Chapter 279: I’m Not Reporter Shen, I’m Shen Xin

"Was that really our Nanhui County governor just now? Isn't the county governor supposed to be a high and mighty official? Why did he act like that in front of Boss Zhou, who isn't even an official leader? He got scolded like a child and didn't dare say a word in return."

"The county governor is nothing compared to the county party secretary, and Boss Zhou is even more capable. So what if you're the party secretary? Even our city party secretary is obedient in front of Boss Zhou!"

"Of course! How else could Boss Zhou have built such a big enterprise? I heard he earns so much money that it could fill an entire truck. Even in the central government, they would welcome him warmly. And look at that female board member from Gangcheng earlier. She was so fierce, but as soon as Boss Zhou arrived, she didn't dare say a word. Whatever Boss Zhou said was the final word."

"You all should stop talking nonsense. Things aren't exactly how you're describing them."

"How am I talking nonsense? Look at that Chairman Lin from Gangcheng earlier; she listens to Boss Zhou so well. And that Manager Su—if you ask me, they're a perfect match!"

"I've been educated, and a 'perfect match' is used to describe two people, isn't it? What's with these three?"

"That just shows Boss Zhou is even more impressive!"

...

Still on that roadside, the villagers of Shenglian were enthusiastically discussing the events that had just unfolded. Ordinary folks love to gossip about the affairs of those above them, talking as if they truly understand the situation. Before his rebirth, Zhou Ming was one of these people, but now he just shook his head with a light smile when he heard them; if Shen Xin had heard this, especially the last comment about being a "perfect match," she would have been heartbroken.

Zhou Ming brought Lin Muqing and Su Han back to the county committee guest house. Lin Muqing thanked Zhou Ming, and Zhou Ming smiled as he replied, "Sister Muqing, there's no need to be so formal with me. Don't worry, I'll stay on top of this matter. It won't delay your business, nor will you have to spend an extra cent."

Su Han chimed in, "Exactly! That county governor's son was simply too much, daring to embezzle this money! But Sister Muqing, don't worry. Zhou Ming will definitely resolve the issue."

"Of course, with Zhou Ming here, what do I have to worry about? He's my greatest support!" Lin Muqing said softly, then added, "And of course, you too, Sister Han."

Being relied upon by Lin Muqing and Su Han made Zhou Ming very happy. After escorting Lin Muqing and Shen Xin to their rooms, he left with Su Han.

The next day, Young Master Yang came early in the morning to apologize to Zhou Ming. However, before he could say anything, Zhou Ming said first, "Young Master Yang, no need to rush into apologies. You haven't wronged me. If you really want to apologize, do so when Chairman Lin and Manager Su arrive."

"They... are coming?"

Young Master Yang was puzzled, but he soon understood when Lin Muqing and Su Han arrived with breakfast for Zhou Ming, as they had done since the first day they stayed at the guest house. With Governor Xiong still around, Zhou Ming continued to stay at the guest house for convenience.

Zhou Ming was used to it by now, but it left Young Master Yang dumbfounded. He couldn't believe his eyes.

Young Master Yang looked at Zhou Ming with intense jealousy. He couldn't understand what Zhou Ming had done to deserve the attention of these two women, who should be cherished by everyone.

But Zhou Ming didn't care about the shock this trivial matter caused Young Master Yang. He simply explained to Lin Muqing and Su Han, "Young Master Yang is here today specifically to apologize to you both."

With that, Zhou Ming gave Young Master Yang a nudge. Realizing what he needed to do, Young Master Yang reluctantly tore his gaze away from Lin Muqing and apologized, "Chairman Lin, Manager Su, I'm very sorry. The issues in Shenglian Village were due to my mishandling. I hope you won't hold it against me."

Lin Muqing and Su Han didn't immediately respond; instead, they both looked to Zhou Ming for guidance. After receiving Zhou Ming's approval, they forgave Young Master Yang, which hurt him even more: Why do they listen to Zhou Ming so well?

Young Master Yang wouldn't get an answer to his question today, as Zhou Ming promptly asked him to leave.

After the uninvited guest departed, Zhou Ming, Lin Muqing, and Su Han sat down. As they had done the first day, Lin Muqing and Su Han worked together—one peeling eggs for Zhou Ming, the other feeding him porridge.

"Now that Young Master Yang has come by, the demolition issues in Shenglian Village should be resolved, right?" Lin Muqing asked.

Zhou Ming nodded. Su Han, still feeding Zhou Ming porridge, smiled and said, "You're amazing, Zhou Ming! As soon as you stepped in, he came to apologize. Yesterday's incident was so infuriating!"

