Song Ming looked at Tang Yumeng with a profound gaze, then gently sipped the tea. He didn't speak directly, instead, he beat around the bush: "Indeed, this is fine tea. Secretary Tang has excellent skills in brewing tea; the water temperature and the heating are well-mastered. Only... it seems this cup is nine-tenths full."

Tang Yumeng, being highly intelligent, had clearly filled only seven-tenths of the cup, but he insisted it was nine-tenths full—clearly, there were implications in his words.

"Deputy Secretary Song, please speak your mind," Tang Yumeng maintained her smile.

"Secretary Tang, being a person is like brewing tea," Song Ming said with a smile, putting down his cup: "Tea should ideally fill seven-tenths of the cup, leaving three-tenths for good fellowship. When the cup is filled seven-tenths, the tea won't spill and scald your hands. The same applies to how one conducts oneself—you need to leave leeway for both yourself and others. Understanding that water overflows when full and the moon wanes when at its peak is the essence."

"Indeed," Tang Yumeng nodded and said: "What Deputy Secretary Song says is very true. Today, I was indeed planning to discuss this matter with you."

"Oh?" Song Ming expressed a bit of surprise, and curiously asked: "What do you mean by that, Secretary Tang?"

"The officer's circle of Jiangbei City is very important to both of us," Tang Yumeng said earnestly: "I hope that in the future, we can put aside past grievances and collaborate once more. The economic development of Jiangbei City cannot do without our cooperation. I know nothing about the matter with Qianwei Chemical Factory. As for Lin Chuan, I also hope you could let him off this time. In the future, let us work together in mutual respect. How about that?"

Song Ming squinted his eyes, pondering internally. Although he didn't understand what Tang Yumeng was up to, it seemed to make some sense. However, he was resolved not to give up his position easily. Yet, it sounded like she was not willing to let go either.

"Secretary Tang, what do you mean by this?" Song Ming asked curiously, tapping his finger lightly on the tea table.

"My meaning is simple," Tang Yumeng smiled: "Why can't we both take a step back? Besides, rest assured, you're no spring chicken anymore, does it really pay to fight over so much? Your family has stored up billions in savings, covertly transferring so much foreign capital. Your son has even bought a Lamborghini, Bentley, Ferrari Enzo... so many luxury cars, aren't you afraid of your misdeeds being exposed?"

At these words, Song Ming turned ashen.

Indeed, this woman had come prepared. Song Ming took a deep breath: "If that's the case, why don't you report me to the Discipline Inspection Commission?"

"Because I need you as a partner," Tang Yumeng shrugged: "Besides, what good would reporting do? Networks are all over the provincial capital; the result of reporting may just backfire on me. Unless I go to the central authorities, which is a pity, I don't want to lose you as a partner."

"You think I would agree to your terms?" Song Ming squinted his eyes.

"You have to agree with me." Tang Yumeng slapped her phone on the table.

Song Ming was taken aback.

"Fine." Song Ming immediately nodded, saying: "I agree with you."

Tang Yumeng showed a hint of surprise; she had not expected Song Ming to agree so readily. This was beyond her expectations. Tang Yumeng, in astonishment, said: "You really agree?"

"Of course!" Song Ming nodded and said: "I agree with you."

A step back can lead to a broader vista; forbearance can bring peace to the situation. Besides, at this point in time, Song Ming had no choice but to agree, and he really could not afford not to. Agreeing now was merely a conciliatory tactic—a temporary retreat with plans to secure his position later. Song Ming had verbally agreed, but in his heart, he had never accepted Tang Yumeng. This temporary agreement was to mollify Tang Yumeng, to allay her suspicions and doubts about him.

However, how could Tang Yumeng guess Song Ming's thoughts? Her time in politics hadn't been long, only a few years. Her rise might be considered a miracle in the history of the republic. It was precisely because of her brief political career that she lacked experience, was too simple, too trusting of others, and prone to being manipulated.

"Good." Tang Yumeng was delighted, saying: "Deputy Secretary Song, this is excellent, let's cooperate well in the future, and plan together for the future of Jiangbei City."

"Alas, I, Song Ming, have already grown old," Song Ming said with a rueful smile: "The future of Jiangbei City really must rely on you younger folks."

"Not at all old," Tang Yumeng said with a smile: "Secretary Song is not even sixty, General Lian Po in his seventies could still serve in the army. You are still in your prime, and the economic development of Jiangbei City relies on old comrades like you."

The following conversation was much more relaxed, mainly consisting of lighthearted and cheerful topics.

Seeing his ruse succeed, Song Ming naturally relaxed as well. In fact, even if Tang Yumeng had not approached him to talk, he would not have dared to pursue Lin Chuan's responsibility in this matter further. The Provincial Committee's Secretary Song had personally made the call, how could he continue to pursue the blame? To completely overthrow Lin Chuan, relying on one or two incidents of violent assault was not enough. There had to be an intentional homicide to firmly establish Lin Chuan's guilt.

Song Ming squinted his eyes, a fleeting hint of murderous intent flashed in them.

