Jindu Hotel. The 60th birthday of the City Political Consultative Conference Vice-Chairman, Yang Jian, was held at the Jindu Hotel. He didn't spend a large sum of money to book the entire floor of the hotel, nor did he put on a big show. Yang Jian only booked three private rooms in the hotel and held his sixtieth birthday in a low-key manner. For someone like him, who was once the secretary of the county committee and was still the Vice-Chairman of the City Political Consultative Conference, this kind of sixtieth birthday was too simple. Yang Hong and the other children wanted to organize it for their father, but Yang Jian tactfully refused. Especially when he heard from his daughter that Chen Xing would be attending, Yang Jian insisted on holding his sixtieth birthday in a low-key manner.
However, being low-key didn't mean being dull. Tonight, Yang Jian's face was glowing, and he was full of mettle. Yang Jian sat in the only VIP room out of the five private rooms. At this moment, the person chatting and laughing with Yang Jian was his colleague from the City Political Consultative Conference, Xu Dongxu, who was also the Vice-Chairman of the City Political Consultative Conference. Unlike Yang Jian, Xu Dongxu didn't have a strong presence in Nanzhou City's bureaucracy. Before becoming the Vice-Chairman of the City Political Consultative Conference, he had never worked in the system. He was a businessman through and through.
Xu Dongxu didn't have much influence in the political world, but he had a certain amount of weight in Nanzhou City's business world. This title of Vice-Chairman of the City Political Consultative Conference was more or less earned by him with money. He didn't have any power in his hands. The City Political Consultative Conference had eight Vice-Chairmen, and Xu Dongxu was ranked last. Therefore, it was obvious what was going on with his title of Vice-Chairman.
Xu Dongxu rarely attended meetings of the City Political Consultative Conference. Of course, he would always attend important meetings symbolically, but in short, Xu Dongxu's title was just for show. It was used to make his business less troublesome and more convenient. Take a simple example. Once he held the title of Vice-Chairman of the City Political Consultative Conference, all sorts of evil people wouldn't dare come to his company to take advantage of him. Xu Dongxu had a good relationship with Yang Jian in the City Political Consultative Conference.
Xu Dongxu only had a good relationship with Yang Jian in the Municipal Political Consultative Conference. The others could only be regarded as nodding acquaintances. Therefore, Xu Dongxu came without hesitation when Yang Jian invited him for his 60th birthday. He even arrived early and meticulously prepared a gift. He knew that Yang Jian liked to play with jade, so he specially ordered a jade artifact from Yunnan. It was an inkstone polished from jade, and the words "Longevity as the Southern Mountain" were engraved on it. Don't underestimate it just because it was a small inkstone. It cost Xu Dongxu around five hundred thousand yuan. Although the quality of the jade was not considered top-notch, it was still considered excellent.
Yang Jian said that Xu Dongxu was spending too much. He liked to play with jade, so naturally, he had the corresponding judgment. Yang Jian could roughly estimate the price of the inkstone Xu Dongxu gave him. He guessed that it would be several hundred thousand. Although his estimate wasn't too accurate, it was still reasonable. Therefore, Yang Jian smiled and said that he didn't dare to accept it. Xu Dongxu wanted him to make a mistake.
"Dong Xu, take this inkstone back later. I won't accept it. Don't make me make a mistake." Yang Jian said to Xu Dongxu with a smile. At this time, there were only the two of them in the room, so Yang Jian spoke very casually. The two of them had a good relationship to begin with. Tonight was a joyous occasion, so the two of them treated it as a normal conversation.
"I don't like this thing. If you want me to take it back, it's just a useless decoration in my house. If you really don't want it, then I'll just throw it into the trash can later." Xu Dongxu said unhappily. Five hundred thousand was nothing in his eyes. He might not be considered one of the richest people in Nanzhou City, but he was still one of the wealthiest people in the family. This bit of money was just a drop in the bucket for him. Furthermore, Xu Dongxu gave Yang Jian such a generous gift without any intention of bribing him. Yang Jian had already retired to the second line of work, so he wasn't of much help to Xu Dongxu. Xu Dongxu gave this gift purely out of the friendship between the two of them.
