144: Chapter 144 Roads and Connections Lead to Success

First came the appetizing stewed bird's nest with pear, followed by stewed old duck with cordyceps flowers, and then delicacies from land and sea such as Australian lobster sashimi, South African dried abalone, and wild large yellow croaker were served one after another.

Every dish was meticulously plated, complete in color, aroma, and taste, truly a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Director Lu Guoqiang surveyed the room with satisfaction, cast an approving glance at Xiao Jia, and whispered, "The old leader loves red wine the most; go and fetch that bottle of French Bordeaux I keep in my private collection."

Xiao Jia nodded in understanding, her skirt tracing a graceful arc as she turned.

Before long, Xiao Jia returned, personally cradling an exquisite oak wine box.

A professional sommelier carefully opened the expensive vintage, the deep red liquid swirling in the decanter and releasing a rich aroma of fruit and oak.

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui took the glass, swirled it gently, and admired the beautiful legs of the wine under the light. After taking a small sip, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Good wine! Director Lu Guoqiang, you really understand my taste."

"It is enough that it satisfies you, old leader."

Director Lu Guoqiang responded humbly, catching a glimpse of Xiao Jia's unconcealable joy out of the corner of his eye.

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui added meaningfully, "Manager Xiao is indeed thorough in her work; she is a rare talent."

These words made Xiao Jia's cheeks flush slightly, and she quickly bowed to express her gratitude.

When the wine was half consumed, the conversation gradually turned to business.

Li Dakang took a beautifully bound project proposal from his briefcase and reported in detail on the blueprint for the Guantian Township "Village-to-Village Connectivity Project."

"Uncle Cao."

Li Dakang said in a sincere and firm tone, "Although the township has raised some funds on its own, we are truly stretched thin when facing the 120-kilometer rural road renovation."

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui put down his glass and turned to Director Lu Guoqiang, "Director Lu Guoqiang, you've heard the situation in Guantian Township. This is a great undertaking that benefits both the country and the people; your Department of Transportation must provide strong support."

Director Lu Guoqiang immediately declared, "Please rest assured, old leader, we will definitely cooperate fully."

He turned back to Li Dakang, "Secretary Li, in addition to the provincial matching funds, I suggest we adopt a method of 'rewards in place of subsidies,' providing extra incentives for project sections that progress quickly and maintain high quality."

Li Dakang's eyes gleamed with delight, "Director Lu Guoqiang's suggestion is very professional. We will certainly ensure every penny is well spent."

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui looked at the two of them with gratification and said earnestly, "Li Dakang has drive, and Director Lu Guoqiang has experience; you two should communicate more."

"Especially you, Director Lu Guoqiang, you should learn from the young generation's spirit of daring to think and act."

Upon hearing this, Director Lu Guoqiang's pupils contracted slightly, and his fingers tightened unconsciously around his wine glass.

As a departmental-level official who had been immersed in the political scene for many years, he keenly captured the subtext in Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's words.

For some time, there had been rumors in the province that the reason Vice Governor Cao Jianhui was able to join the Provincial Party Committee was that he had latched onto some big shot in the capital.

Director Lu Guoqiang knew that this rumor was not groundless.

And the young Township Party Secretary before him was very likely the key figure connecting this important network.

Director Lu Guoqiang took a sip of wine calmly, his gaze lingering on Li Dakang for a few seconds longer.

He noticed the calm demeanor revealed in the young man's every gesture; that innate confidence was not something an ordinary grassroots official could possess.

Even more intriguing was that, given Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's current status and position, his attitude toward Li Dakang carried an unspeakable touch of respect?

"Old leader, your eyes are like torches!"

Director Lu Guoqiang immediately adjusted his expression, his face full of sincere smiles, and his voice raised a notch, "Secretary Li is able to govern a region at such a young age; this talent is truly admirable."

"I believe that in time, Secretary Li will surely be able to display his talents in more important positions."

While speaking, he calmly observed Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's reaction.

When he saw the look of approval flash in the old leader's eyes, Director Lu Guoqiang already had a plan in mind.

He secretly made up his mind to take advantage of tonight's opportunity to properly befriend this seemingly ordinary but actually profound young official.

Director Lu Guoqiang raised his glass, "Come, let us toast to a bright tomorrow for the transportation industry of Jiang Province!"

...

The night deepened, but the bright lights remained.

After the dinner party ended, the three of them walked slowly out of the gate of the Transportation Hotel.

The evening breeze carried a hint of chill, but it could not disperse the warm atmosphere that had been brewing during the meal.

Just before getting into the car, Vice Governor Cao Jianhui specifically pulled Director Lu Guoqiang aside.

Using the action of adjusting his collar as a cover, he lowered his voice and said, "Director Lu Guoqiang."

His tone carried the earnestness of an elder.

"Li Dakang is a child worth befriending; his father is in the capital..."

He stopped abruptly at this point, only patting Director Lu Guoqiang's shoulder meaningfully, "You understand what I mean."

Director Lu Guoqiang's heart jolted, and he nodded quickly, "I will keep your guidance in mind, old leader."

He watched Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's official car drive away slowly until its taillights disappeared into the night.

Returning to the hotel lobby, the light from the crystal chandelier stretched Director Lu Guoqiang's shadow long across the floor.

He paused for a moment, replaying every detail of the evening in his mind.

Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's affectionate address to Li Dakang, the knowledge and experience Li Dakang inadvertently revealed in his conversation, and those seemingly casual but actually intriguing dialogues...