Chapter 327: We Can't Eat a Free Meal!

"Mayor Jiang, what are the specific points to note?" Tang Ye asked in a cautious tone.

Jiang Jing pondered for a moment and said, "Provincial Governor Fu is an approachable person, so the dining location must be somewhere with cultural depth. Gifts must also be prepared, but remember, they don't need to be luxurious; the key is for them to have substance and show sincerity."

A few brief sentences settled the core requirements, and the remaining details were entrusted entirely to Tang Ye.

Previously, when the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission inspection team visited, Tang Ye had already won Jiang Jing's deep trust through his thorough arrangements.

"Do you need me to arrange any entertainment?" Tang Ye asked tentatively.

Jiang Jing rubbed his chin, thinking for a long time before speaking: "You handle it, but don't make it too deliberate."

The so-called "not deliberate" was actually a tacit approval to arrange female companions, provided the boundaries were well-controlled.

This kind of semi-public, semi-private social engagement was far trickier than an official reception.

Every link contained hidden mysteries; a moment of carelessness would result in thankless effort.

Therefore, the job of a Secretary not only tests one's ability to coordinate and organize but also tests the meticulousness of one's execution.

After returning to the office, Tang Ye sat in his chair and pressed the phone number for Ding Xiang.

The other party had invited him to dinner many times before, and he had always declined citing a busy work schedule; now that he had to ask for help, he couldn't help but smile bitterly.

As soon as the call connected, Ding Xiang's cheerful voice came through the receiver: "Mr. Groom, congratulations, congratulations!"

Tang Ye was stunned for a moment, then realized it must have been Wen Rong who leaked the news of his marriage.

He hurriedly thanked her: "Thank you! I've been really unable to get away lately, haven't been in touch for a long time."

A light sigh came from Ding Xiang's side, but her tone remained light: "I understand, I understand. As long as you still remember me, I'm satisfied."

"Regarding the matter of the Provincial Television Station host, was it finally decided?"

Ding Xiang's voice dropped instantly: "Station Master Ma decided to let Xiao Chen go to the Provincial Television Station to give it a try."

A sense of guilt welled up in Tang Ye's heart: "I'm really sorry I couldn't help."

"What are you apologizing for?" Ding Xiang laughed instead, "I was the one asking you for a favor in the first place, how could I blame you?"

This open-minded attitude made Tang Ye admire her inwardly.

Just as he was thinking about how to respond, he heard the other party tease: "You never visit unless you need something; tell me, what do you want me to do this time?"

Tang Ye didn't hide anything and said straight out: "Mayor Jiang is privately hosting a provincial leader and wants the atmosphere to be more relaxed, so I'd like to ask for your help."

Ding Xiang readily agreed: "Fine! Just send me the address. Do you want me to call a few more people?"

"Find two more lively female comrades," Tang Ye added after a moment of thought.

Ding Xiang giggled: "Remember, you owe me another favor!"

After hanging up the phone, Tang Ye summoned Wen Rong.

The two had worked together for a long time, so there was no need to beat around the bush.

"Mayor Jiang is inviting an important friend and needs to arrange gifts; do you have any suggestions?"

Wen Rong's eyes lit up: "Section Chief Tang, Boss Chen from Hanzhou Jade Street is a long-time friend of my father, and he has been wanting to meet you."

Tang Ye instantly grasped the subtlety of the situation.

Jade Street was about to be relocated to Dongwan Town, and as the largest merchant in the area, Chen Shenghai urgently needed to secure more favorable compensation policies.

The current need to prepare gifts seemed like an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between the two sides.

Human relationships and the exchange of resources are laws of the officialdom that one cannot escape.

Although Tang Ye felt quite helpless about these things, he was still inevitably swept into this torrent.

"Make an appointment with him for one o'clock this afternoon at Xingsheng Teahouse," Tang Ye ordered decisively.

Wen Rong replied, "I'll go arrange it right away."

