Qu Mingwei, in his current capacity, naturally knew a thing or two about Long Aotian.
Though they hadn't met face-to-face, information about such individuals was always passed down from above.
Different positions meant knowing more.
Now, with Long Aotian's name on the list, it was no wonder so many business magnates had shown up. This was a truly influential figure.
People like him instilled a fear that went to the very bone.
He specialized in handling difficult matters and answered directly to Elder Huang. While unseen, his reputation preceded him.
Qu Mingwei, at his current level, was highly sensitive to these affairs.
"Old Zheng, I understand your meaning," Qu Mingwei said, looking at the list on the desk.
"Good. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I'll tell you what I can," Zheng Ming instructed.
"Old classmate, thank you," Qu Mingwei said with a smile.
"Haha... No need for such politeness, that makes us strangers. Xiao Ya is also going to Chengdu for fun. When I have time, I'll have her visit you on my behalf," Zheng Ming chuckled.
"Xiao Ya is coming too? That's wonderful! I must have her over to my place. It's been years, and since she's in Sichuan province, she absolutely must visit Uncle's house," Qu Mingwei said with a smile.
"Alright, I'll mention it to her then. I'll have her go over if she has time," Zheng Ming said, unsure if Zheng Qingya would be available.
After all, Zheng Qingya was following Xia Feng and Xia Lin, which was a rare opportunity.
"Good," Qu Mingwei replied emphatically.
After a brief chat, the two hung up.
Qu Mingwei paced back and forth in his office, contemplating whether to report Long Aotian's arrival in Sichuan province to the Secretary. After all, Long Aotian was no ordinary person.
Long Aotian's arrival in Sichuan must have a reason; he wouldn't just travel to Sichuan for tourism without cause.
If he didn't report it, how would the Secretary view him?
After some deliberation, Qu Mingwei decided to report it.
"Secretary Hu, I have something to report," Qu Mingwei stated directly.
"Comrade Mingwei, what is it?" Hu Hong asked.
"Long Aotian has come to Sichuan province. He arrived in Chengdu today," Qu Mingwei reported truthfully.
As soon as Qu Mingwei uttered Long Aotian's name, there was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Then, Hu Hong said, "We have not received any notification from above, so we will act as if we are unaware. Should any assistance be needed, we should cooperate wholeheartedly."
Hu Hong's words were carefully chosen. Qu Mingwei had brought this to his attention, and he responded with a statement about their cooperation.
"Yes, Secretary. I will follow up diligently," Qu Mingwei quickly agreed.
"Mingwei, come over to my place for a drink when you have time. It's been a while since we shared a drink," Hu Hong said expansively and politely.
"Certainly, I will definitely pay you a visit when I have the time," Qu Mingwei understood the implication; it was a signal to him.
No one knew about Long Aotian's arrival in Sichuan. If Zheng Ming hadn't informed him, he wouldn't have checked the flight records with the airline.
Now that he had informed Hu Hong, his standing in Hu Hong's eyes naturally increased.
.............
Chunxi Road, Xiaolongkan Hot Pot restaurant.
Xia Lin and the others were planning to have hot pot for dinner.
A must-eat in Chengdu was hot pot. Hot pot restaurants were everywhere. Even though it was only September, it couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of tourists eager to eat hot pot.
While winter was the peak season for hot pot, it seemed to make little difference in Chengdu. Every restaurant had queues for tables, and small red stools were lined up in front of the entrances.
"Little King" Guo and Jiang Xin had arrived early and reserved a private room, so the group didn't have to wait in line.
"Lin'er, this meal is on me today. Don't fight me for it. Since you're at my home, I have to show some hospitality," Liu Jingru offered voluntarily.
"Okay, okay, you're treating," Xia Lin agreed with a smile.
A hot pot meal didn't cost much. For their group of eleven or twelve people, it would cost at most two to three thousand yuan. Hot pot was delicious and not overly expensive, and Liu Jingru could afford it.
"My dear young friends, did you hear that? Lin'er has agreed. Don't you dare try to pay the bill later," Liu Jingru teased them with satisfaction.
"Haha... we wouldn't dare."
"We're happy enough someone is treating. Why would we fight to pay?"
The group laughed, respecting Liu Jingru's gesture.
Chengdu was her hometown, so it was understandable for her to treat.
No one cared about such a small amount of money, but Liu Jingru's eagerness to treat them made them feel very good.
Xiaolongkan's flavor was excellent. The group ordered a yuan yang pot and ate for a full two hours before feeling satisfied and content.
Seeing that everyone had eaten their fill, Liu Jingru quietly slipped out to pay the bill.
"Jingru, you came back early?"
As Liu Jingru was about to pay at the counter, a woman behind her called out to her.
Liu Jingru turned around. It was her cousin, Zhou Li, the daughter of her maternal aunt.
"Cousin, you're also eating hot pot here?" Liu Jingru asked with surprise.
"Yes. My sister is getting married on October 1st. Did you take leave to come back today?" Zhou Li nodded.
The sister Zhou Li mentioned was her elder sister, Zhou Lu, who was planning her wedding banquet for October 1st.
When Zhou Li saw Liu Jingru just now, she assumed Liu Jingru had returned to attend her sister's wedding.
In fact, Liu Jingru didn't even know about it. Zhou Lu hadn't informed her, as she wasn't married herself. The two families rarely interacted, and her cousin was less familiar than ordinary classmates, with almost no contact.
Now, hearing Zhou Li say this, Liu Jingru was momentarily stunned.
Her family did have a WeChat group called "A Loving Family," but she had muted its notifications and never looked at it, so she had no idea about such an event.
Crucially, Liu Jingru's parents hadn't told her either. Liu Jingru worked in Hangzhou, and traveling back and forth was inconvenient, so her parents decided not to inform her.
"Ah... this..."
Liu Jingru didn't know what to say, then continued, "Some friends of mine came to Chengdu to visit, so I returned early. Anyway, your sister is getting married, so I would have come back."
Liu Jingru could only say this insincerely. Since she had been discovered now, she couldn't possibly say she wasn't attending.
Now that Zhou Li had seen her and knew she was back, it would be awkward not to attend the wedding.
"It's good you came back early for the National Day holiday. It's inconvenient during the holiday with so many people. How have you been lately? Have you found a boyfriend?" Zhou Li asked, nodding.
"I'm doing fine. What's the rush to find a boyfriend?" Liu Jingru replied.
"I've been through it. You should pick a good one early. Now you're choosing others, but in a few years, others will be choosing you. Look at my sister; she's known her fiancé for years and married into a good family. Later, I'll have my brother-in-law introduce me to a rich and handsome man."
Zhou Li's tone, while seemingly concerned for Liu Jingru, was actually a boast about her sister's fortunate marriage.
The key point was that her sister married well, but Zhou Li was acting as if she herself had married well.