"It's not that I'm amazing," Zhou Ming replied, "but the township industrial park is something the higher-ups are focused on. Tampering with it was unwise. If no one noticed, it would be fine, but once exposed, he had no choice. Otherwise, not only would Governor Yang lose his position, but the money would still have to be returned, and he might even go to jail. The choice was simple."

"But this township industrial park was your idea, so you are amazing!" Su Han laughed.

Zhou Ming shrugged. "Well, if you insist on praising me, I'll humbly accept."

Lin Muqing rolled her eyes at Zhou Ming. "What a show-off!"

After breakfast, Zhou Ming took Lin Muqing and Su Han to the county committee. On the way, they ran into Shen Xin. She seemed to be facing a challenge, holding a notebook as she approached Zhou Ming. "I have an article to submit to Gangcheng Finance tomorrow. Zhou Ming, could you take a look and see if there are any issues?"

Zhou Ming looked at Shen Xin in surprise. "There shouldn't be any news censorship in Gangcheng, right? And you're an expert in economic news, so how could I help you? That would be like showing off in front of an expert."

Shen Xin insisted, "But aren't you more familiar with the mainland's policies and the overall environment? I'm worried I might have missed something."

Before Zhou Ming could respond, Su Han called from the car, "We're heading to the county committee. Why don't you join us, Reporter Shen? You can discuss it in the car or at the county committee."

Zhou Ming sought Shen Xin's opinion, and she smiled and shook her head. "No, I'll review it myself. I need to submit it to Gangcheng soon."

"My apologies, Reporter Shen. I'll definitely help you next time," Zhou Ming said.

"Thank you in advance, Zhou Ming," Shen Xin replied.

Zhou Ming then got into the car and took Lin Muqing and Su Han to the county committee. Strictly speaking, they didn't have much to do today, but since there had been issues in Shenglian Village and communication wasn't as convenient as it would be in the future, some matters required Lin Muqing's presence.

Zhou Ming didn't stay long with Lin Muqing and Su Han. Governor Xiong needed to return to the province for a sudden meeting tomorrow, so Zhou Ming accompanied City Party Secretary Chen Da to see him off.

Before leaving, Governor Xiong asked Zhou Ming, "I heard there were some issues with the industrial park planning?"

"I didn't expect Governor Xiong to know about this," Zhou Ming said in surprise. "Yes, there was a small issue, but it's been resolved."

Governor Xiong nodded silently. "Any problems that arise now can be resolved. After all, it's an experimental field for economic development. How could there be no issues at all? But since this industrial park is a benchmark, we must keep any problems within controllable limits. If a compromise can resolve them, we should avoid drastic measures. The province will support you. Do you understand?"

"Thank you very much, Governor Xiong. I understand," Zhou Ming said. He truly understood. After all, when establishing an industrial park, some gray areas or borderline cases are inevitable, and the province might not enforce strict oversight.

Finally, Governor Xiong patted Zhou Ming on the shoulder and got into the car. Zhou Ming returned to Nanhui County, and as soon as he arrived, he received a page asking him to go to room 301 at the county guest house. The message wasn't signed, but Zhou Ming knew it was Lin Muqing's room.

It must be something Lin Muqing wanted to discuss.

With this thought, Zhou Ming drove straight to the guest house and went to Lin Muqing's room. Just as he was about to knock, the door suddenly opened.

"Sister Muqing, are you going out by coincidence, or do you have some sixth sense?"

Zhou Ming joked as he walked into the room, but found it completely dark. He asked in surprise, "Sister Muqing, why did you draw the curtains and not turn on the lights? Are you planning something mysterious?"

As he spoke, Zhou Ming took two steps forward to turn on the lights, but suddenly the

 door behind him closed, startling him.

"Sister Muqing, what's going on? This isn't like you."

As Zhou Ming spoke, he turned around, and a sweet scent hit him. Before he could react, a pair of soft lips pressed against his.

I've been kissed forcefully—what's going on?

Zhou Ming was momentarily stunned. Judging by the feel of the skin on his chest and the hands he instinctively wrapped around her, this was a well-built woman. Although her small tongue was quite forward, her clumsy movements suggested she had no experience. However, the fragrance on her was different from Lin Muqing's.

Zhou Ming quickly turned on the light. When he gently pushed the woman away and saw her face, he was shocked. "Re... Reporter Shen, how is it you?"

"I'm not Reporter Shen, I'm Shen Xin!" she emphasized loudly.