Chapter 776 - 745: Advancing by Retreating
Zhang Hengyang said, "They say us businessmen are pragmatic, but in reality, the people within the system are the most pragmatic. In the face of political achievement, there is no retreat. Even the best of friends, if they think you’re blocking their path, they will not hesitate to turn the gun on you."
Xu Chunliang thought to himself that his actions to prevent Mingde Group from settling on Weishan Island might have affected Qin Zhengyang’s political achievements. Today, he argued with Fu Guomin on principle, and if he insisted on putting Zhang Hengyang’s name on the barbecue festival, it would affect Fu Guomin’s political achievements.
Zhang Hengyang said, "When the weather is cold, and you light the first fire, people will gather around to add firewood and warm themselves, but you might not be able to occupy the best spot. As the fire grows larger and more people gather, by then few may remember that you were the one who started it. In such situations, it’s best to just enjoy the warmth, let others add wood, and keep a safe distance. If the fire gets out of control, at least you won’t be the one getting burned."
Xu Chunliang chuckled, "You’re advising me to look out for myself."
Zhang Hengyang smiled, "Looking out for oneself is better than setting oneself on fire. Our ancestors were wise; in times of peace, think of danger. When everyone else is gathering for warmth, we should consider what to do if the fire spreads."
Xu Chunliang said, "President Zhang, after listening to you tonight, my mind has cleared."
Zhang Hengyang laughed heartily, "With your abilities, any choice you make will eventually put you in a favorable position. People are different; some are born to ride the waves, while others prefer to go with the flow. You just asked me if the barbecue town could work out. Since Director Fan was present, I couldn’t speak too frankly. More than one person wants to reap the benefits. Now everyone is eyeing that big, red peach, but no one has considered whether it’s actually tasty. The peaches created by the influencer economy are no different from those artificially ripened. If it is indeed a peach, it’s fine, but if it’s a hot potato, you won’t be able to throw it away once you get hold of it."
Xu Chunliang thought to himself that although he has lived two lives, he still doesn’t understand the system as deeply as Zhang Hengyang. This person has a unique perspective, and his timely departure from Da Heng’s mess proves his exceptional foresight.
Xu Chunliang said, "To be honest, the reason I prevented Mingde Group from settling is because Mingde Group and our Huichun Hall have some grievances."
Zhang Hengyang said, "Da Heng is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. Without new capital injection, Da Heng’s project on Weishan Island will go to waste. If that happens, the leaders of Hu Shan Town, Weishan County, and even the overseeing leaders in Dongzhou will be held accountable. Mingde Group’s appearance not only brings hope to Da Heng but also allows these involved parties to breathe a sigh of relief. If you block this project’s settlement, you’ll face more than just Da Heng and Mingde Group."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’ve thought about it. I’m not against someone investing in Da Heng."
Zhang Hengyang said, "The conditions Mingde offered are ones Da Heng can’t refuse. I don’t think anyone can provide better terms. Da Heng currently has many projects, so why did President Zhou come personally? The conditions are one reason, but another crucial reason is that President Zhou and Secretary Zhou are from the same hometown and have known each other since childhood."
Zhang Hengyang’s signal was clear enough. In fact, Mingde Group has already compromised, changing the original tripartite cooperation to a bilateral one, with Renhe Hall being kicked out. This was a necessary choice for Mingde Group since keeping Renhe Hall on board would lead to more troubles in the future, given that Xu Chunliang is the trademark owner of Renhe Hall.
Xu Chunliang said, "I just don’t understand why Mingde Group would invest so heavily in the Hot Spring Town project? From a business perspective, is the future return extremely lucrative?"
Zhang Hengyang sighed, "I don’t get it either. Including Equatorial Capital teaming up with Mu Tian Group to take over the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital project, the most likely scenario is that the state will release related support policies. But I haven’t heard any news at all."
The two parted ways at the junction ahead.
Xu Chunliang wasn’t far from home and when he returned, he saw that Mei Ru Xue had come over to help Elder Qiao pack his things. Upon asking, he found out that Elder Qiao planned to return tomorrow.
The two elders were chatting together.
Mei Ru Xue packed the suitcase and called Xu Chunliang to the rooftop terrace, speaking softly, "Have you been in contact with Qi Shuang these past two days?"
Xu Chunliang shook his head. Elder Qiao had insisted on keeping the matter of Qi Shuang and Qiao Rulong’s son confidential, even from Mei Ru Xue.
Mei Ru Xue said, "I think my grandfather’s going back has something to do with her."
Xu Chunliang thought to himself, that is certainly the case. Elder Qiao is going back to address this issue personally. To make Ye Changyuan swallow his pride, Elder Ye would have to step in.
Xu Chunliang said, "When an old general sets out, he counts for two. Don’t worry about him."
Mei Ru Xue said, "How could I not worry? My grandfather dotes on my elder brother the most and placed great hopes on him. This setback is unprecedented. Although outwardly he seems fine, he is deeply saddened inside."
