One day,
Three days
Five days
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
During these days, the people at the Investment Promotion Bureau were extremely busy, especially Dong Xuebing, who was in charge of investment promotion, was almost exhausted. He had to get up and leave around five every day, coordinating and arranging various tasks and contacting and coordinating with different parties. Then, he would lead the investors to inspect the area and answer their questions, and for those who expressed interest in investing, Dong Xuebing needed to have a separate discussion. He also had to call Secretary Meng and Mayor Jiang for consultation in uncertain situations. For example, when it came to some preferential tax policies, if the county leaders couldn't decide, a standing committee or an ad hoc meeting would be convened to discuss and decide. Dong Xuebing had to rush over to participate. However, he couldn't stay for the entire meeting each time because, with so many investors, there might be issues with anyone at any time. If a call came in, Dong Xuebing had to rush over to deal with it. He had to accompany inspections, attend important banquets, hold meetings, and handle liaison work. Even if an investor fell ill, Dong Xuebing had to check with the hospital about the prescribed medication. He was busy from five in the morning until midnight, with at most four hours of sleep. As for meals, not to mention three meals a day, it was considered good if he could have a proper meal.
Living and dying.
Dying and living.
This was Dong Xuebing's feeling for the week.
However, exhausted as he was, he also gained a lot.
In the past seven days, all the investors who needed to inspect had finished their visits. Those who had decided on investment also had a clear idea. Although some investors who had finished their inspections might have returned home or continued to check other city districts and counties' projects, at least fifty investors remained. Among them were some businessmen, Chang Juan and Chen Yunsong, who had gradually been sent over from the city. Since everyone could stay in Zhen Shui County for so long and inspect so meticulously, they all intended to invest, or at least there was a possibility of investment. So Dong Xuebing didn't care about those businessmen who left. Forced melons are not sweet; they couldn't force them. They could only try their best to entertain the businessmen who chose to stay and retain the investments as much as possible. Therefore, even though the number of people left was decreasing, the workload was not decreasing but increasing. Fortunately, several investors had clearly expressed their intention to invest, which gave Dong Xuebing and his team great motivation. Otherwise, with just his body and strength, it would be impossible for them and the Investment Promotion Bureau staff to work overtime for so many days to persist until now.
A week had passed.
Tomorrow would be the time to check the results.
According to the county's instructions, the work that needed to be done had been done. There was no point in continuing the inspections. The investors who had intentions had probably made their own decisions. Therefore, at Dong Xuebing's suggestion, the county had already released a message. A formal signing ceremony will be held tomorrow at ten o'clock in the morning. The Secretary of the County Party Committee and the Mayor would preside. People from various banks and their hired professional legal advisers would be present. Investors with investment intentions would gather to sign contracts. Success or failure would be determined at this moment.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHow it would turn out?
Dong Xuebing didn't know.
His bottom line was One hundred million.
He would be satisfied if there was an investment of over One hundred million.
However, Dong Xuebing also knew that it was difficult because although he could guarantee an absolute investment of fifty million from Sister Zhang's side, he couldn't be sure about other people. Even if some businessmen expressed their investment intentions, until the moment of signing the contract, nothing could be said for sure. Dong Xuebing, who had worked at the Investment Promotion Bureau in Yantai County for quite some time, was clear about this.
It will be clear whether it's a success or failure tomorrow.
Dong Xuebing also feels a bit of pressure.
Having caused such a big commotion, offended so many people, and attracted such a massive group of investors, he might have to pack up and leave if he can't deliver results. For Dong Xuebing, who always hopes to present a record of achievements to quickly transfer back, this is not what he wants to see. He focuses on tomorrow's outcome after working so hard for so long.
Evening.
Around seven o'clock.
County Party School courtyard.
The sky is still bright. After chatting with a few investors in the hotel, Dong Xuebing rushed to the Party School.
As soon as he entered, many staff members and people from the Investment Promotion Bureau were already arranging the venue. This place was temporarily borrowed because the location of the county party school was suitable, and the yard was large enough. It was perfect for an open-air signing ceremony. Under the county's coordination, they temporarily borrowed the venue, and tomorrow is the investment promotion meeting that the whole county eagerly anticipates. Today, they naturally need to do all the preparations.
"Mayor Dong."
"You're here."
"You came just in time. What do you think about this?"
As soon as Dong Xuebing arrived, a series of matters came up.
He immediately gave some instructions, dealt with some issues briefly, and then loudly called Zheng Dayou, Gong Na, and other members of the Investment Promotion Bureau. At the scene, he held a brief meeting. "Tomorrow is crucial, and I don't need to repeat it. You should all be clear. You've worked hard these days. I've seen everyone's efforts and contributions. Now, there's only one major task left. We can't let our guard down. We must succeed in tomorrow's signing ceremony. If things go smoothly, I will personally give you recognition." Gong Na said, "County Mayor Dong, rest assured."