"Dong Xu, you're purposely making things difficult for me." Yang Jian smiled bitterly and pointed at Xu Dongxu. He knew that Xu Dongxu was speaking the truth. Xu Dongxu didn't play with jade. If this jade inkstone was placed in Xu Dongxu's hands, it would probably be placed in some corner and never see the light of day. If it were him, he would definitely want to play with it every day. At this moment, holding it in his hand, he already couldn't bear to part with it.
"Old Yang, don't dawdle. This isn't something valuable. It's just something to pass the time. Look at your conflicted expression, it's making my balls ache." Xu Dongxu pursed his lips. "If you think I'm bribing you, then I won't say anything else. I'll immediately take this thing and leave."
"Alright, alright, I'll accept it." Yang Jian hurriedly waved his hands. Since Xu Dongxu had already said so, if he still didn't accept it, the other party would become anxious. The key point was that Yang Jian really couldn't bear to part with this inkstone. For a person like him who liked to play with jade, it was really difficult to part with something like this. Moreover, he was going to step down from his position as the Vice Chairman of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference in March this year.
It was no big deal to accept this gift as a gift from a friend. After deciding to accept this gift, Yang Jian's mood became even better. He smiled at Xu Dongxu and said, "Dong Xu, it's not that I want to nag at you, but you're already in your fifties. Not to mention, you're a successful person with status and status. You need to watch your words. If you keep saying 'balls ache' outside, it'll affect your image too much.
Why do you care so much? In this day and age, those so-called successful people who pretend to be well-mannered and courteous are actually cultured scum in their bones. It's more practical to be straightforward like us. " Xu Dongxu said without a care in the world. He was a straightforward person and didn't like to chew on words. He had always been casual with his words.
Looking at the time, Xu Dongxu saw that there weren't any guests in the private room yet. He couldn't help but ask, "Old Yang, who did you invite tonight? Will Chairman Liu Qinglan come?"
"I'm afraid she won't. With my old face, I don't have enough face to make her come. She'll probably just send her secretary over to congratulate us." Yang Jian smiled and shook his head. The Liu Qinglan that Xu Dongxu mentioned was the Chairman of the Chinese Political Consultative Conference. She was the only female leader of the four departments. Yang Jian wasn't close to her, so he didn't expect her to come tonight.
"I'm guessing she won't come either." Xu Dongxu had a look of deep thought. Liu Qinglan had always put on airs.
Even if she didn't come, someone else would. Heh, he didn't expect her to come anyway. A glint flashed across Yang Jian's eyes. Up until now, he hadn't told anyone that Chen Xing would be coming. It wasn't that he didn't care about his reputation, but he couldn't feel at ease until he saw Chen Xing himself. Even though Chen Xing had promised to come, Chen Xing was the mayor after all. If something urgent happened and he couldn't make it, then he would end up as a joke if he boasted that the mayor would attend his birthday banquet.
"What's wrong? Did Old Yang invite some important guests tonight?" Xu Dongxu asked curiously after hearing the hidden meaning in Yang Jian's words.
"Yes, there are some important guests, but nothing has been set in stone yet. I don't dare to say it now, lest I end up shooting myself in the foot." Yang Jian smiled and shook his head, keeping his mouth shut tight.
As the two of them chatted, the number of guests gradually increased. Xu Dongxu came early to chat with Yang Jian. As the time of the banquet drew closer, the guests started to arrive one after another.
Yang Jian didn't invite many guests tonight. He had booked a total of five private rooms, three large rooms and two small VIP rooms. Each of the large rooms had two tables, while the remaining two small VIP rooms only had one table each. There were eight tables in total, and the number 'eight' was undoubtedly a sign of good luck.
Of the two small VIP rooms, only guests with status had the right to sit in them. At this moment, Xu Dongxu and Yang Jian were sitting in one of the VIP rooms.
Among the guests tonight, other than some of Yang Jian's former subordinates and leaders in Qingyuan County, the rest were his colleagues from the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, and the rest were his children's friends and some relatives.
Yang Jian had already put away the jade inkstone that Xu Dongxu gave him. The private room was already bustling with noise and excitement. Qingyuan County's Mayor, Li Minghua, had also arrived. As for the county's Party Secretary, He Kaiyuan, he didn't come. He was not on the same side as Yang Jian, so there was no need for him to attend Yang Jian's sixtieth birthday. However, Yang Jian was once the old Party Secretary of Qingyuan County, so He Kaiyuan couldn't pretend to be indifferent to him.