Xu Chunliang thought, there is no greater sorrow than a heart that is dead. Qiao Rulong’s current situation has turned all of Elder Qiao’s painstaking efforts into mere illusions, and Elder Qiao has lost hope for the future.
Xu Chunliang comforted Mei Ru Xue, "Don’t worry, with me here, and relying on Huichun Hall’s ancestral secret recipe, your brother will certainly recover as usual."
Although Mei Ru Xue knew he was capable, her brother’s encounter wasn’t a common accident. Even his heart was replaced, so recovery to his past state seemed improbable. Mei Ru Xue said, "Now, I just hope for his safety and well-being. The Qiao family can’t withstand another storm."
Xu Chunliang said, "We’ll take it one step at a time. There’s a saying: when a situation reaches its extreme, it naturally reverses course. From now on, good fortune should be continuous."
Mei Ru Xue gave a bitter smile and said, "Good luck? If the bomb that is Qi Shuang explodes, not only will my brother be unable to recover, but even the Qiao Family will lose face."
Xu Chunliang replied, "In your circle, isn’t this kind of thing quite normal?"
Mei Ru Xue punched him on the shoulder angrily, "Watch what you say!" In reality, she knew that Xu Chunliang was speaking the truth.
Xu Chunliang said, "Elder Ye is someone with a strategic outlook. I think he wouldn’t turn against your family over this matter."
Mei Ru Xue said, "In the past, maybe not; but now, with my brother in this condition, in many people’s eyes, he’s no different from being useless."
Everything Mei Ru Xue said reflected the harsh reality. Elder Qiao paved the way for Qiao Rulong, and Qiao Rulong’s path within the system should have been smooth if it weren’t for his car accident. Even if the Qi Shuang matter had come to the Ye Family’s attention, they would likely weigh the pros and cons and choose to handle it discreetly, maintaining this marriage alliance. However, this car accident could well end Qiao Rulong’s political career. The Ye Family sees no future or value in him, so how could they be willing to continue to tie their daughter to him?
Xu Chunliang said, "Actually, your brother’s situation isn’t as bleak as you think."
Mei Ru Xue said, "Of course, I believe that, but the key is whether the Ye Family believes it." She looked at Xu Chunliang and said, "Chunliang, I want to ask you for a favor."
Seeing the hesitation and conflict in her eyes, Xu Chunliang understood what she wanted him to do and softly said, "Your matter is my matter."
Mei Ru Xue said, "I want you to accompany Grandpa back to Beijing. First, you can help take care of him, and second, your close relationship with Elder Ye might help in easing the situation."
Xu Chunliang said, "Alright, I’ll go."
A knowing smile appeared on Mei Ru Xue’s lovely face, filled with warmth.
"But I have one condition."
The smile on Mei Ru Xue’s face vanished instantly. A condition? He dares to set conditions with me?
Xu Chunliang pointed to his lips.
Mei Ru Xue’s face turned red, and she spat, "You’re taking advantage of the situation, how shameless."
Despite her words, she obediently nestled into his arms, lifted her lovely face, and let him kiss her cherry lips.
Mei Ru Xue felt that Xu Chunliang’s embrace was her warmest haven. No matter what upheaval occurred, as long as he was by her side, nothing would be a problem.
After a long kiss, Xu Chunliang finally let her go.
Mei Ru Xue’s face was flushed, her heart was racing, and even her breath was rapid. She tidied her appearance; Xu Chunliang’s hands weren’t behaving themselves, either. The two old masters were keen observers, and if they saw anything, it would be mortifying.
Mei Ru Xue whispered, "I’ll go take a shower and change clothes first. You go tell Grandpa."
Xu Chunliang remembered the barbecue town issue, as Mei Ru Xue was now the deputy director of the High-Tech Zone Management Committee, and she should know something about it.
After listening, Mei Ru Xue gave her opinion. She had been away studying recently, so she was not clear about the High-Tech Zone’s construction of a barbecue town. However, she could conclude that it was a political performance project. Although Geng Wenjun went to the city, he still doubled as the secretary of the High-tech Zone Party Working Committee. In such a situation, Xu Chunliang’s choice to lay low was the right one.
Mei Ru Xue herself didn’t want to vie for such political achievements. She still had a month left of her study period and planned to return in a few days.
Regarding the views on the internet celebrity economy, Mei Ru Xue and Zhang Hengyang shared similar opinions. She also believed that Dongzhou Barbecue would eventually lose its heat, and once the hype died down, it might face a mess, and someone would surely have to pay for it.
As for Mingde Group’s capital injection into Da Heng Group, Mei Ru Xue also gave her opinion that Mingde Group’s investment wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If Mingde Group was a wolf, there were two ways to deal with it: one was to reject it outright, and the other was to let it in and then fight it.
Directly rejecting it would definitely affect many people’s interests; after letting it in, once everyone recognized it as a wolf, they could band together to fight it.
Even Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but admire Mei Ru Xue’s political instincts. However, he didn’t believe Mingde Group was genuinely investing. There was surely some unknown conspiracy behind the investment. To expose Mingde Group’s plot, it seemed they had to first take a step back and wait for them to show their true colors.