Good news?
Qin Mu didn't believe Liang Guan's words.
The other party probably hoped he would return to Huaining County empty-handed, a laughingstock, having gained nothing in the provincial capital.
If there were truly good news, Liang Guan would be the first to worry.
It would only make him uneasy!
"No problem, Secretary Liang, just stay in the county and see. Our investment delegation will definitely return with a full load, we won't let you down."
Qin Mu smiled slightly, said emphatically, then turned and led the others into the car, heading straight for the provincial capital.
Return with a full load?
Hearing this and watching the convoy leave, Liang Guan couldn't help but laugh out loud.
He was almost certain that Qin Mu would return empty-handed from the provincial capital.
After all, the provincial chamber of commerce had already given instructions; how could Qin Mu possibly have any gains?
Du Wanming, the vice president of the provincial capital's chamber of commerce, had been waiting for a long time. His son's investment in Huaining County had been thwarted, and he'd even been arrested. Du Wanming had been wanting revenge, but hadn't had the chance. After all, Qin Mu was the second-in-command in Huaining County; how could a mere businessman like Du Wanming possibly handle Qin Mu?
But now things were different!
Qin Mu, as the county head, was going to the provincial capital to attract investment. It was like a country bumpkin in the city; a department-level leader in the provincial capital was nothing to worry about.
Moreover, Qin Mu was going there to attract investment, so he couldn't afford to offend Du Wanming.
To be honest, Liang Guan was quite curious about the humiliation Qin Mu would suffer in the provincial capital. If he weren't afraid of being exposed, Liang Guan would have loved to see Qin Mu's discomfiture firsthand.
It would definitely be exciting!
…
Not only Liang Guan thought so, but Qin Mu himself was also looking forward to it.
Qin Mu knew his trip to the provincial capital would be fraught with difficulties, but he still wanted to experience it firsthand. Life and work shouldn't be too smooth sailing.
On the contrary, setbacks can ignite one's fighting spirit!
So Qin Mu was prepared for setbacks.
It's just a matter of being turned away, right?
Or being rejected outright!
What's the big deal?
After a short rest in the car, they arrived at the hotel at 4 PM. The delegation checked in, put down their luggage, and came out again at 5 PM.
"County Head, we're hosting several business owners at the Yufeng Restaurant up ahead. We've made the arrangements, and I expect the owners should be arriving soon," Xu Lu said simply.
"Is everything arranged?" Qin Mu asked with concern. The closer it got to dinner, the more uncertain Qin Mu felt, a bad premonition rising in his heart.
"Don't worry, everything's been arranged."
Xu Lu nodded. "I contacted them one by one this afternoon in the car, and they all said they'd be there on time and wouldn't be late."
Xu Lu's eyes and tone were confident; she was clearly very confident in her arrangements.
"That's good!"
Qin Mu didn't ask any more questions. Judging from Xu Lu's demeanor, there were probably no problems.
Besides Xu Lu, Han Ying and several officials from the Investment Promotion Bureau were also with them on this investment promotion trip, making a group of six heading towards the restaurant.
Xu Lu had reserved a private room in advance. Inside, everyone made simple arrangements, even preparing drinks and cold dishes beforehand, just waiting for the business owners they had contacted to arrive so they could start eating hot food and chatting.
"Ding-dong..."
Around six o'clock, Xu Lu's phone rang.
"County Chief, they seem to be arriving together. They said they'd be there in ten minutes and asked us to order first."
Xu Lu glanced at the message and replied simply.
"Alright, let's order!"
Qin Mu frowned slightly, something felt off, but he nodded in agreement.
Normally, people wait until all the guests arrive before ordering. After all, with so many people, there's bound to be some small talk, right?
The dozen or so people exchanged a few pleasantries, and the hot dishes arrived just in time.
But these people wanted to order first.
What?
Eat as soon as they arrive?
Isn't that a bit too eager?
But since they'd spoken, Qin Mu didn't say much. After all, there were only ten minutes left; he'd figure out their true intentions eventually.
When you're out doing business, you always have to spend some money.
You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub!
Ten minutes passed quickly, and footsteps began to sound outside the private room.
Xu Lu had already impatiently gone out, glanced around, and then came back, saying, "County Chief, they've arrived!"
"Hmm!"
Qin Mu nodded in response.
"Creak..."
A group of people pushed open the door and walked in.
"Deputy County Head Xu, you're so young!"
"We could only chat on the phone before, but seeing you in person today!"
"Deputy County Head Xu is both young and beautiful; that's a rare find in the government."
...
This barrage of praise made Xu Lu's cheeks flush slightly.
"Thank you, thank you all for the compliments."
Xu Lu thanked them repeatedly. "Let me introduce you all first. This is County Head Qin from Huaining County. He's personally leading our investment promotion efforts this time!"
Upon this introduction, the atmosphere suddenly turned cold.
Clearly, these people didn't seem interested in Qin Mu?
Xu Lu was a little confused. What did these people mean?
She had already introduced County Head Qin; shouldn't they be getting to know him, shaking hands, and exchanging pleasantries?
Why wasn't anyone saying a word?
This was too abnormal!
Even though County Chief Qin might not seem like much in a power center like the provincial capital, he was still the head of a county government, wielding considerable resources. And being so young, he was bound to be promoted sooner or later. Didn't these businessmen want to build more connections?
"County Chief Qin, what a rare guest!"
Just as the crowd fell silent, a sinister voice came from behind. The crowd parted, and a middle-aged man entered.
Upon seeing who it was, Qin Mu's heart sank!
As expected!
This trip to the provincial capital had been a setup!
The newcomer was none other than the vice president of the provincial capital's Chamber of Commerce!
His presence here could only mean that the business owners Xu Lu had contacted had all conspired with Du Wanming.
They were here to humiliate Qin Mu!
"President Du is too kind," Qin Mu said calmly, looking at the other man.
"I came to the provincial capital sincerely seeking cooperation. You are all businessmen; you should know that harmony brings wealth, and having more friends means having more options. Some things, if done too harshly, become inappropriate."
These words were Qin Mu's way of reminding Du Wanming.
Businessmen are all about playing both sides. The feud between Qin Mu and Du Wanming stemmed from Du Wanming's son, Du Zigui, breaking the law in Huaining and remaining stubbornly unrepentant.
However, Du Wanming shifted all the blame onto Qin Mu and held a grudge ever since. This is not the behavior of a businessman.
Unfortunately, the other man didn't seem to heed Qin Mu's words; in fact, he thought Qin Mu was trying to apologize and beg for forgiveness!