61: Chapter 61 Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Food City

After saying this, he took Tangtang and Tang Man's family and left the office without looking back.

Night had already fallen outside.

Tangtang leaned on Lin Yu's shoulder and asked with a sob, "Brother Lin Yu, will they still scold me in the future for not having a father?"

Lin Yu stopped and looked at the little girl in his arms, his eyes as gentle as a pool of spring water.

He said solemnly, "Tangtang, no one will dare to bully you ever again. Because from today on, I am your father. I have a name; my name is Lin Yu."

Tangtang's eyes lit up instantly, like the brightest stars in the night sky.

She reached out with her small hand, clutched Lin Yu's clothes tightly, and broke into a smile through her tears, "Mm! I have a father! I have Daddy Lin Yu!"

"Uncle, Auntie, I'm sorry! I didn't get a chance to greet you earlier. My name is Lin Yu, and I am Tang Man's boyfriend!" he said, turning to Tang Man's parents.

Tang Man's parents quickly replied, "It's fine, it's fine. We owe you a lot today!"

In the office behind them, there was dead silence.

Principal Zhao sat in his chair, silent.

As for that Mrs. Zhu, she was on the phone with her husband, and what came from the other end was, "Come back quickly, I promise I won't beat you to death..."

Early the next morning.

The morning in Ze City was broken by roars, but these were not thunder; they were the roars of three hundred excavators simultaneously at the Junlin Food City project site.

This was the wasteland in the east of Ze City, three thousand acres of land that stretched as far as the eye could see.

In the past, there was only weeds and mud here, but today, red flags fluttered, and colorful smoke filled the sky.

A huge red arch spanned the entrance of the main road, with the words "Ze City Key Livelihood Project — Junlin Food City Groundbreaking Ceremony" written on it.

Time: 08:30 AM

Location: Backstage of the Groundbreaking Ceremony Main Venue

President Wang Ya stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling mirror, adjusting her dark gray professional suit for the last time.

As the President of Junlin Capital, her makeup today was exquisite and cold, her aura fully unleashed.

"President Wang Ya, the motorcade of Secretary Wang from the Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor Wang from the municipal government will arrive in twenty minutes." Administrative Director Tang Xingmian walked in quickly, holding a schedule, speaking very fast. "Director Wu from the security company reported that the outer traffic has been controlled, and the on-site security level has been raised to level one. In addition, Liu Zhenhong's Hongyuan Company, the contractor, and the heads of those outsourcing firms are waiting outside, saying they want to see the boss."

President Wang Ya nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping across the bustling construction site outside the window, and she said indifferently, "Let them wait. They are not the protagonists today."

"Yes." Administrative Director Tang Xingmian paused and lowered her voice, "The media area has been arranged. More than thirty media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, Provincial Daily, and the City TV Station, have all arrived, and several online live streaming platforms are also on site."

"Good, ensure the media reception is in place," President Wang Ya instructed.

At this moment, on the other side of the backstage, a group of young people wearing high-end custom suits, but with "excitement" and "unruliness" written all over their faces, were gathered together.

This was the legendary "Young Masters Group" — Liu Mingxuan and Young Master Zhao Tianyu were serving as representatives, surrounded by a group of second-generation elites with equally deep backgrounds.

Some were heirs to Ze City's business tycoons, others were new industry elites; because they were optimistic about the future of Junlin Food City, they all brought capital and resources to join.

"Hey, do you think the boss will come today?" a young man with dyed silver hair asked while adjusting his tie.

"Nonsense, this is a big day for Junlin, how could he not come?" The skinny guy was still chewing gum. "I heard that Secretary Wang from the Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor Wang from the municipal government are attending in person today. This is a level of protocol we haven't seen in Ze City for many years."

"I'm a bit nervous," the skinny guy patted his chest. "Although we usually walk around the circle like we own the place, today we are facing the city's media and leaders. We shouldn't embarrass the boss."

Liu Mingxuan adjusted his tie, his expression much more serious than the others. "Everyone, stand up straight. The boss letting us buy shares is him thinking highly of us, and it's also an opportunity for us to wash away our 'playboy' reputations. The primary task of this three-thousand-acre Food City is zero-profit meal distribution for schools, nursing homes, and welfare institutions in the entire region. This is a virtuous act, and it's also a test the boss has given us."

Young Master Zhao Tianyu nodded in agreement. "Liu Mingxuan is right. The boss said that besides livelihood guarantees, meal distribution for other enterprises and public institutions will be below market price. This project is so big; if we mess it up, we won't be able to show our faces in Ze City anymore."

Just then, steady footsteps approached.

Lin Yu walked in.

He was not wearing those exaggerated formal clothes, but a well-tailored black Zhongshan suit, which looked solemn and exuded an indescribable majesty.

