"This project is rather unique, and I can't make a decision right now. My friend is a low-key entrepreneur, and he probably wants to discuss it privately first. If it's suitable, he'll invest; if not, it'll just be a meal. If you all come, it'll seem like too much of a commotion."
Under these circumstances, Qin Mu could only bite the bullet and continue, offering an excuse.
"I see. Then we won't bother you any longer."
"County Head, please call us anytime if you need anything."
"That's right, we're always on standby."
…
Xu Lu, Han Ying, and the others didn't think much of it; in fact, they thought County Head Qin was working too hard, always thinking about work, even letting them relax and travel, while he himself was still discussing investment.
Where can you find such a good leader?
After briefly explaining, Qin Mu left directly, heading towards Tian Weiwei's hotel.
"The county head is such a good leader, and incredibly hardworking."
Han Ying remarked with admiration, "These days, leaders go out to negotiate investments, while we subordinates can relax and enjoy ourselves."
"That's right, County Head Qin really works hard."
Xu Lu nodded, saying, "It's just that County Head Qin's energy is incredible. He was out all night last night and came back so early this morning, yet he's still full of energy, showing no signs of fatigue at all. That's amazing."
"Perhaps the county head has some special health secret?"
"That's right, County Head Qin's energy is truly boundless."
"Maybe the county head was out refueling last night?"
...
Refueling!
Upon hearing those two words, everyone present paused slightly, then blushed.
They were all adults; naturally, they knew that this "refueling" was not the same as that kind of refueling.
"Don't talk nonsense. The county magistrate is a man of integrity and lofty ambitions; how could he do such a thing?"
Han Ying said seriously, "Everyone, once you've finished eating, hurry up and pack up. Let's head to the amusement park! The county magistrate has agreed, so let's relax!"
"Okay, okay, we'll go back and pack our things now."
"Let's go, let's go to the amusement park!"
"Let's go, let's go! Let's relax today!"
...
With Han Ying's words, the other members of the delegation stood up and went back to their rooms to prepare for the amusement park trip.
"Comrade Han Ying, you truly have complete trust in County Magistrate Qin."
Xu Lu smiled and said softly.
"That's for sure. I've met many leaders, but I've never met one like County Chief Qin before. He's young, energetic, humble, cautious, and amiable. He never becomes arrogant or complacent after achieving results; he only moves forward quietly. I completely admire a leader like him. I want to learn from him and strive for improvement."
Han Ying's eyes were filled with admiration, brimming with love and support for County Chief Qin.
Hearing this, and seeing Han Ying's eyes, Xu Lu understood why Qin Mu trusted Han Ying so much.
He had helped her rise from deputy director to director of the county government office in just a few months. When she returned, she would probably be promoted to deputy county chief.
Having such a trustworthy and incredibly loyal subordinate was bound to be a major reason for his promotion.
Leaders often prioritize loyalty over ability when it comes to personnel.
And Han Ying perfectly embodied this.
Han Ying's abilities were certainly adequate, nothing major, but her loyalty was undoubtedly top-notch.
If they didn't use a subordinate like that, it would be a mistake on County Chief Qin's part.
After briefly explaining, Xu Lu and Han Ying took the investment delegation to the amusement park for a short while. When they returned to the hotel, County Chief Qin was still nowhere to be seen.
"County Chief Qin probably won't be back tonight."
Xu Lu pondered for a moment and said, "Let's not wait any longer. Let's just rest. He'll definitely be back first thing tomorrow morning."
"Okay!"
Han Ying nodded in agreement. Having learned from their previous experience, they naturally wouldn't wait any longer.
As Xu Lu predicted, Qin Mu returned early in the morning and bumped into Han Ying, who was also early in the morning.
"County Chief, you're back!"
Han Ying greeted him and asked, "Was last night alright?"
"It was alright... You're up so early?"
Qin Mu felt a little embarrassed. Last time he came back at seven, and Han Ying knew he'd opened the door. This time he'd deliberately come back earlier, at six. Why was she already up?
Why is it so hard to even slightly conceal my whereabouts?
"I went to bed early last night, so I woke up early too."
Han Ying quickly explained, "County Chief, why don't you go and rest a bit more? I'll call you when it's time for dinner!"
"Okay, that's what I was thinking too."
Qin Mu nodded, replied, and prepared to return to his room.
"County Chief, remember to wash your face."
Just as he was closing the door, Han Ying suddenly called out again.
Wash your face?
Qin Mu was puzzled. He glanced at himself in the mirror and immediately felt embarrassed.
Because there was a red mark on his cheek, which any girl would probably recognize immediately—it was the color of lipstick.
"Didn't this give me away?"
Qin Mu muttered softly. This lipstick was from when he parted ways with Tian Weiwei; she had kissed him in a moment of passion.
Today, Tian Weiwei was leaving the provincial capital. Their parting this morning was inevitably bittersweet, and this bittersweetness could easily lead to something... Unexpectedly, the lipstick mark hadn't been removed.
Of course, it's also possible that Tian Weiwei did it on purpose. Women, after all, always want to assert ownership, leaving a mark on Qin Mu to prove she once possessed him?
...
"What's wrong? You look so thoughtful. What are you thinking about?"
Xu Lu had just gotten up when she saw Han Ying sitting beside her, seemingly deep in thought. She asked, puzzled.
"County Chief Qin is back, he..."
Han Ying hesitated, but didn't voice her suspicions. After all, it was her leader's private matter, and saying too much seemed inappropriate.
"Did you find out that County Chief Qin didn't go to discuss investment, but went on a date with someone?"
Han Ying didn't say anything, but Xu Lu said it directly, her tone incredibly natural and calm.
"Ah...County Chief Xu...how...?"
Han Ying was startled. She hadn't said anything; how did the other person know everything?
"Comrade Han Ying, you don't need to think so much. This kind of thing is quite normal."
Xu Lu, sitting beside Han Ying, patted her shoulder and said, "Think about it, County Chief Qin is a normal man, and he's not married. It's perfectly normal for him to have a girlfriend or a close female friend, isn't it?"
"Besides, there's no conflict between him going to discuss investment and meeting his close female friend. What if he met her after finishing the investment discussion, or what if his close female friend is the investor?"
Xu Lu had actually noticed long ago that County Chief Qin and Mr. Tian from Tianke Group had an unusual relationship. A few glances revealed that Mr. Tian's gaze towards County Chief Qin was filled with affection—an affection that was definitely not just simple admiration or liking.