Xu Chunliang was not familiar with Weishan County, so he asked Mei Ruxue for a recommendation. Mei Ruxue said she mostly dined at the government guesthouse during her past visits and hadn't really eaten outside.

Xu Chunliang then opened a popular review app, but Mei Ruxue told him that most of the good reviews on it were fake, so they weren't very reliable.

The county is full of fish restaurants, but they had more authentic ones on Weishan Island. Mei Ruxue remembered a local cuisine restaurant next to the government guesthouse, so they decided to eat there. She could also leave her car behind and enjoy some drinks with Xu Chunliang.

The two arrived at the local restaurant, where Xu Chunliang noticed a sign with "Guerrillas" on it. It was said that the ancestors of the restaurant owner were members of the Railway Guerrillas.

The restaurant's decor also had a red theme. Mei Ruxue parked her car in the government guesthouse parking lot, grabbed a bottle of plum wine, and brought a bottle of "Eastern Red" for Xu Chunliang, saying she could have some with him tonight.

There were no private rooms available, so they found a secluded booth to sit in. But it wasn't actually quiet, as the locals spoke loudly. At the table next to them, four girls were chatting non-stop, chirping like cuckoos, full of youthful energy in their early twenties.

Xu Chunliang ordered braised snakehead fish, river shrimp, stir-fried chicken, and stir-fried water chestnuts. Mei Ruxue advised him not to order more, as they wouldn't be able to finish it, plus the portions locally were large, and waste shouldn't be encouraged.

Feeling there weren't enough dishes to go with the alcohol, Xu Chunliang ordered a vegetable platter.

Sure enough, the dishes came in big plates and bowls. Looking at the table full of dishes, Mei Ruxue said, "I told you, two dishes would be more than enough for us."

Xu Chunliang replied, "There's a saying: life needs a sense of ceremony."

Mei Ruxue laughed, "Are you still talking about ceremony at a local restaurant?"

Xu Chunliang poured her some plum wine and opened the bottle of Eastern Red for himself. He had never had it before, but online research showed it was a high-end wine from Jian Nan Chun, costing over a thousand a bottle. Although Mei Ruxue didn't drink baijiu, she had quite a collection of fine wines. Considering her demeanor, she wasn't the type to misuse government funds, so he wondered where she got all these luxury wines.

They clinked glasses, and Mei Ruxue said, "Congratulations on your great success."

Xu Chunliang replied, "Today, actually, is a double celebration."

Mei Ruxue was about to ask what other celebration there was, but she refrained, fearing it was a trick on his part.

Xu Chunliang then told her he had officially been appointed as the director of Weishan Island Hospital. Only then did Mei Ruxue realize she had overthought it. She raised her glass and said, "We must truly celebrate this. Congratulations on your promotion to director. Wishing you success in your future endeavors."

Xu Chunliang clinked glasses with her and downed his drink, smiling, "This official position isn't even ranked; it's just an internal role within Changxing. My academic qualifications are lacking, so my career path might already have reached its peak."

Mei Ruxue knew he was speaking the truth, yet encouraged him, "Don't underestimate yourself. You're so clever; you're sure to have a bright future."

"Why does that not sound like a compliment to me?"

Mei Ruxue said, "Don't twist my good intentions. By the way, I'm curious about something. Why didn't you go to college?"

Xu Chunliang sighed, "Because I'm dumb. I retook my exams for three years, and each time did worse than before."

Mei Ruxue didn't believe it. She had known Xu Chunliang for some time, and he had shown not only intelligence but exceptional wit, often dazzling her with his cleverness. Someone like him, if he wanted to learn, could definitely get into college.

Xu Chunliang shared with her his difficult academic journey, explaining how he ended up at Changxing Hospital.

When Mei Ruxue heard he got his position through a relocation, she couldn't help but laugh. Xu Chunliang's work history was indeed legendary. But regardless of how he got into Changxing Hospital, the fact that he gained the attention of the higher-ups in less than half a year and was even promoted to director of the Weishan Island Branch clearly proved his capability.

There's a saying: don't ask a hero's origin. Xu Chunliang indeed had a strange charm, a mix of wit and savagery, integrity and cunning. A multitude of complex and contradictory traits coexisted in him. Could it be that he has some kind of split personality?

Mei Ruxue told Xu Chunliang that the city placed significant importance on the development of Weishan Island. Financial support from the government would be substantial, with port redesign, road construction, and other projects set to start soon. The first batch of contracted investors would begin construction within three months.

Xu Chunliang said, "Doesn't that mean Weishan Island will soon turn into a giant construction site?"

Mei Ruxue noted that construction would be a gradual process. Weishan Island, a national-level resort, covered vast areas including parts of Dongzhou and Jizhou. This initiative involved collaboration and competition between the two cities. As the core of the national tourist area, Weishan Island's development was of utmost importance, placing immense pressure on local officials.

Xu Chunliang said, "Does that mean you'll be even busier in the future?"

Mei Ruxue said, "That's better than having nothing to do."

The two of them shared another drink. Xu Chunliang said, "I've known you for quite a while, but I still don't know where your hometown is. You're not a local, are you?"

