Chapter 100: A Fortuitous Encounter

Xu Chen spoke up,

“Your future fame, Bing Ge, will be tremendous. The city government has already foreseen it.

That’s why the leaders came specifically to offer their condolences. They’re planning to use Xie Bingran’s reputation to promote Tiancheng in the future.

Under these circumstances, she really deserves every bit of the honor.”

Xu Zhiquan drew on his cigarette, pondering seriously.

“I need to give Mayor Feng a heads-up. He still doesn’t know I’m here…”

With that, Xu Zhiquan pulled out his mobile phone and sent a text to Mayor Feng.

After a while, his phone rang—it was Mayor Feng calling.

Xu Zhiquan stepped aside to answer and began chatting cheerfully with Mayor Feng.

It was clear that Xu Zhiquan and Mayor Feng Wenjiang were very good friends in private.

A little later, Xu Zhiquan hung up and returned, smiling at Xu Chen.

“Son, Dad made the right move coming today. I didn’t expect this pleasant surprise.”

Xu Chen asked, “Oh?”

Xu Zhiquan said,

“Mayor Feng came mainly to accompany Vice Mayor Wu.

This leader just took on responsibilities in the sports department, so he came with officials from the Sports Bureau.

He’s on the city committee and also oversees development and reform…”

Lowering his voice, Xu Zhiquan added,

“The work related to state-owned enterprise restructuring falls under his jurisdiction.

For the bankruptcy and restructuring of Bright Machinery Factory, this leader is a pivotal figure…”

Xu Chen said, “What a coincidence.”

Xu Zhiquan replied, “This isn’t luck—it’s great fortune.

I’ve been looking for a breakthrough on the factory issue and even asked Mayor Feng for help before.

I never imagined today would be the perfect chance to meet such a key person.

Fate really works in mysterious ways…”

Xu Zhiquan paused, a note of wonder in his voice.

“And today isn’t some formal, deliberate occasion.

Running into them by chance is an even better way to introduce ourselves naturally.”

Xu Chen said, “Dad, I never expected you’d get such an unexpected gain by coming along.”

Xu Zhiquan nodded, “It’s a wonderful surprise.

I’ve been worried for days about the factory matter, with no chance to consult the right leader.

Boss Huang’s connections only went as far as the factory’s internal staff.

As a small-town businessman, my reach never extended that high.

Besides, leaders are always busy. Even if I knew who to meet, it isn’t easy to arrange.

Yet today we’ve got the chance to meet the official in charge of development and reform.

Of course, it’s only a brief greeting—just handing over a business card and exchanging a few words is already great.

We can’t mention the factory today; that will have to wait…”

Suddenly Xu Chen remembered something and asked,

“Dad, tell me the truth—Mayor Feng Wenjiang…”

Xu Zhiquan grabbed another cigarette and grinned mischievously, as if he knew exactly what Xu Chen was about to ask.

“Mayor Feng Wenjiang is Feng Qingqing’s father.”

Xu Chen fell silent.

That was truly unexpected.

Earlier Xu Chen only knew Feng Qingqing’s family held town influence and that her father was an important connection.

He never guessed he was the town mayor…

Xu Zhiquan lit his cigarette and patted Xu Chen on the shoulder.

“Your Uncle Feng and I have considered matching you two up. You’re both quite suitable.

But son, don’t feel any pressure. Your uncle is very open-minded and we’re old friends.

We both know you can’t force these things. So at first we didn’t make it clear—we just wanted you two to meet.”

Xu Chen shook his head, speechless.

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily,

“Feng Qingqing told her dad you’re an outstanding student and clearly interested in her.

But she mentioned you seemed to have a girlfriend. Your uncle understood right away that you’re not into his daughter.

He even treated your old man to a big dinner over it.”

Xu Chen asked, “That won’t affect your relationship, will it?”

Xu Zhiquan said, “Don’t worry! Feng Wenjiang and I have been friends for years back when we were young.

I hadn’t introduced you to him earlier because he’d only recently returned as mayor and, well, his position is special.”

Xu Chen said, “That’s a relief. I was worried I might embarrass Feng Qingqing and affect Dad’s relations here.”

Xu Zhiquan said with a smile, “Feng Qingqing spoke highly of you—her dad told me all about it!”

Xu Chen remained speechless.

At that moment, Xu Chen and Li Rui spotted a group hurrying toward them from a distance.

It was the Village Chief leading a team, likely all from the Village Committee.

The dark-skinned “Village Chief” wore a clean, oversized suit now, his hair clearly redone.

Behind him, several committee members were also dressed up.

The Village Chief plastered on a big smile and approached Xu Zhiquan.

“Director Xu, we’re about to go to the village entrance to greet the leaders—won’t you join us?”

Remembering how arrogantly he’d chased them away earlier, the sudden turnabout left Xu Zhiquan speechless.

He smiled,

“Sure. I just spoke with Mayor Feng—he should be arriving soon!”

The Village Chief nodded, “Let’s hurry to the village entrance then.”

Xu Zhiquan hesitated briefly, then said,

“The mayor and city leaders are here to offer their respects to Xie Bingran.

Village Chief, shouldn’t you go greet her too?

Haven’t you paid her a visit yet?”

Xu Zhiquan said with a smile, his words polite but pointed.

The Village Chief froze, then forced an awkward smile.

“Director Xu, you’re right! I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to see her this morning!”

Xu Zhiquan laughed,

“Yes, you’ve spent all morning busy sending us away!”

Xu Chen and Li Rui nearly burst out laughing.

The Village Chief and his group looked thoroughly embarrassed.

They still didn’t understand why city leaders would come for the orphaned young girl, Xie Bingran.

Even after rehearsing their excuses, they remained clueless about what lay behind the girl’s situation.

The Village Chief only just learned her full name, Xie Bingran, from the village roster.

Bowing with a nervous grin, he led his group toward Xie’s old family home.

Xu Zhiquan took a drag of his cigarette and said,

“Let my son guide you there.”

The Village Chief gaped, “Huh?”

Xu Zhiquan said,

“I’m worried if you just barge in, Xie’s friends might beat you up.”

The Village Chief was dumbfounded,

and Xu Chen … remained silent.