The pushover offended a top-tier boss

Meanwhile, at the New District Party Committee Office.

Lin Rui put down the folder in his hand and saw his boss's phone vibrate.

Hearing the noise, Zhou Huaijin picked up his phone, a slight smile curving his lips.

He tapped the screen a few times and replied with a few words: "Okay, I'll be back a little later after get off work."

He put down his phone, picked up the document again, and his expression returned to its usual indifference.

Lin Rui looked away and said, "Sir, Zhang Wei has arrived and has been waiting for a long time."

Zhou Huaijin glanced at his watch, closed the folder, and stood up.

"Let's go."

The car stopped in front of a restaurant with a very rustic name – "Countryside Restaurant". The red sign with yellow lettering looked no different from any other ordinary restaurant on the streets of Bin City.

But once you get to the top floor, it's a different story.

At the end of the corridor was a door without a nameplate. Pushing it open, one entered a private room. There were mahogany tables and chairs, a dark solid wood tea table, and a traditional Chinese ink painting of a landscape hanging on the wall. A stick of sandalwood incense burned in the corner. The curtains, made of heavy jacquard fabric, were drawn, blocking out all outside light.

Zhang Wei was already waiting inside. Upon seeing Zhou Huaijin enter, he immediately stood up and greeted him with a beaming smile.

"Sir, you've arrived. Please have a seat, please have a seat." He bowed slightly, his tone solicitous. "You must be tired from your journey. What would you like to eat? I'll tell the kitchen to prepare it."

Zhou Huaijin sat down in the main seat.

"No need," he said calmly. "Tea will do."

"Okay, okay." Zhang Wei nodded hurriedly, poured a cup of tea himself, and placed it in front of Zhou Huaijin with both hands.

The tea liquor was golden and clear, a fine Jin Jun Mei, with a sweet aroma and a smooth taste. Zhou Huaijin picked up the teacup, took a sip, and put it down.

"Boss, I heard that the new district just held an economic development meeting." Zhang Wei asked cautiously, observing Zhou Huaijin's expression. "Regarding the new planning direction for the future, Tiansheng has been rooted in Bin City for many years and has an affection for this land. We also want to contribute to the development of the new district."

Zhou Huaijin leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the armrest.

"It's good that you have this intention." His voice was unhurried. "I might as well give you a sneak peek: the new district is preparing to halt the Central Building project."

Zhang Wei paused for a moment while holding the teacup.

The Central Building, a landmark project in Binzhou, is planned to be over 500 meters tall and is touted as the tallest building in the city. Construction has been underway for many years, and the exact amount of money invested is unclear. This project has consistently been undertaken by Dingxin Construction, consuming a significant portion of government funds. If it were to be halted, it would be a devastating blow to Dingxin.

Since the leader said that, it means he intends to suppress Dingxin.

Zhang Wei quickly adjusted his expression, and his tone became more earnest: "Leader, you are a man of action, dedicated to the well-being of the people of Bin City. Projects that merely enhance appearances are not as valuable as projects that improve people's lives; the people don't rely on high-rise buildings for their livelihood."

Zhou Huaijin glanced at him, his lips twitching slightly, but there was no real smile.

"Don't rush to flatter me." His voice was calm. "Subway lines 10 and 11 are about to start construction, and the new district will be re-tendered."

Zhang Wei's breathing quickened for a moment. He suppressed his excitement, trying to keep his voice steady: "Tiansheng is an established brand in Bin City, with decades of experience. Their qualifications, experience, and reputation have stood the test of time. We will definitely—"

Zhou Huaijin raised his hand, interrupting him.

"Since you have the ability, then apply according to the procedure." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable weight. "Whether you can get it or not, of course, depends on your ability."

"Of course, of course." Zhang Wei nodded repeatedly, a fine layer of sweat already seeping from his forehead, whether from nervousness or excitement, it was hard to tell.

