Chapter 696: A Person’s Status

At the City Government entrance.

Several luxury Cars were already parked there, all from local businesses attending the event in Jiangzhou.

“Oh, Mr. Xu is here! Good morning, Mr. Xu.”

“Good morning, Mr. Xu.”

As soon as they saw Xu Shaochen step out of the Car, everyone who had just arrived greeted him.

“Good day, CEOs. Why are you all waiting at the entrance? Were you waiting to greet me?”

Xu Shaochen joked around, telling Long Yi and Long Er to take the Car to the parking lot.

After all, parking wasn’t allowed at the City Government’s entrance.

“Please, Mr. Xu, go ahead.”

“Yes, yes. We wouldn’t dare to walk ahead of you. Please, Mr. Xu.”

Everyone made a gesture to invite him in, their faces filled with humble smiles.

Regardless of what they really thought about Xu Shaochen, whether they respected him or not,

they all had to be respectful in front of him, showing no impatience or annoyance.

“Fine, since everyone is so enthusiastic, I’ll take the lead.”

As expected, Xu Shaochen walked ahead of them, knowing full well that if he didn’t go first, no one else would dare to move.

“Mr. Xu and everyone, please follow me this way.”

Upon entering the government courtyard, a staff member came forward to guide the group.

The staff knew Xu Shaochen by name, while the others were collectively addressed as ‘CEOs,’

revealing the gap between Xu Shaochen and the rest.

A person’s status isn’t determined by themselves. It’s reflected in how others treat them.

“Miss, are you all so free today? Why does it seem so quiet here? Haven’t people started work yet?”

Seeing the courtyard looking rather empty, Xu Shaochen teased the staffer.

The staffer smiled slightly: “You’re joking, Mr. Xu. This is Mr. Liao Shuyi’s request. We’re asked not to walk around unnecessarily, in case we disturb the CEOs.”

Xu Shaochen nodded, his gaze landing on the woman guiding them.

Her figure was nice, but unfortunately, her looks were average.

A few minutes later, Xu Shaochen and the others entered the main hall.

Originally it was a government auditorium, now converted into a conference hall.

“Mr. Xu has arrived.”

“Good morning, Mr. Xu.”

As Xu Shaochen walked in, those who had arrived early all greeted him one after another.

Xu Shaochen nodded in response, then found his seat and sat down.

The first row, right in the center.

Sun Hai sat to his left, Ye Huaiyuan sat to his right.

The first row was reserved for the top-tier enterprises of Jiangzhou.

“Brother Xu, what tricks do you think the officials will pull this time?”

Sun Hai casually chatted with Xu Shaochen.

Xu Shaochen responded lightly: “I don’t think they will. It’s pretty clear that Liao Zhengli got played. We’ll just keep him company and follow the motions.”

Liao Zhengli had been tricked right after he arrived in Jiangzhou, offending all the local businesses by organizing an enterprise summit as soon as he came.

The reception two nights ago helped him save some face, though.

As for today’s meeting, Xu Shaochen thought they’d just show nominal support to help Liao Zhengli maintain his dignity, and that would be it.

“Heh, this is probably your first time attending one of our Jiangzhou enterprise summits, Mr. Xu. You might not fully understand yet,” Ye Huaiyuan chuckled softly, with a sense of self-deprecation. He paused before continuing,

“Once you enter this place, you don’t leave without making a significant contribution.”

“Yeah, Brother Xu, this is my fifth time. While developing the city is important, it’s hard to handle the extra burden it places on us!”

Sun Hai sighed helplessly.

“Step, step, step…”

At that moment, the officials also arrived, including Liao Zhengli.

Everyone in the hall quieted down.

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this meeting. On behalf of…”

As always, the opening remarks were long and boring, lasting nearly 20 minutes.

“Now, everyone, please welcome Liao Shuyi to speak.”

“Clap, clap, clap, clap…”

Amidst thunderous applause, the well-dressed and energetic Liao Zhengli began his speech.

“Good morning, everyone. I won’t bother introducing myself, as I’m sure many of you know me already. Seated here are some of the most outstanding entrepreneurs of Jiangzhou.”

“As we all know, the modern urban development and construction cannot rely solely on government departments. We also need the support of excellent businessmen like you…”

Liao Zhengli’s speech was long, mainly focused on seeking support for several large ongoing projects.

For instance, there was a plan to build a large commercial complex in the eastern district. Judging by its size, it would’ve been the largest shopping mall in Jiangzhou once completed.

Originally, the project was an investment from a Hong Kong businessman a couple of years ago, but since the man went bankrupt from stock speculation, construction had to be halted.

Now it was a half-finished project that someone else had to take over and complete.

There were many such cases like this. The mall was just one example.

Although it wasn’t Liao Zhengli’s responsibility, now that he was in charge, he still had to deal with these issues.

“Anyway, that concludes my speech. I hope you all consider these projects carefully. If anyone can step up and take them on, the government will provide support and benefits for you.”

“You are all brilliant entrepreneurs, and I believe these projects will thrive in your capable hands, contributing to a more harmonious and prosperous Jiangzhou.”

“Clap, clap, clap, clap…”

Once again, thunderous applause erupted in the hall, though many were smiling while internally dismissing Liao Zhengli’s words.

If these projects were really great, they would’ve been snapped up long ago. There’s a reason they’re being pitched here.

Plus, several of these big projects would require a significant amount of funds. How could they possibly free up that much money on such short notice?

Still, since they were here, they couldn’t leave without making at least a token commitment.

“I think Mr. Liao made a good point. As entrepreneurs, we can’t just focus on making money; we should also take on some social responsibility.”

Ye Huaiyuan, who had already made up his mind, stood up, talking smoothly. After a brief pause, he added,

“How about this? I’m personally interested in the planning for the central park in the XC district. Why don’t you all let me take that?”