rees, the exquisite tea set spoke volumes.

Headman Liu Peiyuan retracted the offering he was about to present, pondering over the disparity in standards. Secretary Mengqi elegantly set up the tea ritual, even using self-prepared water.

Perplexed by the opulence, Headman Liu hesitated to shower praise openly. Soon the fragrance of tea filled the room. At Mr. Shao’s gesture, she served Secretary Liu a small, hot tea cup. Fortunately, Liu, accustomed to high society, took the cup, though unsure of how to drink it. Instead, he cheekily handed it to Headman Liu, who, flustered, downed the scalding tea in one gulp.

Mr. Shao’s attempt to stop him was too late. Headman Liu’s face contorted in pain, amusing everyone, and earning Secretary Liu’s triumphant grin.

Trying to regain composure under Secretary Liu’s dominant presence, Headman Liu flushed red, adding to his embarrassment. Secretary Liu, satisfied, relished in the scene, maintaining eye contact that clearly said, “Deal with it.”

“Mr. Liu, I’d like to inspect your mine before lunch to tailor our approach accordingly,” Mr. Shao suggested earnestly.

“Isn’t it better to wait until after lunch?” Secretary Liu countered.

“Secretary Liu, you must know that Mr. Shao always prioritizes work before meals,” Secretary Qiqi explained.

“Mr. Shao, can you really invest in West Village? It’s a billion-dollar project!” Secretary Liu inquired.

“No problem! We can handle any project size, and I have backing from my headquarters. But I’m more interested in your iron mine,” Mr. Shao stated.

“In that case, based on Mr. Shao’s work ethic, I trust your company’s capabilities. It’s the best choice to let your firm manage my mine,” Secretary Liu declared sincerely.

On their way to inspect the iron mine, Headman Liu asked Secretary Liu, “Secretary, since this is for West Village’s investment, why not let Secretary Fu meet Mr. Shao?”

“It’s not the right time yet. There's no formal agreement. I want to give West Village a pleasant surprise if it works out. Let’s see how Old Thunder Fu reacts to me, Big Cannon Liu,” Secretary Liu replied cunningly.

“You have great foresight, Secretary… Wait for me!” Headman Liu hurried to follow.

“Hubby, what’s our next step?” Secretary Mengqi whispered, catching up with Mr. Shao.

“First, secure their management rights. Then, sell the resources. Finally, use their credentials to obtain bank loans. Once we have the money, we move abroad,” Mr. Shao replied, his eyes glinting with malice.

Chapter 19: Deceit without Remorse

Deputy Secretary Fu was at home while Secretary Liu was busy entertaining Mr. Shao and his entourage. Naturally, the responsibility of accompanying Elder Min fell to Deputy Secretary Fu. He originally planned to take Elder Min to the East Village brick factory fish

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