Zhou Huaijin picked up his teacup, took another sip, and said casually, "But speaking of which, Tiansheng isn't the only established company in Bin City. Dingxin has been quite successful these past few years, hasn't it?"

Zhang Wei's eyes flickered as he carefully chose his words: "Yes, Dingxin has developed rapidly in recent years. It has made a lot of money in several sectors, including media, construction, and cross-border trade. With the backing of projects from the new district government, it can be considered a leading enterprise in Binzhou City."

Zhou Huaijin didn't speak, but tapped his finger lightly on the table.

The private room was silent for a few seconds. Wisps of sandalwood smoke rose gently into the air.

"Speaking of which, Tiansheng started its business earlier than Dingxin," Zhou Huaijin said calmly. "How did they manage to be overtaken?"

Zhang Wei sighed, as if considering how much to say.

"The Li brothers have certainly got a knack for running Dingxin all these years. But Dingxin wasn't originally owned by the Li family." He lowered his voice slightly. "Li Chengsen married into the family; his father-in-law, Wang Ding, was the true founder of Dingxin. In his early years... Wang Ding had a very deep background; he came from that underworld. Later, he handed the business over to Li Chengsen. Li Chengsen has lived up to expectations; in recent years, he's managed to launder Dingxin's image and get it listed on the stock exchange."

Zhou Huaijin hummed in response, his expression remaining unchanged.

"Really? That's quite a figure." He picked up his teacup, blew on it, and said, "The economy is better when there are many different players. A single tree cannot make a forest, and one dominant player is not good for anyone. I hope to see more companies rise up like Dingxin, making the new district's economy more vibrant."

He put down his teacup and his gaze fell on Zhang Wei's face.

What do you think?

Zhang Wei's heart skipped a beat.

Some things don't need to be said too explicitly; he understands anyway.

Over the years, Tiansheng has been suffocated by Dingxin. Dingxin's expansion in Bin City is almost monopolistic; they own businesses everywhere. Several competitors have been squeezed out, either going bankrupt or being acquired at low prices. Even government projects have become Dingxin's cash cows, leaving others envious but helpless.

After Zhou Huaijin took office, Zhang Wei made numerous connections. Who wouldn't want to climb up this tree? Dingxin certainly exerted its influence as well; it's understandable that leaders wouldn't want to associate with Dingxin, given its murky nature.

This was an opportunity for him. A tremendous opportunity.

But Dingxin's influence was indeed deeply entrenched, which made him somewhat uneasy.

Zhou Huaijin seemed to see through his thoughts, and said in a calm voice: "Bin City will take Nanjing as a pilot to carry out rural revitalization and industrial upgrading. At that time, there will also be policies to attract investment."

He paused.

"Zhang Wei and Li Chengsen actually have one advantage: courage. People always need to have some courage to get things done."

He knew that these businessmen were always focused on losing. Zhou Huaijin could give him a push, but of course, he would have to offer a pledge of loyalty. The game in the new district wasn't played by one person alone, but by a contest of power.

He spoke casually, but Zhang Wei felt a chill run down his spine.

Zhang Wei took a deep breath and drank the tea in his cup in one gulp.

"I will convey the leader's message to the other members of the Chamber of Commerce. We will all follow the leader's instructions and do our best for the development of Bin City." He put down his teacup, his voice much calmer than before. "Please rest assured, leader."

Zhang Wei knew how rare this opportunity was. Without powerful backers, a single lawsuit could destroy decades of hard work.

Winning can propel you to the top of the pyramid; losing might mean leaving your home and family.

But he knew that if he didn't seize this opportunity, it would go to someone else.

A few seconds of silence filled the private room. Zhang Wei glanced at his watch, then at the teacup in front of Zhou Huaijin, which had only been sipped twice, and tentatively spoke up, "Boss, it's getting late. Should I order the kitchen to send the dishes?"

Zhou Huaijin took out his phone and glanced at the screen.

There is one unread message.

Dinner is ready!

His lips twitched slightly.

"No, dinner at home is ready."