225: Chapter 225 The Engagement Banquet is About to Begin

As their knuckles brushed, General Manager Zhou Shutong sensed the warmth and steady strength in her palm.

This powerhouse who had carved out a career on Wall Street could tell at a glance the difference between the nervousness of a sycophant and the composure of a person in power.

"Ms. Su, your bearing is something that the constraints of the vanity fair could hardly contain."

General Manager Zhou Shutong released her hand. "I wonder which prestigious university cultivated such a top student?"

"Renmin University, Economics," Su Qinghan replied concisely. "I was accepted into a master's program for Political Economy this year, but I didn't go."

Upon hearing this, the light in General Manager Zhou Shutong's eyes intensified.

A background in economics from a prestigious university, combined with this level of composure—she was exactly the kind of rare, talented leader needed in the capital market.

"Are you interested in working at our investment bank?"

"The salary and benefits I can offer you are guaranteed to be more than ten times better than what you have at the Discipline Inspection Commission."

Faced with such generous terms, an ordinary person would have been tempted long ago.

Yet, Su Qinghan did not even raise an eyebrow.

"Thank you for your high regard, General Manager Zhou Shutong."

"My ambitions lie elsewhere. Although the work at the Discipline Inspection Commission is arduous, I prefer to stay there and do more practical good for the grassroots people. Money cannot buy the clarity of the rule of law."

This refusal was crisp and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.

General Manager Zhou Shutong was not angry; instead, she felt a sense of mutual appreciation.

"You and Secretary Zhu are cut from the same cloth," General Manager Zhou Shutong sighed lightly. "You still have some misunderstandings about how our investment bank operates. Capital is not entirely a tool for exploitation; if guided properly, it can also benefit the region. Actually, if you were an outsider, you would be better able to help him."

After saying this, she took out a business card and handed it over with both hands.

It was a white card with a minimalist design.

The front was printed with a name and a phone number, while the back only bore the name of the investment bank.

"I'll leave you my card. Whenever you've thought it through, feel free to call me."

Su Qinghan accepted it with both hands and tucked it neatly into her handbag.

"Thank you, General Manager Zhou Shutong."

The two women were chatting happily in the corner, while on the other side, the conversation between Zhu Wenhao and Shen Zhe was also getting down to business.

"Secretary, those classmates you selected earlier have all successfully entered the key positions within the provincial-level departments."

Shen Zhe lowered his voice as he reported on recent progress.

"The Development and Reform Commission, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Water Resources—we have established roots in all the key entry points."

"Everyone will basically transition to section-level positions early next year and be included in the reserve cadre training lists of their respective units."

This was a covert layout named the "Seedling Project."

During his training in the Spark Class, Zhu Wenhao had observed coldly and selected a group of young people from humble backgrounds who lacked complex connections but possessed great practical talent.

The children of powerful families all had their own paths, but these children from humble families were the ones who most needed a springboard.

What Zhu Wenhao wanted to do was to be the person who provided that springboard.

By scattering these people out, over the years, they would grow into towering trees and eventually converge into an incredibly powerful force.

"Well done," Zhu Wenhao affirmed. "This small-scale Seedling Project is the foundation of our long-term strategy. You must constantly monitor their growth trajectory, and if they encounter insurmountable barriers, report them to me immediately."

To manage people, one must bestow favors; only by providing a bright future can one reap loyal, unwavering devotion.

"Of course, I have also kept your affairs in mind."

"I will speak with Minister Xiao later. Taking advantage of this personnel adjustment, I will transfer you from Division Two to the First Division."

"Next year, if there is a suitable opportunity, we will confirm your substantive deputy section-level position."

After hearing this, Shen Zhe nodded repeatedly.

"Thank you, Secretary, for your cultivation." Shen Zhe quickly expressed his stance. "The group has been scattered for so long, and everyone has been wanting to get together, but with so much work on hand, we haven't been able to find a suitable time."

"There is no time like the present," Zhu Wenhao instructed. "Send out a notice later, have everyone pick a quiet place tonight, and let's all get together for a meal. While you're at it, get a feel for how they are doing in their new units."

As the two were discussing the evening's arrangements, a tall figure holding a glass of red wine walked over.

It was Study Committee Member Cao Rui.

"Secretary, what are you and the Life Committee Member plotting here in secret?"

"Tell us so we can all share in it."

Zhu Wenhao's expression remained unchanged: "You are joking, Study Committee Member. We were just discussing some interesting anecdotes from our remote county that aren't worth mentioning in polite society."

"Secretary, you are too modest." Study Committee Member Cao Rui swirled his wine glass. "There have been quite some movements over there lately. Those grand actions of yours in Heishi Town, so thunderous and powerful—not only in Qingjiang County, but even in Jingjiang City, people have heard about them."

