Leading the way ahead of Song Wen and Song Wu is the Executive Deputy Secretary of Jiangbei City Committee, a typical native of Jiangbei City, named Song Ming. This man has extensive connections and overwhelming power, being a leading figure among the local factions of Jiangbei City. In terms of official rank, Tang Yumeng naturally ranks higher than him, but in terms of speaking power, Song Ming is probably much stronger than Tang Yumeng.

Song Ming, at the age of fifty, had thought that a few years ago when the top leader was transferred, he would be promoted and had even prematurely set up a banquet. However, a sudden notice from the Provincial Committee's Organization Department appointed a new Secretary, much to Song Ming's fury, almost making him want to skin Tang Yumeng alive. Nonetheless, this cunning old fox remained composed and decided to use non-cooperation to drive Tang Yumeng away, but unexpectedly, this young lady thrived in the top position, catching Song Ming completely off guard.

This morning, his two nephews had shared their grievances with him, so he paid extra attention.

"Are you the new driver for Secretary Tang?" Song Ming approached, his eagle eyes staring at Lin Chuan, his expression half-smiling.

"Yes." Lin Chuan nodded, looking up at Song Ming, clearly seeing some not-so-good elements.

"Good, good." Song Ming smiled and surprisingly initiated a handshake with Lin Chuan, saying, "Your future is limitless, do well, the safety of Secretary Tang relies on you, as does the hope of the people of Jiangbei City."

Such official rhetoric, such a fine hat to wear. Lin Chuan smiled and said, "I will certainly not let everyone down."

"Let's go." Song Ming sneered disdainfully, wiping the hand that had just shaken Lin Chuan's with a disinfected wet wipe, tossing it carelessly before getting into the parked Audi car.

Lin Chuan immediately felt a show of power.

Song Wen and Song Wu glanced at Lin Chuan, their lips curling into a sinister smirk, their eyes filled with a provocative flavor. Lin Chuan disdainfully glanced at the two brothers, ignoring their provocations, considering them defeated foes unworthy of bravery.

Luo Guoqing was a very competent driver, he respectfully opened the car door for Tang Yumeng, and after she got into the car, he gently closed the door and quickly took his place in the driver's seat. Lin Chuan, clearly still not familiar with his role, didn't wait for Tang Yumeng to get in but hopped into the front passenger seat himself, knocking his knees like he owned the place, curiously examining the interior of the Audi car.

It must be said, the interior of the Audi is indeed impressive, with fine workmanship and high-end materials, the leather control panel looking very classy, and the black leather seats so nice one might worry about damaging them just by touching. It was Lin Chuan's first time in such a high-end car, and he couldn't help but praise, "Wow, this car is really nice, spacious and comfortable."

Tang Yumeng's secretary was astounded, staring at Lin Chuan dumbfounded, wondering if he was here to be a driver or if he seemed more like the secretary himself.

"Audi A8, 6.3 displacement, W12 cylinder. Heh heh…" speaking of this, Luo Guoqing laughed proudly: "This is the mightiest car I've ever driven."

"Really?" Lin Chuan exclaimed: "An A8 top model? Zero to a hundred in just over four seconds?"

"Exactly!" Luo Guoqing nodded, adding, "Five hundred horsepower, three hundred sixty-eight kilowatts. When it really speeds up, it's like a roaring beast."

"Wow…" Lin Chuan smacked his lips and said, "This guy, even stronger than the military Humvee."

"No comparison!" Luo Guoqing laughed: "Brother Lin, were you a soldier?"

"Yes!" Lin Chuan nodded, saying, "Just came back from demobilization."

"Good man." Luo Guoqing laughed, "I was also a soldier, but I demobilized twenty years ago."

Having said this, Luo Guoqing's eyes showed a hint of helplessness, as if he harbored an unspeakable secret. Just then, Tang Yumeng spoke up: "Let's drive."

"Yes, Secretary Tang!" Luo Guoqing immediately regained his composed expression.

Three cars started simultaneously, slowly heading towards Wujiang. Wujiang is a county town of Jiangbei City, just an hour's drive from Jiangbei City. This inspection trip was because Wujiang was applying to develop a tourist spot, so Secretary Tang decided to personally check it out.

All along the way, Tang Yumeng was very quiet, continuously reviewing the project documents in her hands.

Lin Chuan felt uneasy, he took out a cigarette from his pocket, hesitated for a moment, then put it away.

The secretary beside him was very attentive, constantly serving Tang Yumeng tea and water. After about half an hour, Tang Yumeng put away the documents and leaned back in her seat, then suddenly asked: "Lin Chuan, did you have a clash with Song Wen and others?"

"Hmm." Lin Chuan responded.

"Then be careful in the future," Tang Yumeng instructed, "Those two are not easy to deal with, and they have the backing of Song Ming."

"I understand," Lin Chuan nodded.

