Chapter 698: Farewell to Zhuang Shi

"Zhao Ge, there's really no need to mention money; we didn't help you with anything." Ruan Wei said immediately.

I waved my hand,

"Brother, between us we shouldn't stand on ceremony,

you hurry up and buy your plane ticket; don't let the people who came with you have no time to go home for New Year's. Otherwise I'd feel bad."

Ruan Wei had no choice but to stop talking and leave his card number,

shook my hand briefly and then left.

Actually, it's best this way between me and Ruan Wei—no one owes anyone anything, and we can help each other if needed.

I looked at the pile of evidence Ruan Wei left behind,

I thought to myself, this blind dog Ren,

you'll probably spend the rest of your life in prison.

I want to find Zhuang Shi and have a good talk.

By the way, bringing this up also counts as letting Zhuang Shi owe me a favor.

I took out my phone,

first contacted Secretary Wu,

Secretary Wu answered the phone quickly,

"Hello, Mr. Zhao, what's the matter?"

"Secretary Wu, I'd like to see Zhuang Shi before I leave; could you help me arrange a time?" I asked.

"Sure, I'll make an appointment today; just wait for my call." Secretary Wu said.

I said, "Okay, Secretary Wu."

Then I hung up.

After hanging up, I contacted Li Jia, asking her to get ready; we're going to see Zhuang Shi together.

Secretary Wu called back quickly,

"Mr. Zhao, you can go directly to Zhuang Shi's office for a meeting; he's waiting for you there."

"Okay, Secretary Wu, we're heading over now." I said after that.

Then I drove, taking Li Jia to Zhuang Shi's office.

Zhuang Shi's office is in a large compound; the compound has no sign, so from the outside you can't tell what unit it is, only that it's guarded by dedicated personnel.

After passing inspection and questioning, we were allowed into Zhuang Shi's office.

Zhuang Shi's office is on the second floor. It's an old building; at a glance you can feel its historical vicissitudes.

The heating uses old cast-iron radiators.

I didn't expect Zhuang Shi to be waiting for us at the office door.

I and Li Jia each shook hands with Zhuang Shi,

then followed him into his office.

The office was warm.

Zhuang Shi looked at me and Li Jia and laughed cheerfully: "Jianqiang, Li Jia, you two have worked hard. Quick, drink water, drink water, warm your hands. It's freezing outside today."

I took the teacup,

took a sip of water,

then said, "Zhuang Shi, Li Jia and I came mainly to pay you a New Year's visit early, because we're about to leave Huaihai; in case we leave in a rush and don't have time to pay our respects."

"Jianqiang, you're being too polite. Likewise, I wish you both a happy Spring Festival and good health. Li Jia, I've already arranged for Secretary Wu to bring you a gift later to express my feelings."

Li Jia immediately stood up,

"Thank you, Zhuang Shi. Mr. Zhao and I came in a hurry and didn't prepare a gift for you; please wait until we return to Zaocheng, then we'll send you one specially."

Zhuang Shi waved his hand,

"Li Jia, don't be polite; the gift you've given me is already big enough.

Huaihai Ancient City has undergone tremendous changes; this is better than anything.

You are talents, truly talented.

As for me, I especially like talent,

I just want to keep talent close to me.

Sigh, I discussed with Tian Shi about borrowing you two over.

I didn't expect Tian Shi to refuse outright.

Heh, this Tian Shi.

Never mind; since it's like that, I can only let you go.

I'm really worried,

about how the Ancient City will be run after they take over.

Jianqiang, Li Jia, tell me, what's Director Guo like?"

Li Jia glanced at me and said nothing.

I could only say: "Zhuang Shi, Director Guo is very pragmatic. Actually, whoever takes over the Ancient City will manage it well.

Now the Ancient City already has a standing in the hearts of Huaihai people.

It also has influence outside.

As long as there's no phenomenon of cheating and overcharging customers,

and then operate with integrity,

I believe the Ancient City's development will get better and better.

