Cheng Lu did not press further.
It was a good thing that her father's attitude towards Chen Feng had changed significantly.
After Cheng Lu left, Chen Feng entered Cheng Liren's office.
"Elder Cheng, Cheng Lu mentioned you needed to see me," Chen Feng said, getting straight to the point.
"Yes, there's a very urgent matter that requires your handling," Cheng Liren replied directly.
"Elder Cheng, I'm just a deputy town mayor. Is there anything that needs my personal attention?" Chen Feng asked with a puzzled expression.
"It's like this, a significant figure from the provincial capital will be coming to Jiangcheng for an inspection tomorrow. I've investigated this figure; they are not interested in money or women, making it difficult to build a good relationship. Your mind is sharp, so think of a way to ensure this influential person's visit to Jiangcheng is a happy one, from arrival to departure," Cheng Liren was candid.
"Who is this provincial figure?" Chen Feng asked calmly.
It was normal to curry favor with superiors in the political arena.
"It's Secretary Hong."
"Secretary Hong? The one who likes calligraphy?" Chen Feng was momentarily taken aback.
"Yes, it's Secretary Hong who likes calligraphy. Ah, it's a headache just thinking about it. Although Secretary Hong enjoys writing calligraphy, he doesn't like calligraphy works. Otherwise, we could buy several pieces at a high price as gifts for Secretary Hong. But since Secretary Hong dislikes them, that avenue is completely closed off," Cheng Liren sighed deeply.
"Elder Cheng, don't worry. I have a way to make Secretary Hong's visit to Jiangcheng happy, from arrival to departure," Chen Feng said confidently.
"Tell me, what's your plan?" Cheng Liren asked with curiosity.
"I don't know yet. I'll have to interact with Secretary Hong a bit tomorrow to find out," Chen Feng replied.
"You'll only know after interacting tomorrow? Isn't that a bit too late?" Cheng Liren felt a wave of dizziness.
"This is also the only option available. As you said, Secretary Hong doesn't like money, women, or calligraphy works... I can only observe carefully during our interaction and then tailor my approach. Oh, Elder Cheng, there's one thing I must state in advance: the expenses incurred to make Secretary Hong happy will be covered by Jiangcheng. I cannot afford this myself."
"Rest assured on that. Jiangcheng has ample funds for public relations expenses, use as much as you need. As long as we maintain these connections, any amount spent is worthwhile," Cheng Liren said excitedly.
And so, the next morning, Chen Feng arrived at the airport early to pick up Secretary Hong.
After an hour's wait, Secretary Hong finally arrived.
"Elder Hong, thank you for the journey. I am Secretary Cheng's secretary. Elder Cheng was planning to pick you up today, but Jiangcheng has been very busy recently," Chen Feng said while observing Secretary Hong's expression.
Originally, Elder Cheng and several other members of Jiangcheng's leadership were supposed to pick up Secretary Hong this morning, but Chen Feng had intervened.
The reason was simple: it was said that Secretary Hong disliked large gatherings.
If a large group of people came to receive him, Secretary Hong might become displeased.
"Official matters are important. My visit to Jiangcheng this time is not an inspection, strictly speaking. I'm just traveling around privately. A low-key reception is perfectly fine," Secretary Hong said with a cheerful expression.
He had visited many places recently, and each time, he felt uncomfortable with crowds of people surrounding him, making it inconvenient to handle personal affairs.
"Elder Hong, since that's the case, I will be your sole host for the next few days," Chen Feng seized the opportunity.
"That's quite good. Just two people, not making a fuss, that's excellent. How about this, let's go to the hotel first, and then you can bring the relevant information about Jiangcheng to my room. I want to thoroughly review Jiangcheng's documents," Secretary Hong instructed.
Although Secretary Hong's voice was gentle, Chen Feng's heart was in turmoil.
Secretary Hong was indeed a difficult person to deal with.
He didn't want to make public appearances, preferring to review Jiangcheng's documents in his room.
This meant that the outcome of Jiangcheng's inspection, whether good or bad, would depend entirely on Secretary Hong's word.
However, looking at it from another angle, while Secretary Hong's approach was troublesome, it wasn't an insurmountable obstacle.
At least, based on the current situation, Secretary Hong had not explicitly rejected Jiangcheng's overtures.
The crucial next step was to quickly discover Secretary Hong's hobbies.
Once his interests were identified, he could be influenced.
So, after escorting Secretary Hong to his hotel room, Chen Feng engaged him in conversation.
Persistence pays off. Chen Feng finally captured a very important piece of information from their discussion.
This Secretary Hong had a peculiar habit similar to Cao Cao of China: he liked married women.
And, he had his own distinct characteristics.
Cao Cao of China liked to marry married women.
Secretary Hong, however, disliked marrying married women but enjoyed engaging in marital activities with them.
Chen Feng's mind raced. Were there people in Jiangcheng who would sacrifice their wives for political advancement?
After a moment's thought, Chen Feng indeed recalled such an eccentric character.
He was the second-in-command at the Jiangcheng Finance Bureau. Initially, this person was just a substitute teacher at a rural junior high school. By all accounts, he was destined to teach in rural schools his entire life.
However, this fellow was fortunate to have a very beautiful wife.
Reportedly, the reason this woman married him was primarily because he was incapable and could tolerate her having a child from another man.
After marriage, Zhao Wu completely abandoned his dignity. As long as it was beneficial to him, he could openly flirt with his wife in front of her.
Thus, riding on his cuckolded status, Zhao Wu climbed from being a substitute teacher at a rural junior high to the second-in-command of the Jiangcheng Finance Bureau.
It had to be said that Zhao Wu's wife had made significant contributions.
With this in mind, Chen Feng immediately called Zhao Wu and explained the situation regarding Secretary Hong.
Zhao Wu agreed without a second word. Not only did he agree, but he also immediately summoned his wife.
"Town Mayor Chen, I'll be relying on you for my situation with Elder Hong," the woman, Xiao Ya, said flirtatiously.
She clearly wasn't a decent woman.
"Naturally. When you are with Elder Hong, it will not only benefit your family's Zhao Wu but also Jiangcheng. By the way, you need to change that expression when you enter Elder Hong's room later," Chen Feng said seriously.
"Is this expression not good? Don't men like this kind of expression?" Xiao Ya asked, bewildered.
"Most men do like your seductive and flirtatious expression, but Elder Hong is not most men. He has played with countless women in his life. He is accustomed to such expressions and wouldn't find yours particularly appealing." Chen Feng explained.
"Since he doesn't like flirtatious and seductive expressions, what kind of expression does he prefer? I can try to imitate it," Xiao Ya asked with a smile.
"Pretend to be very resistant, forced, and playing hard to get..." Chen Feng stated frankly.
"That's no problem! However, before you sleep with Elder Hong, you must sleep with me, or I'm leaving right now," Xiao Ya said abruptly.
"Sleep with me? Is that necessary?" Chen Feng replied, feeling dizzy.