Chen Feng calmly explained his reasoning.
Regardless of whether it was the Japanese stock market, the American stock market, or the Huaxia stock market, they were essentially the same: battlefields where market makers preyed on retail investors. Market makers had a characteristic: after finishing off one batch of retail investors, they would definitely rest for a month. Retail investors were like leeks; after being harvested, they needed time to grow. Endless harvesting would only ruin the stock market.
"Chen Feng, I don't entirely agree with what you're saying. I believe you when you say the Huaxia stock market is orchestrated by market makers to exploit retail investors. However, the US and Japan have developed markets; their stock markets are genuinely for raising funds," Miyako Kaie countered.
"Miss Miyako, you are still too young and too trusting of propaganda. You shouldn't listen to the propaganda from developed countries. Take the United States, for example. Don't they constantly promote freedom, equality, and fraternity? But have you ever thought about why people in countries like Iraq and Syria live like dogs? It's all the machinations of the US behind the scenes. The US doesn't care about freedom, equality, or fraternity when money is involved. To put it in Huaxia terms, everyone views issues from their own perspective!"
Chen Feng's explanation left Miyako Kaie speechless, as international events invariably supported his point.
"Chen Feng, I'll follow your advice and rest for a month. However, during this month, should I accompany you?" Miyako Kaie asked tentatively.
"That's not necessary. The stock market isn't complicated at all. I can tell you via WeChat on my phone when the time comes," Chen Feng quickly refused. Miyako Kaie, though not comparable to Keiko Kaedejima, was undeniably beautiful. Having a beautiful woman constantly around was a recipe for mistakes.
"Chen Feng, why don't you let Miyako accompany you to Mingshan Town? It would be nice," Keiko Kaedejima said deliberately, wanting to see if Chen Feng could truly resist temptation.
"Miss Kaedejima, it's truly unnecessary. Miss Miyako is a young lady of privilege, and a small town like Mingshan is not suitable for her. Moreover, upon returning to Mingshan Town, I will undoubtedly resume my role as the vice mayor in charge of the economy, and I'll be too busy to look after Miss Miyako. Therefore, Miss Miyako should stay in the provincial capital and diligently study the stock market books I gave her. If you have any questions, you can simply ask me on WeChat. That would be best," Chen Feng said earnestly.
Keiko Kaedejima was very satisfied with Chen Feng's answer. If nothing else, Chen Feng's self-control towards women was truly strong. Most men would have immediately agreed to such an attractive proposition from Miyako Kaie.
After seeing Miyako Kaie off, Keiko Kaedejima hugged Chen Feng and asked him with admiration and affection, "Chen Feng, now that Miyako isn't here, can you tell me the truth? Why is it that you can easily win over Miyako Kaie, yet you don't pursue her?"
"Do you want to hear the truth?" Chen Feng asked, hesitating.
"Of course. This kind of thing is too unusual; most men would never act like this. So, I want to hear your real reason," Keiko Kaedejima asked earnestly.
"The truth is, first, I think you are more beautiful than Miyako Kaie, and having you, there's no need for other women. Second, in the political arena, women are often a huge pitfall; one wrong step can block your entire career path. You know me, I have quite large ambitions and don't want to be stuck in the lower ranks of the political arena my whole life," Chen Feng replied, partly truthfully.
"Hmm, I haven't misjudged you. Your perspective is indeed different from other men. Alright, I've said what I should and shouldn't say. You can rest assured and return to Mingshan Town. I've dealt with those who tried to betray you in Liangfang Town," Keiko Kaedejima said with reluctance. If she hadn't considered Chen Feng's political future, she would have truly wanted to keep him by her side forever.
Chen Feng calculated the time; it was time to return to Mingshan Town. After chatting for a while longer, Chen Feng returned to Mingshan Town.
"Chen Feng, I've secured the position of vice mayor in charge of the economy for you in Mingshan Town. Don't dwell on the unpleasantness from Liangfang Town. While there are indeed ungrateful people, there are also many of us who are loyal and righteous," Qin Yan consoled Chen Feng in her office.
"Mayor Qin, it's alright. Honestly, this matter has brought more benefits than harm," Chen Feng replied with a relaxed expression.
"What do you mean?" Qin Yan asked.
"The Liangfang Town incident has once again made me realize that in politics, one cannot be too kind-hearted, or one ends up harming oneself," Chen Feng said earnestly.
"Chen Feng, your perspective still needs further improvement," Qin Yan said with a smile.
"Mayor Qin, what do you mean?" Chen Feng asked, puzzled.
"Simply put, you can't paint everyone with the same brush. Those political scoundrels in Liangfang Town and some unruly commoners are indeed detestable. However, not all the people of Liangfang Town are like that. Your impulsive departure from Liangfang Town demonstrates that your political thinking is still immature. But it's alright, I've already helped stabilize the situation in Liangfang Town, and it should now be able to develop steadily for at least a decade," Qin Yan explained earnestly.
"Mayor Qin, thankfully you reminded me. Otherwise, I might have continued to make mistakes. Thinking about it now, it was really inappropriate, too naive, like a child with a short temper, to hold grudges. You're right, when acting in politics, one must deal with matters on a case-by-case basis and not generalize," Chen Feng replied, utterly convinced. At the same time, he looked at Qin Yan with even greater admiration. Judging from the Liangfang Town incident, Qin Yan was indeed a mature political official, and he still had a long way to go.
"It's alright, you learn from experience. You are still young, after all. Political maturity isn't about talent; it requires experience," Qin Yan consoled Chen Feng.
"Mayor Qin, Cheng Lu told me that several members of the Mingshan Town committee disagreed with my appointment as vice mayor in charge of the economy. Was it your strong stance that pushed the appointment through?" Chen Feng asked directly and honestly, without any pretense.
"Is that very important?" Qin Yan reassured Chen Feng.
"It's very important. I can forgo this vice mayor position, but I cannot put Mayor Qin in a difficult spot," Chen Feng replied with determination.
"Chen Feng, I am relieved that you have this consideration. To be honest, not just in Mingshan Town, but everywhere, there are many people vying for political positions. It's impossible to gain the approval of everyone 100%," Qin Yan continued to reassure Chen Feng.
"Mayor Qin, you are destined for promotion to Jiangcheng and the capital. If you are not on good terms with your subordinates at the grassroots level, you will lose significant political points. What I mean is, I won't take this vice mayor position. I'll be the director of the Development and Reform Commission for the Mingshan Town Industrial Zone," Chen Feng stated directly.
"To be the director of the Development and Reform Commission? Isn't that a demotion? No, you are a major general under my command. How can I let your career decline?" Qin Yan frowned.