Chapter 102: Counterattack Battle, Part 2

He Zhixing took photos with his phone of all the new varieties of cakes and pastries he had brought back. Around four in the afternoon, he drove to the Jinfeng Hotel, selected a private room, and Lan was already there. Despite her gentle and refined demeanor, she could drink as much as any man, which was partly why He Zhixing brought her along—after all, having a woman at the table always helps to enliven the atmosphere.

Both guests arrived before five, each accompanied by their wives. Liu Zhimin’s wife was in her thirties, tall, well-maintained, with a moderate figure and a pleasant, ordinary face. Hou Yuan’s wife was shorter and slightly plump, but not overly so; she had a round, full figure and an oval face, with two charming dimples that appeared whenever she smiled.

He Zhixing greeted them at the private room door, extending his hand for a shake. “Director Liu, Director Hou, welcome! Please, come in…”

He ordered a table full of dishes. During the meal, laughter and conversation flowed freely. Hou Yuan’s wife was particularly eloquent, naturally adept at brightening the atmosphere—she would casually drop a joke or two that sent everyone into hearty laughter.

Director Hou remarked, “Xiao He, not bad! I hear you’ve opened a large clothing company—what’s it called, Norwind Fashion?—in Director Liu’s district. And I’ve also learned you’ve set up big supermarkets in our new development zone and in the Yingjing District on South Second Road. Is that true? I’ve been meaning to find you recently. We’re grateful for your support of our district’s economic development.”

He Zhixing replied, “Director Hou, you flatter me. I’m just doing what little I can. In the future, I’ll still need the guidance and support of both of you. My business really depends on the government’s favorable policies and our mutual cooperation. So let me offer you both a toast in advance as a gesture of thanks.”

After draining his glass, Lan refilled their drinks. Director Hou smiled and said, “Ha, Xiao He, you’re too polite. We’re the ones who welcome your investment in our district. But I suppose you didn’t invite us here just for this, did you?”

People in their positions truly thought differently; even a simple meal couldn’t hide He Zhixing’s intentions. Such is the mind of an official.

He Zhixing snapped out of his thoughts and smiled, “Director Hou, you’re sharp—you saw right through me.”

He stood up and continued, “Allow me to make an introduction.” Pointing to Lan, he said, “This is Alan—I call her Sister Lan. She owns a cake shop in your district called Huilan Bakery. Does that ring a bell, Director Hou?”

Hou Yuan shook hands with Lan and replied, “Yes, I do recall. That little shop on Jianshe Road in the new development zone, run by the three girls, right? Nice to meet you.”

Lan said, “It’s a pleasure, Director Hou. I’m surprised you know the name of our little shop—your attention to detail is truly admirable.”

He Zhixing continued, “Here’s the thing, Director Hou. You may have noticed a large chain bakery that opened not far from her store recently. We’d like to ask a small favor—do you happen to know where their cake factory is located? I assume it’s in the new development zone as well. We’d like to visit, see if there’s an opportunity for cooperation and a win-win situation, so as to ease the competitive pressure.”

Director Hou smiled, “I do know. That’s a simple matter—I’ll have my secretary send you their factory’s details as soon as I get back.”

“Thank you, Director Hou.”

“It’s nothing, don’t mention it.”