"Rest assured, I'm an old hand in officialdom, how could I make such a fatal mistake?" Qin Yan said with a relaxed smile.
"Since there were no fatal mistakes, how was the travel money resolved?" Chen Feng asked tentatively.
"The travel money was sponsored by businesses."
"Sponsored by businesses? Businesses sponsoring our travel out of the blue? Why does that sound so awkward?" Chen Feng replied honestly.
"It's not awkward at all. Firstly, businesses don't have money to burn that they'd just hand it out for us to travel. Businessmen are shrewd and calculate every penny. The reason they're willing to spend big money is because there's profit in it. Sponsoring the tourism for Mingshan Town this time is because the annual tax inspection is coming. To avoid being targeted, they proactively offer money. Secondly, regarding the sponsorship name, it definitely can't be called tourism; that would sound bad. I've already finalized the name for this trip: Mingshan Town Middle and High-Level Leaders Go Abroad to Study Advanced Experiences and Keep Pace with the Times," Qin Yan explained with a smile.
"Mayor Qin, you're not an outsider, so I won't hide anything. Is this sort of thing going to cause trouble for the residents?" Chen Feng asked in a low voice.
"You don't need to worry about that either. We haven't said a word; these businesses proposed it themselves. If we refuse when they propose it, they'll be even more panicked, living in fear all day, thinking we'll conduct strict tax investigations on their businesses. You're in charge of the economy, you should know that nowadays, which business's taxes are completely clean? It's just a matter of how much less tax is evaded, or how much more, but none are truly clean. By us accepting the money, conversely, Mingshan Town's businesses can be stable," Qin Yan explained calmly.
"If that's the case, then it's fine. I approve of the trip. By the way, have you decided where to go?"
"We haven't decided yet. Everyone has their own ideas, and we can't reach a consensus for the time being. So, I want you to pick a place and explain the reasons." Qin Yan looked at Chen Feng with trust. Other subordinates acted out of their own self-interest. Only Chen Feng acted with her as a leader and from a broader perspective.
"I suggest Japan," Chen Feng replied without hesitation.
"What? Japan? That's interesting. What's the reason?"
"First of all, both Cheng Lu and I understand Japanese, so translation fees are waived."
"Wait, I know Cheng Lu's Japanese is great. When did your Japanese become great? Didn't you study English in university?" Qin Yan asked with curiosity.
"Mayor Qin, after accompanying Cheng Lu on a few trips to Japan, I realized there are many areas where we need to learn from Japan. Japan is our historical enemy, that's true. But to defeat Japan and guard against it, the best way is to absorb its strengths. Coupled with our nuclear weapons, we basically don't need to fear Japan and can confront it head-on. Of course, this is just from a national perspective. From Mingshan Town's perspective, learning the Japanese approach to doing business is very necessary," Chen Feng replied seriously.
"Chen Feng, I feel like the Japanese way of doing business is just average," Qin Yan said casually.
"That's just your misconception. Japan's GDP is second only to China's in Asia. For such a small country, why is its GDP so high? Overseas business is a very important factor." Qin Yan heard this and agreed wholeheartedly.
"Alright, since your reasoning is so clear, then it's decided. Tomorrow, we'll all go to Japan for a week of touring." Qin Yan said excitedly. After a week of discussion, Chen Feng settled the matter with a single decisive word. It was good.
It had to be said, without Chen Feng, such an important helper, it really wouldn't work.
The next day, the group boarded a plane together for Japan.
Once on the plane, a dilemma arose. There were only two business class seats, and the rest were economy class. Qin Yan, as the mayor, would definitely get one business class seat. But what about the other? After a moment's thought, Chen Feng voluntarily gave up his seat. Although he was the deputy mayor in charge of the economy in Mingshan Town, sitting in business class with Qin Yan would inevitably lead to gossip.
"Mayor Qin, I'll give my seat to Cheng Lu," Chen Feng said quietly in the plane aisle.
"Why would you give your seat to Cheng Lu?" Qin Yan asked with interest.
"There are only two business class seats. If we both take them, I'm afraid of gossip. It doesn't matter to me, but I'm afraid the gossip might affect you," Chen Feng said honestly.
"You worry too much about that. For the middle and high-level leaders coming to Mingshan Town this time, I've arranged for their significant others to be together. Everyone has something to hold over others, so no one will speak carelessly," Qin Yan explained with a smile.
"Then what about Cheng Lu?" Chen Feng felt a bit dizzy.
"There's no other way, Cheng Lu will have to be a bit wronged. When we return, she can sit in business class with me." Chen Feng wasn't a fool; he naturally understood what that meant. Qin Yan's arrangement was likely due to pent-up desire recently and a need for release.
"Alright then." Chen Feng said, and then headed straight for business class. Cheng Lu over there was filled with jealousy, but she couldn't help it. Today, most of Mingshan Town's leaders were present. If she caused a scene, Chen Feng wouldn't be able to stay in Mingshan Town in the future.
Half an hour after the plane took off, most people started to sleep. Qin Yan, feeling restless, couldn't sleep. So, Qin Yan quietly signaled Chen Feng to lean on her lap... Chen Feng wasn't a fool; he knew what Qin Yan meant. Taking a deep breath, Chen Feng did as indicated... About an hour passed, and the matter was concluded.
"Quickly go to the restroom to wash up," Qin Yan said to Chen Feng with a satisfied yet slightly embarrassed expression. Chen Feng didn't speak, but headed straight for the business class restroom. At this moment, it was best not to speak, as any words would reveal everything.
Thus, after another two hours of flying, the plane arrived in Japan.
"Mayor Qin, you all go to your hotel rooms first, and then prepare for tomorrow's sightseeing. For this period, I'm afraid I won't be able to join you." Chen Feng said seriously.
"What do you mean?" Qin Yan didn't quite understand at first. This was a great opportunity to travel to Japan collectively; anyone would cherish it. Why did Chen Feng seem reluctant to travel?
"I want to use this week to spend time at a Japanese new energy factory. Mingshan Town's traditional industry is the garment industry, which is too singular and not very profitable. If possible, we should introduce other high-tech, high-profit industries, such as the new energy industry." Chen Feng explained earnestly.
"Chen Feng, that's not right. I've read reports, and Japan's new energy isn't at the forefront globally. Japan mainly uses hydrogen energy, while most new energy used worldwide is electric energy. My point is, let's just enjoy ourselves for a week first. If we really want to learn about new energy, we can go to the United States next week," Qin Yan explained.
"Mayor Qin, that's a misunderstanding. While hydrogen energy is an important part of new energy in Japan, the Japanese have not slackened their research into electric energy for new energy, and there's still a lot worth learning. After we've learned enough about Japan's new energy, we can consider going to the United States to study new energy," Chen Feng replied.
"That makes sense. But the problem is, the Japanese are very guarded against Chinese people. How can you, a Chinese person, get into a Japanese new energy company's workshop?" Qin Yan asked with doubt.