"Deputy Secretary Song, come, drink the tea," Tang Yumeng said with a smile: "This is the finest Da Hong Pao from Feng Taibao, it would really be a waste not to drink it."

"Drink." Song Ming hurriedly nodded.

The two drank tea in lieu of wine, clinking cups. They discussed politics, governance, economic development, and social ethics. Between the lines, Tang Yumeng could feel Song Ming's full enthusiasm and ambition and she could also see that he was indeed a talented man. Only, his whole life, confined to the shallow waters of Jiangbei City, did not allow him to fulfill his aspirations and ambitions. Tang Yumeng also felt pity for him. Such a talented individual, if placed in a more suitable position, might have found much greater opportunities.

However, Song Ming has both good and bad aspects. His corruption is indeed very reprehensible. Yet, compared to his achievements, his greed and corruption seem quite insignificant. Tang Yumeng was actually able to forgive him.

From three o'clock in the afternoon until five, during the two hours, they chatted about everything under the sun, and said a lot.

Even though Tang Yumeng used quite a few tactics to ingratiate herself with Song Ming, she still couldn't get through to Song Ming's heart. It was clear that Song Ming was being evasive and perfunctory.

"I'm all full from the tea," Tang Yumeng joked with a smile: "All the oil and water in my stomach has been drained, how about... we find a place to have a meal, what do you think?"

"Let's not, my wife has already prepared dinner at home," Song Ming declined with an embarrassed wave of his hand, saying, "How about we just end our conversation here for today, and chat more if we find the time in the future?"

"Alright," Tang Yumeng nodded.

Song Ming hurriedly got up to leave.

"Deputy Secretary Song." Tang Yumeng suddenly called out to Song Ming, who had reached the door.

"Huh?" Song Ming turned his head, looking at Tang Yumeng with puzzlement.

"The New Year is almost upon us, I wish you and your family a happy new year," Tang Yumeng said with a smile.

"Yes, yes, happy New Year to you too," Song Ming replied awkwardly, then hurried off. In fact, in that instant when he just turned his head, Song Ming felt the twisted hatred he had for Tang Yumeng suddenly vanish, which made him very curious.

Watching Song Ming's hurried departure, Tang Yumeng's expression darkened. An entire afternoon had passed, yet it did not resolve the conflict and resentment between them.

"Sigh, I've done all I could," Tang Yumeng sighed.

However, fortunately, the conflict between them was temporarily eased. Perhaps it was out of fear that Tang Yumeng held evidence against him, or perhaps he truly felt that it was necessary to sit down and cooperate with Tang Yumeng. That's why Song Ming had agreed to meet.

Tang Yumeng felt somewhat comforted but also a bit disheartened.

Comforted that their mutual conflict had eased; disheartened because it seemed like Song Ming still hadn't accepted her. She guessed it was probably because he was still fixated on the top position, unable to let go. After sitting in the Eight Horses Tea House for a moment longer, Tang Yumeng left the Eight Horses Tea House.

The top two leaders of Jiangbei City quietly gathered at the Eight Horses Tea House, which caught Feng Taibao's attention and warranted his special consideration.

"Strange," Feng Taibao frowned, saying, "What are these two doing together here?"

"Big brother, they must be discussing some important matter," Flying Dagger whispered.

"Do you think I don't know that?" Feng Taibao glared at Flying Dagger, saying, "Isn't it as obvious as lice on a monk's head? What I want to know now is exactly what they talked about. If I can get a handle on that information, I think it could be an opportunity to bring down the Northeast Tiger."

"This…" Flying Dagger was taken aback; there wasn't a third person in the room, and there were no surveillance videos, so who knew what they really discussed. Although someone was sent in twice midway, they basically came back with no information.

Feng Taibao took a deep breath and said, "Why do I always have the feeling that something is not quite right in Jiangbei City?"

"Big brother, then we should take extra precautions!" Flying Dagger hurriedly suggested.

"It's the end of the year, what precautions?" Feng Taibao sighed, saying, "Never expected that these two mortal enemies would actually come together. Seems like, we should really start to cozy up to Tang Yumeng. Flying Dagger, when you have time, take this to Tang Yumeng for me."

"Huh?" Flying Dagger was startled and said, "Big brother, isn't this… isn't this your favorite jade Buddha?"

"Hmm," Feng Taibao nodded, saying, "It's precisely because I like it that I can show my sincerity."

This jade Buddha was something Feng Taibao spent a lot of money to acquire from overseas. At an auction in the United Kingdom, Feng Taibao won it for three million. The price was steep, and the quality was exceptional. The Maitreya Buddha's smile was infectious, and it seemed to carry an invisible laughter within it.

...

On the way back from the Eight Horses Tea House, Tang Yumeng couldn't help but miss Lin Chuan. She didn't understand why this kid was so charming. These few days, she found herself constantly missing him at all times, even giving her an inexplicable sense of longing. Tang Yumeng sighed, and while driving, she used her Bluetooth headset to call Lin Chuan.

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