The year-end busyness directly led to a deserted lounge. Aside from Tang Yumeng, everyone else also seemed increasingly busy. This included Song Ming, the Publicity Department, and the cadres from other departments. They were either heading down to the grassroots to inspect, or off to various schools to guide work, or even to show off at charitable organizations, as well as visiting orphanages, and walking through some impoverished villages.

The sole purpose of this was to demonstrate the officials' concern for the people's well-being.

At this moment, more than a dozen media journalists gathered downstairs of the City Committee building. In the biting cold, some held onto their camera equipment, some clutched microphones, while others kept their hands in their pockets, pacing back and forth. It seemed as though they were waiting for something.

"Lin Chuan." Just as Lin Chuan entered the City Committee building, assistant Xiao Xue called out to him.

"Yo, little miss Xiao Xue, what's up?" Lin Chuan inquired.

"Who are you calling little miss." Xiao Xue glared at Lin Chuan and puffed out her chest, which indeed seemed a bit perkier due to her motion. It was as though she was trying to tell Lin Chuan that she had grown up and now possessed a proud bust. Xiao Xue huffed, "Today, Secretary Tang is going to the Hope Primary School in Jiangdong District, don't wander off later; the car might be needed at any time."

"Got it," Lin Chuan nodded.

Only after heading to the lounge did he discover that there were only two people on standby in the lounge.

"Buddies, where is everyone else?" Lin Chuan asked.

"They're all busy," the two glanced at Lin Chuan, briefly engaging in conversation, "It's year-end, so every department's workload has picked up. Isn't Secretary Tang also heading out today? You should get ready too, right?"

"Right." Lin Chuan sat down and began to smoke, a post-meal cigarette equating to living like a deity. Although it had been a while since mealtime, the pleasure was unforgettable. Lin Chuan chuckled and then offered the other two a cigarette. They responded with friendly smiles towards Lin Chuan.

Today, the Song family brothers weren't around. Otherwise, these two probably wouldn't dare to talk to Lin Chuan, let alone accept his cigarettes.

One of them accepted the cigarette, then looked out the door before saying, "Lin Chuan, truth be told, we do accept you. But, you know how the Song brothers are. Sigh, they have backing, connections. It's different for us; we got this job by pulling strings and paying people, so…"

"I understand," Lin Chuan said with a smile.

"As long as Song Ming is here, we can only follow the Song brothers' orders," the man said with an embarrassed smile.

"To be honest, I don't even know your name?" Lin Chuan said with a laugh.

"I'm Zhang Zhitao," the man replied.

"I'm Yang Tao," another man added.

"Well, at least we're acquainted now," Lin Chuan smiled.

After shaking hands with each other, Xiao Xue soon arrived, and Lin Chuan scurried after her as they left. Xiao Xue handed the keys to Lin Chuan, earnestly instructing, "Lin Chuan, today's event is a year-end caring activity, it might be televised later on. So, you must be serious and not mess around."

"Rest assured, mission will be completed," Lin Chuan nodded.

"Don't be so serious," Xiao Xue laughed.

"Xiao Xue, you actually have such a beautiful smile, why do you always look so stiff?" Lin Chuan said grinning, "A laugh never aged, right? You should smile more, you know?"

"Mind your own business!" Xiao Xue glared at Lin Chuan, "Just go and do your work."

"Alright," Lin Chuan nodded and then dashed out quickly. In the blink of an eye, he had run out.

The Audi A8L, its comfort is beyond words, the two seats in the back are akin to space massage chairs. This car, after being extended, has very spacious back seats, sitting inside is a sheer luxury.

After several minutes of warming up the engine, Lin Chuan drove the car out, and as soon as the number one license plate of Jiangbei City appeared, it immediately attracted the attention of all the journalists. However, when they saw the back seat was empty, they quickly showed a hint of disappointment.

Lin Chuan got out of the car, under the watchful eyes of all.

What a thrilling sensation, Lin Chuan couldn't help but wave his hand, "Hello, comrades."

"Crazy," a female reporter murmured.

"You've all been working hard," Lin Chuan said with a laugh.

At that moment, Tang Yumeng came out from the City Committee building. All the journalists swarmed up to her, immediately leaving Lin Chuan in the dust, instantly turning him from the center of attention to a lonely, desolate figure.

"Secretary Tang, is this visit to Hope Primary School?"

"Secretary Tang, could you tell us if there will be a relocation for the Pioneer Chemical Plant?"

...

Faced with the reporters' questions, Tang Yumeng always maintained a saintly, beautiful smile. At that moment, several security guards from the City Committee hurriedly escorted Tang Yumeng into the Audi. Xiao Xue, struggling on her own to get out, felt extremely uncomfortable; she found it so stifling every time she dealt with these reporters.

"Drive," Tang Yumeng instructed.

