It was only five o 'clock in the afternoon when he arrived at Jiangdong City, but it was already dark. The evening lights were on, and the night scene was beautiful. Cars were like winding ribbons, dancing around the bizarre high-rise buildings. And Jiang Donghe was like a giant dragon lying in this ancient city, quietly watching the changes that were happening with each passing day.
Every time Lu Yiwei came to Jiangdong City, he had a different feeling. His biggest feeling was that the city was changing so fast that it was unbelievable. The last time he was here, it was just a deserted open space. Now, high-rise buildings were springing up like mushrooms, testifying to the urbanization of the city.
If the "troika" had boosted China's economy, then China's urbanization had been accelerated by reinforced concrete.
This time, they chose the famous East Lake Club in Jiangdong City. Located next to the East Lake Park in the Guwei District of Jiangdong City, the East Lake Club was famous for its antique charm and custom-made services. It had become a gathering place for high-ranking officials, wealthy businessmen, cultural celebrities, and celebrities.
The reason why the club was located in the East Lake Park was not only because of the beautiful scenery, but also because of an unknown legend. According to the legend, the East Lake Park had existed since Pangu created the world. There lived a giant dragon covered in golden scales. On the day of the summer solstice, the golden dragon would leap into the sky and shake off the golden scales on its body to bless the world and deliver all living beings from suffering. When Tang Taizong, Li Shiming, learned of this, he came here to see the dragon. Unfortunately, no one had ever seen the real body of the golden dragon. Li Shiming ordered that the place be protected and built a temporary palace. He would come here every year to pray for blessings. No one could verify the authenticity of the legend, but the lake was undoubtedly filled with Spiritual Qi. Later, Empress Dowager Cixi was alerted.
When Empress Dowager Cixi fled to the west, she passed by this place and heard the legend. She even took a bath and enjoyed dinner here, which made the East Lake even more famous. Originally, there used to be many temples here, but they were all destroyed during the Qing Dynasty. After the reform and opening up, it was converted into a People's Park and the related ancient buildings were rebuilt on the original site. No one knew when, but some tea houses quietly appeared by the lake. Later, they gradually evolved into private clubs that catered to specific groups of people.
In the East Lake Park, there were dozens of clubs of various sizes. Among them, the Golden Dragon Club and the East Lake Club were the most famous. The Golden Dragon Club was generally not open to the public and was exclusively used by provincial leaders. Ordinary people could not enter unless a leader introduced them. Therefore, the Golden Dragon Club was particularly mysterious and became a place that people yearned for.
East Lake Club, on the other hand, was relatively relaxed, but there was a limit to it. First of all, you have to be a member. If you're not a member, there's nothing to talk about unless someone brings you in. In Dongjiang Province, where the per capita income was less than 1,000 yuan, this place was definitely a luxury. For the Dongjiang Province where the per capita income was less than 1,000 yuan, it was worth. Not to mention whether you were a member or not, just the price alone was enough to make people flinch.
Logically speaking, Zhang Zhiyuan was not qualified to enter such a place at all. He was just a county magistrate. He didn't even look up to the waiters here, let alone other officials. Guo Jinzhu had brought him there once, where he got to know the deputy director of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Xu Cai Mao, and the deputy director of the Provincial Construction Department, Bai Zongfeng. In order to strengthen their friendship, Guo Jinzhu helped him apply for a membership card so that he could have the opportunity to expand his contacts.
After turning left and right, Lu Yiwei found the East Lake Club in a forest full of pine trees. He imagined that it must be a magnificent building with bright lights. He imagined that it must be a magnificently decorated building with dazzling lights. He imagined that it must be a magnificent building with bright lights. There wasn't even a sign at the entrance. There was only an old courtyard house's double doors with dim red lanterns hanging on both sides. That was all.
Lu Yiwei followed Zhang Zhiyuan in after parking the car. Two security guards came to question them. Zhang Zhiyuan told them his membership card number. They confirmed it with the front desk before they let him in.
He still couldn't see his face after entering. The big screen wall was carved with peony bricks that symbolized wealth. Chairman Mao's poem was also engraved in the upper left corner. Under the spotlights, it was dazzling and awe-inspiring.
Walking around the screen wall, there was an antique street lamp every five steps. It looked especially calm. Lu Yiwei was doubtful. Was this the legendary East Lake Club? But his worries were soon dispelled. The sight of the other door was enough to make him dumbfounded.
Another arched door opened. Lu Yiwei was dumbfounded. In the center of the courtyard, a coiled golden dragon was constantly spitting out water. There was also a circle of Pi Xiu around it, greedily sucking the dragon's water like stars surrounding the moon. Four large spotlights were focused on the golden dragon's body, creating quite a visual impact.
There were winding corridors on both sides of the fountain. In front of each pillar stood a beautiful waitress in a red cheongsam, holding lanterns and smiling like peach blossoms. She warmly welcomed every guest.
At this time, two beautiful women walked over and asked in a gentle and elegant manner, "Sir, may I know your room number?"
