Chapter 113: I Am the Leader

Qiao Weijiang was stunned, and not just him; everyone, including Luo Han, was taken aback. It was clear that Qiao Weijiang was the leader of this delegation, so why did the beautiful CEO from Hong Kong greet Zhou Ming first?

Oh right, it must be because Zhou Ming had been to Hong Kong before, and they must have met.

Qiao Weijiang told himself this, though it seemed a bit far-fetched, but it was still an explanation, right?

While Qiao Weijiang and the others were surprised, Zhou Ming hadn't expected this either. It seemed Lin Muqing hadn't mentioned that she was the real owner of Jinming Fund, otherwise Qiao Weijiang wouldn't have acted this way.

Even though Qiao Weijiang had his suspicions, the sudden halt in the atmosphere around them made Zhou Ming feel a bit uneasy. He could tell from Lin Muqing's gaze that it was intentional. Holding Lin Muqing's soft, jade-like hand felt pleasant, but this wasn't the time to dwell on it, so Zhou Ming could only politely greet Lin Muqing and then release her hand.

Subsequently, the advance team from Nanjing in Hong Kong came over to explain Qiao Weijiang's identity to Lin Muqing, after which Lin Muqing greeted Qiao Weijiang.

What no one expected was that Lin Muqing's greeting was just the beginning. Following her, Jinming Fund's three deputy managers—Wang Yunlong, Cao Haiyang, and Sun Wei—also came over to greet Zhou Ming first before acknowledging Qiao Weijiang and the others. This situation made the advance team from the municipal government in Hong Kong almost cry, as they saw Qiao Weijiang's increasingly displeased expression.

For Qiao Weijiang, as the Executive Vice Mayor, being ignored like this was an insult, especially after he had been emphasizing that he was the leader of the team. It was a public slap in the face.

In Nanjing, Qiao Weijiang would have had a hundred ways to show them who the leader was, but in Hong Kong, his status as Executive Vice Mayor was less effective, so he had to endure it.

Qiao Weijiang thought: These Hong Kong people have no sense of propriety!

"Comrades from the mainland, I have reserved a private room for everyone. Please follow me," Lin Muqing said, seemingly ignoring Qiao Weijiang's expression, and led Zhou Ming and Qiao Weijiang to the room.

The private room was large, able to accommodate three tables. Qiao Weijiang took Zhou Ming to sit down first and said, "Zhou Ming, you handled this matter incorrectly."

"What does this have to do with me?"

Zhou Ming looked at Qiao Weijiang with a puzzled expression.

Qiao Weijiang explained, "Zhou Ming, I don't blame you for not being aware, but you must remember that you are only a part of the team. I am the leader of the team, and whatever you do, you must prioritize the leader. Do you understand?"

Qiao Weijiang's constant emphasis on his leadership role was already annoying to Zhou Ming. Now, with the added "I don't blame you" and his self-important tone, even Zhou Ming's patience was wearing thin. He looked at Qiao Weijiang's insincere smile and said, "Mayor Qiao, I can't change how the Hong Kong people behave."

Qiao Weijiang's eyebrows furrowed, "Zhou Ming, what kind of attitude is this? Is this how you treat your leader?"

Qiao Weijiang's words made Zhou Ming more annoyed: How could the Executive Vice Mayor of Nanjing be such a petty official?

Zhou Ming, uninterested in a verbal dispute, said, "So what should we do, Mayor Qiao?"

"You should first highlight the leader. For example, in the situation just now, since the Hong Kong people don't know me, you should have introduced me to them and informed them that I am the leader. Understand?" Qiao Weijiang said, "You younger comrades lack leadership awareness, always thinking you are the best. This will surely lead to trouble in the future!"

Hearing Qiao Weijiang's lengthy lecture again, Zhou Ming quickly raised his hands, "Alright, Mayor Qiao, I understand."

After everyone was seated, Lin Muqing and Wang Yunlong stood up first to toast Zhou Ming and the others, welcoming them to Hong Kong for the visit. Then Qiao Weijiang also gave a long speech, thanking the Hong Kong people, and everyone toasted together.

The dinner that followed was quite dull, mostly consisting of meaningless small talk. Qiao Weijiang, taking his role as spokesperson seriously, chatted with Lin Muqing, though his eyes were continually distracted. It was understandable, as Lin Muqing's figure was stunning, and her evening gown, while not revealing, highlighted her curves in a captivating way. Though the gown wasn't exposed, the white, delicate skin of her chest had an almost magnetic effect, drawing the attention of Qiao Weijiang and everyone else.

During the conversation, Zhou Ming didn't interject but focused on Lin Muqing and Qiao Weijiang's dialogue.

