Li Xinjian had his feet propped up on the desk, smoking a cigarette with a look of annoyance. Qiang Min was dozing on the long bench. Li Xinjian, speaking more to himself than to Qiang Min, remarked, "I heard that when discussing issues with his subordinates, President Roosevelt would start out very equal. But once his patience ran out, he would switch to the third person and say 'The President thinks...' That would end the discussion right there. Rank really does crush all opposition."
Qiang Min, practical as always, said, "Director Zhang won't let us arrest anyone, so we don't have the authority. We'll have to work in secret." Li Xinjian sighed, "You hold some rank, don't you? Do you know what the biggest power of a top leader is?"
Qiang Min shook his head.
Li Xinjian adjusted his feet on the desk, "The first is the power to convene meetings. As a deputy captain, I can only call meetings for my own division unless authorized by the captain. Next is the power to approve. We handle various matters, but if Director Zhang says 'This needs my approval,' we lose all our power except the power to obey."
Qiang Min suddenly had an idea, "How about a roundabout strategy? We can start with peripheral figures in the drug case and gradually dig deeper."
Li Xinjian's eyes lit up, "That could work. Small cases don't need high-level approval. You report to me for those!" Qiang Min stood up, "Let's get started. I'll dig into the background first. What about that fake foreigner Yang Chun?" Li Xinjian frowned, "If the director wants him released, then release him. He'll be back sooner or later."
The sun was shining brightly. A Boeing jet slowly taxied to the tarmac, its thunderous roar deafening. Guo Xiaopeng, along with key company personnel including Fei Jingwei, Liu Mei, and Lin Xiaoliang, awaited at the exit.
Wang Jingfei emerged from the stream of passengers, perfectly meeting Guo Xiaopeng's welcoming team. As Guo extended his hand towards Wang Jingfei, a surge of warmth seemed to course through him. Liu Mei's face darkened, thinking, "He didn't mention the Hong Kong representative was a young and beautiful woman." Guo Xiaopeng's face lit up as he shook Wang Jingfei's hand, "Miss Wang Jingfei?" Wang Jingfei smiled, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him, "President Guo Xiaopeng?" Guo held her hand a bit too long, "Welcome to Haizhou, Miss Wang." Wang Jingfei's handshake and smile were purely professional, "It's an honor to have you here, President Guo."
Duang Hai, skilled in handling people, took Wang Jingfei's luggage. The group walked towards the car fleet. Wang Jingfei casually asked Guo, "How did you recognize me in the crowd?" Walking side by side, Guo replied, "Miss Wang graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a law degree and an MBA. Generally, women with business degrees aren't that attractive, but you are exactly as I imagined."
Wang Jingfei, knowing he had received her email, played along, "What's the basis of Dr. Guo's theory?" Guo answered, "Beautiful women are like natural resources, ready to be utilized, while those less attractive need more refining to reach the same level."
Wang Jingfei smiled at Liu Mei, "President Guo's theory seems insulting to women." Liu Mei forced a polite smile, feeling the competition. Wang Jingfei sensed her unease.
Lin Xiaoliang opened the Mercedes door, inviting the guests to board. Duang Hai started the engine. As Guo invited Wang into the car, she asked, "How did you recognize me?" Guo smiled, "Power, money, and wisdom intersect at any point in space."
Guo then turned his attention back to Wang Jingfei. The luxurious convoy sped onto the highway, the new Mercedes cruising like a ship on smooth waters. Guo and Wang chatted in the back seat.
"Is this your first time in Haizhou?"
"Only half a time."
Guo, uncharacteristically chatty, continued, "Some things can't be halved. You can complete half a plan or eat half a meal, but you can't have half a wife or lover." Lin Xiaoliang, in the front seat, chimed in, "Half a son, perhaps, like a son-in-law or an adopted son." Realizing his mistake, he quickly shut up.
Guo, visibly annoyed, retorted, "Half a brother is worse than none." Wang Jingfei smoothly continued, "I once passed through Haizhou by train, stopping for half an hour. So, I know a bit about Haizhou."
Guo, regaining his composure, asked, "Please enlighten us, Miss Wang." Wang Jingfei described, "Haizhou has about 3.5 million people, a subtropical climate, and convenient transportation. Its economy is strong in light industry, especially pharmaceuticals, with Haizhou Pharmaceuticals leading the sector."
Lin Xiaoliang praised, "Miss Wang knows more about Haizhou than I do, and I was born here." Guo, feeling flattered, said, "In this era of capital operations, your company's investment will merge seamlessly with Haizhou Pharmaceuticals' image, especially with talents like you, Miss Wang."
Wang Jingfei seized the moment, "What position does President Guo have in mind for me?" Guo responded, "I'd like you to be the General Manager of Haizhou Tower."
Wang Jingfei, maintaining her poise, said, "I've studied management and worked as an assistant to the president of a five-star hotel." Guo, moving closer, "So, I can assume you've accepted the position?"
Wang Jingfei nodded, "This is also the arrangement agreed upon by the board and Chairman Dai. Thank you, President Guo." Guo handed her a copy of the Haizhou Business Daily with her photo and the announcement of her new role.
"President Guo works fast, impressive!"
"I like to race against time. It's also free advertising for Haizhou Tower," Guo emphasized.
At that moment, a red Ferrari sped past, honking provocatively. Lin Xiaoliang commented, "Going at least 180 km/h. Liu Mei doesn't like to be outdone."
Guo, realizing he had neglected Liu Mei, shook his head with a wry smile.