193: 193. The leader arrived

As the private jet's door opened, Vice Minister Zhang Lü Chenxing stepped onto the ground in Jiangcheng with a steady gait. There was no sign of fatigue from the long flight on his face, only a solemn expression of carrying a heavy responsibility.

Exiting the airport through a specialaisle, Jiangcheng's Vice Mayor, accompanied by several key officials, was respectfully waiting.

"Minister Lü, you must be tired from your journey! We have already arranged a simple banquet to welcome you and your colleagues from the working group..."

The Vice Mayor enthusiastically stepped forward, but his words were gently yet firmly interrupted by Lü Chenxing raising his hand: "There's no need for a welcome banquet. Time is short, let's get straight to business."

Lü Chenxing's gaze swept over the local officials present. His tone was calm but carried an undeniable weight. "Let's go directly to Tingfeng Capital."

The Vice Mayor quickly replied, "The cars are already arranged. Let's get in."

In the car, Lü Chenxing looked out at the tall buildings and silently nodded: "Jiangcheng has developed very rapidly these past few years. You all have contributed greatly."

This was praise, and the Vice Mayor's face lit up, though he didn't show it. He honestly said, "It's the result of everyone's hard work, and of course, the excellent guidance from above."

Lü Chenxing didn't respond to him, but simply said to himself, "It's just that, with such a soaring dragon hidden in your Jiangcheng, the local comrades' sense of smell seems to be not sharp enough."

These seemingly casual words made the Vice Mayor's heart clench, and a fine layer of sweat instantly broke out on his back.

He quickly explained, "Minister Lü, please understand, it's not that we don't attach importance to it, it's just that the rise of Tingfeng Energy has been too... fast! Our approval processes and policy research haven't fully kept up with the pace of their technological breakthroughs... We also... have difficulties we can't express."

These words were half truth, half helplessness, and also revealed the common lag local governments face when dealing with such explosively developing innovative enterprises.

Lü Chenxing was noncommittal, simply nodding faintly: "Then all the more reason to go and see for myself."

The motorcade did not head towards the city's official guesthouse but drove directly to the office building where Tingfeng Capital was located.

The motorcade arrived at the underground parking lot, and they took the elevator directly upstairs.

When they saw this group of people, the front desk staff and passing employees of Tingfeng Capital were all stunned, especially when the city leaders, whom they usually only saw in the news, were merely leading the way with humble postures. Whispers quickly spread throughout the office area.

"What's going on? Both the top two leaders of the city are here?"

"Look at that aura, the one in the middle must be the main person, right? Who is he? Such a powerful aura!"

"Hiss, hiss, hiss... They aren't here to cause trouble, are they? Such a big show... I'm a little scared..."

Yu Tianxiong had already received notification and was waiting at the entrance with his core management team.

Lü Chenxing proactively stepped forward and shook hands with Yu Tianxiong, his attitude unexpectedly friendly, completely devoid of the usual airs some high-ranking officials adopt.

"President Yu, I've long admired you. I am Lü Chenxing, mainly responsible for high-tech industries."

He got straight to the point, stating his identity with a sincere tone: "We have been closely following the battery technology you released. This is a strategic trump card that the country urgently needs, and it holds significant importance. We are here this time hoping to visit in person and, on behalf of the country, discuss the most comprehensive and in-depth strategic cooperation possibilities with Tingfeng Energy."

Yu Tianxiong understood in his heart; it seemed that the "good news" and "bargaining chip" thegentlemen mentioned had indeed come to pass.

The country directly sending a Vice Minister Zhang-level team to visit proactively showed the highest level of sincerity and importance.

He responded calmly, "Minister Lü, you flatter me. Welcome, all leaders and experts, for your guidance. The core technical equipment and R&D team are mainly in the joint laboratory at Jiangcheng University. If you don't mind, we can go directly there."

"Good! Let's go to the laboratory!" Lü Chenxing said without hesitation.

When the news reached Jiangcheng University, the school's leadership team instantly felt an immense thrill!

A leader from above, with a mission, personally visiting their laboratory? What an honor!

The Jiangcheng University administrative building was like a depth charge had been dropped into it!

"Clang!"

The door to the President's office was violently pushed open, and the Office Director almost tumbled in, out of breath: "Pre-President! Urgent notice, Vice Minister Zhang Lü Chenxing is leading a team and is already on his way to our school! Their target is clear: the Future Energy Laboratory!"

The President, who was holding a teacup and reading documents, his hand trembled, and he didn't even notice the hot tea splashing on him. He abruptly stood up: "Who?! Minister Lü?! Where are they now?!"

"They've already met up with President Yu of Tingfeng Capital, and the motorcade is heading directly our way! Twenty minutes at most!"

"Twenty minutes?!"

The President's voice changed pitch: "Quick! Initiate Level One Response! Notify all school leaders on campus to immediately, right now, gather at the school gate! No, gather downstairs at the laboratory building! Notify the Security Department to immediately clear all roads leading to the laboratory and implement temporary control! Who is in charge of the laboratory over there? Where is Professor Qin Tian? Contact him quickly!"

The entire administrative building instantly erupted. Piercing internal broadcasts blared, footsteps, shouts, and phone rings mingled in a chaotic mess.

"Secretary Wang is at a meeting in the province!"

"Connect him by phone immediately! Make sure he knows about this no matter what!"

"Vice President Li is conducting research at the Medical College!"

"Send a car! No, use my car, with flashing lights, he must be picked up within ten minutes!"

"Publicity Department! Where did the people from the Publicity Department go? Quickly prepare banners... No, don't hang banners, it's too deliberate! Prepare electronic screen welcome messages, they must be solemn and reflect an academic atmosphere!"

"Logistics! Re-check the laboratory's hygiene! Toilets! The toilets are the priority! They must be spotless!"

"Security team! All plainclothes, no, all uniformed security guards, immediately report to the perimeter cordon outside the laboratory! Keep your eyes sharp!"

Telephones in various offices were ringing off the hook, and mobile phone ringtones rose and fell.

"What? Minister Lü? Is it true?"

"Don't ask if it's true! Follow orders! The road in your college will be closed immediately!"

"Laboratory students? All non-core R&D personnel evacuate immediately! Yes, now! Immediately!"

"Equipment? All equipment re-debugged again, ensure absolutely no mistakes! Whoever makes a mistake gets fired!"

On campus, many teachers and students looked in astonishment at the suddenly increased and hurried administrative staff, as well as the security guards beginning to set up cordons, discussing animatedly.

"What's happening? It suddenly got so tense... Is a big leader coming?"

"Looking at this scale, it's not just any big leader... Oh my goodness."

"The Student Union people are all going crazy with busyness, rushing to help."

The President, rushing downstairs, grabbed the Student Union President and a group of Vice Minister Zhangs who were hurrying over, saying, "Have the fruits and snacks in the reception room immediately upgraded to the highest standard! Oh, and for the tea, use the top box in my cabinet, that golden box of private reserve! Don't try to save money on me!"

"Okay... Yes!" The Student Union members nodded quickly.

Lin Wanqiu quickly tidied her somewhat messy hair and followed the crowd.

The President took a deep breath, sweat beading on his forehead, his heart pounding like a drum, a mix of extreme nervousness and an indescribable excitement.

A national-level leader personally visiting was an honor rarely seen since the school's founding!

Absolutely no mistakes could be made!

...