Li Minghua and Li Minghua entered almost at the same time. The two of them didn't come at the same time, but they just happened to arrive at almost the same time. This could only be considered a coincidence. The two of them came in one after the other and didn't have much interaction. It was obvious that He Kaiyuan and Li Minghua's relationship wasn't that good. As He Kaiyuan's representative, Li Minghua naturally couldn't be too intimate with Li Minghua.
The moment Li Minghua entered, he smiled and wished Yang Jian a happy birthday. Old Secretary, I wish you happiness as boundless as the East Sea, longevity as long as the South Mountain, and good health every year.
Li Minghua had arrived. When Yang Jian saw Li Minghua, the smile on his face deepened. His gaze swept over Lin Yuan, who was beside him, and Yang Jian nodded lightly.
Old Secretary, Secretary He asked me to wish you a happy birthday. Lin Yuan had a respectful smile on his face. His respect came from the bottom of his heart. Although He Kaiyuan and Yang Jian didn't have much of a relationship, before he was promoted to the position of the office director by He Kaiyuan, he was only a Deputy Section Chief with no real power in the county's Party Office. At that time, Yang Jian was the Party Secretary of Qingyuan County, so it was normal for him to be respectful to Yang Jian.
Since Secretary He is so considerate, please help me tell him that I thank him for his kind intentions. Yang Jian looked at Lin Yuan. His attitude couldn't be considered intimate or distant. He raised his head to look at the time without batting an eyelid. Yang Jian didn't mind that He Kaiyuan didn't come personally. Right now, his thoughts were all on Chen Xing, who hadn't arrived yet. In his heart, he was worried about whether Chen Xing would come or not. If Chen Xing was here, the quality of his 60th birthday would undoubtedly be different.
He invited everyone to take a seat. After a while, another Deputy Chairman of the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, Qin Zhongjun, arrived. He was also one of the people in the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference who had a good relationship with Yang Jian. Yang Jian smiled and stood up to greet him before inviting him to take a seat.
On the surface, he was chatting and laughing with the people who came to congratulate him, but on the inside, Yang Jian was secretly anxious. Seeing that the time was getting closer, and Chen Xing still hadn't arrived, Yang Jian felt more and more uncertain. Although he had personally invited Chen Xing, and Chen Xing had also agreed to come, Yang Jian still wasn't confident. He also didn't know why his daughter was so sure that Chen Xing would come. At this moment, his daughter, Yang Hong, wasn't in the private room. That was because she was waiting downstairs. Once she saw Chen Xing's car, his daughter would immediately call him, and Yang Jian would immediately go down to welcome him. Right now, the phone in his pocket still hadn't vibrated at all.
Chairman Yang, I'm here to congratulate you. The Director of the Ministry of Education, Ma Chaoan, also opened the door. Yang Hong was the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education, and Yang Jian had a certain status, so Ma Chaoan obviously couldn't not come tonight. He smiled and congratulated Yang Jian. Ma Chaoan casually asked, Chairman Yang, I just saw Yang Hong waiting downstairs. Which VIP is she waiting for?
There wasn't any VIP, maybe she was waiting for her friend. Yang Jian smiled and didn't tell the truth. Who knew if Chen Xing would come or not? Yang Jian was getting more and more uncertain, so he might as well not say it now to avoid embarrassing himself later.
Just as Yang Jian was thinking, the phone in his pocket rang. Yang Jian, who had been paying attention to his phone, quickly took it out. Seeing that it was his daughter's call, Yang Jian's face lit up. He couldn't wait to answer the call. He's here?
He's here. Mayor Chen's car is here. Yang Hong's voice was also very excited. After she finished speaking, she hung up the phone.
Everyone, please take a seat. I'll go downstairs to welcome a guest. Yang Jian held the phone, as if he was on steroids. He was extremely excited. Even though he was already 60 years old, he was still excited when the mayor came personally to congratulate him.
Oh, what VIP is it that you have to personally welcome him? I didn't see you go down to welcome me just now. Old Yang, aren't you afraid that we'll be angry? Qin Zhongjun, who was on good terms with Yang Jian, teased.