"Rain Admiration Pavilion," Zhang Zhiyuan answered confidently.
"This way please!" The beautiful waitress elegantly led the way with lanterns.
Lu Yiwei didn't know how he arrived at the Rain Admiration Pavilion. He was completely subdued by the waitress's beauty. He didn't expect to meet such beautiful women after spending so much time in the mountains. It was a feast for his eyes. It was so much that it was a feast for the eyes and dazzled them. Every single attendant was intoxicating and stimulated the hormones of females.
The Rain Admiration Pavilion was a small courtyard house. It was divided into the main house and the east and west rooms. The main house was the dining area. The west room was the living room for people to drink tea, chat, and hold small meetings. The east room was the entertainment area. There was a small wing between the main house and the west room. Lu Yiwei later found out that it was a place for people to rest. There was also a small door between the main house and the east room. As for where it led and what was inside, Lu Yiwei had never entered.
Zhang Zhiyuan went to the west room first. The waitress served tea and snacks. After everything was ready, she left. Lu Yiwei's eyes couldn't take it anymore. He carefully observed every detail. The west room maintained its original style. However, it was renovated. The floor was made of imitation brick and wood. There were soft seats and an exquisite marble coffee table. The windows were carved and decorated. The beams were hand-painted and colorful. When the wooden door was closed, it made a squeaking sound. It had the charm of a Qing dynasty mansion.
Zhang Zhiyuan looked at Lu Yiwei, who was looking around. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. "You haven't been here before, right?"
Lu Yiwei came back to his senses and nodded. "It's my first time here."
"Hehe, you will come often in the future. However, I hope that you can enter the Golden Dragon Clubhouse. That is your goal, "Zhang Zhiyuan said.
Lu Yiwei had no idea about the Golden Dragon Clubhouse. However, after seeing this place, it must be even more dazzling. He didn't say anything. He just nodded.
Zhang Zhiyuan put down the teacup. He leaned on the sofa and crossed his legs. "Today, we will invite Director Xu and Director Bai to a banquet. There is also an important guest. I believe you will be interested."
After hearing that, Lu Yiwei's first instinct was that the important guest might be someone he knew. Who could it be? He racked his brains and carefully went through the people he knew, but he couldn't think of anyone. Could it be Tan Lao? He knew Tan Lao. Zhang Zhiyuan didn't have to be so mysterious. Could it be Tong Huan? Impossible! Who else could it be? He couldn't think of it at the moment.
"Haha …" At this time, a hearty laughter came from outside. Zhang Zhiyuan stood up as if he got an electric shock and went out to welcome the guest.
"Zhiyuan, you are here." Xu Caimao, the deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, walked in with a proud face. He exuded a bearing and authority that a small county magistrate like Zhang Zhiyuan didn't have.
"I just arrived. Director Xu looks good recently. Something good must have happened." Zhang Zhiyuan joked nervously.
"Of course. Director Xu is going to have a meteoric rise soon. Haha." Bai Zongfeng echoed and laughed.
"Don't listen to Old Bai's nonsense. There is no such thing." Xu Caimao said with a smile on his face. It seemed that Bai Zongfeng was right. Something good was coming.
"Little brother Yiwei, how are you?" Xu Caimao greeted Lu Yiwei, who was behind Zhang Zhiyuan, for the first time.
Lu Yiwei was flattered. He took a step forward and shook hands with Xu Caimao. He plucked up his courage and said, "Director Xu, thank you for remembering me. Yiwei is not talented and needs more guidance and encouragement from Director Xu."
"Haha …" Xu Caimao laughed and patted Lu Yiwei's shoulder. "The younger generation will surpass us in time. You have a bright future."
"Come on, let's talk inside." Zhang Zhiyuan led the way and welcomed the two distinguished guests into the west room. Lu Yiwei followed them in. He was sweating all over, not knowing if he was scared or excited.
Xu Caimao sat on the sofa casually with a smile on his face. He watched the waiter's every move with a smile, but he didn't show any greed. If it were the officials of Nanyang County, their eyes would have popped out. Some of them even took action. This was the quality of a provincial official. Being able to sit still and not panic was the quality of a provincial official.
Before they started chatting, a series of footsteps came in. Bai Zongfeng, who was sitting in the middle, pricked up his ears and listened carefully. He smiled and said, "It must be Zhenyu."
Although Lu Yiwei didn't know who the other party was, he still stood up and went out to greet him. As soon as he opened the door, a middle-aged man in a navy blue coat came in and said with a smile, "Old Bai, you're really not a good friend. You only informed me after four o 'clock. I was in a hurry and almost missed the good thing. Haha."
"Isn't it just three people are missing one? You're just in time. Don't go back on your words tonight. Whoever does will have to pay for this meal!" Bai Zongfeng pretended to be serious.
Zhang Zhiyuan, who had a lower rank, said, "As long as the leaders are happy, I'll pay for this meal!"
"Zhiyuan, don't worry about it. You must make our Director Deng bleed tonight." Bai Zongfeng pointed at Zhang Zhiyuan.
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