Chapter 7: Director Guan

"Zhou Ming, you're amazing! I didn't realize you knew so many people in Hong Kong! And that Mr. Nordlmann—if you hadn't told me that you'd only met him once, I would have thought you two had worked together at a research institute or were esteemed figures who admired each other!"

Beside Zhou Ming, Lin Muqing said with great joy. However, unlike Su Han or Tang Ran, Lin Muqing, being a mature woman, did not show the same kind of excitement as those young girls. Instead, she maintained a gentle smile, with her Danfeng eyes full of pride and admiration for Zhou Ming.

At this moment, they had just finished attending the banquet hosted by the shipping magnate Zheng Haolong. After the event, they stayed behind to talk with Nordlmann, Zheng Haolong, and Li Cheng, so they were not leaving with the main group. By the time they left, it was already midnight.

The banquet was an ordinary gathering for the wealthy, similar to what Zhou Ming had seen in movies and TV shows in his past life. With his elevated status from several visits to Zhongnanhai and constant reminders from Lin Muqing, Zhou Ming managed to navigate the event without any major hiccups.

This disappointed Zheng Jiancheng, who had been shamelessly flaunting himself in front of Zhou Ming. Despite Zheng Jiancheng's earlier attempts to show off and intimidate Zhou Ming, the focus of the event had shifted. Although Zheng Haolong and Nordlmann initially greeted Zheng Jiancheng, the real attention soon turned to Zhou Ming after Nordlmann's arrival.

The people who had previously been around Zhou Ming were now crowding around him, leaving Zheng Jiancheng sidelined. This embarrassing blow made it clear that Zheng Jiancheng had no courage to continue pursuing Zhou Ming. After all, real-life situations aren't like Korean dramas, and not many men would persist in their pursuit when faced with such strong opposition, especially someone like Zheng Jiancheng who values his pride.

Even though Lin Muqing did not display overt excitement, being admired by a mature and elegant woman felt much better than being praised by several young girls.

However, Zhou Ming did not need to boast in front of Lin Muqing. He modestly said, "Sister Muqing, I didn't expect it to be like this. I really only met Nordlmann once in Nanjing."

"That just shows you're truly capable, Zhou Ming!" Lin Muqing replied. "Did you forget what Mr. Nordlmann said earlier? The reason he received the Presidential Freedom Medal last year was largely due to your inspiration."

"So, according to you, does that mean his medal is half mine?" Zhou Ming joked.

"Of course, Zhou Ming, you're the best. I've met many people in Hong Kong over the past two years, and none of them are as impressive as you. Now that you're abroad, you're even more outstanding!" Lin Muqing said.

Faced with Lin Muqing's serious expression, Zhou Ming was at a loss for words. What he had said was somewhat in jest, but Lin Muqing took it seriously. He replied, "Sister Muqing, I trust your judgment."

Lin Muqing nodded with a smile and then asked Zhou Ming, "What are your thoughts on the conference this weekend?"

Zhou Ming thought for a moment and answered, "It's hard to say right now. The people who attended today's banquet are only a part of Hong Kong's elite. They may have significant influence, but they don't represent the entire city. There might still be challenges when the conference starts."

He waved his hand and added, "Alright, Sister Muqing, let's not talk about this now. I'm just here to participate. Central will send officials over, and they can handle these issues."

"The officials from the mainland?" Lin Muqing sighed. "I'm afraid they're just a bunch of timid, indecisive cowards who are more likely to create problems than solve them."

Zhou Ming grimaced in agreement. From his experiences in both lifetimes, he knew that while there were insightful individuals within the bureaucracy, years of bureaucratic life often wore down their ambitions, turning them into ineffective officials who would rather swallow their pride than confront external issues.

"Let's take it step by step. The officials from Central will arrive the day after tomorrow."

Zhou Ming concluded the conversation, and he and Lin Muqing got back into the car.

The day passed quickly. Lin Muqing, cherishing the time with Zhou Ming, took a day off from work to spend it with him. During this time, her secretary, A-Min, kept a respectful distance, serving only as a driver and maintaining a low profile.

The next day, Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing drove to the Nanhukou port. Another car followed them, as they were there to welcome a central official.

At the port, Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing waited briefly before seeing a man in his thirties with a secretary carrying several bags exiting the border station. Although Zhou Ming didn't remember the official's appearance, the experienced bodyguard A-Min had recognized him from a photograph and identified him immediately.

Zhou Ming waved, and the official approached. After asking about Zhou Ming's identity and receiving confirmation, he introduced himself, "Hello, Comrade Zhou Ming. I'm Guan Sheng from the State Council's Foreign Trade Department, here for the Hong Kong conference."

Zhou Ming observed him for a moment, noting how officials often present themselves. Despite being just a director, Guan Sheng mentioned the State Council and the Foreign Trade Department, which elevated his status in conversation. Such subtle nuances are a hallmark of bureaucratic discourse.

Zhou Ming wasn't interested in engaging in such pointless formalities. He directly said, "Director Guan, welcome to Hong Kong for the conference. Have you arranged your hotel?"

"Shouldn't you be responsible for all the arrangements?" Guan Sheng countered.

Lin Muqing, puzzled, replied, "Director Guan, we haven't received any notification about this."

"Is that so? That seems to be a lapse on your part. How could you miss such an important notice? This is unacceptable," Guan Sheng criticized, his eyes lingering uncomfortably on Lin Muqing's figure in a tight business suit, making her feel disgusted.

Lin Muqing was about to respond, but Zhou Ming interjected, "Alright, since Director Guan hasn't made arrangements, we'll handle it. Please follow us."

Zhou Ming led Guan Sheng to the car, and he and Lin Muqing got back in. Lin Muqing expressed her confusion, and Zhou Ming explained that he didn't want to waste time on these bureaucratic issues.

They headed south to the Victoria Hotel. After Guan Sheng got out of the car and looked at the hotel, he asked Zhou Ming, "Is this the hotel you've arranged for me? It looks good, but I wonder about the facilities inside."

"This Victoria Hotel is a five-star hotel in Hong Kong, with top-notch facilities and services. Please rest assured, Director Guan," Lin Muqing explained.

Guan Sheng responded, "Oh, I heard there's also the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, which is quite good as well. Is that correct?"

Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing, though not bureaucrats themselves, understood the implication. Guan Sheng seemed to have heard about the Peninsula Hotel and thought it was the best choice, possibly implying that he preferred it over the Victoria Hotel. Alternatively, it might be a veiled threat to avoid paying for his stay, as the Peninsula Hotel is known for its high prices.

Lin Muqing was displeased, but Zhou Ming addressed Guan Sheng, "Director Guan, the Peninsula Hotel is indeed excellent, but it's located in Tsim Sha Tsui. This conference will be held in Central, which is the political and business center of Hong Kong. Staying here will be more convenient for attending the conference and other activities."

"Don't you have cars? I find Hong Kong's transportation quite convenient. I assume the township industrial park you developed in Linyang was inspired by Hong Kong, right?" Guan Sheng said, placing emphasis on the industrial park.

Lin Muqing, perceptive, asked, "Director Guan, what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing in particular, just a random thought," Guan Sheng replied with a smile.

"Alright, if you insist on staying at the Peninsula Hotel, I'll make the arrangements," Zhou Ming said. He understood Guan Sheng's underlying threat and preferred to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Upon hearing Zhou Ming's concession, Guan Sheng's demeanor changed immediately, "Comrade Zhou Ming, it's not that I insist on staying there, but you should arrange it."