Li Chuan is now the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in the Provincial City. Such a high-ranking leader's arrival specifically required Shen Meng to host him. Pu Jiang understood that this was a show of support for Shen Meng. He stayed where he was for a while before heading to the entrance of the State-Owned Restaurant. Regardless, connections can only be formed through interaction, and he also aspired to climb the ladder, so naturally, he had to make an appearance, otherwise the commendation meeting would be for naught.

When Shen Meng met Li Chuan and Qi Mingyue, she was extremely warm and affectionate. Ever since Qi Mingye retired two years ago and moved to the Provincial City with Aunt Chang, they only came back to see Bao Guo occasionally, and then they could only hurriedly meet. Everyone was usually too busy, and there was very little time to sit down and chat together.

"Hahaha, this commendation meeting, the county is rather stingy, they should have made it a bit grander, if you can't do it, don't do it, all this penny-pinching is so irritating."

Shen Meng touched her nose and said, "Don't say that, it's still a gesture of goodwill from the county leaders. Anyway, Uncle Li, Aunt Qi, let's go in first, Secretary Liao, let's sit inside!"

Li Chuan shook his head and sighed. When he left Ning County, he had instructed his former colleagues that Shen Meng was a talented individual, and when utilizing talents, they should also remember to treat them well. It seems that in these years, they only remembered the first part about utilizing her, haha, anyway, in the future, he would not interfere with whatever Shen Meng does.

Shen Meng looked at Li Chuan, who wore a kind smile on his face, and she admired him deeply. Originally, they wanted to transfer him from Provincial City because the foreign exchange issue was extensively reported, the situation blew up, and everyone was watching. Moreover, after spending many years in Ning County, it was about time for him to be promoted, every position was fiercely competed for, a County Party Secretary like Li Chuan could not be appointed too low, nor too high.

After all, so many eyes were watching, so initially, he was appointed to the Land Reformation Bureau, which is now occupied by Director Feng.

"Xiao Meng, hey, it's been a long time since I've seen you, have you lost weight?"

"Not at all, where have I lost weight? You are just worried about me, thinking that I must have suffered. Aunt Qi, when Mingyang and the others have their winter vacation, I will bring them over to the Provincial City, and then we can have a good chat."

"It's unexpected, in just a short period of five years, our Ning County has developed so well. Every time I come back, I can see changes, and all of this is thanks to your efforts!"

"Aunt Qi, you shouldn't say that, it's everyone's effort, I dare not take credit for it. Let's go inside and sit."

"You're just too modest."

Li Chuan watched Shen Meng carefully assisting Qi Mingyue and thought about the proposal his wife had previously suggested. Over the years, from being a mere director of the Land Reformation Bureau to his current position, it was largely due to the help from Shen Meng and Lu Zhenping.

Now, as Lu Zhenping's position gets higher and his power greater, he also knew that it was difficult for himself to advance further.

Shen Meng would certainly be remarkable in the future, and he was willing to give a helping hand. Once she achieves success and glory, in consideration of him and Ming Yue, she would certainly lend a helping hand.

When coming, Li Chuan said he was not here due to his leadership position but representing the family of Shen Meng, so she directly arranged for the two of them to sit next to Wang Guizhi and Shen Fugui.

The elderly couple, seeing such a high-ranking official sitting next to them, immediately sat up straight.

"Older sister, long time no see, hey, seeing how capable Xiao Meng is, I really admire you!"

Wang Guizhi opened her mouth to speak several times without making a sound, cleared her throat twice, then mustered the courage to reply, "Nonsense, your daughter is also exceptional. She's about to graduate from college this year, right? It's truly incredible how she manages to study while also running the Head Flower Factory so well. Her ancestors must be proud to have such a fine young lady."

Shen Fugui quickly elbowed her.

"What nonsense are you talking, hehehe, my dear wife didn't mean that, she just thinks Qianqian is a good, ambitious girl."

Everyone likes to hear compliments about their children, and Qi Mingyue and Li Chuan were no exception. Both had smiles on their faces, but humbly demurred, claiming it wasn't so. As they were chatting, Feng Si approached. Accompanied by his newlywed wife, he had seen significant power increases since the Land Reformation Bureau had transformed into the City Construction Bureau over the last two years. With more social engagements, he had visibly gained weight.

He strode into the entrance of the State-Owned Restaurant, heading directly towards Li Chuan and Shen Meng, ignoring Pu Jiang who was also walking toward them.

"Mr. Li, Mrs. Li, hello, hello, it's been a while, hehehe, I heard you were coming today and specifically brought some health supplements for you both. You're both so busy, you really must look after your health, or us subordinates and the public would be heartbroken!"

Listening from the side, Pu Jiang's face darkened. How did this director of the Provincial City Construction Bureau rise up the ranks? Surely not by bootlicking?

"Cough cough, Director Feng, today is Comrade Xiao Meng's commendation ceremony. You should be clear about the priorities!"

Feng Si chuckled, stretching out his hand to take a slim gift box from his wife; it looked like it could be a necklace or a watch. It was unbranded packaging, which suggested that Feng Si, being cunning and opportunistic, knew he was dealing with prominent figures and was therefore cautious and careful.

"Yes, yes, yes, my sister-in-law is no stranger, and she knows what kind of person I am, hehehe, just a little something casual, and my sister-in-law wouldn't blame me. Sister-in-law, look, this is a small gift I brought for you, you must accept it. Eh, why don't I see my captain here? Does he have duties today?"

"Thank you, Director Feng. Your captain will be coming later; it should be almost time."

"I knew it! My captain would definitely not miss such an important occasion. He might be busy normally, but even if it rained knives, he'd be here today."

Shen Meng: "...."

After all these years of knowing each other, who doesn't know whom? Why do you keep bootlicking, I'm not used to it, too slick!!!

Pu Jiang pursed his lips, smiling as he approached Li Chuan and Feng Si. Now, Ning County was the richest and largest county in Yongping Province. Even seeing leaders from the Provincial City didn't faze him; after all, the Provincial City's economy largely depended on their Ning County.

"Good day, Mr. Li, Director Feng, hehehe. It's truly an honor to have you here in Ning County today, we must have a couple of good drinks later!"

Shen Meng's lips were pursed in silence, Li Chuan's eyes twinkled with amusement, Feng Si was cold as ice.