Chapter 154: Taking Precautions

Qian Youyu's investment now seemed to be a settled matter. I firmly believed that as long as Yue Bai was by his side, Qian Youyu couldn't escape the fate of having to invest in Laoyingzui. With this stone landing, I felt much lighter. When a person is relaxed, their mind is particularly sharp. When the mind is sharp, one wants to find a few people to drink and talk with. Everyone has a desire to confide, and I am no exception.

Drinking is always an expression with an ulterior motive. Those who get drunk for no reason are alcoholics, while those who find people to drink with because of happy news and don't get drunk are gods of wine.

Although the mineral water factory was still a mirage, it didn't affect my taking precautions. Building the factory was a small matter; production was the big matter. Building a factory, as long as there is money, there is nothing that can't be done, but after the factory is built, it involves industry and commerce, taxation, health, etc. Any one of these departments could strangle a newly born enterprise.

In Hengyue City, any enterprise that didn't wear a "National" hat would have various departments like leeches; as soon as they heard the sound of water, they would swarm in.

Thinking of this, Section Chief Fu, Wu Qian's husband, was the first to jump to mind. This person had been deeply involved in the Industry and Commerce Bureau for many years, with intricate connections. Back then, when our Suxi Township Native Products Distribution Company settled in Hengyue City, he helped a lot.

I flipped through my phone for a long time but couldn't find Section Chief Fu's contact information. I felt annoyed, which also showed my own hidden pettiness. Back then, Section Chief Fu had given me his number, but I had erased it afterward, all because of Wu Qian. If you aren't broad-minded, you'll just be busy for nothing when things happen! I laughed at myself and decided to get straight to the point, going directly to the Industry and Commerce Bureau to find him.

Section Chief Fu was still in office 666, but this time the security guard didn't stop me. I stood strangely in front of the security guard, smiling and waiting for his inquiry. The security guard also looked at me strangely, a flash of surprise in his eyes, and said to me, "What are you looking at me for?"

I said, "Aren't you going to ask for my identity?"

"Not anymore. What era is this? We stopped asking long ago," the security guard said, "If you're looking for someone, go quickly; if not, get out."

I stood where I was and said, "Why don't you ask anymore?"

The security guard rolled his eyes at me and said, "Are you sick?"

I smiled, left him, and turned to go upstairs.

Section Chief Fu still had a deep impression of me. As soon as he saw me, he immediately stood up, came over to shake my hand, and laughed, "Township Head Chen, what wind blew you here?"

I took out a cigarette, but Section Chief Fu waved his hand and said, "Quit."

I put it to my own lips, lit it, took a puff, and said, "Good man, Section Chief Fu."

Section Chief Fu's eyes narrowed into a slit, and he patted my shoulder, saying, "Not a section chief anymore. Brother, you've become a township head, so I have to advance too."

I deliberately feigned surprise and praised, "Deputy Bureau Chief Fu! Congratulations, congratulations."

"Deputy."

"Your surname is Fu, after all."

"It's Deputy Bureau Chief Fu," Section Chief Fu smiled awkwardly and said, "Luckily it's not the main one. Even if I were the main one, in others' mouths, I'd still be the deputy. This surname is not flattering."

I said, "Brother, your surname is given by your parents, just like your body. It can't be changed. Regardless of whether it's main or deputy, as long as you have a line in your heart." Then I added, "If I were your subordinate, I wouldn't call you Deputy Bureau Chief Fu; I'd call you Bureau Chief directly."

Deputy Bureau Chief Fu laughed loudly, pointed at me, and said, "No wonder Sister Xiaoyue says you're half a genius. It's true."

We sat and talked for a while, and I said, "Deputy Bureau Chief Fu, give your brother a chance today; let's have a meal together."

Deputy Bureau Chief Fu pondered for a moment and said, "Fine, no problem. I'll host."

I said, "How can I let you spend money? I'll treat you."

Deputy Bureau Chief Fu said magnanimously, "It's fine, I'll just sign the bill. Who spends their own money to eat nowadays?"

I felt ashamed.

I wasn't short of money; treating someone to a meal was a small matter.

"Deputy Bureau Chief Fu, if you sign the bill, I won't eat," I said, "If you think highly of your brother, let me pay the bill."

Deputy Bureau Chief Fu saw my sincere attitude and had to nod in agreement.

I took the opportunity to ask him to help me invite a few friends from the Tax Bureau. He clearly saw my motive but didn't object.

Finally, I said, "Why don't you invite your wife as well?"