"Yes!" Lin Chuan nodded.

Afterward, the Audi promptly left the City Committee building, and the media vehicles invited for the occasion quickly followed. They were there to conduct a follow-up interview with Tang Yumeng. This care event was an end-of-year routine activity, which means that at the end of the year, there are many such showy activities. Most are aimed at appeasing the public spirit and highlighting political achievements. Or, if these activity videos were to be picked up by provincial or even Central Television, that would be no small feat.

"These reporters are so annoying," Xiao Xue couldn't help but complain. "They have no manners, almost crushed me to death."

"You'll get used to it after a while," Tang Yumeng said with a smile. Until now, she maintained an indifferent attitude, even appearing very calm and detached.

"Secretary Tang, you're really patient," Xiao Xue said admiringly. "If it were me, I would have blown my top long ago."

"Only tigresses choose to blow their tops," Lin Chuan couldn't resist teasing.

"Who are you calling?" Xiao Xue looked ready to claw at someone.

"I mean, Secretary Tang's cultivation is incomparable," Lin Chuan said with a smile. "This is a manifestation of quality, as well as inner beauty. It's a level typically beyond the reach of the ordinary person. Xiao Xue, you're still too green."

"You!" Xiao Xue was indignant, but with Tang Yumeng present, she dared not erupt and could only sit in the passenger seat, grinding her teeth at Lin Chuan.

"Haha..." Lin Chuan laughed heartily.

Sitting in the back seat, Tang Yumeng could see Lin Chuan's face through the rearview mirror, and when Lin Chuan noticed that Tang Yumeng was looking at him, he smiled at her. Tang Yumeng returned a coquettish smile to Lin Chuan. Lin Chuan's heart blossomed with joy, and he puckered his lips, sending Tang Yumeng a flying kiss. Tang Yumeng's face instantly turned red, and she quickly turned to look out the window.

Lin Chuan's heart felt as if it was smeared with honey; he was so excited he nearly jumped. Could it be that Tang Yumeng had developed a liking for him? She even seemed shy about his flying kiss? That was obviously the kind of shyness one has when falling in love.

Hope Primary School in Jiangdong District is located east of the river, and they quickly arrived at the school after crossing an old bridge.

Hope Primary School in Jiangdong District mainly serves children from nearby villages and the urban-rural fringe. When the school was originally donated, it was considered a benefit to many of the local residents of Jiangdong District. This Hope Primary School has only two five-story buildings, surrounded by a wall with a spacious gate at the front, which is enclosed by iron railings with the name: Jiangdong District Hope Primary School.

At the entrance, the principal, along with more than a dozen teachers and over two hundred students, lined up to give a warm welcome.

All the students were holding colorful ribbons and balloons and started cheering. Watching this scene, Lin Chuan couldn't help but feel moved. The car stopped at the entrance, and Lin Chuan quickly climbed out from the driver's seat, then opened the door for Tang Yumeng. Tang Yumeng was still dressed in her black professional suit, but she had draped over it a gray cashmere coat, looking elegant and distinguished. Tang Yumeng glanced at Lin Chuan and quickly averted her eyes.

When Tang Yumeng stepped out of the car, the scene beneath her skirt was momentarily exposed, and Lin Chuan caught a full glimpse. He suddenly felt his body react and took several deep breaths to suppress the improper thoughts, chanting in his head: "Do not look, do not listen, if it's improper..."

"Lin Chuan, what's wrong with your zipper?" Xiao Xue got out of the car and saw Lin Chuan's pants bulging like a Mongolian tent.

"Ah?" Lin Chuan looked down to see the little guy standing tall like a victorious general. He laughed and said, "It's nothing, Secretary Tang is so popular, even my little brother feels inspired."

..." Xiao Xue's face was confused, her mind foggy.

"Let's hurry inside." Lin Chuan quickly followed, walking with his rear sticking out, afraid of being discovered in this embarrassing state.

It wasn't long before a group of reporters had arrived at the scene and swiftly started their coverage. The place was bustling with activity. The schoolyard was filled with colorful flags and various welcome banners. It felt as if they were celebrating the New Year.

At this moment, the sweet voice of a fifth-grade girl came from the broadcast room: "We warmly welcome our beloved Secretary Tang to our Hope Primary School in Jiangdong District. On behalf of all the Young Pioneers, I extend our highest respects and affections to Secretary Tang."

"Welcome, welcome! Welcome!"

The students on site kept waving their balloons and flags in their hands. In fact, they had no idea what this all meant or what it signified, but they thought it was fun not having to attend class, completely unaware that they had been arranged for this by the principal.

"Secretary Tang, you've worked hard," the principal said, his face reddened as he shook hands with Secretary Tang, then said, "Despite the freezing weather, you've come all the way to inspect our Hope Primary School, it's very hard on you."

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