Returning to her office, Wen Rong dialed Chen Shenghai's phone number.

After Wen Rong explained the purpose of the call, Chen Shenghai felt quite conflicted.

"Xiao Wen, thank you for helping to bridge the gap."

"Uncle Chen, our Section Chief is a rather upright person, so don't overthink it," Wen Rong reminded Chen Shenghai.

Chen Shenghai hung up the phone and sighed inwardly.

There is no such thing as a dinner without a reason in this world.

Since Tang Ye took the initiative to meet him, he was afraid he would have to bleed a little.

As for how much to bring out, Chen Shenghai had no experience, so he decided to wait and see how things went after meeting Tang Ye.

One o'clock in the afternoon.

Tang Ye pushed open the carved wooden door of the teahouse private room on time and saw Chen Shenghai sitting and waiting at a glance.

Seeing him enter, the other party immediately stood up to welcome him, his face full of smiles: "Section Chief Tang!"

Tang Ye took the initiative to reach out and shook his hand, exchanging pleasantries: "Boss Chen, sorry to keep you waiting, please sit."

After a few pleasantries, Tang Ye stated his purpose:

"President Chen, I really do have a favor to ask this time. Mayor Jiang is hosting an important guest on Saturday and wants to prepare some gifts. I consulted Xiao Wen, and she recommended you to me. The time is quite short, so I have to trouble you to put in some effort."

Chen Shenghai patted his chest and guaranteed: "Don't worry! Leave this matter to me!"

Tang Ye took an envelope from his briefcase and said solemnly: "This is the budget provided by Mayor Jiang. Mayor Jiang is an upright official; the gifts must reflect his sincerity without exceeding the standard. Jade carving is all about craftsmanship, and I believe President Chen is an expert in this."

Chen Shenghai glanced at the envelope and waved his hand: "Section Chief Tang, are you scolding me? Isn't it just a gift? Consider it a gift from me to you."

Tang Ye was stunned for a moment, then laughed dumbly, "It seems Xiao Wen didn't make this clear to you. I am asking for your help, and we cannot eat a 'free meal' here. If you refuse to accept the money, then I will have to find someone else."

These words left Chen Shenghai at a loss.

He had seen too many government officials.

Could it be that he was just being deliberately polite?

Tang Ye stood up directly and stuffed the envelope into Chen Shenghai's hand, "President Chen, please accept the money. However, I hope the gift can represent the culture of Hanzhou jade carving. I might as well tell you that the identity of Mayor Jiang's friend is quite special, and this is also an indirect opportunity to promote Hanzhou."

Chen Shenghai finally understood that Tang Ye was not putting on an act.

"My father is an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Hanzhou carving; he will certainly be able to create a work that is both stylish and sincere!"

After three rounds of tea, Tang Ye stood up to pay the bill.

Chen Shenghai hurriedly stopped him: "How could I let you go to such expense!"

Tang Ye smiled and politely declined: "Today I am the one asking a favor of you, so naturally I should be the host. If you have any needs in the future, President Chen, just say the word!"

Chen Shenghai was slightly taken aback, then smiled with relief.

After Tang Ye left, Chen Shenghai opened the envelope and quickly counted the contents; there were actually a full five thousand yuan.

Having seen too many officials invent pretexts to solicit benefits, someone like Jiang Jing who strictly adhered to principles left him both surprised and impressed.

Chen Shenghai calculated: five thousand yuan for material costs, plus his father's exquisite craftsmanship, could indeed produce a fine piece of work.

However, because it was needed quite urgently, he had to hurry.

For Chen Shenghai, this was not just a business deal, but an excellent opportunity to open up connections in official circles.

Although the Chen family had quite a reputation in the Hanzhou jade industry, they were struggling with the dilemma of demolition compensation and lacked support from Government connections.

It was thanks to the friendship with Wen Rong's father that this opportunity for an introduction had come about.