54: Chapter 54 Meng Zhaodi Refuses Unspoken Rules

Niu Panlong said, "Stop the work for now. Let their personnel from the Archaeological Research Institute enter the site first; we'll see whether they actually dig or not later."

Shen Meizhu rolled her eyes, immediately understanding his intention. This was a delaying tactic; the investigation team would leave on the 30th, and by then, they could resume construction. A loss of one or two hundred thousand was nothing.

"Alright, I'll listen to the Mayor." Shen Meizhu gave a coquettish smile and secretly pinched his waist. "I listen to you for everything, when will you listen to me for once?"

Niu Panlong gazed at this sexy and beautiful seductress with a beaming smile: "Haven't I listened to you enough?"

"Regarding the Chaojiang Bridge, I've invested in a first-class road and bridge company, so I want..." She glanced around the room, saw the curtains were drawn, and suddenly leaned forward, thrusting out her towering breasts while biting her bright red lips. Her expression was seductive and bewitching, utterly flirtatious.

Niu Panlong's heart surged, but his head remained clear: "I've already told you about the Chaojiang Bridge matter..."

"You said you would treat me well for the rest of your life, that you would follow my every word, and made solemn vows. The night before last, upstairs, you were whispering sweet nothings—have you forgotten so quickly?" She rubbed her warm, sexy, and bare fair leg against him.

Niu Panlong suppressed his intense urge and said, "Meizhu, you need to talk to Zhang Huaijing about this. He is the Executive Deputy Team Leader, and he is in charge of the specific project matters."

"Hateful, you're just passing the buck." Shen Meizhu pushed him away, then pulled him back, bringing the two of them even closer. Her eyes, adorned with long lashes, were filled with lust, glistening and ready to overflow. "Leader, you must take real, concrete, action!"

Niu Panlong was teased until his blood boiled, wishing he could immediately...

He stared at her like a wolf eyeing its prey: "Let's do it later, and then I'll take real, concrete action!"

"And then?" She gazed at him with shy coquetry.

"Then we'll have a deep exchange and discussion..."

"You're so annoying." She feigned shyness and playfully hit him.

Their relationship was basically an open secret within the circle, so sometimes when the mood struck, they didn't bother to hide it. Back in 2007, such things were still relatively common.

The two of them flirted and messed around for a while before returning to the banquet together.

Wrapped in a wave of fragrance, Shen Meizhu sat down beside Zhang Huaijing, smiled sweetly, and raised her glass: "Secretary Zhang, this little woman would like to toast you again. Please take care of me."

"You're too polite, President Shen." Zhang Huaijing drank a glass with her.

This woman had an excellent tolerance for alcohol.

Shen Meizhu said, "Secretary Zhang, the Mayor just gave instructions. I'll do you a favor, Secretary; I'll stop the work on the Ancient County Government Office project for now. You can have the Archaeological Research Institute go in and conduct their tests."

"Thank you for your support, President Shen."

"Then you must support me too." Shen Meizhu raised her glass again.

Zhang Huaijing said with a chuckle, "You are a famous local entrepreneur and a People's Congress representative, so of course I must support you."

"When will the new design plan for the Chaojiang Bridge go to tender? As a local entrepreneur and People's Congress representative, I can't wait to contribute to my hometown." Shen Meizhu appeared somewhat impatient.

"Oh, it won't be that fast. The design and budget estimates both need to be readjusted."

"When the time comes, don't forget about me, Secretary Zhang."

Zhang Huaijing nodded with a smile: "At that time, you are welcome to participate in the bidding."

After eating and drinking their fill, the group went to the dance hall downstairs to dance.

As expected, Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai only wanted to dance with Minister Meng Zhaodi.

Minister Meng Zhaodi was unhappy in her heart, but she had to accept the invitation and accompanied him for a dance with a smile on her face.

Her body was somewhat stiff, and she felt particularly awkward being held by the waist. When she turned her head and saw Zhang Huaijing dancing happily with Shen Meizhu, she felt even more uncomfortable.

Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai spun around, pulled her closer, and asked with a smile, "Minister Zhaodi, you seem distracted?"

"Not at all, I just drank too much earlier, and I'm feeling a bit unwell." Minister Meng Zhaodi smiled and brushed it off.

"Where are you feeling unwell?" Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai asked with concern, his gaze falling onto her high, prominent chest.

She blushed, shook her head, and said, "My stomach is uncomfortable."

His gaze then fell to her lower abdomen; every woman understands what was in those eyes.

Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai said, "It's fine, just dancing will make it better; it cures all ailments."

She smiled awkwardly.

Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai looked at her gently and said, "You and your husband have been living apart for years. If you get sick or have a fever, there's no one to take care of you. It's truly been hard on you for the sake of the organization's work."

"It's alright, I'm used to it. In fact, I feel quite free." Minister Meng Zhaodi appeared calm and composed, rather than following his lead.

Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai said, "If there's an opportunity, you should still transfer back to the provincial capital. Otherwise, if this continues for long, your home won't feel like a home."

"Thank you for your concern, Minister, but it's very difficult."

"Actually, it's not difficult." Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai gazed at her with tender affection, his eyes conveying a dark glimmer of lust and transaction.

His belly was a bit large, and if he didn't intentionally pull it in, it would always touch her body, making her feel offended. She could only step back a little.

Having been in the officialdom for many years, Minister Meng Zhaodi couldn't say she was immune to all evils, but she was certainly accustomed to such things. That she had managed to avoid submitting to other men until now was entirely due to her self-respecting character and having a father-in-law who had served as a Vice Governor. However, her father-in-law had long since retired and could no longer help her climb the career ladder.

She would have to walk the path ahead on her own. Although she was in her early forties, she had a good figure and skin, like a perfectly ripe peach—gentle, charming, and full of allure. She was very much liked by men in their fifties.

Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai had always liked her very much, and his hints were becoming increasingly obvious. If she wanted to transfer to the Provincial Organization Department or the Human Resources Department, she had to pay with something precious first.

Minister Meng Zhaodi felt disgusted when she saw his protruding beer belly, his increasingly thinning hair, and his look of being refined yet hypocritical. Dancing was already the limit of what she could do. She suppressed her inner discomfort, smiled, and said, "Let fate decide."

When the dance ended, Minister Meng Zhaodi used her discomfort as an excuse to go to the restroom. When she returned, Deputy Minister Xue Zhongkai was already dancing with Shen Meizhu.

She felt a sense of relief, and Zhang Huaijing's hand was already extended: "This young lady, may I have the honor of a dance with you?"

Minister Meng Zhaodi chuckled and said, "Alright, young man!"

"I am a middle-aged young lady, remember that." Minister Meng Zhaodi said in a lecturing tone.

"Then I am a dashing young man. A man can sail through a thousand sails and still return as a youth."

"That's true, Secretary Zhang, you don't even have wrinkles on your face. Look at me, crow's feet and laugh lines have all appeared."

Under the shining colored lights, tiny wrinkles were faintly visible on her slightly plump face.

"There isn't a single wrinkle, only endless charm."

Minister Meng Zhaodi gave a coquettish smile: "Secretary, you are not a youth, you are a saucy youth."

Zhang Huaijing laughed out loud.

Minister Meng Zhaodi laughed along with him, feeling extremely happy.

This dance was a slow waltz. Minister Meng Zhaodi let herself go, spinning around many times in Zhang Huaijing's arms, turning until she was covered in fragrant sweat, her heart blooming with joy.