It's Mayor Chen. I'll go down to welcome him. Yang Jian didn't have the time to bicker with Qin Zhongjun. He hurriedly walked out.
After Yang Jian said that, everyone in the room stared at each other. Soon, everyone's eyes flashed with shock. No one could sit still anymore, and they all followed him out.
Downstairs, Yang Hong quickly walked to Chen Xing's car and opened the door for Chen Xing. Yang Hong's expression was both angry and happy. Mayor Chen, you're finally here.
What, in your eyes, am I the kind of person who goes back on his words? Chen Xing smiled and glanced at Yang Hong.
Of course not, I don't dare to think that way. Yang Hong gave Chen Xing a flirtatious look, then immediately became serious. Mayor Chen, please wait for a moment. My dad is upstairs greeting the guest. He'll be down soon.
There's no need to go through so much trouble. Your dad is the birthday man tonight. How can I let him go out to welcome the guest? I'll go up myself. Chen Xing waved his hand. In the next moment, Chen Xing realized that he had said something unnecessary. Yang Jian was already rushing out of the room. He was practically running, with a group of people following behind him. Chen Xing shook his head helplessly and went up to greet them as well. "You're right.
Yang Jian walked like a dragon, his steps agile. No one could tell that he was already 60 years old. He had already stretched out his hands. In just a few steps, he arrived in front of Chen Xing. Mayor Chen, you're here.
Tonight is Vice-Chairman Yang's 60th birthday. I don't think Vice-Chairman Yang looks like he's 60 years old at all. He's even younger than people in their 50s. Chen Xing smiled and shook hands with Yang Jian. His eyes swept across the group of people following behind Yang Jian. Chen Xing saw a few faces that he had a slight impression of. Vice-Chairman of the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, Qin Zhongjun, and Vice-Chairman of the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, Xu Dongxu. These were all faces that Chen Xing had seen before. Xu Dongxu was also the Vice-Chairman of the Nanzhou Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chen Xing had seen him before when he attended the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's conference. He had a slight impression of them. At this moment, he also nodded slightly at the two of them.
Following Chen Xing's words, the others began to chime in as well. Praises for Yang Jian rang out incessantly. Praises such as' old but vigorous' and 'younger the longer you live, the more youthful you become' rang out from the mouths of the people around him. It was as if Yang Jian had suddenly become more than ten years younger.
Mayor Chen, if you praise me like this, this old bag of bones won't be able to sleep tonight. Yang Jian listened to the compliments lingering in his ears and felt an indescribable comfort in his heart. As a person who had once been the secretary of a county committee, Yang Jian knew the charm of power. To the people below him, even a leader's fart was fragrant. At this moment, when Chen Xing said something, the others followed suit.
I'm speaking the truth. Look, everyone is saying that you're young. Chen Xing smiled.
That's because everyone is following behind you and acting like a yes-man. Yang Jian whispered in his heart, but he didn't dare to say it aloud. With a face full of smiles, he invited Chen Xing inside. Mayor Chen, please.
Chen Xinglai walked at the very front with Yang Jian by his side. Naturally, the rest of the group lagged behind by half a step. The group headed upstairs. Yang Jianding's private room was on the second floor, so the group decided to climb the stairs directly. Many of them were filled with thoughts. No one expected Yang Jian to be able to invite Chen Xinglai to attend his sixtieth birthday. What was the hidden message behind this?
When they arrived at the private room, Yang Jian immediately invited Chen Xing to sit at the main seat. Chen Xing smiled and waved his hand. Vice-President Yang, you're the birthday boy tonight. Only you can sit at this seat. No one else can.
Mayor Chen, please don't say that. If you don't sit, I won't dare to sit. Yang Jian smiled and shook his head. He was in a good mood at this moment. The smile on his face came from the bottom of his heart. People were always in high spirits when they met with happy events. Now that the mayor had personally come to attend his birthday banquet, in the eyes of outsiders, it meant that he, Yang Jian, had a lot of face.
Alright, Vice-President Yang, don't be so long-winded. Tonight, you're the main character. Everyone else is here to serve as a foil to you. Just sit there with peace of mind. Chen Xing smiled and pressed Yang Jian to sit on the chair. He was purposely acting as if he was close to Yang Jian.
