As the drinks went around and the dishes were served, everyone's conversation began to flow.
"Director Lin, to tell the truth, our Four Seas Group is one of the top companies in Wucheng County, with an annual output value of at least over a billion, making us the economic pillar of the county..." Shen Sihai began by showcasing the strength of his group.
Luo Zhijun chimed in, "Brother-in-law, the strength of Four Seas Group is absolutely top-notch."
Lin Hao, while eating, exchanged a glance with Su Muyu, clearly knowing that Shen Sihai was there for the new energy project.
"President Shen, the reputation of your Four Seas Group in the industry is not very good! Especially after Wu Man Ni reported Secretary Zhang, many companies are keeping their distance from you, and the impact is significant!" Su Muyu brought up the past issue.
"The last incident was just an accident. Our group's development prospects are still very broad, and I guarantee it won't happen again." Shen Sihai quickly explained while secretly observing Lin Hao's expression.
Lin Hao seemed to be ignoring their conversation, neither responding nor engaging, as he continued eating and drinking his soup.
Seeing Lin Hao unresponsive, Shen Sihai gave Luo Zhijun a look, and the latter understood instantly.
"Lin Hao, with Red Era Group coming over to invest and build a factory, you must be very busy as the Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, right?"
"Of course I'm busy. I was working overtime on some documents earlier; otherwise, I wouldn't have delayed so long," Lin Hao nodded slightly.
Shen Sihai quickly interjected, "Director Lin, I heard that if Red Era Group's new energy battery project settles in Wucheng County, it will require some supporting industry chains. Is that true?"
"Of course it's true. I already mentioned the supporting industry chain at yesterday's economic promotion meeting at the Bureau of Commerce. Four Seas Group should have sent someone to attend, right?" Lin Hao replied with a smile.
"Director Lin, can you tell me what industries are involved in this supporting industry chain?" Shen Sihai continued to inquire.
"The supporting products for the new energy battery industry are mainly the positive and negative electrodes, and... never mind, you can look it up yourself. I'm not an expert," Lin Hao casually mentioned.
Shen Sihai's eyes lit up immediately, and he laughed, "Director Lin, is there a chance for our Four Seas Group to take on some projects?"
"This supporting project has to be allocated by the county Party committee and county government. I don't have that authority," Lin Hao quickly deflected.
People within the system are well aware of this volleyball theory; when dealing with challenging or unavoidable matters, you deflect them like a volleyball.
Seeing that he didn't refuse, but only deflected, Shen Sihai's eyes lit up, and he laughed, "Director Lin, you must be joking. You're the Director of the National Development and Reform Commission; isn't economic development up to you?"
"Hahaha... President Shen, you overestimate me. I'm just a small fry," Lin Hao laughed heartily.
"President Shen, are you also planning to do some new energy projects?" Su Muyu chuckled and interjected.
"President Su, Director Lin is your family's son-in-law. Surely this time, you'll get the best project," Shen Sihai obviously got the news from Luo Zhijun that the Su Family also wanted a piece of the pie.
But in this situation, it's like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each exhibiting their talents.
No matter white cat or black cat, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat.
"President Shen, indeed we also want to get projects, but unfortunately, my brother-in-law doesn't show any favoritism!" Su Muyu said with a bitter face.
"Xiaoyu, if I show favoritism, that's using the backdoor. If someone finds out, I won't be able to bear the consequences," Lin Hao said earnestly.
"Brother-in-law, with such strict investigations now, I wouldn't dare ask you for a backdoor," Su Muyu seemed a bit helpless.
Originally, Shen Sihai wanted Lin Hao to help him with a backdoor. Now, seeing that he wouldn't even help his sister-in-law, how could he ask?
"Xiaoyu, you have such high awareness!" Lin Hao quickly praised.
"Big brother-in-law, how about you help me?" Su Muyu turned her eyes to Luo Zhijun.
Luo Zhijun immediately looked embarrassed and said with a bitter face, "I really can't help with this matter."
"You're a Vice County Magistrate; how could you not have a way? Unless you don't want to help me," Su Muyu was challenging him.
"It's not that I don't want to help, but I genuinely can't do anything!" Luo Zhijun was in distress, with a headache.
Su Muyu's blame-shifting move quieted Lin Hao, and it made it difficult for Shen Sihai to ask for help again.
Originally, he had prepared a bank card with a six-figure amount, but now he couldn't even bring it out.
After the meal, Su Muyu unexpectedly went and paid the bill first, leaving Shen Sihai no opportunity to host, frustrated to the point of wanting to spit blood.
After dining, Su Muyu and Lin Hao said their goodbyes and left. Although Shen Sihai was unwilling, he could only watch their departing backs with a sigh.
"Vice County Magistrate Luo, this Lin Hao is not easy to deal with!" Shen Sihai's face darkened.
"That kid used to be so naive, but now he's so slick. I think we need to hit him harder," Luo Zhijun said coldly.
"Today's timing wasn't right. Because of Zhang Jianming's matter, his guard is up. If we want to handle him, we need to plan carefully," Shen Sihai said in a deep voice.
"President Shen, I've done my job today, so I'll take my leave now," Luo Zhijun prepared to make his escape.
"Vice County Magistrate Luo, why rush? Come on, let's continue the fun at my Song City," Shen Sihai pulled Luo Zhijun into the car.
Originally, Shen Sihai wanted to leverage his relationship with Luo Zhijun and Lin Hao, but with Lin Hao now cautious due to Zhang Jianming's issue, trying to scheme further was clearly impossible.
Therefore, he now has to change his strategy and see if he can think of another way.
After getting into a taxi together, Su Muyu couldn't help laughing heartily, "Hahaha... Brother-in-law, Shen Sihai was so angry his face turned pale."
"Seriously, if someone says they're treating and you go pay, can they be happy?" Lin Hao grinned.
"Nonsense, President Shen was mad at you. Anyone could see he wanted your help; why didn't you just take the hint?" Su Muyu teased with a sly grin.
"For something this big, I can't help. He picked the wrong person," Lin Hao said earnestly.
"Brother-in-law, stop it. Everyone knows Director Lin from the National Development and Reform Commission is in charge," Su Muyu laughed.
"You're talking nonsense. I don't have that power. Don't believe the rumors," Lin Hao flatly denied.
"Brother-in-law, it's said that someone called Secretary Li, and Secretary Li said you're in charge of the project allocation. Yet you still deny it to my face. What kind of brother-in-law are you?" Su Muyu pouted.
Clearly, the Xin Group, which had been airlifted from Wuning City, had already leaked the information about him being responsible for the project.