Chapter 75

"Perfect, I have a few projects recently, one of which is 'Research on the Development of Regional Economic Systems Based on Regional Resource Advantages.' What do you think? Are you interested in taking it on? Of course, if you take it, it means the project will be initiated under me. You have to do a good job for me. If you don't have the confidence, don't take it," Zheng Jinglun said with a smile.

Su Mu feigned a thoughtful look, raising his head to gaze at Zheng Jinglun and said, "Senior Brother, I haven't had the chance to ask the teacher yet, where do you work? How can you initiate such a project?"

Su Mu would never reveal the secret of the official ranking. Asking this was naturally reasonable. It's impossible to initiate a project just by saying so; he needed to know who Zheng Jinglun represented.

"Ha ha!"

Wu Qingshan laughed happily and said, "Su Mu, you didn't know? Your senior brother now works at the National Development and Reform Commission. If he says he can initiate a project, he can. No need to doubt it."

Su Mu, of course, wouldn't doubt it. Even though Wu Qingshan only hinted at it without fully revealing everything, Su Mu had long known that Zheng Jinglun was the Deputy Director of the Regional Economy Department of the National Development and Reform Commission. With Zheng Jinglun's position, approving and initiating such a project was incredibly easy.

Moreover, Su Mu was more aware than anyone else that although Zheng Jinglun never mentioned providing funds, once the project 'Research on the Development of Regional Economic Systems Based on Regional Resource Advantages' was initiated, it would mean he had a powerful tool at his disposal. With this tool, investors would swarm like flies to blood.

When that time comes, not only would two hundred million in funds be no problem, even three hundred million or four hundred million would be possible. If conditions permit, the second part of his plan would also be secured. If that were to happen, Heishan Town would soar to new heights.

And all of this would be thanks to Zheng Jinglun initiating the project for Heishan Town's economic development!

"National Development and Reform Commission?" Su Mu exclaimed in surprise.

Although he had long known Zheng Jinglun's identity through the official ranking, the fact that the development plan for Heishan Town could be initiated was indeed a pleasant surprise.

"Such a minor official, not worth mentioning. What do you think? Su Mu, do you dare to take it on?" Zheng Jinglun asked with a smile.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I dare?" Su Mu said loudly, "Senior Brother, just watch me. I won't let you down. I will definitely develop Heishan Town and ensure that this project achieves groundbreaking research."

"Full of ambition, I have high hopes for you," Zheng Jinglun said with a hearty laugh.

"Teacher, how is your health recently?"

"Senior Brother, are you married?"

"Teacher, would you like me to play a few games of chess with you?"

...

After discussing the major matters, the three of them began to chat casually. They talked about daily trivialities and economic reforms. No matter what they discussed, Su Mu handled it with ease, and every word he said was well-reasoned.

Su Mu's performance greatly comforted Wu Qingshan. He had been somewhat reluctant to let Su Mu leave back then, but now seeing that his economic theory foundation was not only intact but had been honed to perfection at the grassroots level, he felt genuinely pleased.

Over the years, Wu Qingshan had taught countless students, but only two had truly earned his recognition. He was very confident in Zheng Jinglun, and now Su Mu's performance also pleased him greatly.

With such disciples, what more could he ask for?

As for Zheng Jinglun, because he had followed Wu Qingshan earlier and left earlier, he knew of Su Mu but had never truly interacted with him. Now, through their conversation, he found that Su Mu was indeed, as Wu Qingshan had said, an exceptional talent. Whether in politics or business, he was undoubtedly a top-notch player.

If such a person were cultivated with great effort, he would surely grow over time. This thought took root in Zheng Jinglun's mind.

"Vice Secretary of the Communist Youth League, Su Mu, your position is incredibly advantageous. With proper planning, it's not impossible to bring you into the league system..." Zheng Jinglun thought to himself.

This meal was very enjoyable. Wu Qingshan couldn't remember the last time he had been so relaxed. Having two such intelligent disciples by his side was a blessing for a teacher. He even drank quite a bit at noon, though he wasn't drunk, he started to feel a bit dizzy.

"Su Mu, go see Old Mei. I'll send the teacher back. Since you've come all this way, it wouldn't be right not to visit Old Mei!" Zheng Jinglun said with a smile, helping Wu Qingshan sit in the car.

"Then I'll leave the teacher to you, Senior Brother!" Su Mu said.

"Don't worry, don't you have my phone number? If you need anything, just contact me. As long as I can help, I won't hesitate. Also, I'll leave Shengjing this afternoon. I'll handle the initiation of the Heishan Town plan when I get back, and it will be sent to you within a week at the latest," Zheng Jinglun said.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!" Su Mu said sincerely.

"We're all senior and junior brothers, no need to say such things. Also, there are some cigarettes and alcohol in this box, which I intended to give to Old Mei. I don't have time, so please take them for me," Zheng Jinglun said.

"Sure!" Su Mu nodded.

"That's it, I'll go first!" Zheng Jinglun said and drove away.

