Please, mature women, have some self-respect. I just want a raise and a promotion.

Arriving near the town government, Lin Zheng parked his car in an inconspicuous spot and took out his phone to call Qiu Xiuqin.

The phone rang twice, and then Qiu Xiuqin's languid voice came from the other end.

"My little darling, what made you think of calling me?"

"Sister Xiuqin, are you free tonight? I'd like to invite you to dinner."

"Want to treat me to dinner?"

"Have you run into trouble again?"

Lin Zheng didn't hide anything and said, "Nothing can be hidden from Sister Xiuqin. There is indeed something I would like to ask you for help with."

"Okay, six o'clock tonight, Wangjiang Tower."

"Same place as always, I'll be waiting for you."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zheng leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh of relief.

Although Qiu Xiuqin is sometimes hard to understand, she is indeed reliable in getting things done.

And she was with him... Lin Zheng shook his head, trying not to think too much about it.

Six o'clock in the evening, at Wangjiang Tower.

Lin Zheng arrived early and booked a private room by the window on the third floor.

The sunset outside the window reflected on the river, a beautiful crimson expanse.

He had barely sat down when Qiu Xiuqin pushed the door open and came in.

Today she wore a black slip dress with a beige chiffon cardigan over it, her long hair was draped over her shoulders, she wore light makeup, and her lips were painted with dark red lipstick, making her look mature and sexy.

"Sister Xiuqin, you look beautiful today."

Lin Zheng stood up and pulled out a chair for her.

Qiu Xiuqin sat down, raised her hand to brush her hair aside, and a faint scent of perfume wafted into Lin Zheng's nostrils.

"My dear husband, you're getting better and better at talking."

"I'm telling the truth."

Lin Zheng smiled and poured her a cup of tea.

Qiu Xiuqin picked up her teacup, took a sip, and looked at him: "Speak, what is it?"

Lin Zheng didn't beat around the bush and briefly explained Li Zhengang's situation.

Qiu Xiuqin frowned after hearing this.

"I've heard of Li Zhengang."

"He had been operating in Dianhai Town for many years, and the reason he was so unscrupulous was because Wang Jianguo was behind him."

"You think you can mess with him? That won't be easy."

Lin Zheng nodded: "I know, so I'd like to ask Sister Xiuqin to help make the connection and invite Wang Jianguo to dinner."

"As long as Wang Jianguo is willing to speak up, things will be much easier with Li Zhengang."

Qiu Xiuqin thought for a moment and said, "You've had contact with Wang Jianguo; he has quite the appetite."

"If you want him to help you, you have to offer him enough benefits."

"What are the benefits?" Lin Zheng asked.

Qiu Xiuqin put down her teacup: "He wants a piece of the pie in the Nanshan project."

Lin Zheng frowned: "He's the deputy mayor; he can't directly interfere in construction projects, can he?"

"Of course we can't interfere directly," Qiu Xiuqin said with a smile.

"But he can arrange for his people, like Li Zhengang."

"As long as Li Zhengang gets the contract for the supply of sand, he can take a cut."

Lin Zheng understood what she meant.

Wang Jianguo was using Li Zhengang to extort and demand bribes.

"Sister Xiuqin, do you mean I should supply sand to Li Zhengang?"

"That's right." Qiu Xiuqin nodded.

"But you're not the exclusive supplier; you're the priority supplier."

"Li Zhengang is capable and his prices are fair. You won't lose out if you let him do your business."

"Moreover, with Wang Jianguo's support, things will be much easier for you in Dianhai Town."

Lin Zheng was silent for a moment: "But I don't really like Li Zhengang."

"Besides, Wang Jianguo and Li Tingtong of Tianlong Engineering Company are in cahoots, would he agree to that?"

Qiu Xiuqin picked up her teacup and took a sip: "My little husband, you don't understand the ways of officialdom at all."

"When it comes to profit, all relationships are meaningless."