Xiao Hong expressed, "We guarantee not to slack off."
Zheng Dayou looked at the exhausted Dong Xuebing and said, "Actually, we're all okay, Mayor Dong. These days, the most tired one is you."
Cheng Yujie said, "Oh, your complexion, Mayor Dong…" Dong Xuebing waved his hand, "Thank you all for caring. I'm fine, still going strong. I'm just worried about tomorrow's signing ceremony. Let me arrange some tasks. There's not much to do at the scene. Director Cheng, you stay here to supervise. Let the other staff members arrange everything; there is no need to keep so many people. Director Zheng, please work hard again. Take some people to contact the undecided investors and try to finalize the projects before tomorrow. As for some investors who show interest or have no intention to invest, we can't neglect them. Even if we don't discuss the projects, some staff members should spend time tonight accompanying investors. We need to ensure the projects of interested investors are definite, and for investors with no interest, we should try our best to persuade them at the last moment."
Zheng Dayou said, "Understood, I'll go with my team immediately."
Dong Xuebing took a deep breath. "Success or failure depends on this one move. I'm counting on you all."
Zheng Dayou said, "Look at what you're saying. It's all part of our duties. It's you… your complexion doesn't look good, Mayor. Shouldn't you go to the hospital?"
Dong Xuebing shook his head. "It's okay. I'm fine." After a while, Zheng Dayou took Gong Na and the others to the hotel.
Dong Xuebing also wanted to stand guard on this last day. After supervising the venue and making arrangements, he drove out of the Party School courtyard. He didn't even have time to eat and wanted to go to the foreign investors again to have Zhang Longjuan help with communication and see the attitude of the foreign investors. Although Dong Xuebing had just communicated with foreign investors this morning, he still couldn't rest assured and wanted to discuss the project again.
Ring, ring, ring.
The phone rang.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmDong Xuebing answered, "Hello, who is this?"
"It's Jiang Fangfang." It was the gentle voice of Mayor Jiang.
Every time Dong Xuebing listened to Sister Jiang's voice, he seemed to be infected by her indifferent personality. His mood would calm down. Today was no exception. "Sister Jiang, are you looking for me?"
But the female voice on the other end was criticizing him, "What's wrong with you? You didn't eat again in the evening." Dong Xuebing immediately came up with a random excuse, "No, I've eaten. I'm still full now." "What did you eat? Tell me."
"Just stir-fried vegetables. I ate a few random ones."
"Come on, just now, Director Zheng called me. He said your complexion is very bad, and you feel dizzy when walking. Also, you haven't eaten since noon."
Dong Xuebing sweated, "This old Zheng, he even learned to report on me." Although he said that, he felt warm inside. He knew that Zheng Dayou cared about him and was afraid he would collapse from exhaustion. Dong Xuebing knew that besides County Mayor Jiang, he wouldn't listen to anyone else. So, is that why he called Sister Jiang? "Sister Jiang, I'm fine. You know my physical condition. No one in the county has better physical fitness than me. It's just one or two meals; I won't starve to death. Besides, I'm just about to eat now. I'm about to go to the foreign investors to discuss more."
"Don't talk about it anymore. Go home immediately."
"Why should I go home? There's still work here." "This is an order. You go home and rest right away." "Oh, Sister Jiang, I'm really in good spirits. No need."
"Alright, if you don't go home, come to me. I'm at my mother's house. My mother has been talking about you several times today, missing you. You come over."
"Wait. I still have work to do."
"Listen to me. If you don't go home, come to me. I'm at my mother's house. Today, I'll give you half a day off. Sharpening the knife doesn't waste the firewood. You'll be busy tomorrow."
"Did your mother really ask for me?"
"She asked several times. At first, she wanted me to inform you. Knowing that you are busy now and afraid of delaying your work, she didn't tell you. You haven't come for several weeks. My mother is missing you. The day before yesterday, she didn't feel well again. She has a bad memory and forgets things. She kept saying, why hasn't Xiao Tao come to see her, worried that we two have quarreled again. Several times, she even wanted to come to my house. She wanted to see you. I stopped her for a long time."
Dong Xuebing softened, "Well, alright. I'll come over right away."
Jiang Fangfang lightly agreed, "Be careful when driving.”
Jiang Fangfang gently hummed, "Be careful when driving. I know you haven't rested well this week, only getting four hours of sleep each day. Don't fall asleep while driving."
Dong Xuebing said, "Don't worry, nothing will happen."