Official Career Storm
Chapter 171

Chapter 171: Chapter 171

Dujiang County’s plan to abolish the county and establish a city was indeed real.

But when exactly the upgrade to a county-level city would take place, Song Guanchao didn’t know.

He estimated that even Wu Qiangwei might not know the exact timing, so naturally, she couldn’t provide him with a definitive answer.

Song Guanchao smiled and said, "I’m really stumped by this question too. I’ve only joined the City Committee for just over a month, and I’m still not clear about the several districts in the city, let alone the two counties below."

Ning Lin wasn’t surprised either and chuckled, "Then, Secretary Song, if you find out one day, you must tell me. Chairman Liu also wants to contribute to Lingjiang’s economy."

"Of course, I will."

Such courteous remarks were easily made without much thought.

After chatting for a while, a woman around thirty, dressed in a khaki-colored long dress and a matching trench coat, walked over.

The woman had long wavy hair, a sophisticated makeup look, and a very commanding presence.

Her delicate features had the feel of a leading lady in a historical TV drama.

Ning Lin introduced her, "Secretary Song, this is Chairman Liu, Liu Lanzi."

"Chairman Liu, this is Secretary Song."

"Hello, Secretary Song."

Liu Lanzi had a beautiful smile, which lit up when she greeted him. Without putting on airs, she extended her hand.

Song Guanchao gave her hand a light shake and said, "Hello, Chairman Liu."

This was the first time he had interacted with someone from the business world since becoming Secretary of the Municipal Committee.

He was not familiar with New City Company.

But he assumed that since Mayor Zheng had invited her to the dinner banquet, it couldn’t be too shabby.

For a big company to have a female chairman, and such a young one at that, was very rare.

Even rarer was how stunningly beautiful this chairman was.

Such a person either had a powerful family background or possessed extraordinary skills.

Otherwise, with her looks, she would have been devoured to the point where nothing was left of her long ago.

Liu Lanzi chatted with him on some simple topics, avoiding any mention of Dujiang County.

After about ten minutes, Mayor Zheng said, "Everyone, please take your seats."

The crowd sat down, Mayor Zheng raised his glass, and everyone stood to drink.

During this time, everyone took turns toasting each other. As a secretary, this was when his duty became apparent.

If a leader couldn’t drink, a secretary would drink on their behalf.

It wasn’t like drinking with higher-level leaders; they were dealing with a bunch of businesspeople, and there was no needs to be overly formal.

Wu Qiangwei didn’t have Song Guanchao drink on her behalf, but she didn’t drink much herself either.

"Secretary Chu, I’d like to toast to you."

Several entrepreneurs came over and drank a few glasses with Chu Xiao’e.

Although Chu Xiao’e was also a standing committee member, she was ranked lower and didn’t have much clout.

These business leaders were drinking with her mainly so she wouldn’t feel too left out.

The most important thing about drinking with government leaders was to be comprehensive.

Of course, some entrepreneurs were there specifically to drink with her.

Chu Xiao’e had many admirers, most of whom were elite businesspeople.

Among the entrepreneurs present that day, one had hinted that he wanted to pursue Chu Xiao’e.

It was that middle-aged man who was drinking with Chu Xiao’e at the moment.

He chatted with Chu Xiao’e for a bit and had a few drinks before leaving.

Afterward, a few secretaries also went to her and offered their toasts.

Naturally, Song Guanchao couldn’t avoid going.

He carried two drinks over, "Secretary Chu, have you had much to drink?"

He handed her one of the drinks, and Chu Xiao’e softly thanked him, accepting it.

She hadn’t changed her outfit that evening and was still wearing that suit.

Song Guanchao glanced at her cheeks and asked, "Had too much?"

"I’m fine," Chu Xiao’e’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes seemed to contain sparkling autumn waters, and she appeared charmingly tipsy.

They exchanged a few trivial remarks, and then Chu Xiao’e headed toward the sofa in the rest area.

Song Guanchao followed.

Chu Xiao’e had just sat down when she suddenly felt some discomfort and adjusted her sitting position.

She looked up and met Song Guanchao’s eyes, a hint of shyness flashing in hers.

Song Guanchao was puzzled, but he quickly understood.

Had they gone at it too hard last night?

Was it even affecting how she sat down?

Song Guanchao cleared his throat, lit a cigarette, and engaged in patchy conversation with her.

As the gathering was about to end, Secretary Sun came over and pulled him aside to the floor-to-ceiling windows, whispering, "After this is over, wanna go to the club for a foot bath?"

Song Guanchao shook his head, "Not tonight, I’ve drunk a bit too much. Maybe next time."

The dinner didn’t finish until after nine in the evening.

One by one, the entrepreneurs began to leave, with the government officials also heading out.

Song Guanchao walked with Wu Qiangwei at the very back.

"I’m going to the restroom," Wu Qiangwei said as she stepped out of the elevator and headed to the bathroom.

Song Guanchao stood outside waiting for her.

After she came out, Song Guanchao said, "I’m going to the restroom too."

He unfolded the suit jacket that was draped over his arm, ready to put it on.

"Let me hold that for you," Wu Qiangwei offered.

"Sure, thanks Secretary," he said.

Song Guanchao quickly entered the restroom.

Wu Qiangwei walked toward the living room, as other guests were already making their way out the door.

Outside, the leaders and entrepreneurs stopped outside, chatting while waiting for their drivers to bring their cars around.

Wu Qiangwei looked at the suit in her hands, noticing some wrinkles. She reached out to smooth them but then paused abruptly.

She flipped the collar of the suit, looking at the brand label at the back of the neck.

This wasn’t the suit she had given to Song Guanchao.

But, it was equally a high-end brand, not any cheaper than the one she had gifted.

Wu Qiangwei felt a sudden surge of anger.

She had clearly told Song Guanchao to wear the suit she had given him.

At that moment, Song Guanchao came out.

"Secretary, shall we go?" he said.

He took the suit and walked outside, but he realized that Wu Qiangwei was not following.

Turning around, he saw Wu Qiangwei with furrowed brows, as if pondering something important.

"Secretary, what’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing."

Wu Qiangwei’s frown relaxed, and she walked outside.

Wu Ming had already brought the car around, waiting outside the hotel.

Song Guanchao opened the rear car door and waited for Wu Qiangwei to get in before saying to Wu Ming, "Take the Secretary home."

Wu Qiangwei glanced at him, instinctively wanting to ask why he wasn’t getting in the car.

She swallowed her words and ordered, "Drive."

Wu Ming, clearly sensing his sister’s sour mood, wisely didn’t say much and quietly drove off.

As the car left the parking lot, Wu Ming finally voiced the question he had been holding in all evening: "Sis, when you guys headed home earlier, what took you so long?"

"Shut up!"

"..." Wu Ming felt bitter inside. What was wrong with his sister?

Could her menopause be arriving early?

Or was it that being single for too long had thrown off her hormonal balance, causing her to be irritable?

Meanwhile, Song Guanchao stood smoking at the hotel entrance, watching each official leave.

Once the last person had left, he discarded his cigarette and stamped it out.

At the same time, Chu Xiao’e also arrived fashionably late, coming out from the hotel just in time.

The two exchanged a glance, and in silent agreement, Song Guanchao asked, "Shall I take you home?"

Chu Xiao’e murmured a soft affirming sound.

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