Behind him followed Vice President Liu Qingyan, Financial Director Xia Wanxing, Investment Director Shen Ruoyao, HR Director Lu Zhiyi, and Director Chu Yao.

Vice President Liu Qingyan was in a capable pantsuit, holding a tablet with sharp eyes; Financial Director Xia Wanxing wore a dark blue financial suit with a focused expression; Investment Director Shen Ruoyao was in an elegant professional skirt suit with a gentle temperament; HR Director Lu Zhiyi wore a simple white shirt and black skirt, looking professional and approachable; Director Chu Yao was in a light purple shirt and an irregular skirt, looking brighter and colder.

"Boss!"

The Young Masters Group instantly went quiet, standing straight, their eyes full of awe.

Lin Yu's gaze swept over the crowd and finally landed on Liu Mingxuan and Young Master Zhao Tianyu. He said indifferently, "Today you are the hosts, not here to play around. The three-thousand-acre Food City will be the Vegetable Basket of Ze City in the future, and also your cornucopia. Keep your backs straight, and don't let anyone look down on Junlin's partners."

"Yes! Boss!" everyone replied in unison, their morale greatly boosted.

Lin Yu walked up to Tang Man, reached out to tidy Tangtang's small braids, and said softly, "Tangtang, Daddy has to do something big today. You and Mommy watch cartoons in the lounge, okay?"

Tangtang rubbed her eyes and said in a milky voice, "Daddy Lin Yu, I want to go see the big excavators too!"

Lin Yu smiled and touched her head. "Okay, after the ceremony, Daddy will take you to dig the first shovel of dirt."

Time: 09:00 AM

Location: Main Venue Red Carpet Area

A black Audi A6 slowly stopped, the door opened, and Ze City Municipal Committee Secretary Wang Zhenshan stepped out, accompanied by his secretary.

Immediately after, Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo, who was in charge of housing and construction, also arrived.

President Wang Ya, Vice President Liu Qingyan, Financial Director Xia Wanxing, Investment Director Shen Ruoyao, HR Director Lu Zhiyi, Director Chu Yao, and Administrative Director Tang Xingmian immediately went up to greet them.

"Secretary Wang, Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo, welcome to visit and guide us." President Wang Ya shook hands firmly, neither humble nor arrogant.

Secretary Wang Zhenshan looked at the spectacular scene before him and said with emotion, "President Wang Ya, Junlin Capital has made a big move this time. Three thousand acres, a full industrial chain—this is unique in our province! The Municipal Committee and the municipal government attach great importance to it. We came today to stand on this stage for you and to let the people know that this is a true livelihood project!"

"Thank you for the trust of the Municipal Committee and the municipal government." President Wang Ya smiled and guided the leaders toward the main stage.

Media reporters raised their cameras and video cameras one after another, recording this important moment.

Time: 09:18 AM

Location: Main Stage

The ceremony officially began.

The huge LED screen was playing the promotional video for the Junlin Food City project: a modern cold chain logistics center, an intelligent central kitchen, a green agricultural product testing base... The visuals were shocking and full of a sense of technology.

President Wang Ya, as the host, stood in the center of the stage, her voice carrying across the venue through top-tier audio equipment: "Respected leaders, distinguished guests, and media friends, good morning! We are here at the site of the Junlin Food City Groundbreaking Ceremony in Ze City..."

She briefly and powerfully introduced the project background, and then invited Secretary Wang to deliver a speech.

Secretary Wang's speech was passionate: "...The construction of Junlin Food City will completely solve the problems of difficult agricultural product circulation and food safety supervision in our city! This is a great thing that benefits the country and the people! I hope Junlin Capital will accelerate construction and put it into production as soon as possible!"

Applause thundered.

Next, Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo took the stage to speak: "Distinguished guests, comrades, friends! Today, we are holding the grand groundbreaking ceremony for Junlin Food City here. This is a major event in the economic and social development of Ze City and a joyous occasion that the people of the whole city have been looking forward to for a long time. The Junlin Food City project is a key livelihood project highly valued by the Municipal Committee and the municipal government. It is of great significance for improving our city's food safety level, ensuring people's well-being, and promoting economic development. The municipal government will continue to support the construction and development of Junlin Food City as always, and provide good services and guarantees for the project. I hope that Junlin Capital and all participating units will carefully organize, scientifically construct, ensure project quality and safety, and strive to build Junlin Food City into a high-quality project, a boutique project, and a project that wins the hearts of the people! Finally, I wish the Junlin Food City Groundbreaking Ceremony a complete success! I wish all leaders and guests good health, smooth work, and all the best!"

Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo's speech was more specific and pragmatic, reflecting the government's emphasis on and support for the project.

