Zhao’s Plans Are Our Best Bet.

The silence in the room thickened. Lia had struck a nerve. A few of the officials exchanged uneasy glances as if her words had penetrated deeper than they expected.

One of the businessmen, a man named Arif, spoke up. He was a key ally of Zhao, but even now, Lia could see the cracks in his facade.

“Your concerns are... valid,” Arif said, though his voice wavered slightly. “But the truth is, everyone in power is involved in these projects. Zhao has the support of the right people—people who can get things done. You don’t just change the course of something this big with a few good intentions.”

Lia nodded, understanding the weight of his words. “I agree,” she said, her voice tinged with respect. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t start questioning. We can’t just assume that Zhao’s plan is the only plan. Look at his track record—who benefits from his deals? Who stands to lose?”