At this point, he spoke, "Brother Chen Feng, I heard you're currently dating the daughter of Minister Huang?"

I didn't deny or confirm it, just looked at him and smiled.

"Impressive!" He gave me a thumbs up and said, almost to himself, "No wonder Wu Qian wants to start some engineering construction company."

I didn't understand and asked, "What do you mean?"

"This," he stroked his chin and said, "You'll have to ask your aunt. I heard Xiaoyue's husband is transferring to civilian work. A while ago, he came to me to arrange work. Your aunt wanted to arrange your uncle into departments like Public Security, Industry and Commerce, or Taxation. You also know that getting into these units nowadays is harder than ascending to heaven. After running around for a while, I didn't see any movement. Later, I suddenly heard they wanted to start some company; I'm not very clear on the details. You know, I generally don't ask about Wu Qian's affairs."

I said "Oh." I understood. Wu Qian was such a smart woman; her heart was made of crystal. She must have heard something from my aunt. This company she suddenly wanted to start must have a direct connection to me.

"Don't worry about her. Women just like to get hot-headed when doing things," Deputy Bureau Chief Fu concluded, "Why don't I call her later and see what she thinks?"

Deputy Bureau Chief Fu made a few calls and arranged to meet everyone at the Linyin Restaurant. I went a step ahead to book a private room.

Just as the waiter poured tea for me, Deputy Bureau Chief Fu and the others arrived in twos and threes, five in total.

Everyone sat down, chatting about the current political situation. I flipped through the menu, consulting Deputy Bureau Chief Fu's opinion.

Suddenly, a commotion came from outside the door, followed by someone shouting, "Protest! Protest! The Americans bombed our embassy."

Deputy Bureau Chief Fu tapped the table and said, "It's probably that group of students who have nothing better to do, protesting again."

A cadre from the Tax Bureau said, "Indeed. My daughter is also there. I said last night, the embassy was bombed; what does it have to do with you students? Even if you turn China upside down, those Americans will still eat and drink well, unable to see or hear it."

I took over the conversation and said, "Having a voice of protest is better than silence. Otherwise, others will think we are easy to bully."

They laughed loudly, pointing at me and saying, "You are a township head, after all; your political awareness is different."

I smiled indifferently.

"No politics, no politics," Deputy Bureau Chief Fu waved his hand, "We do our own jobs well; that's support for the country. There's the military for war, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for protests. Let's condemn first."

Everyone laughed loudly again.

I handed the menu to Deputy Bureau Chief Fu and, using the excuse of going to the restroom, slipped out alone.

Regarding protests, I had an incredibly deep impression. Back then, students in all cities rushed to the streets, and I was among them. In the end, when it came to settling accounts, it turned out I hadn't shouted slogans or attended any meetings. At most, I was a participant. In fact, I could only be considered a spectator, watching my classmates shout with thick necks.

The street outside the restaurant was a sea of people, with students from the three universities in Hengyue City coming in batches. The slogans were one after another, shaking the earth. My blood heated up, and I rushed out, standing by the street, watching them walk past with the citizens of Hengyue City.

Just as I was watching intently, I heard a voice in my ear: "Is that Chen Feng?"

Turning around, it was actually Chen Meng, standing next to a man carrying a camera, with an interview pass hanging around his neck, looking at me with a smile.

"It really is you. Why are you here?" she asked in surprise.

I said, "Reporter Chen, why are you here too?" I teased.

"I'm interviewing," she laughed, pointing to the man beside her, "My colleague, Xiao Li."

The one called Xiao Li didn't even look at me, just kept taking pictures with his camera, looking like a great artist.

"Does Weiwei know you're back?"

I shook my head.

"You didn't tell her?"

I nodded.

"Why didn't you tell her?"

I had to say, "I haven't had time to tell her yet."

"Chen Feng, it's not that I want to lecture you. You came back without even telling Weiwei; what do you mean by that?" She was aggressive, her face covered in a layer of frost.

I was a bit afraid of this woman in front of me from the bottom of my heart. Not just because she was the daughter of the Municipal Party Secretary, but because of the coldness that permeated her bones.

I feigned a smile and said, "I don't mean anything. I plan to tell her later."

"Why not tell her now?"

I pointed to the Linyin Restaurant behind me and said, "I'm hosting a meal now; it's not convenient."

She laughed strangely and said, "Why don't you invite us up too?"

I smiled awkwardly, not daring to answer.

"Forget it. I won't eat your food. Tonight, invite Weiwei and come to my house together," she said, leaving me behind and chasing after the protest march. ===== CHAPTER 155 =====