Yang Jian was a little flattered by Chen Xing's action. Seeing how determined Chen Xing was, he didn't say anything else. Just as Chen Xing had said, he was the main character tonight. There was no need to arrange the seats according to his status. Of course, this was only limited to him. The others naturally sat according to their status. For everyone present, this was needless to say. Everyone knew how to sit. There were twelve seats at each table. After all, there was only one seat left.
Yang Jian frowned slightly. The seats for the night were arranged just right. There was still one empty seat. This meant that there was another guest in the VIP room who hadn't arrived yet. Yang Jian scanned his surroundings and quickly found out who it was. His immediate superior, the Chairman of the Municipal Consultative Conference, Liu Qinglan, had yet to arrive. Yang Jian didn't expect Liu Qinglan to come personally, but he figured that she would at least send her secretary. He also specially reserved a seat for Liu Qinglan's secretary in the VIP room. After all, she represented Liu Qinglan. Even if she was just a secretary, Yang Jian wouldn't look down on her. However, he didn't expect her to still be nowhere to be seen.
It's getting late and everyone has arrived. Let's start the banquet. Otherwise, it would be my fault if everyone went hungry. Yang Jian smiled and stood up. He couldn't be bothered whether Liu Qinglan's secretary came or not. It didn't matter if she came or not. After all, the most important guest of the night, Chen Xing, had arrived. This was enough for Yang Jian. He believed that once the news of Chen Xing attending his birthday banquet reached Liu Qinglan's ears, Liu Qinglan's face, which made people feel like she hadn't even passed menopause, would definitely be very interesting.
Yang Jian had already instructed the hotel to prepare the banquet in advance. Now that Yang Jian said that he was going to start the banquet, the hotel was quick to serve the dishes. Yang Jian poured himself a small glass of white wine and saluted everyone. "Thank you all for giving me the honor of attending my birthday banquet tonight, especially Mayor Chen, who took the time out of his busy schedule to come over. I'm very excited and happy. I won't waste any more words. I'll first toast to everyone, please feel free." Yang Jian finished his toast.
Everyone applauded and followed suit. Chen Xing's position was the highest. After everyone finished drinking, they secretly glanced in Chen Xing's direction. Without a doubt, everyone wanted to find an opportunity to toast the mayor, especially Li Minghua, the county head of Qing Yuan County. He didn't expect to receive such a pleasant surprise when he came to celebrate Yang Jian's birthday. He had relied on Yang Jian's support to get to where he was in the past. He didn't have many solid connections in the city. Since Yang Jian was able to invite Chen Xing, Li Minghua's heart was instantly filled with hope. This was an opportunity for him.
"Sorry, Vice Chairman Yang, I'm late." The door to the private room was suddenly pushed open. A woman in her thirties entered with light makeup on her face. As soon as she entered, she immediately attracted everyone's attention. Everyone present recognized her as Xie Yan, the secretary of Liu Qinglan, the chairman of the Municipal Consultative Conference. Perhaps only Chen Xing didn't know who she was.
So it was Secretary Xie. I was wondering who it was. Xie Yan dared to put on airs just because she was Liu Qinglan's secretary. To put it bluntly, she didn't put him in her eyes at all. He had written the time clearly on the invitation he gave Liu Qinglan. If Liu Qinglan didn't come personally, he wouldn't force her. But since he had entrusted Xie Yan as his secretary, Xie Yan had to do a good job. Tonight, Xie Yan had taken her time to arrive. It would be strange if Yang Jian was happy. Look at Mayor Chen, he didn't even put on airs like this. Xie Yan really thought she was a big shot.
Chairman Liu wasn't free tonight, so he specifically asked me to come over to celebrate Vice Chairman Yang's birthday. Xie Yan smiled at Yang Jian, but a trace of doubt flashed in her eyes. She faintly felt that something was wrong. How did Yang Jian speak? From his tone, it sounded like she wasn't welcome. This made Xie Yan unhappy. If Liu Qinglan hadn't asked her to do this, she wouldn't have bothered to come. In another two or three months, Yang Jian would be retiring from his position as the Chairman of the Municipal Consultative Conference. What was so great about him?