Su Mu stood outside the Dihao Club, watching the car disappear from sight, a smile of relief on his face. Although the lunch was interrupted by Huang Can, the outcome was ultimately satisfactory. This trip to Shengjing had been a successful start.

Thinking of Huang Can, Su Mu recalled that when he came out, those people were indeed not outside the restroom. He wondered how well Wei Man had handled the situation. Although he didn't know Wei Man's background, he was sure she wouldn't speak without reason.

"Keke, where are you?" Su Mu called on the phone.

"Brother, I'm fine. I'm with Wei Man and Wen Li, we're all doing well," Su Ke's clear and crisp voice rang out.

"Good to hear that!" Su Mu hesitated for a moment, "Give the phone to Wei Man, I need to ask her something."

"Sure!"

"Hello, this is Wei Man!" Wei Man said as usual, coldly.

"Wei Man, I want to know how Huang Can was dealt with," Su Mu asked.

"Are you afraid of trouble, afraid he might seek revenge? If so, don't worry, he won't have the chance," Wei Man said calmly.

Su Mu hadn't expected Wei Man to be so perceptive, guessing his unspoken thoughts, "Is that so?"

"Yes!" Wei Man paused, "He was taken away by the provincial disciplinary committee."

Provincial disciplinary committee? Su Mu's mind raced. Could it be that someone in Wei Man's family is in the provincial disciplinary committee? If so, Huang Can would have no chance of escaping.

"Then I'm relieved. Have fun, tell Keke I'll stay in Shengjing for two days and visit her when I have time," Su Mu said and hung up.

After hanging up, Wei Man handed the phone to Su Ke, "Your brother said he'll visit you when he has time."

"I know!" Su Ke took the phone, ignoring the words, and asked Wei Man, "Wei Man, you said your father is the director of the provincial education department. What about Wen Li? Is her family also in politics?"

"Her? Ask her!"

Wei Man glanced at her coldly, slapping away Wen Li's hand, which was reaching out to touch her firm buttocks, "If you dare to touch me again, I'll hand you over to Gu Weipan."

This was a quiet tea room. After taking a hangover pill and drinking a few cups of strong tea, Wen Li gradually regained her composure from her earlier state.

"Don't mention that bastard to me. If you mention him again, I'll touch you," Wen Li said, baring her teeth.

"Try it!"

"I?"

Wen Li was about to reach out but was interrupted by Su Ke, who was familiar with their playful banter. She shrugged helplessly, "Wen Li, just tell me, what does your family do?"

"I... cough... cough..."

Wen Li looked at Su Ke, her face blushing, and suddenly jumped from the opposite side of the table to Su Ke's side, grabbing her arm and shaking it, "Keke, I'm just like Wei Man, we didn't mean to hide anything. My family isn't in politics, we're in business, doing some small trades in Shengjing."

"Phew!"

Wei Man spat coldly, "Wen Li, can you be any more shameless? If the mighty Wen Group is just doing small trades, are you letting others live?"

"Wen Group? You're from the Wen Group? Then Wen Youdao must be...?" Su Ke exclaimed.

"That's right, Wen Youdao is my father, my real father," Wen Li pouted.

"Wen Group..." Su Ke murmured.

The Wen Group was a giant corporation in Shengjing and Jiangnan Province, with Chairman Wen Youdao starting from interior decoration and developing the Wen Group, which now includes construction, automotive, catering, and transportation companies, making it a top-tier group in the region.

"Keke, you're not angry with me, right? I really didn't mean to hide anything. I wanted to tell you, but never had the chance, Keke..."

Wen Li was about to explain further but was interrupted by Su Ke, who suddenly brightened, "Wen Li, you're the princess of the Wen Group, so can you make your father invest?"

"Sure!" Wen Li nodded instinctively.

"Good."

Su Ke's lips curved into a smile as she hugged Wen Li's head, "Tell me, since you've deceived me for so long, shouldn't you compensate me?"

"What do you want? Do you want me to offer myself to you?" Wen Li said pitifully.

"Phew, you wish!"

"Ah, Keke, you've hurt my heart! Wei Man, tell me, am I that unattractive? I have everything a woman should have, and I've made such a big sacrifice, and you're still picky, ah, I can't live anymore."

"Crazy woman, get lost!"

...

While the three of them were resolving their issues and laughing heartily in the tea room, Su Mu had already appeared beside a bamboo grove deep in Jiang University.

This bamboo grove was lush and green, the breeze rustling through the leaves like the sound of waves. It was a well-known scenic spot in Jiang University, often visited by couples in love, earning it the name "Lovers' Bamboo Grove."

Despite the scorching sun, deep within the bamboo grove, low and powerful shouts could be heard, full of energy and vigor.

This was the martial arts association, one of the most ordinary clubs in Jiang University.

Su Mu, who had once been a member of the martial arts association, found the training ground easily. Looking around, he saw about thirty figures standing there, mostly men with only two or three women. Under the stern commands of a middle-aged man, everyone was training rigorously.

Every punch and kick was precise and well-executed.