Chapter Seventy-Four: Beginning Preparations

After He Zhixing finished his call with Li Xianliang, Su Mei’s call came through. He Zhixing hurriedly answered, “Hello, Su Mei, where are you?”

At that moment, Su Mei was sitting in the mayor’s office, meeting the mayor together with her father. She had already spoken to the mayor about He Zhixing’s willingness to help her and his desire to be nominated. Her father admitted he wasn’t sure about it and decided to come along to meet the mayor.

Mayor Pan Donghai had secretly sent people to investigate He Zhixing’s background. He’d long hoped He Zhixing would enter public service, but had never found the right opportunity to persuade him. He was well aware of He Zhixing’s capabilities—his investigations had left him deeply impressed. The young man was astonishingly talented, and those unaware of his true assets could never guess how deeply he concealed them.

This time, persuaded by Su Mei, Pan Donghai had no reason to object. Talent must be put to use, and he knew He Zhixing’s character well. The last time there was a flood, He Zhixing had risked his life to rescue people, and years earlier, efforts to eradicate local crime had succeeded only with He Zhixing’s help. He was a lucky star; wherever he went, fortune followed, and situations turned for the better.

On the phone, Su Mei said, “I’m with Mayor Pan right now. I’ve reported your situation and your thoughts to him. He didn’t say much, but he’s very supportive. He said we should do as you suggested. It seems the mayor thinks very highly of you. I almost envy you for having the trust and favor of the city’s top leader. Oh, and the mayor wants to speak with you.”

Mayor Pan took the phone, and He Zhixing quickly greeted him, “Hello, Mayor Pan!”

Pan Donghai chuckled, “Ah, Zhixing, when will you come visit this old man? I miss you very much. Can you share some of your business wisdom with me? I hear you’re the owner of a major company and the boss of many chain stores—you’re remarkable. Your willingness to help with the village chief election and support Su Mei’s work shows you already have a plan to transform Five Towns, right? Honestly, Five Towns is the poorest, most undeveloped area in Le City. If you succeed, you’ll be solving a major problem for me.”

He Zhixing replied, “Mayor Pan, you flatter me. I’m nowhere near as capable as you say. I simply can’t bear to see my hometown’s people living in poverty. They need guidance, they need a hero to lead them to prosperity. Luckily, I have a little bit of capital and a touch of wit…”

Pan Donghai laughed heartily, “Ha, Zhixing, you’re really something. Here’s the deal: once you become village chief, start your work in Five Towns and support Su Mei. I’ll make Su Mei, the town mayor, your backing. If anything major comes up that you can’t solve, contact me directly. I’ll give you my personal mobile number.”

For the mayor to personally give his private number to a young man about to become a village chief—He Zhixing felt profoundly honored. This was not a privilege given to just anyone.

After ending the call with the mayor, He Zhixing left Wabei Village and drove to town to buy gifts, then went to visit the parents of old classmates listed on his contacts. Just as he’d done with Li Xianliang, he informed them and encouraged them to consider returning for the village chief election.

After receiving He Zhixing’s call, Li Xianliang actually took leave the next day to visit Nuofeng Fashion Clothing Company, as He Zhixing had suggested. He met Hou Juan, toured the company, and visited many of its branch stores.

It took several days, but finally, He Zhixing contacted all the classmates and friends on his list. On the third day, Li Xianliang returned, and He Zhixing personally drove to the city’s train station to pick him up at the exit, ensuring the fastest update to the latest chapter of this book, fresh and invigorating.