Soon, Xie Yan's eyes widened. She saw Chen Xing. Chen Xing didn't recognize her, but she recognized Chen Xing. Seeing Chen Xing sitting beside Yang Jian, Xie Yan almost thought that she was hallucinating. She blinked and looked again. If it wasn't Chen Xing, who else could it be?
Secretary Xie, hurry up and take a seat. Vice Chairman Yang has been saving a seat for you. Xu Dongxu could hear the dissatisfaction in Yang Jian's voice. He wondered when Yang Jian had managed to form a relationship with Chen Xing. Now that he was full of confidence, the way he spoke was different. However, Xu Dongxu still stepped forward to be the peacemaker. No matter what, he couldn't let Xie Yan lose face.
Alright, alright. When Xie Yan saw Chen Xing, her imposing manner immediately vanished. Initially, she did not want to give any explanation for her late arrival, but at this moment, she managed to come up with a relatively 'reliable' excuse. I took Zhongshan Road just now and there was a traffic jam on the way. That's why I'm late. Please forgive me, Vice President Yang.
It's good that you're here. I'm very happy that Secretary Xie is here. Yang Jian couldn't be bothered to argue with Xie Yan. In fact, if Chen Xing hadn't come tonight, Yang Jian would definitely have a different attitude now.
It's Vice Chairman Yang's birthday, so it's only right for me to come. Xie Yan said with a smile. She didn't dare to sit down. She looked at Chen Xing with a more respectful expression. Mayor Chen, you're here too.
Xie Yan didn't dare to not greet Chen Xing. Chen Xing didn't recognize her, but it didn't mean that she could pretend not to know him.
Chen Xing glanced at Xie Yan. At this time, Yang Jian also introduced Chen Xing. Mayor Chen, this was Vice Chairman Qinglan's secretary.
Oh. Chen Xing nodded his head and no longer looked at Xie Yan. His gaze swept across Yang Jian's face and a smile of understanding could be seen on his face. He didn't plan to stay for long and would leave after a while. But from the looks of it, he would have to stay a little longer. So, he might as well give Yang Jian some face. No matter what, he had taken advantage of Yang Jian's daughter.
Xie Yan sat down carefully. She placed her hands on her thighs obediently. Her demeanor was completely different from when she first arrived. After sitting for a while, she saw that everyone's attention was focused on Chen Xing. Xie Yan took out her phone secretly. She didn't look down at her phone. She used one hand to send a text message under the table. She glanced at her phone from time to time. Xie Yan was sending a text message to her leader. Chen Xing was attending Yang Jian's 60th birthday party. She had to inform her leader about such an important event.
After sending the text message, Xie Yan heaved a sigh of relief. She quietly put her phone away. Xie Yan talked and laughed as she participated in the atmosphere at the table. Chen Xing, who had the highest status and position, was undoubtedly the focus of everyone. Xie Yan maintained a respectful attitude. As a secretary, she didn't take Yang Jian, who was in a semi-retired state, seriously. However, in front of the young mayor, Xie Yan knew that as the secretary of the chairman of the CPPCC, she was really nothing. To put it bluntly, the CPPCC was a department for the elderly. The chairman of the CPPCC was only a position in the main hall.
Mayor Chen, let me propose a toast to you. Please help yourself. Xie Yan stood up to propose a toast to Chen Xing.
Chen Xing smiled and nodded. He poured a drink into his glass. Of course, no one would say that he was drinking a drink and asking a lady to drink. It should be said that it was Xie Yan's honor to have the opportunity to propose a toast to him.
Tonight was Yang Jian's sixtieth birthday. Chen Xing's attitude was very friendly. There was no need for him to put on the airs of a mayor and chat casually with everyone. Li Minghua, the head of Qingyuan County, was just one seat away from Chen Xing. Li Minghua was very excited to have the opportunity to be so close to Chen Xing. From time to time, he would try to find topics to show off in front of Chen Xing.
Yang Hong wasn't in this room. She was in the room next door to entertain other guests. The guests in the main room were personally entertained by Yang Jian. As for the other rooms, Yang Jian let his son and daughter entertain them. His daughter, Yang Hong, was working in the government, while his son was doing business. Yang Hong stayed in the room next door for a while before she couldn't stand it anymore. She brought her glass to her father's room and smiled as she proposed a toast to Chen Xing.
