So much support?
Qin Mu understood Liang Guan's words perfectly.
The other party's support simply stemmed from their perceived animosity towards the provincial capital's chamber of commerce, giving them an opportunity to sabotage.
But this trip to the provincial capital was a necessary evil.
Qin Mu personally felt that even if the provincial capital's chamber of commerce possessed some power, it couldn't possibly control everything.
Could it really prevent all businesses in the provincial capital from contacting Huaining County?
A chamber of commerce, logically speaking, shouldn't have that much power.
What Qin Mu needed to do was find a way to survive, to approach other businesses, especially those not members of the provincial capital's chamber of commerce.
He had already discussed this with Xu Lu, and he believed she could handle this aspect.
"Secretary Liang, why don't you come with us?"
Qin Mu extended a warm invitation, saying, "You're the top leader of Huaining. If you come along, the prestige of this investment promotion team will be elevated. With you here, we'll have more confidence."
Huh?
Me?
Liang Guan shook his head repeatedly, saying, "I'm old and frail; I don't want to go through all that trouble with you young people. Besides, the county can't be left without someone in charge. I'll stay behind as the one to look after things, so you won't have any worries."
Are you kidding me!
Going to the provincial capital with Qin Mu for investment promotion? Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?
He'd definitely be ridiculed!
Liang Guan couldn't afford to lose face like that.
"That's such a pity."
Qin Mu smiled and said regretfully, "I was thinking of bringing you along to increase the funding so we could stay more comfortably!"
"Hey... Comrade Qin Mu, attracting investment is very important. You need to raise the standards for funding, otherwise people will think Huaining County is going there to beg!"
Liang Guan said seriously, "When you're out in the country, you represent the face of Huaining County. We can't skimp on this!"
Really?
So generous?
Qin Mu almost laughed at Liang Guan's words.
Liang Guan was incredibly generous to ensure they went to the provincial capital.
Normally, he would have been making a scene.
"Alright, since Secretary Liang said so, we'll be generous this time and try to bring back a few projects."
Qin Mu responded with a smile.
"I believe you will definitely return victorious."
Liang Guan patted Qin Mu's shoulder, brimming with confidence.
Whether he would return victorious or not, Qin Mu didn't know, but the trip to the provincial capital was a must.
Do your best and leave the rest to fate!
Back in the county town, after a quick lunch, Qin Mu went to his office.
"Xiao Jiang, call for Deputy County Head Xu, I need to talk to her about something."
Qin Mu said casually.
"County Head, it seems Deputy County Head Xu went to the city and hasn't returned yet."
Jiang Haoxuan quickly replied.
Goed to the city?
Qin Mu then remembered that he had asked Xu Lu to bring her husband, Chen Shuo, to meet him yesterday; she had probably just gone home.
But it was still lunchtime, and work hadn't officially started yet!
"Okay, call her when she gets back."
Qin Mu nodded, giving a brief instruction.
Only half an hour later, Xu Lu returned and entered Qin Mu's office.
"County Head, you wanted to see me!"
Xu Lu said. "Yes, weren't we going to the provincial capital for investment promotion? You mentioned…"
Qin Mu looked up, instinctively about to ask about the itinerary for the investment promotion trip, but before he could finish, he noticed Xu Lu's complexion was off; her eyes were red, clearly from crying.
What happened?
She cried on the way home?
"What's wrong?"
Qin Mu asked with concern, "Who did you argue with?"
He had some guesses, but they were just guesses and not very accurate, so he asked a general question first.
"County Chief, it's alright, let's talk about work!"
Xu Lu shook her head slightly, speaking calmly.
"Work isn't urgent."
Qin Mu waved his hand, saying seriously, "Comrade Xu Lu, we're about the same age. If you don't mind, treat me like a brother or sister. You can talk to me about anything that's bothering you!"
"Maybe I can help you!"
Given Xu Lu's current state, talking about work probably wouldn't be a good idea. It's better to talk about life's problems first. Once those are resolved, she can focus on her work.
This…
Xu Lu hesitated. "County Chief, this matter… I… I'm a little embarrassed to say it!"
Huh?
Embarrassed to say it?
That's an exaggeration?
"It's alright. We're comrades in the same team. Don't treat me like a leader, just a friend. Just confide in me, and I'll listen!"
Qin Mu thought Xu Lu was just shy and embarrassed to talk about it!
Listener?
Xu Lu hesitated for a moment, then said hesitantly, "Actually, you're a participant…"
What?
How did I become a participant?
Qin Mu was completely dumbfounded. He had gone to a meeting at the municipal government that morning and returned to the county afterwards, without having any interaction with Xu Lu the entire time.
"I mentioned yesterday's events to my husband, and he... he thinks that you and I have... some kind of illicit relationship, which is why I was willing to help him with the job transfer..."
Qin Mu was utterly stunned by Xu Lu's words.
He never imagined that he and Xu Lu would be involved in such a rumor.
And it came from Xu Lu's husband.
"Comrade Xu Lu, is there some misunderstanding with your husband?"
Qin Mu couldn't help but ask, "Between us, there's always only been a superior-subordinate relationship. There's never been anything inappropriate, right?"
"That's what I said too, but he just won't believe me."
Xu Lu sighed and said, "He also said that since we've only known each other for such a short time, it's impossible for him to transfer me to a different position without a reason. There must be something fishy going on!"
"He even said I'm shameless, doing such despicable things... I... I..."
As she spoke, Xu Lu couldn't help but cry.
She had always thought that her conflict with Chen Shuo was just a minor one, but now it seemed that her husband had truly gone mad, completely disregarding the truth and directly slandering her.
Slandering her was bad enough, but even County Chief Qin was being slandered. She really couldn't understand it. She had a huge fight with Chen Shuo at home, and now she didn't know what to do.
"Don't cry."
Qin Mu quickly handed Xu Lu a tissue, saying, "If it doesn't work, give me your husband's phone number, I'll talk to him?"
In his view, Xu Lu's husband must have acted impulsively and misunderstood. If they could clear things up, there wouldn't be a problem.
Perhaps conversations between men should be more direct?
"County Chief, this... isn't this a bit inappropriate... what if he... he says something nasty again..."
Xu Lu hesitated.
County Chief Qin, such a good leader, had already suffered a great injustice due to her husband's misunderstanding. To ask him to talk to Chen Shuo now made Xu Lu truly feel guilty towards him.