76: Chapter 76 Su Yun's Visit

Xiao Bei looked up at the wall clock and asked, "By the way, where is Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang?"

"Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang went to the Development Zone site early this morning, saying he wanted to finalize the compensation negotiations for the last few households."

The corners of Xiao Bei's mouth curled up slightly.

Ever since that heart-stopping Party committee meeting, Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang, once a fence-sitter, seemed to have been reborn, working until he forgot to eat and sleep.

Xiao Bei knew that Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang was using his actions to prove his stance and to show his loyalty.

The phone on the desk suddenly vibrated, and the name on the screen made Xiao Bei's heart skip a beat—Su Yun.

"Reporter Su, what made you think of me?"

Xiao Bei picked up the phone, his voice carrying a lightness he hadn't even noticed.

"Xiao Bei, you are quite the influential figure now."

Su Yun's smiling voice came from the other end of the line, "I just published an in-depth report on the anti-corruption efforts in Bishi Town this morning, and the number of online reposts has already exceeded 100,000."

Xiao Bei walked to the window and lowered his voice: "Did you write about General Manager Xiang Wenqiang and Town Mayor Ding Degui?"

"Of course, how could I miss such good news material?"

Su Yun paused, "But don't worry, I only wrote about the publicly available case details. Those more sensitive materials you provided... I've kept them."

Xiao Bei breathed a sigh of relief. The evidence regarding the collusion between County Head Xiahou Yang and Town Mayor Sun Jiaming was something he had given to Su Yun privately, intending to detonate it in the media one day.

But it wasn't the time yet. County Head Xiahou Yang had been operating in the county for many years and had deep roots; one couldn't act rashly without absolute certainty.

"Right, let's talk business."

Su Yun's voice suddenly turned serious, "Last time you mentioned wanting to bring in Hongyuan Group to invest in the Development Zone, so I helped you contact Chairman Lin Shicheng."

Xiao Bei's heart rate accelerated suddenly.

Hongyuan Group was a well-known enterprise in the province, with subsidiaries in manufacturing, logistics, and real estate. If they could be brought in to invest in the Development Zone, not only would the project funds be guaranteed, but it would also drive other enterprises to follow suit.

"Did he agree?"

"Not only did he agree, but he is also very interested."

Su Yun's voice was filled with pride, "Chairman Lin is coming to Bishi Town the day after tomorrow for a site visit. I will be accompanying him as a special reporter. Xiao Bei, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; you must prepare well."

Xiao Bei's fingers tapped the windowsill unconsciously, his mind already calculating the reception plan: "When exactly will he arrive? Are there any requirements for the inspection route?"

"Arriving at 10 AM, having a simple lunch there, inspecting the Development Zone site in the afternoon, and in the evening..."

Su Yun suddenly lowered her voice, "In the evening, Chairman Lin wants to have a private chat with you."

Xiao Bei raised an eyebrow.

"A private chat?"

This meant that Chairman Lin Shicheng likely had substantial investment intentions and needed to discuss policy incentives and return conditions privately.

"Understood, I will make sure everything is arranged properly."

Xiao Bei paused, "Will you... be coming early?"

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the line, then Su Yun's voice suddenly softened: "I'll arrive tomorrow afternoon; I need to prepare some interview materials in advance... If you are free, shall we have dinner together?"

"Okay, I'll pick you up."

Xiao Bei hung up the phone and realized his palms were slightly sweaty. He took a deep breath, turned around, and pressed the call button on his desk: "Secretary He Mingxuan, notify all committee members immediately! Emergency meeting in half an hour!"

Thirty minutes later, the town Party committee meeting room was packed.

Xiao Bei looked around and found that not only were the committee members present, but the heads of all departments had also arrived. Even the head of the Land Resources Bureau, who was usually late for meetings, had arrived five minutes early.

This was the taste of power—after Town Mayor Sun Jiaming fell, no one dared to challenge his authority in Bishi Town.

"Comrades, I have just received some important news."

Xiao Bei got straight to the point, "Chairman Lin Shicheng of the provincial Hongyuan Group will be coming to our town the day after tomorrow to inspect the Development Zone project, and a reporter from the Provincial Newspaper will be accompanying him."

The meeting room erupted in low murmurs; no one present was unaware of Hongyuan Group's reputation.

"This is an important opportunity for the development of Bishi Town, and we must do our utmost to handle the reception work."

Xiao Bei tapped on the table, his voice steady and forceful, "I will now assign tasks: Secretary He Mingxuan is responsible for the reception plan and material preparation; Committee Member Li Jun is responsible for publicity and venue setup; the Land, Urban Construction, and Investment Promotion departments must organize the latest planning materials for the Development Zone this afternoon; the Police Station must have full staff on duty to ensure security..."

Instructions were issued clearly and precisely, and the cadres took notes diligently; no one raised any objections.

Xiao Bei was very satisfied with this state of obedience; this was the atmosphere that should exist for getting things done and starting businesses.

"Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang."

Xiao Bei looked at Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang, who was sitting next to him, "You are responsible for coordinating the security and stability maintenance for the entire reception event, especially at the Development Zone site. There must be absolutely no trouble."

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang nodded, a hint of gravity flashing in his eyes.

Xiao Bei knew what he was thinking—although General Manager Xiang Wenqiang had fallen, his influence had not been completely eradicated. Those who once relied on the mines for a living, those whose financial paths had been cut off, were likely to take the opportunity to cause trouble.

After the meeting, Xiao Bei specifically asked Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang to stay behind: "Old Xing, this reception is of great importance. Do you have any thoughts?"

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang closed the door and lowered his voice: "Secretary Xiao, nothing else, I'm just worried that there might be an accident during this investment attraction..."

Xiao Bei waved his hand and said: "They are just guys playing dirty tricks behind our backs. Don't be afraid of them. We will meet force with force and water with earth!"

"I understand, Secretary Xiao. I will go and prepare now to prevent any accidents from happening!"

Deputy Secretary Xing Guoqiang nodded and retreated...

The time came to the next afternoon. The Bishi Town bus station was simple to the point of being quaint.

On the mottled white wall, the five red characters "Serve the People" had faded. Several three-wheeled motorcycles were parked in the square in front of the station, and the drivers were squatting in the shade of trees, smoking and chatting while waiting for passengers.

When Su Yun stepped off the bus carrying a beige canvas suitcase, she immediately drew a few curious gazes.

She was wearing a light blue linen shirt today, the cuffs rolled up casually to her elbows, revealing her gracefully lined forearms; on her lower body were white cropped pants, which accentuated her long, straight legs.

The most eye-catching thing was the pair of red flat shoes on her feet, like two maple leaves adorning the bluestone road, adding a splash of color to this drab little town.

"Hey beauty, where are you going? Take my ride, it's cheap!"

A dark-skinned tricycle driver approached, his eyes constantly peeking at Su Yun's neckline.

Su Yun frowned slightly, just about to decline politely, when she heard a familiar car horn.

Turning her head, she saw a black Passat parked on the side of the road. The window rolled down, revealing Xiao Bei's sharp, angular face.

"Sorry, I have a ride."