Apart from this, Tang Yumeng remained silent, merely resting until they reached their destination. Upon arrival at the Wujiang County Committee Building, Liu Dagu greeted them with a group of people downstairs. Liu Dagu was not only an old friend of Song Ming but also his classmate, which naturally made their relationship extraordinary. This hefty man sported a big belly, draped in a gown, wore a pair of old Beijing cloth shoes, and clutched a string of jadeite in his hand. He looked quite like a scholarly businessman.

Lin Chuan, sharp-eyed, focused on the string of jadeite in Liu Dagu's hands. This jadeite was top-quality, entirely green, and had been crafted into large skulls and strung together. This piece wasn't cheap; its market price should be no less than three million yuan. Tsk tsk, such an individual holds a three million yuan jadeite in his hand.

"Secretary Tang, you must be tired from the journey," Liu Dagu brightened up upon seeing Tang Yumeng, almost drooling.

"Secretary Liu, you're too kind," Tang Yumeng nodded slightly.

Liu Dagu quickly grasped Tang Yumeng's hand, displaying an adoring smile: "Not at all, in this lifetime, I'm following you, Secretary Tang."

Tang Yumeng frowned, trying to withdraw her hand, but this guy held on tight, refusing to let go. Beside them, Song Ming's lips curled up in a smile. With Song Ming's support, Liu Dagu became even more presumptuous, daring to pat Tang Yumeng's shoulder and said, "Secretary Tang, let me take you inside and guide you a bit in your work."

Tang Yumeng became anxious, trying to break free from his grip, but to no avail. However, with so many people around, she could not reprimand him loudly.

Lin Chuan witnessed all this, frowning. At such an event, how could this individual so blatantly disrespect his immediate superior? This was sheer audacity. Lin Chuan hurriedly approached, pushing Liu Dagu away and supporting Tang Yumeng by her delicate waist, he said, "Secretary Tang, you dropped something."

Tang Yumeng was jolted awake, she took what Lin Chuan handed her—it was a ball of paper. Tang Yumeng nodded frantically: "Thank you."

Pushed by Lin Chuan, Liu Dagu's hefty body immediately collapsed onto the cement ground, his prominent belly touching the ground like a spinning top. Lin Chuan's strength was not to be underestimated, even a casual push from him was forceful.

"Ow, quick... help me up," Liu Dagu called for help, unable to stand up no matter how hard he tried.

Song Wen and Song Wu quickly helped Liu Dagu up. Liu Dagu's face turned red; he cautiously inspected the jadeite in his hands, sighing in relief once he confirmed it was unharmed, and demanded, "Who pushed me just now!"

"It was him!" Song Wen pointed at Lin Chuan immediately.

"Yes, it was me!" Lin Chuan replied unabashed, possessing a sense of responsibility for his actions.

Liu Dagu was stunned, then fury engulfed his face: "Boy, do you realize the consequences of your actions?"

Just as Tang Yumeng was about to step forward, Song Ming immediately intervened: "Secretary Liu, let it go, it's all a misunderstanding. Let's not quibble over a young man's mistake."

"Humph!" Liu Dagu snorted, "For Secretary Tang and Vice Secretary Song's sake, I'll let this matter slide."

Tang Yumeng looked at Lin Chuan with a guilt-ridden face.

Fortunately, the matter blew over; politicians do not hold grudges openly and soon burst into a great laughter. After entering the office building, Tang Yumeng curiously unfolded the note Lin Chuan had given her. The message was scrawled awkwardly: Fear not, I am here!

Ugly though the words were, they gave her an immense sense of power. She hadn't realized that Lin Chuan was protecting her at every moment, and it moved her deeply.

After a one-hour meeting in the morning, at Tang Yumeng's suggestion, the group went directly to visit the ancient town of Wujiang, a future major tourist attraction the town was planning to develop, already attracting interest from an investment company willing to invest thirty billion yuan.

After the tour, Liu Dagu complained nonstop; weighing over 200 pounds, each step he took burned a significant amount of energy. After more than an hour of walking, he panted, "Secretary Tang, it's already one in the afternoon, why don't... we find a place to eat?"

"It's just a few more steps, hang in there," Tang Yumeng's lips curved slightly—having been bullied in the morning, it was time for a little payback in the afternoon? It was also time to teach him that women should not be trifled with.

"I really can't keep going," Liu Dagu said with a wry smile.

"Serving the people means enduring hardship," Tang Yumeng stated earnestly: "Secretary Liu, we should always remember the teachings of the greats."

"Yes, yes!" Liu Dagu nodded repeatedly, adding: "But man is iron, food is steel."

"Alright, since you're like this, let's find a place to eat," Tang Yumeng smiled.

"Let's go to... Xianghe International Restaurant," Liu Dagu hastily said, "I've already ordered lunch to be prepared there."

"No, let's find a local farmhouse here and have some simple dishes," Tang Yumeng shook her head.

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