"Wang Jianguo and Li Ting are in cahoots because Li Ting has given them enough benefits."

"If you can offer Wang Jianguo enough benefits, he'll be willing to be your brother."

"As for Li Zhengang, it goes without saying. She's doing business with him, not looking for a partner. Whether she likes him or not doesn't matter."

"As long as he can bring you benefits, that's enough."

"What kind of person he is is none of your business."

Lin Zheng thought about it and couldn't help but admire Qiu Xiuqin. She had analyzed such a complicated matter thoroughly in just a few words.

"Sister Xiuqin, could you help me make an appointment with Wang Jianguo?"

"Yes," Qiu Xiuqin nodded.

"But not tonight, he's away on a business trip and will be back the day after tomorrow."

Lin Zheng nodded: "Then I'll wait for your news."

The two chatted for a while longer until all the dishes were served.

Lin Zheng poured Qiu Xiuqin a glass of red wine, and the two clinked glasses and each took a sip.

After a few rounds of drinks, Qiu Xiuqin's cheeks flushed, and her eyes became hazy.

She took off her cardigan, revealing her fair shoulders and collarbone.

The neckline of the slip dress was very low, revealing a glimpse of her fair cleavage.

"Lin Zheng, have you lost weight recently?" she suddenly asked.

Lin Zheng was taken aback: "Really? Maybe I've been too busy lately."

"Take care of your health, don't overwork yourself."

As Qiu Xiuqin spoke, she reached out and stroked his face.

Her hands were very soft, and her fingertips were slightly cool.

Lin Zheng's heart raced, but he didn't dodge.

Qiu Xiuqin's hand slid from his face to his neck, then to his chest, and gently pressed it.

"Your heart is beating so fast."

"Sister Xiuqin, you...you've had too much to drink."

"I didn't drink too much," Qiu Xiuqin shook her head.

"I just want to tell you that no matter what difficulties you encounter, I'm here for you."

"You don't have to carry this burden alone."

A warm feeling welled up in Lin Zheng's heart, and he reached out to hold her hand.

"Sister Xiuqin, thank you."

Qiu Xiuqin smiled, withdrew her hand, and picked up her wine glass.

"Don't thank me, have a drink."

The two drank a few more cups, and Qiu Xiuqin's face grew increasingly red.

She stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the night view outside.

"Lin Zheng, come here."

Lin Zheng walked to her side.

"Look, isn't the night view of Dianhai Town beautiful?"

"Beautiful." Lin Zheng looked at her profile.

Qiu Xiuqin turned her head, met his gaze, and parted her lips slightly.

I wasn't talking about the night view.

Lin Zheng's heart raced; he knew what she meant without even thinking.

"Sister Xiuqin..."

Qiu Xiuqin reached out and hugged his neck, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his lips.

Her lips were soft and warm, carrying the rich aroma of red wine.

Lin Zheng's mind went blank for a moment, and the last thread of his rationality snapped.

He put his arm around her waist, pressed her against the window, and returned her kiss.

The two were entangled together, their breathing becoming increasingly rapid.

Qiu Xiuqin's hand moved down and touched his belt.

Lin Zheng trembled and grabbed her hand.

"Sister Xiuqin, this is a private room."

"What are you afraid of? There's no one around."

As Qiu Xiuqin spoke, she pressed closer, her movements continuing.

Lin Zheng's mind went blank, and he let her do as she pleased.

Qiu Xiuqin squatted down, looked up at him, and her eyes were alluring.

"Lin Zheng, do you like it?"

Lin Zheng gritted his teeth and nodded.

Qiu Xiuqin smiled.

She slowly lowered her head...

Lin Zheng gasped, lit a cigarette, and closed his eyes to enjoy Qiu Xiuqin's service.

Outside the window, countless lights twinkle; inside, an ambiguous atmosphere pervades.

The two of them leaned against the window, their bodies pressed tightly together, and continued...