We left, taking only our management team.

Nothing else moved.

Moreover, the rents in the Ancient City are already hot; now is the time to develop the second phase of the Ancient City.

After Zhuang Shi heard me finish speaking,

smiling, said,

"Jianqiang, let's talk about the second phase of the Huaihai Ancient City later. There are too many aspects involved. We won't discuss it now."

After you go back, hurry up and finish the certification and environmental assessment of Xue County's tourism project,

Then initiate the project.

We'll discuss it in detail after the new year.

You should know, I've been to Xue County,

There, the development potential is greater.

Some things, I can only say up to here.

"Jianqiang, Li Jia, we still have many things to cooperate on in the future."

Li Jia hurriedly said: "Thank you for your trust, Zhuang Shi,"

Being able to cooperate with Zhuang Shi is our dream come true. In front of you, we are like elementary school students,

You teach us like a teacher.

"Li Jia really knows how to speak. If I had students as excellent as you, I would be very happy."

You don't even need to say,

"I really was a teacher when I was young." Zhuang Shi sighed.

"Then I'll call you Teacher Zhuang, and I'll be your student." Li Jia said with a smile.

"Good, then I'll accept you as my student." Zhuang Shi said happily.

"Zhuang Shi, if you have time later, I hope you can go to Zaocheng and take a good look at Xue County." I said.

"Okay, Jianqiang, I will definitely go again, after the new year." Zhuang Shi said.

"Teacher Zhuang, I'll be waiting for you in Zaocheng; please come and give me guidance." Li Jia said, looking at Zhuang Shi.

"Li Jia, your performance this time was outstanding; the special lottery event worked well, immediately boosting people's consumption level."

"Many people shout, 'Why don't the big guys consume?'"

"Actually, it's just that they haven't found a reasonable way to consume,"

"so that the big guys would willingly spend their money. You've achieved this."

"I saw on site how enthusiastic the big guys were about spending money. The boss of the Huaihai Mall, Boss Zhu, was thrilled; all the backlogged goods of their mall were handled in the Ancient City."

"Ah, I never expected that." Zhuang Shi sighed.

"Thank you for your praise, Teacher Zhuang. We will do our best from now on."

"Teacher Zhuang, it's getting late. I and Mr. Zhao are here to first wish you a happy new year, and second to say goodbye."

"Then there's no need for Teacher Zhuang to specially see us off." Li Jia said, standing up.

Zhuang Shi also stood up,

"Jianqiang, Li Jia, I originally wanted to treat you to a meal, but I've been too busy lately; we're about to hold a city-wide security conference."

"Well then, I won't see you off. Let's meet again after the new year." Zhuang Shi shook hands with Li Jia.

Upon hearing that, I quickly stood up,

"Zhuang Shi, I have something to tell you; you're just about to hold the security conference—it might come in handy."

"What is it, Jianqiang?" Zhuang Shi asked.

I took out the evidence of my agreement with Ruan Wei, then told Zhuang Shi about Ren Xiagou threatening me.

He wants to keep my three million in Huaihai.

After I finished speaking, Zhuang Shi's expression became very solemn.

Then he said to me,

"Jianqiang, this matter is very important; it seems the crackdown on crime in Huaihai is not thorough enough."

"How can such a person appear in society? It's a disgrace to Huaihai people. I'll take care of this matter; I'll handle it."

"Alright, Zhuang Shi. Thank you for speaking up for me. I'll leave this matter to you."

"In Huaihai, I can only trust Zhuang Shi." I said, standing up and shaking hands with Zhuang Shi.

"Jianqiang, are you deliberately trying to make me owe you a favor?"

"Actually, for this matter you could just go see Secretary Wu." Zhuang Shi said with a smile.

"No, that's not it, Zhuang Shi. I just wanted your support. Goodbye, Zhuang Shi."

"Goodbye, Jianqiang."

I waved at Zhuang Shi, then took Li Jia and left his office.