.

I dare say those words all have reasons.

Director Guo quickly took out a cigarette,

and smiled at me, "Mr. Zhao, forgive my inability to recognize a Tai Shan."

I took the cigarette, merely smiling.

I said nothing.

Director Guo pulled out a lighter and lit it,

"Mr. Zhao, what do those few sentences mean? I hope you can point them out,"

"Hahaha, what's there to point out? I've just been with Tian Shi for a long time, so I'm familiar with some matters,"

and today I happened to meet Director Guo.

From Director Guo's countenance, I sensed you have a matter now, and it's a big one.

If this matter is mishandled, it could affect your future.

"Mr. Zhao, that's not false at all. I truly have a matter now," Director Guo said without concealment.