Then, it was the turn of the construction representative, Liu Zhenhong, to speak. Holding the microphone: "Respected leaders! Distinguished guests, good morning! I won't say much. Our Hongyuan Company guarantees to the Municipal Committee, the municipal government, and Junlin Capital: the project quality will be absolutely solid! Even if I have to bury my old bones in the foundation, I will build this Food City!"

The simple words won the warmest applause.

Then, it was the turn of the Young Masters Group representative, Liu Mingxuan, to speak. He took a deep breath and walked onto the stage: "Respected leaders, distinguished guests, hello everyone. I am Liu Mingxuan. Today, I, Young Master Zhao Tianyu, and many young people like me are fortunate to be able to participate in this great project, Junlin Food City. We know deeply that this is not just a commercial project, but a heavy social responsibility. We promise to go all out to ensure the high-quality construction of the Food City and contribute our strength to the livelihood cause of Ze City!"

His speech was sincere and powerful, winning the approval of everyone present.

Time: 09:48 AM

Location: Beside the Foundation Stone

The auspicious time had arrived.

Lin Yu accompanied Secretary Wang, Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo, and several prestigious veteran cadres toward the huge foundation stone in the center of the venue.

This stone weighed several tons and was draped in red silk.

"Please, leaders, shovel soil to lay the foundation for Junlin Food City!" President Wang Ya announced loudly.

Passionate music sounded, salute cannons fired in unison, and ninety-nine shots shook the sky.

Lin Yu took the golden shovel handed over by the staff. He stood beside Secretary Wang, his movements steady and powerful.

"Boom—!"

As the first shovel of soil fell, the three hundred excavators, which had long been ready, sounded their horns simultaneously. Huge mechanical arms swung, soil rolled, and dust flew.

This was not just breaking ground; this was the clarion call for the reorganization of Ze City's business landscape.

Lin Yu put down the shovel, looking at the magnificent scene before him, his mouth slightly raised. He patted the dust off his hands, withdrew his gaze from the bustling construction site, and turned to Secretary Wang and Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo beside him.

"Secretary Wang, Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo, thank you both for coming in person to support the project today." Lin Yu's voice was steady and powerful, with just the right amount of respect. "Junlin Food City will certainly live up to the expectations of the Municipal Committee and the municipal government, making this livelihood project a project of conscience and a project that people can trust."

Secretary Wang patted Lin Yu's shoulder, his face full of gratification. "Mr. Lin, today, with this first shovel of soil, the lunches of hundreds of thousands of students and the dinners of tens of thousands of elderly people in Ze City have been secured. The Municipal Committee and the municipal government will give you the best policy support, and you must also deliver the highest quality meal distribution service to the hearts of the people."

Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo also nodded in agreement. "Yes, zero-profit meal distribution for schools and nursing homes, and supply to enterprises and public institutions at below-market prices—the people of Ze City see this sense of responsibility. For the subsequent water, electricity, and transportation support, the municipal government will set up a special task force to follow up and ensure the project has a green light all the way."

Lin Yu nodded slightly. "Please rest assured, leaders, Junlin Capital says what it means and does what it says."

President Wang Ya, Vice President Liu Qingyan, and others stepped forward at the right time to guide the leaders toward the parking lot. Media reporters carried cameras and held recording pens, following and filming along the way, with flashes going off one after another.

Inside the parking lot, a row of black Audi A6s were neatly arranged, the national flags on their hoods fluttering gently in the breeze. President Wang Ya opened the car door for Wang Zhenshan herself, while Vice President Liu Qingyan waited by the car of Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo.

"Secretary Wang, please take care." Lin Yu stood in front of the car door and bowed slightly.

Secretary Wang sat in the car, lowered the window, and urged again, "Mr. Lin, when the first phase of the project starts construction next month, remember to invite comrades from the Municipal Committee to the site to check the progress. Also, guide those young people who bought shares more; don't let them go down the wrong path."

"Certainly, Secretary Wang." Lin Yu agreed with a smile.

"Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo, please take care of it as well." Lin Yu turned to the other car.

Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo waved his hand. "Mr. Lin, you are too polite. If there are any difficulties during construction, come directly to the municipal government to find me."

A trace of warmth flashed in Lin Yu's eyes. "Thank you, Deputy Mayor Wang Jianguo."

As the car doors closed one by one, the motorcade slowly started and drove away from the construction site under the guidance of security personnel. President Wang Ya, Vice President Liu Qingyan, and others stood by the roadside, watching the motorcade leave until the shadows of the cars disappeared at the end of the road.

"Boss, the leaders have all left." Administrative Director Tang Xingmian walked over with the schedule. "Next is the media interview session. Reporters from Xinhua News Agency, Provincial Daily, and the City TV Station all want to interview you."

Lin Yu checked his watch. "Vice President Liu Qingyan, you and President Wang Ya go ahead and accept the interviews first. I have something else to do."