Chapter 1182: Always Waiting for an Opportunity!

Zhang Nan did not attend the work meeting, but instead met an old classmate at a nearby cafe.

The old classmate was named Xue Guiping, who served as a Deputy Director-General in a core department of the Ministry of Finance.

Xue Guiping and Zhang Nan had a good relationship during their university years, and after graduation, a story occurred during a class reunion.

It was during their ten-year university graduation anniversary; both had drunk too much, and because they both worked within the system, they hit it off.

After that night of passion, both tacitly sealed away this episode.

After all, both had families and careers, and it was impossible to change their stable lives because of external factors.

Xue Guiping had returned to Huainan this time to handle his younger sister's affairs.

His younger sister was none other than Yang Guoxiong's ex-wife.

Although Yang Guoxiong chose to divorce before the incident, according to many clues, his ex-wife was still suspected of committing crimes. Xue Guiping only had this one relative left, so he specifically returned to Huai Province to use his connections to help his sister reduce her charges.

"Director Zhang, long time no see. You really haven't changed at all. You're still so young!"

"We are both approaching fifty, and our children have already started working. Your words are too insincere."

Xue Guiping shook his head and said very earnestly, "No, you haven't changed at all. In my heart, you will always be the class beauty of our class."

Watching Xue Guiping gaze at her with affection, Zhang Nan felt the absurd past surface in her mind, and her cheeks could not help but turn rosy.

"I have heard about your sister's matter. I have also asked someone to help. If her attitude toward pleading guilty is good and she actively returns the illicit funds, it should be possible to handle it with leniency."

Xue Guiping said with a tone of frustration, "This sister of mine is a miser. I have urged her to spit out all the illicit money, but she simply won't listen to me."

Zhang Nan sighed with deep emotion, "Actually, she is also a victim of failed struggles. Yang Guoxiong has fought for so many projects for Xiyang City over these many years; even if there was no merit, there was still hard work."

A cold look appeared in Xue Guiping's eyes, "It is because he was not careful enough; he brought this upon himself."

Zhang Nan mused that Xue Guiping viewed problems very rationally.

"Xiyang City has been making big moves recently. After Jiang Jing took office, he achieved quite a few results, and the Strategic Eastward Expansion Plan he launched has received high attention from provincial leaders."

Xue Guiping sneered, "This Jiang Jing, after taking office, his actions have been too big, too radical, and he doesn't value unity. He is blatantly attacking and retaliating against those who oppose him. I don't think he will go very far either."

Zhang Nan took a card from her pocket, handed it to Xue Guiping, and said with a smile, "Please, you must accept this card."

Xue Guiping asked in surprise, "What is this for?"

Zhang Nan smiled, "My daughter told me that when she encountered trouble while working in Yanjing, it was you who stepped forward to help her resolve it."

Xue Guiping did not hesitate to stuff the card directly into Zhang Nan's palm, and his other hand directly grasped hers.

"If we are to settle accounts between us, then it is I who owe you."

Zhang Nan only felt a warm current flow from Xue Guiping's fingertips into her heart.

"Why talk about who owes whom? Since you don't want it, then I won't force it. If there is any place where I can help you, just give the word."

Xue Guiping sighed, "I hope you can think of a way to help my sister."

Zhang Nan nodded slightly, "I will do my best!"

In front of Xue Guiping, Zhang Nan dialed Gao Qidong's phone number.

"Mayor Gao, this is Zhang Nan."

"Director Zhang, is there something you need?"

Zhang Nan said softly, "I would like to ask you to help me look after someone. Her name is Xue Guilan, and her ex-husband is the former Vice Mayor of Xiyang City, Yang Guoxiong."

Gao Qidong reacted immediately, "I wonder what your relationship with her is?"

Zhang Nan knew what was in Gao Qidong's mind; he had to analyze whether it was worth his while to do this favor.

"To tell you the truth, she is my cousin."

Gao Qidong was stunned for a moment, "Director Zhang, let me think of a way."

Zhang Nan breathed a sigh of relief, "Then I will trouble you. After it is done, I will certainly thank you."

Hanging up Zhang Nan's call, Gao Qidong rubbed his chin; it must be that Xue Guilan's older brother had exerted influence in secret.

If he could handle this matter well, it should allow him to gain quite a few points in Xue Guiping's heart.

Zhang Nan said to Xue Guiping, "I have already called Gao Qidong; he will find a way to help."

Xue Guiping nodded slightly, "I have heard Yang Guoxiong mention Gao Qidong."

Zhang Nan said, "Gao Qidong has long wanted to get to know you. Taking this opportunity, he will also show what he can do."

Xue Guiping nodded slightly, "If Gao Qidong handles this matter well, I naturally will not treat him unfairly."

After finishing the coffee, Zhang Nan saw that it was getting late and prepared to return to her unit.

Xue Guiping suggested having dinner with Zhang Nan that evening.

Zhang Nan politely declined.

Xue Guiping did not insist; at their age, they both knew where to draw the line.

Although there had once been an unforgettable past, reliving old dreams was not the best outcome; instead, choosing to freeze beautiful memories in one's mind forever was better.

Parting ways with Xue Guiping, Zhang Nan sighed that Xue Guiping had aged a lot.

Back in their campus days, Xue Guiping was a bona fide heartthrob.

Not only could he play the guitar, but he was also exceptionally good at basketball.

Yet now, he was not only bald but also had a big potbelly.

However, in middle age, one cannot measure a person's value by their appearance.

Gao Qidong stood up from his chair and came to the administrative map of Xiyang City.

His gaze fell on the western part of Xiyang City.

Yechuan County was the area Jiang Jing was focusing on planning.

However, Gao Qidong felt that investing a large amount of resources in Yechuan County deviated from the previous plan.

He could also understand Jiang Jing's thinking.

If the previous development strategy were continued, it would be more like adding flowers to the embroidery of a predecessor.

Jiang Jing certainly needs to design a path that bears her own distinct mark.

Nowadays, across the entire country, increasing train speeds has become the major trend in transportation development.

In Xiyang City, every county and district is fighting for the valuable transportation resource that is the Xiyang New Train Station.

Because the New Train Station is an important economic growth point, it brings in a massive flow of people.

Land prices and housing prices will naturally rise with the tide!

However, Gao Qidong and Jiang Jing have a disagreement regarding the site selection for the New Train Station.

Before Jiang Jing came to Xiyang, the plan had always been to place the New Train Station in the southeast sector.

Jiang Jing now demands it be placed in Yechuan County.

If the Xiyang New Train Station is not placed in Yechuan,

then the strategy of Yechuan's Strategic Eastward Expansion and the westward expansion of the Xiyang urban area will be declared a failure.

Mayor Jiang's development layout would be completely disrupted, and she would have to leave in disgrace.

Once the Mayor moves positions, the Executive Vice Mayor will have an opportunity to advance further.

Of course, Gao Qidong knows that planning this matter cannot be done blatantly; it must be planned carefully.

Jiang Jing's level of ability is still quite high.

In just a few months, she has completely grasped the right to speak within the Municipal Government.

However, Gao Qidong does not intend to wave a white flag.

He has been waiting for the right moment to act!

……