Lin Muqing had matured considerably in the two months Zhou Ming had been away from Hong Kong. Her attire and demeanor were now in line with high society elegance, and she spoke with grace and poise. Zhou Ming remembered when he first handed Jinming Fund over to her; she had been nervous. Now, she conversed naturally with Qiao Weijiang, showing her talent in this area.

Halfway through the dinner, Lin Muqing suddenly said to Zhou Ming, "Mr. Zhou, I forgot to mention, tonight reporter Shen Xin from Hong Kong Island Finance heard you were in Hong Kong and wants to do an interview. Do you have time?"

Before Zhou Ming could respond, Qiao Weijiang asked, "Shen Xin? Ms. Lin, are you referring to the chief reporter from Hong Kong Island Finance? She wants to interview us tonight?"

Lin Muqing nodded, "It seems Mayor Qiao has heard of her. Yes, that's her. She wants to do an interview with Mr. Zhou."

Lin Muqing emphasized "Mr. Zhou" and "interview," but Qiao Weijiang acted as if he hadn't heard, "Oh, Ms. Lin, you might not be aware of our mainland situation. Although Zhou Ming has achieved a lot, these accomplishments were made under the leadership of the Municipal Party Committee and Government. As the Executive Vice Mayor of Nanjing, I have a say in this matter."

Lin Muqing ignored Qiao Weijiang and looked at Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming gave her a nonchalant look, and Lin Muqing said, "Alright, I'll communicate with Reporter Shen."

Soon, a beautiful young woman with a ponytail, dressed in a professional suit and looking both energetic and competent, entered the room. She was Shen Xin, the chief reporter from Hong Kong Island Finance.

After her secretary's introduction, Qiao Weijiang quickly stood up to shake hands with Shen Xin, "Reporter Shen, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Shen Xin was initially surprised but smiled and greeted Qiao Weijiang after Lin Muqing whispered to her.

"I understand Reporter Shen is here for an interview. I am the Executive Vice Mayor of Nanjing, and I am fully responsible for this matter. Feel free to ask me any questions," Qiao Weijiang said.

"I see," Shen Xin said. "I heard Mayor Qiao that you and your team are in Hong Kong to inspect the securities market to prepare for the development of the mainland securities market. Is that right?"

Qiao Weijiang nodded. Shen Xin continued, "May I ask, Mayor Qiao, do you know what a securities market is? What do company law, securities law, accounting law, contract law, and trading law mean for the securities market? Also, mainland China has always resisted capitalism. How is it now considering developing a capitalist securities market? Without a capitalist system, how can the fairness, justice, and openness of the securities market be ensured? If these cannot be guaranteed, how will the mainland respond if issues arise in the securities market?"

Shen Xin's rapid-fire questions left Qiao Weijiang at a loss. Although, as Executive Vice Mayor, he had some knowledge of the securities market, it was only superficial. Like other Nanjing officials, he saw this as a political task, indifferent to its quality or outcome. His main concern was just to report to his superiors.

Faced with Shen Xin's detailed questions, especially those touching on sensitive topics about the system, Qiao Weijiang was stumped.

Finally, after some thought, Qiao Weijiang said, "Reporter Shen, I'm getting older, and I'm having trouble remembering all your questions. Could you ask some simpler ones, one at a time?"

Shen Xin smiled, "That's alright, Mayor Qiao. I know there's an expert on the securities market here, Mr. Zhou Ming. I'll interview him instead, and you can think about the answers slowly."

Hearing this, Qiao Weijiang's face turned stiff: Damn it, it's always Zhou Ming. Does everyone here only recognize Zhou Ming? I am the leader of this team!

Qiao Weijiang was furious but still said, "Alright, no problem. I'll have him take your interview."

Qiao Weijiang then approached Zhou Ming and said, "Zhou Ming, Reporter Shen is here for an interview. You should handle it well and make a good impression for Nanjing!"

As Qiao Weijiang

 patted Zhou Ming on the shoulder, Zhou Ming, holding a cup of tea, was about to drink when Qiao Weijiang's hand landed on him. The tea spilled onto Zhou Ming's pants.

Zhou Ming looked up at Qiao Weijiang: Was that intentional?

Qiao Weijiang said, "Oh, Zhou Ming, how careless of you! Look at the tea spilled on your pants. Go wash it off, and I'll handle the interview for you."

Qiao Weijiang said as he pulled Zhou Ming to the restroom. At that moment, something unexpected happened.

Lin Muqing and Shen Xin saw the tea spill on Zhou Ming's pants and surprisingly both rushed over, kneeling in front of Zhou Ming, each pulling out a tissue to help clean his pants.