Zhu Wenhao took the opportunity to ask in return: "I am merely a deputy secretary of a grassroots town committee, just making minor moves. How could that attract the attention of Jingjiang City?"

"Well, 'heard about' might be an exaggeration." Study Committee Member Cao Rui dropped his joking demeanor. "It was my uncle who mentioned you during a casual conversation over the past two days."

Study Committee Member Cao Rui's uncle was none other than the current Deputy Secretary Cao Hang of the Jingjiang Municipal Committee.

For a deputy secretary of a provincial capital city to pay special attention to the actions of a township cadre, there must be some higher-level exchange of interests involved.

"My uncle wants to meet you." Study Committee Member Cao Rui revealed his trump card. "After the banquet is over, you will come with me to his home."

"Alright." Zhu Wenhao agreed crisply.

The balance of power in Jingjiang City was shifting drastically.

The current mayor, Dong Rui, had reached the age limit, and the days until he stepped back to the second line were numbered. This vacant mayoral throne had become a piece of fat that all parties were fighting over with bloodshot eyes.

As the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Deputy Secretary Cao Hang was naturally among them.

The trouble was that Secretary Gao Zhiyuan of the Jingjiang Municipal Committee had other plans. He favored Executive Vice Mayor Wang Jianming to succeed to the position and had secured the support of Deputy Secretary Yang Jianhua of the Provincial Party Committee for this, firmly suppressing Deputy Secretary Cao Hang's path to promotion.

To break the deadlock, Deputy Secretary Cao Hang had no choice but to lean towards Secretary Lao Liguo of the Provincial Party Committee.

But he lacked a channel that could reach the highest authorities.

And Zhu Wenhao, backed by Minister Xiao Dingyu of the Provincial Organization Department, was exactly the mouthpiece that Deputy Secretary Cao Hang currently needed.

Having the younger generation, Study Committee Member Cao Rui, extend the invitation was a measured and appropriate approach.

Zhu Wenhao was happy to have an additional powerful ally. In the grand game of Jiangnan Province, being able to tie the Deputy Secretary of the Jingjiang Municipal Committee to his own chariot had obvious benefits.

"Study Committee Member." After accepting the invitation, Zhu Wenhao casually threw out a question. "Are you interested in coming to Linjiang City for some training?"

This question left Study Committee Member Cao Rui stunned on the spot.

He was currently working in the Jingjiang Municipal Government; it looked glamorous, but in reality, he was walking on thin ice. Executive Vice Mayor Wang Jianming and Deputy Secretary Cao Hang were at odds like fire and water, so one could imagine how difficult it was for him to make a living working under Executive Vice Mayor Wang Jianming.

Zhu Wenhao's solicitation struck right at his weak point.

Linjiang City was undergoing a power restructuring, which was the perfect time to make achievements. Escaping the quagmire of Jingjiang City to go to Linjiang City and build a new career was extremely tempting.

Study Committee Member Cao Rui's fingers tightened around his wine glass. He did not easily respond; for the children of great families, their moves and retreats were never entirely up to themselves.

"Secretary, this matter is of great consequence." Study Committee Member Cao Rui maintained a polite posture. "Some things still require my uncle to make the final decision."

After saying this, he turned and left with his wine glass.

Shen Zhe spoke up at the right moment: "Secretary, then I will go and finalize the location and time for the evening gathering with the Seedling Project members."

Zhu Wenhao nodded, and Shen Zhe walked away with long strides.

With the idlers dispersed, Zhu Wenhao turned and walked toward the location where Su Qinghan and General Manager Zhou Shutong were.

The atmosphere of their conversation was harmonious; General Manager Zhou Shutong, a usually picky powerhouse, had a very favorable impression of Su Qinghan.

Having seen too many timid employees, it was truly rare to find a woman like Su Qinghan, who had unique insights into macroeconomics and market laws, and who could stick to her principles without being swayed by great profit.

Zhu Wenhao approached a few steps and joined the conversation at the right moment.

"General Manager Zhou Shutong." Zhu Wenhao threw out a topic. "Regarding the mining development and deep processing project we discussed last time, we can set a specific time next week to have a formal meeting at the Heishi Town Government."

General Manager Zhou Shutong withdrew from the relaxation of private socializing and switched back to the shrewdness of a businesswoman: "No problem. I will have my assistant arrange the schedule as soon as possible."

She was about to make a few introductory remarks regarding the specific investment amount.

The crystal lights at the front of the hall dimmed, and a soft spotlight shone on the center of the stage.

The emcee took the microphone, and a high-pitched, clear voice echoed through the banquet hall.

"Distinguished guests, please take your seats. The engagement ceremony is about to begin."