Mei Ruxue replied, "My family is in the Capital City. Coming here to work was my own decision."

Xu Chunliang said, "The Capital City is so bustling. Don't you feel a sense of disparity coming here?" He had already heard from Mo Han that Mei Ruxue came from an extraordinary family background, and she definitely had her reasons for leaving the comfortable life in the Capital City to come here.

Mei Ruxue smiled, "The reason I came here is that this place was once where my mother volunteered as a teacher, so I wanted to visit."

Xu Chunliang said, "Aunt must be very beautiful, right?"

Mei Ru Xue's expression darkened, "She has passed away."

"Sorry, I didn't know."

Mei Ru Xue said calmly, "It's okay, everyone has to face death, you and I are no exception."

##

Zhao Feiyang put down his chopsticks and smiled at Duan Yuanhong, "President Duan, what do you think of the Japanese cuisine here?"

Duan Yuanhong took a sip of sake and put the cup down, "The food is good, the wine is good, and the people are good too."

Both of them laughed out loud at the same time, yet their eyes were measuring each other.

Duan Yuanhong indeed did not expect Dongzhou to have such a hidden gem of a restaurant. In his concept, even Nanjiang didn't have a handful of authentic Japanese restaurants. Before interacting with Zhao Feiyang, he didn't consider this mid-level cadre worthy of his attention. Given Huayuan Group's influence in Pinghai, he had met higher-ranking officials before, and had more than a few drinking buddies.

After the equity negotiation actually began, he discovered Zhao Feiyang's remarkable insight. This man has ideals and ambition. Once he determines a direction, he will proceed unwaveringly, with strong execution capabilities.

Zhao Feiyang's choice of Hua Jian Japanese Cuisine was to cater to Duan Yuanhong's tastes as he knew that early on, Duan Yuanhong had studied in Japan, working part-time while studying, and had continued to work there for a period after graduation.

Duan Yuanhong said, "During this trip, I met with several city leaders, who welcome Huayuan's investment in Dongzhou and promise the maximum possible policy support."

Zhao Feiyang said, "Has Chairman Tang decided when to come to Dongzhou?"

Duan Yuanhong implied that Zhao Feiyang couldn't make decisions about Changxing; ultimately, it had to be the city's call.

Zhao Feiyang clearly understood his implication, intentionally asking about Tang Jingwei's visit to Dongzhou not because he cared when Tang Jingwei would come but because Tang Jingwei's arrival would signify the official start of the cooperation, subtly hinting that Duan Yuanhong's words don't count.

Duan Yuanhong said, "Dean Zhao, forgive my bluntness, but Changxing's financial situation is not optimistic."

Zhao Feiyang was already used to him belittling Changxing. Changxing's financial situation is poor, and Huayuan Group's situation might not be much better.

"Could President Duan be more specific?"

Duan Yuanhong said, "Take your Weishan Island Branch for example, it was insolvent before Changxing took over. It's been operating under debt for these past three years."

Zhao Feiyang nodded and said, "The Weishan Island Branch's business situation is indeed not ideal, but President Duan need not worry. Even in cooperation, the branch can maintain independent operations without affecting Huayuan Group in any way."

Duan Yuanhong felt a jolt inside; Zhao Feiyang had skillfully turned the tables on him.

Zhao Feiyang said, "I've always thought the branch was a burden for Changxing, but Dongzhou City has decided to develop a national holiday resort on Weishan Island. If President Duan follows the news, you should know this has been officially announced, and now many people want to invest in the branch." Changxing has already obtained the ownership of the Weishan Island Branch, giving Zhao Feiyang another card to play.

Duan Yuanhong chuckled, "I let Dong Changhao go just to properly assess this project."

Zhao Feiyang said, "President Duan, I don't know if I should say this."

"Dean Zhao, please say it."

"The cooperation between us is considerably unique and pioneering. You need to be responsible to your company's board, and I need to be responsible to all the employees of Changxing. From the first meeting with President Duan to the determination of cooperation intentions, I've proposed that everyone needs to advance together, approaching this cooperation with a pragmatic spirit. Your side initially showed great sincerity, but during the asset evaluation process, I discovered many problems."

Duan Yuanhong said, "Issues must be identified to seek common ground while reserving differences. I personally believe the more early issues exposed, the better."

Zhao Feiyang said, "If the problems cannot be properly resolved, you and I will become the problems."

Duan Yuanhong frowned. Zhao Feiyang was wielding his sword at him.

"I shouldn't need to repeatedly emphasize to President Duan that Changxing is a public hospital. This time, becoming a pilot for public system reform, I'm under great pressure and risk. When the city encounters things like this, it tends to proceed cautiously, because if handled poorly, it would bear the label of state asset loss, which no one can afford!"

Duan Yuanhong nodded, "Dean Zhao, I empathize with your pressure."

Zhao Feiyang said, "The first person to advocate reform always carries the label of infamy. I've made sufficient mental preparation; my promotion of reform isn't to seek personal gain. I want to do something for Changxing, to contribute to the country's medical reform. The higher-ups trust me enough to put me in this position, so I must do something for the employees of Changxing!"

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