"To be honest, the girls from the Evil Gu Miao tribe are even prettier than the ones from the Zheng Gu Miao tribe."
Chen Feng replied without thinking.
"Since that's the case, why don't you bring Ningyun with you? Even if she can't help you, she can keep you company at night. It would be nice."
The tribal chief got straight to the point.
"I am a man, and I am willing to do as you say a million times over. However, one cannot be too selfish. Miss Mu Chi Ningyun is the eldest daughter of the Evil Gu Miao tribe, and I am a Han Chinese. We cannot be together. Since it's impossible, why should I force her to be tied to me?"
Chen Feng replied with a serious expression.
"What if Mu Chi Ningyun doesn't mind these things?"
The tribal chief asked provocatively.
"If Mu Chi Ningyun were an ordinary girl from the Evil Gu Miao tribe, I could do that. However, Mu Chi Ningyun is your only daughter and will inherit the position of tribal chief. I certainly cannot tie myself to a woman of such high status. The Evil Gu Miao tribe needs Mu Chi Ningyun more than I do."
Chen Feng's explanation convinced the tribal chief.
It was exactly as his daughter had said; Chen Feng was an exceptional young man with broad vision.
After chatting for a while longer, Chen Feng left the Evil Gu Miao tribe and returned to Jiuniao County.
"Vice County Mayor Chen, why are you back so late? I was worried to death."
Mu Chi Wangmu said excitedly.
"Miss Mu Chi Wangmu, the matters concerning the Evil Gu Miao tribe are more complicated than those of the Han people, which is why it took longer. By the way, while I was away, how did the tunnel project, the industrial zone project, and the communication with the Chief of the Zheng Gu Miao tribe go?"
Chen Feng asked directly.
"County Mayor Qin is in charge of the tunnel project and the industrial zone project, and they are progressing smoothly. I was responsible for communicating with the Miao tribe chief, and that also went smoothly."
Mu Chi Wangmu was still very excited.
"Are you sure?"
Chen Feng asked.
In the arena of power, it was rare for things to go smoothly, regardless of their magnitude.
"Of course, I'm sure."
Mu Chi Wangmu was a bit taken aback. What was Chen Feng planning? The situation in Jiuniao County was excellent right now, so why was Chen Feng still suspicious?
"Better safe than sorry. Miss Mu Chi Wangmu, tell me what the chief said."
Chen Feng said earnestly.
Qin Yan was an experienced veteran in the political arena and could handle troubles on her own.
Mu Chi Wangmu was different. Firstly, she was Miao, not Han, and it was clear that the Miao people were not as cunning as the Han. Secondly, Mu Chi Wangmu lacked extensive experience in the political arena.
The Miao tribe chief, on the other hand, was a seasoned player who could easily trick Mu Chi Wangmu.
"Vice County Mayor Chen, a few days ago, I just discussed with the chief that as the tunnel project and the industrial zone project proceed in Jiuniao County, many Han people will come. To ensure the smooth implementation of both projects, it is essential to maintain harmony between the Miao and Han people. If there are no conflicts daily, the chief will be rewarded. The chief readily agreed, but there's one sentence that I don't quite understand the meaning of."
Mu Chi Wangmu recounted the situation truthfully.
"Which sentence?"
"The chief said that rewards are good, but sometimes, money can't solve everything."
Mu Chi Wangmu repeated everything.
"It's exactly as I imagined."
Chen Feng replied thoughtfully.
"Vice County Mayor Chen, you are an old hand in the political arena. Can you tell me what the chief meant by that sentence?"
Mu Chi Wangmu asked curiously.
"The chief means he has other demands."
Chen Feng replied concisely.
"What? The chief has other demands? That's unlikely! I've asked the chief several times, and he hasn't given a clear answer. I can't see any other demands."
Mu Chi Wangmu was stunned.
It seemed that the political arena was far more complicated than she had imagined.
"If you communicate with him, he will definitely not say it. If I go to communicate with him, then he will."
Chen Feng smiled indifferently.
"You and I are both vice county mayors. Is there a difference between communicating with me and communicating with you?"
Mu Chi Wangmu asked doubtfully.
"I am the vice county mayor in charge of the economy, and you are the vice county mayor in charge of logistics-related affairs. There is quite a difference. It's okay, since the chief has hinted, I will go and talk to the chief personally to see what the chief wants. Both projects are currently in full swing, and stability between the Miao and Han people is crucial."
With that said, Chen Feng took Mu Chi Wangmu to see the chief.
"Are you the vice county mayor in charge of Jiuniao County's economy?"
The chief asked directly.
"Yes, Chief, I am the vice county mayor in charge of Jiuniao County's economy."
Chen Feng replied readily.
"As expected, young and promising. Since you've come personally, I won't hold back. Tell me, what are my demands?"
The chief looked at Chen Feng with great interest.
Mu Chi Wangmu, this vice county mayor, lacked experience. He had hinted to her several times about his demands as chief, but she still knew nothing. Now that Vice County Mayor Chen had come personally, he might as well test him.
"Chief, if I'm not mistaken, your demand is to let the Miao people control some of the smaller projects within the two major projects."
Chen Feng said calmly.
"..."
As soon as Chen Feng spoke, both the chief and Mu Chi Wangmu were shocked.
Mu Chi Wangmu was shocked by how leapfrogging Chen Feng's thinking was. Without any warning, he brought up the issue of the Miao people controlling the smaller projects.
Honestly, she couldn't have thought of this even in her wildest dreams.
Her talent in the political arena was evident.
The chief was shocked that Chen Feng could guess his thoughts.
Frankly, only he knew these thoughts, and he had never mentioned them to anyone. Yet, Chen Feng knew.
This ability was terrifying.
"Vice County Mayor Chen, I am convinced."
The chief said sincerely.
"You are too humble, Chief. Honestly, Chief, I admire your vision. You are not only thinking of your own interests but also the interests of the entire Miao people."
Chen Feng said with admiration.
This was not Chen Feng's flattery; it was a heartfelt statement.
Compared to the former chief of the Evil Gu Miao tribe, the current chief of the Zheng Gu Miao tribe was clearly on a higher level.
"Since you know my inner thoughts, tell me, how do you plan to handle this matter?"
The chief asked directly.
"Chief, your request is reasonable and legitimate. Jiuniao County is a Miao county. It is unreasonable for all projects to be controlled by the Han people. How about this: once both projects are on track, they will be entirely managed by your Miao people. Of course, before that, you, Miss Mu Chi Wangmu, and other educated individuals from the Miao tribe will need to undergo training on how to manage projects. When the time is right, we will proceed with the handover immediately."
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"Really?"
The chief was stunned.
This was completely different from what he had imagined.
He had imagined that Chen Feng would definitely be hesitant to give up power. However, in reality, Chen Feng intended to hand over the authority to manage the projects without reservation.
Was there truly someone in this world who didn't covet power? How strange.