Please, mature women, have some self-respect. I just want a raise and a promotion.

Upon hearing this, Lin Jingshun burst into laughter in anger.

How dare a manager of a state-owned enterprise subsidiary act so arrogantly and domineeringly? This is outrageous!

He stared intently at Lin Zheng and said coldly, "Looks like you're determined to get the approval today?"

Lin Zheng nodded: "That's right, I absolutely must get the approval today."

"Just with that USB drive you have?"

Lin Zheng was taken aback: "What do you mean by that, Director Lin?"

"Stop pretending to be confused in front of me."

"Who's behind you, the one who can get Yang Wanshan to step in, bring down Ma Cuihua, and deal with Li Ting?"

Upon hearing Lin Jingshun's words, Lin Zheng immediately realized what he meant.

The old fox mistakenly believed that he had a powerful figure behind him.

Thinking of this, Lin Zheng decided to play along.

"Director Lin, to be honest, I do have some connections in the district."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jingshun's face revealed a meaningful expression.

"I'm telling you, you're just a development manager at a subsidiary, where do you get the audacity to go head-to-head with me?"

"When Zhang Wenshan got into trouble, you weren't implicated. When Liu Shanhai fell, you helped Deng Hong up."

"Ma Cuihua went in, but you got away unscathed."

"These things, one or two times might be luck, but three or four times, it's no longer luck."

Lin Zheng had no interest in playing games with Lin Jingshun and asked, "Director Lin, what are you trying to say?"

"Lin Zheng, let's speak frankly."

"You have leverage over me, and I have leverage over you."

"You can't bring me down, and I can't bring you down either. Rather than both of us suffering losses, we might as well cooperate."

"How do we cooperate?"

"You do me a favor, and I'll take care of Cai Mingsheng and Chen Guowen for you."

"I'll sign off on the approval; I won't charge you a single penny."

"What is it?"

Lin Jingshun stubbed out his cigarette, leaned forward, and lowered his voice.

"I've worked in the planning bureau for twelve years; it's time for a promotion."

"But I don't have any strong connections in the district, so I'm stuck and can't get promoted."

"You have connections in the district, could you introduce me?"

"If the leaders are willing to speak up, I'll get promoted, and they'll take care of you in the district afterwards."

Lin Zheng understood; Lin Jingshun wanted to use his connections to climb the social ladder.

The problem is, he doesn't have any strong connections in the district at all.

Liu Rong is one, but Liu Rong is the wife of the deputy district head, not the deputy district head himself.

Moreover, Liu Rong's husband and Lin Jingshun are not on the same side, so speaking up rashly could cause trouble.

But if they don't agree, the negotiations with Lin Jingshun will completely fall apart.

Without the approval, the project failed, and all his previous efforts were in vain.

Lin Zheng was silent for a moment, then looked up at Lin Jingshun.

"Director Lin, I do know a few people in the district, but whether I can introduce them to you depends on whether they are willing to meet you. I can't guarantee that."

Lin Jingshun nodded: "Of course."

"If you help me make an appointment, I'll remember your favor. If it doesn't work out, I won't blame you."

"About that approval document..."

"As long as you help me make an appointment, I'll sign the permit immediately."

It's a deal.

It's a deal.

After the two reached an agreement, Lin Jingshun's attitude improved significantly.

He personally poured Lin Zheng a cup of tea and offered him a cigarette.

After chatting for a few minutes, Lin Jingshun patted Lin Zheng on the shoulder.

"Go back and make arrangements quickly. I'll wait for your news."

Lin Zheng stood up and walked out of the office.

Where is he supposed to find a place to have dinner with the district leaders?

After thinking for a moment, Lin Zheng took out his phone and dialed Liu Rong's number.

The phone rang twice, and Liu Rong's excited voice came from the other end.

"My dear husband, I've missed you so much."

"Why did it take you so long to call me?"

"Sister Rong, I've been so busy with the project lately that I haven't been able to get away from it."

"Look, we've run into big trouble again."

"What's the trouble?"

Lin Zheng briefly explained the situation.

After listening, Liu Rong remained silent for a moment.

"You mean, Lin Jingshun wants to get to know the district leaders through you?"

"right."

"What are you planning to do?"

"I'd like to ask you for help with a play."

"acting?"

"right."

Lin Zheng lowered his voice, "As the wife of the deputy district head, you should have a meal with Lin Jingshun."

"You don't need to say anything, just show your face."

"When he sees you, he'll naturally believe that I have connections in the district."

"Lin Zheng, are you asking me to help you deceive people?" Liu Rong said.

"It's not a scam, it's leveraging existing momentum."

"Sister Liu Rong, I have no other choice."

"Lin Jingshun is holding back the approval, and the project can't move forward."

"If you could help me with this, I would..."

"What?"

Liu Rong's voice suddenly took on a hint of ambiguity.

Lin Zheng's heart skipped a beat, and he lowered his voice.

"You can do whatever you want."

A low laugh came from the other end of the phone from Liu Rong.

"You said it yourself."

"I said it."

"Okay, I'll help you, but..."

"But what?"

"Get a room first, I need to meet with you to talk."

Lin Zheng's heart raced; he knew what Liu Rong wanted.

"Okay, I'll start right away."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zheng told the driver to turn around and head straight for the Blue Ocean Hotel.

…………

Lin Zheng booked a deluxe king room at the Blue Ocean Hotel.

The room was on the sixth floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river. The setting sun dyed the entire river golden red, a beauty that seemed unreal.

Lin Zheng stood by the window, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag.

He hadn't seen Liu Rong for a long time since the project started.

Lin Zheng's heart raced as he recalled the scene in the office.

It wasn't because she was beautiful, but because of the contradictory quality she possessed—dignified in public, wild in private.

At this time, the doorbell rang.

Lin Zheng stubbed out his cigarette and went to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, a faint scent of perfume wafted out.

Liu Rong wore a beige trench coat over a black slip dress, her long hair was loose, and she wore light makeup with dark red lipstick, looking mature and sexy.

"Come in." Lin Zheng stepped aside to let her in.

Liu Rong walked into the room, glanced around, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

"The room is nice."

"As long as you like it."

Lin Zheng closed the door and turned around, only to find that Liu Rong had already taken off her trench coat and casually tossed it onto the bed.

The black slip dress clung to her body, outlining her curvaceous figure.

She walked to the window, looked at the river view outside, and turned her back to him.

"Lin Zheng, have you missed me?"

"I've thought about it."

"What are you thinking about me for?"

Liu Rong turned around and looked straight at him.

Lin Zheng's heart raced. He walked up to her and put his arm around her waist.

I miss you in the private room, I miss you in my arms.

Liu Rong blushed and patted his chest.

"You're so bad."

"Do you still miss that captivating, crazy side of me when I'm acting differently?"