Mayor Chen, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come. I propose a toast to you on behalf of my father. Yang Hong blinked as she looked at Chen Xing. There was a strange look in her eyes.
Looks like I won't be able to escape this toast. Chen Xing smiled. He finished the drink in his glass and poured himself a glass of wine. He raised his glass and clinked it with Yang Hong's. Chen Xing also finished his glass.
Could something really have happened between Yang Hong and Mayor Chen? Ma Chaoan's eyes swept back and forth between Chen Xing and Yang Hong. He began to mutter to himself. He knew that Yang Hong was very diligent in running to Chen Xing's office. Previously, when Yang Hong was able to get the funds that Zhang Xinjun had promised to Qingyuan County's Second High, Ma Chaoan had even joked with Yang Hong that women had an advantage in front of leaders. At that time, Ma Chaoan didn't think too much about it. Now that he had a closer look, Ma Chaoan felt that Yang Hong might really have hooked up with Chen Xing. Beautiful women naturally had their own advantages. Ma Chaoan thought that if a beautiful woman like Yang Hong were to offer herself to a man, no man would reject her. At the very least, Ma Chaoan couldn't wait to devour her.
While Ma Chaoan was pondering over his own gossip, the door to the private room was pushed open again. This time, the person who entered was very surprising. It was the Chairman of the Municipal Consultative Conference, Liu Qinglan. When Yang Jian saw Liu Qinglan enter, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. Then, he felt relieved. This was unexpected, but expected. Knowing that Chen Xing was here, it was normal for Liu Qinglan to rush over.
Why didn't Chairman Liu tell me in advance that you were coming? I could have gone downstairs to receive you. Yang Jian stood up to welcome them with a wide smile on his face. His gaze swept across Liu Qinglan's secretary, Xie Yan, without a change in expression. His heart was filled with mockery as he secretly mocked Liu Qinglan for being so pragmatic. Initially, she did not want to come, but now that she heard that Chen Xing was here, she hurriedly rushed over.
Old Yang, you're too polite. You're the birthday girl tonight. I wouldn't dare let you go downstairs to receive me. Liu Qinglan said to Yang Jian with a smile. The two of them shook hands tightly. Those who did not know better would think that the two of them had a good relationship. However, that was not the case at all. The relationship between the two of them could not be any more ordinary. Otherwise, Liu Qinglan would not have only sent her secretary over.
Chairman Liu, look at what you're saying. Yang Jian smiled so widely that his eyes narrowed. He didn't even need to introduce Chen Xing. Liu Qinglan's gaze was already on him.
Mayor Chen was here too. Liu Qinglan let go of Yang Jian's hand and walked towards Chen Xing.
Chairman Liu. Chen Xing stood up to greet Liu Qinglan. He didn't know much about Liu Qinglan. He only knew that she was also an external cadre. She had previously held the position of Nanzhou City's Deputy Mayor. Later, she was transferred to the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department as a Deputy Minister. Of course, she was a low-ranking Deputy Minister, but her rank was still a Deputy Office. She was transferred from the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department to the Nanzhou City's Political Consultative Conference's Party Secretary. She was nominated as a candidate for the City's Political Consultative Conference's Chairman. It could be said that Liu Qinglan, who was 56 years old, had retired from a frontline job early. As compensation, Liu Qinglan was given a main hall. Liu Qinglan couldn't be said to have suffered any losses.
Liu Qinglan stood to the side and chatted with Chen Xing. Qin Zhongjun, who was sitting below Chen Xing, consciously gave up his seat. Chairman Liu, I'll give this seat to you.
No need, Old Qin, you sit. I'll just add another chair later. Liu Qinglan waved her hand. At this moment, she seemed to be very close to everyone. However, she knew her own business. Yang Jian, Qin Zhongjun, Xu Dongxu, and the other Deputy Chairmen of the City's Political Consultative Conference didn't have much contact with Liu Qinglan. Yang Jian and Qin Zhongjun were both second-line cadres. They basically didn't care about anything, so Liu Qinglan treated them like air. As for Xu Dongxu, he was a successful businessman. Because his business was quite big, he was given the title of Deputy Chairman in the City's Political Consultative Conference. He didn't care about anything else and focused on his own business. He only attended meetings symbolically.
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