34: Chapter 34 Hosting a Banquet

Xiao Bei frowned slightly, feeling a bit confused.

Interviews with Canglan City Television were usually arranged through formal channels; Station President Jia Chengzhi calling him directly seemed rather abrupt.

However, he did not show it, responding in a calm tone: "Station Chief Jia, Mayor Qin is indeed very busy with work recently, especially with the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection supervision team still in Canglan City. Her schedule is extremely tight. Regarding the interview, I need to consult with Mayor Qin first before giving you an answer."

Station President Jia Chengzhi seemed to have expected this, smiling as he said: "I understand, I understand. Mayor Qin's work is indeed important. However, Secretary Xiao, this interview is also crucial for our television station. After all, the crackdown on organized crime is the current key focus, and Mayor Qin's experience and achievements are worth publicizing. If it is convenient for you, we could also conduct a short interview with you first, since you, as Mayor Qin's capable assistant, are also very knowledgeable about this work."

Xiao Bei's heart stirred; he faintly felt that there was an ulterior motive behind Station President Jia Chengzhi's words.

He pondered for a moment, then smiled: "Station Chief Jia, you flatter me too much. I merely act according to Mayor Qin's instructions; the specific work achievements are the result of the joint efforts of Mayor Qin and the comrades of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection. However, if you feel it is necessary, I can first understand the specific details of the interview before reporting to Mayor Qin."

Seeing that Xiao Bei did not directly refuse, Station President Jia Chengzhi was secretly pleased and quickly said: "Secretary Xiao, you are truly too modest. How about this: I would like to invite you to a casual dinner tonight so we can chat while we eat. What do you think? I happen to have some details I would like to discuss with you in depth."

Xiao Bei frowned slightly, feeling hesitant.

He did not want to have private contact with the head of Canglan City Television during such a sensitive period, especially regarding an interview involving Mayor Qin.

However, Station President Jia Chengzhi was the head of Canglan City Television, and a direct refusal did not seem appropriate.

He pondered for a moment and said in a tactful tone: "Station Chief Jia, you are too kind. However, I have been quite busy with work recently and may need to process some documents tonight, so I am afraid it is not convenient."

Station President Jia Chengzhi seemed prepared and said with a smile: "Secretary Xiao, rest assured, it won't take up too much of your time. We will just have a simple meal and talk about the interview. Besides, you have been working hard for Mayor Qin and the city's affairs for so long; you deserve to relax a bit. I have already booked a private room at the 'Tianlan Pavilion' Hotel. Their dishes are the best in our Canglan City; you must do me the honor of attending."

Upon hearing the name "Tianlan Pavilion", Xiao Bei felt a slight chill in his heart.

The Tianlan Pavilion Hotel was one of the most luxurious hotels in Canglan City, usually hosting political and business elites, and the expenses were extremely high.

Station President Jia Chengzhi had actually booked a private room there; he was clearly prepared.

He wanted to decline again, but Station President Jia Chengzhi's tone carried a hint of irresistible enthusiasm, so he had to reluctantly agree: "Alright then, Station Chief Jia. Since you are so hospitable, I will defer to your kindness. However, let's just have a simple meal; there is no need to go to such expense."

Station President Jia Chengzhi laughed heartily, his tone filled with a touch of triumph: "Rest assured, Secretary Xiao, we are just chatting casually; it won't take up too much of your time. Shall we meet at Tianlan Pavilion at seven o'clock tonight?"

Xiao Bei nodded: "Very well, Station Chief Jia, see you tonight."

After hanging up the phone, Xiao Bei sat at his desk, his brows locked in a frown.

He felt that Station President Jia Chengzhi's invitation was suspicious, especially during this sensitive period.

He pondered for a moment and decided to report the situation to Qin Ruoxi first.

He picked up the phone and dialed Qin Ruoxi's number.

"Mayor Qin, this is Xiao Bei. Just now, Station President Jia Chengzhi from Canglan City Television called, saying he wants to conduct an interview with you. He also invited me to dinner at Tianlan Pavilion tonight, saying he wants to discuss the interview details in depth. I feel this is a bit sudden and wanted to ask for your opinion."

On the other end of the line, Qin Ruoxi was silent for a moment, then said: "This Station President Jia Chengzhi inviting you to dinner is likely not just about the interview. However, since he has come to you, you do not need to refuse directly. Go tonight and see what he is really up to. Remember, stay vigilant and do not easily agree to anything."

Xiao Bei nodded: "I understand, Mayor Qin. I will handle it carefully."

Qin Ruoxi added: "Also, be aware that Station President Jia Chengzhi might probe you or even try to extract information from you. You only need to respond according to normal work procedures; do not disclose any sensitive information."

"Understood, Mayor Qin. I will be careful."

After hanging up, Xiao Bei took a deep breath, feeling more assured. He decided to finish the work at hand before heading to the appointment.

At seven o'clock in the evening, Xiao Bei arrived at Tianlan Pavilion on time. At the entrance of the hotel, Station President Jia Chengzhi had already been waiting for a long time.

Seeing Xiao Bei, he immediately greeted him warmly, saying with a beaming smile: "Secretary Xiao, you are truly punctual! Come, come, the private room is already prepared; let's chat while we eat."

Xiao Bei smiled slightly and responded politely: "Station Chief Jia, you are too kind. Sorry to have kept you waiting."

The two entered the hotel together, passed through the magnificent lobby, and arrived at the reserved private room.

The interior of the room was luxuriously decorated, with a crystal chandelier emitting a soft glow, and the table was already filled with exquisite dishes and a bottle of high-end red wine.

Xiao Bei followed Station President Jia Chengzhi into the private room. As soon as he stepped into the room, he noticed a woman sitting at the table.

She was wearing a deep red slim-fitting dress that perfectly outlined her graceful curves. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, with the tips slightly curled, emitting a faint luster.

The woman had delicate features, looking like a painting, especially her eyes, which seemed capable of captivating one's soul, carrying a hint of charm and mystery.

Station President Jia Chengzhi introduced with a smile: "Secretary Xiao, this is Su Yun, the chief anchor of our Canglan City Television. She will be hosting this special report on Mayor Qin."

Su Yun stood up, smiled slightly, and her voice was as pleasant as a clear spring: "Secretary Xiao, I have long heard of your name. Today, I finally have the opportunity to meet you."

Xiao Bei nodded politely in response: "Hello, Ms. Su. I have watched your program; your hosting style is very professional."

Su Yun smiled lightly: "Secretary Xiao, you flatter me. I am just doing my job. However, it is truly my honor to have the opportunity to communicate with you face-to-face today."

Station President Jia Chengzhi greeted them warmly: "Come, come, let's not just stand here; let's sit down and chat."

After the three were seated, Station President Jia Chengzhi personally poured a glass of red wine for Xiao Bei and said with a smile: "Secretary Xiao, let's not talk about work today; let's relax first. Su Yun is the pillar of our television station. Not only is she highly capable in her professional work, but she is also famously gentle and considerate."

Su Yun lowered her head slightly, revealing a shy smile: "Station Chief Jia, please stop teasing me. Secretary Xiao is Mayor Qin's capable assistant; how could I dare to show off my meager skills in front of him?"