The administrative center of Jingtong District, office of the secretary of the district council.

At nine o'clock in the morning, sunlight streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, but it couldn't dispel the heavy and busy atmosphere inside.

The documents were piled up like two small mountains on the large desk, and the landline and mobile phone rang incessantly.

Hao Yuan sat in his office chair with his back still straight, but the undisguised fatigue in the depths of his eyes and the newly sprouted stubble on his chin betrayed his days of overwork.

He had just seen off a "research and inspection team" led by a deputy secretary-general of the city.

This is the third group this morning. Previously, there was a special supervisory team from the National Development and Reform Commission, and a "scholarly advisory group" from a policy research office.

Everyone wore a warm and friendly smile, and their words were full of "high affirmation" and "earnest expectations" for the work in Jingtong District.

But Hao Yuan could clearly see and hear the burning light in their eyes, the subtle probing in their words, and the seemingly casual "suggestions" or "recommendations."

Longyu Group. Two trillion yuan investment. These nine words are like a giant magnet radiating a fatal allure, firmly attracting the attention of Beijing and even higher levels to this land in Jingtong District, which was not originally the most dazzling.

What followed was a flood of "concern," "guidance," "cooperation intentions," and "resource allocation." Of course, there were also various overt and covert requests, inquiries, and even pressure.

Hao Yuan rubbed his throbbing temples, picked up the now-cold strong tea and took a big gulp, the bitter taste spreading across his tongue.

He wasn't rejecting this attention. Longyu's settlement was a tremendous opportunity and deserved support from all sides. Nor did he want to claim all the credit—in fact, he always knew perfectly well where this immense achievement came from.

Zeng Long. Long Yu.

It was that excessively young man who gave him this opportunity and this trust.

Therefore, from the moment the agreement was signed, Hao Yuan was determined to do everything to the best, most meticulously, and most perfectly.

From the refinement of the overall plan to every detail of demolition and resettlement;

From repeated demonstrations of supporting transportation networks to specific plans for regional environmental optimization, he personally oversaw every detail, striving to clear all obstacles and lay the most ideal foundation before Longyu Group officially moved in on a large scale.

What he wanted to deliver was a perfect answer sheet that would earn Zeng Long's approval and allow Longyu Group to settle down and develop with peace of mind.

However, reality soon dealt him a heavy blow.

He found himself being dragged into an endless vortex.

Time and energy are largely consumed by receptions, reports, meetings, and social engagements. The time actually devoted to getting specific projects implemented and solving real problems is pitifully small.

"The will is there, but the strength is insufficient..."

Looking out the window at the bustling street scene, Hao Yuan felt a surge of powerlessness and anxiety.

He knew where the problem lay. The pie of benefits brought by Long Yu was too big, and the level of influence it reached was too high.

As a district-level Party secretary, he appeared far too weak in the face of a vast network of power and interests.

Behind the flood of "concern" lay different forces and different demands. He could neither refuse them nor find a proper balance.

He was like someone standing in the eye of a storm, seemingly calm, but actually bearing immense pressure from all sides. Every step he took had to be taken with extreme caution, as if walking on thin ice.

"Knock knock knock".

A clear knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in." Hao Yuan quickly adjusted his expression, concealing his fatigue and regaining his usual composure.

The secretary entered, his face showing a rare hint of seriousness and hesitation. He walked to the desk and lowered his voice slightly:

"Secretary, there is a gentleman outside who wants to see you. He claims to be... the eldest grandson of the Wu family, and the personal assistant of Wu Jun, the young master of the Wu family."

The secretary deliberately emphasized the words "Wu family" and "Wu army" in a barely perceptible way.

Those who can stay in the position of secretary to the secretary of the municipal council in Beijing are all shrewd and have an ingrained sensitivity to the complex power structure of the capital.

The Wu family is a top-tier wealthy family, on par with the Yan and Chen families.

Wu Jun is one of the most mysterious and feared "Three Young Masters" among the younger generation in Beijing.

Such a person, whose personal assistant personally visits him... The secretary is well aware of the significance of this person and would never dare to be negligent or conceal anything.

Upon hearing this, Hao Yuan paused slightly at the tip of his pen as he was signing.

Wu Jun?

The name, like a pebble thrown into a calm, deep pool, stirred ripples in his heart.

Of course he knew who Wu Jun was. He was the one who orchestrated the disqualification of his nomination last time.

Although Wu Jun personally visited Zeng Long because of him.

But he had to admire this prodigy of the Wu family, because his legendary achievements were numerous—

A business prodigy in his youth, he retired gracefully in his prime, and though he remains low-key today, his influence is ubiquitous.

But apart from the previous incident, the two have never had any contact.

Wu Jun's circle was a truly top-tier arena of fame, fortune, and power, which was originally quite distant from him, a "rising political star" who had just emerged through opportunity and hard work.

Why did Wu Jun's assistant arrive at this moment?

Does he represent the Wu family? Or Wu Jun personally?

Is it for the sake of the Longyu Group's profits? Or is there another purpose?

Countless thoughts flashed through Hao Yuan's mind like lightning. But his face showed no sign of change; he simply raised his head, looked at his secretary, and said calmly:

"Please have a seat in the small conference room, I'll be right there."

"Yes, Secretary." The secretary nodded and turned to leave to make the arrangements.

Hao Yuan did not get up immediately. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze turning to the window again, but his eyes were more profound and solemn than before.

A storm is brewing.

Or rather, a larger and more complex game of chess has begun to cast a scrutinizing and probing gaze upon him, the piece that has just occupied the "eye" position.

Is it a blessing or a curse?

He took a slow breath, straightened the collar and cuffs of his suit jacket, and suppressed all his fatigue, doubts, and pressure deep into his heart.

Then, he stood up, his face now displaying a calm, composed, and dignified expression, and strode confidently toward the small conference room that was about to receive a special visitor.

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