30: Chapter 30 You're here too?

"President Yang is truly young and promising. I admire you, brother! Cheers!"

Yang Shiguang's eye twitched as he raised his glass to clink it with Mr. Wang, also known as President Wang of Yihong Hotel.

'Boss Nian is the same, and you're the same, all calling me President Yang—should I just take off my pants and show you whether I'm actually small or not?'

Although that was what he was saying in his heart, Yang 'the Fox' Shiguang still wore an expression of admiration on the surface.

"Not at all, not at all. This junior is just dabbling in small things. How can I compare to the vast enterprise of President Wang? You are my idol!"

"Hahaha!"

Watching the two men clinking glasses and engaging in commercial flattery for half an hour, You Li, who was accompanying them, was speechless.

Yang Shiguang wasn't in a rush; he had a high alcohol tolerance anyway, and buttering people up was second nature to him. Moreover, he was accustomed to striking only after the opponent had made their move.

Finally, Mr. Wang initiated the main topic.

"President Yang, you set up this banquet today, I'm afraid it's because of the sewage renovation matter, right?"

"Huh? President Wang knows about the sewage renovation matter too?"

Looking at the feigned surprise on Yang Shiguang's face, how could Mr. Wang, an old fox who had been in the business for many years, not see through his act? However, he didn't expose him, waiting for what was to come.

"To tell you the truth, President Wang, I received an initiative letter from President Huang, and the Municipal Government also hopes that I will take the lead and set an example."

"I'm in a dilemma, which is why I wanted to seek advice from a business leader like you, President Wang. Please give me some guidance."

Mr. Wang thought to himself, 'You brat, you just want to drag me into this. Seeking advice, indeed—you talk better than you sing.'

"Haha, then President Yang can just accept it. After all, if you do it well, there will be commendations and publicity from the Municipal Government, and you can also gain strong support from various bureaus. How great is that?"

"As for me, I'm a rough man; I only recognize profit."

"The main income for Yihong Hotel is weddings, conferences, and accommodation; catering only accounts for a portion. Moreover, the Municipal Government isn't asking me to set an example. Tell me, should I invest these hundreds of thousands or not?"

Hearing this, Yang Shiguang sneered in his heart.

'Watching the fire from across the river? It's impossible to let you watch this fire; I'm going to burn your crotch!'

"I see. Thank you for your guidance, President Wang!"

Yang Shiguang feigned a look of gratitude, then turned the conversation based on his topic.

"Just now I heard you mention it; I suppose Yihong Hotel's conference and accommodation business must be booming right now, right?"

"It's alright. The vacancy rate for accommodation is basically only about 30%. As for the conference venues, it depends on luck. In short, there's a slight profit."

Speaking of Yihong Hotel, Mr. Wang still felt a little proud.

"As expected of a senior. Then I wish President Wang's business becomes more and more prosperous! I'll finish my drink, please feel free!"

Mr. Wang was a bit confused. However, he didn't show it and raised his glass to clink.

'This kid just gave up? Young people really are prone to backing down easily.'

"For President Yang to make Shuicifang so big in less than two months, I truly admire you."

"Why don't we become sworn brothers and address each other as brothers from now on? How about it?"

Yang Shiguang naturally wouldn't refuse.

"To have a brother like Brother Wang, this younger brother is naturally flattered! Come, let this younger brother offer you another drink, and I hope you will provide more guidance!"

Afterwards, it returned to commercial flattery. Anyway, You Li, who was on the side, didn't understand the significance of this dinner party; it seemed like everything was said, yet it seemed like nothing was said.

After the dinner, they naturally parted ways happily.

Mr. Wang felt happy because he thought he hadn't been dragged into the water.

And what about Yang Shiguang? He had also obtained key information, so naturally, he was also happy.

...

The next day, Yang Shiguang rode his bike to the Municipal Government. This meeting was the most critical battle in his game.

Yang Shiguang changed from his usual casual attire. He put on a handsome black suit.

The suit was bought temporarily at Jianning Department Store the day before yesterday; An Miaomiao had gone with Yang Shiguang and picked it out.

His angular face in the mirror, combined with the suit, made him look exactly like a business elite heartthrob.

When An Miaomiao saw it at the time, her peach-blossom eyes rippled, and she looked completely infatuated.

However, wearing a suit and leather shoes while riding a motorcycle was indeed a bit strange, a bit of a mismatch, causing passersby to look over frequently.

"Mayor, President Yang from Shuicifang is here."

Led by Deputy Director Yang from the Municipal Government Office, Yang Shiguang arrived at the office of Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming of Jianning City.

"Oh! President Yang! I've long admired your name. I didn't expect you to be so young. Little Yang, go make a cup of tea."

'Good lord, you too? Should I undo my belt?'

After shaking hands with Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming, Yang Shiguang sat opposite him.

Soon, Deputy Director Yang brought the tea, went out, and closed the door.

"Mayor Tianming, I haven't come to visit you, but instead, you had to invite me. This junior is both ashamed and flattered!"

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming smiled slightly upon hearing this.

"Not at all. President Yang is a peak among young people. To have such achievements at only 18!"

Yang Shiguang quickly adopted a humble attitude.

"No, no, it is only under your leadership and that of the Municipal Committee and Municipal Government that I have been able to achieve a little."

"Besides, this isn't much of an achievement. Food is the people's heaven; isn't this also serving the people? It's only right!"

Yang Shiguang used the skill 'banning by selecting'.

If we talk about sewage renovation later, you will definitely try to label me with 'ideological awareness,' so I'll put the hat on myself first so you have nothing to say.

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming was stunned upon hearing this. Is this kid really only 18? How does he speak officialese so fluently?

However, people who can reach this position are dragons and phoenixes among men; he quickly regained the initiative.

"President Yang's awareness is truly high; you are worthy of being a young entrepreneur. I believe Deputy Director Yang has already told you the main reason I invited you today."

"Environmental protection is a major national policy, and the Hunan Province Committee attaches great importance to it. The Jianning Municipal Government also hopes that President Yang will actively respond and set an example."

"Of course, the Municipal Government will vigorously publicize the contributions made by Shuicifang, and let the people of Jianning know about Shuicifang's efforts in environmental protection."

Yang Shiguang felt annoyed upon hearing this.

'Oh right, we're both thousand-year-old foxes, what kind of Liaozhai are you playing with me?'

'You want to take everything and leave nothing behind. What use is your publicity? How much turnover can it add to my business?'

'Instead, you're pushing me to the front to block bullets for those companies in the association for you. The harder you publicize, the harder they will attack me.'

Yang Shiguang knew it was time for him to fight back.

"Mayor Tianming, in principle, I am very willing to set this example."

"But as you know, Shuicifang hasn't been started for long, our foundation isn't stable, and our funds don't have that much room for maneuver."

"Even though I, Yang Shiguang, have the ambition to serve the people and dare to be the first, the employees of Shuicifang also need to eat, and we are strapped for cash."

Only at this point did the formal meeting begin.