CHAPTER 180: CHAPTER 180 DIFFICULTIES

Xingtai Square is a large square located in the Celestial Sea City’s New District, and it connects to a comprehensive city park.

Although this isn’t a commercial center, due to the numerous nearby residential areas, the daily foot traffic is not small.

Liu Huaming stepped out of a black official vehicle, his stern gaze slowly sweeping across the entire square.

Following him was a middle-aged bald man with glasses, dressed in an administrative jacket and trousers with leather shoes.

However, judging by his stance and expression, even though he was older, he seemed to be Liu Huaming’s subordinate.

"Captain Liu, the notice from above is really too urgent. This place has to host an event next week."

The bald middle-aged man adjusted the metal-framed glasses on his nose, lamenting, "Counting today, there’s less than five days. We need to set up the event venue, and there’s not even enough time to go through the report procedures. I’m really at a loss."

Upon hearing this, Liu Huaming didn’t rush to respond. Instead, he slowly surveyed the square, then lightly asked, "What’s the requirement for the venue setup?"

"There’s no specific details, but judging by the notice, it seems it has to at least match last year’s standard."

The bald middle-aged man spoke, gesturing with his eyes to a young woman following not far behind, signaling her to take work photos.

Seeing this, the young woman immediately took out her phone and snapped photos of the two leaders from different angles, then sent them to the work group chat, typing, "Captain Liu leading, accompanied by Director Wang, inspecting the event venue situation at Xingtai Square on site."

"Have the venue setup plan and budget come out?"

Liu Huaming glanced at the photo-taking young woman without saying much, and then turned to look at the middle-aged man beside him.

"They’ve come out, but according to the smooth approval process, the budget exceeds one million, requiring several rounds of procedures."

Director Wang took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to the other party, "Even though the project isn’t big, now the procedures and data management for such small projects are becoming more and more strict. Without the signatures of various departments, the money won’t be approved."

After receiving and carefully reviewing the document, Liu Huaming didn’t speak.

The bald middle-aged man couldn’t gauge what the other was thinking, so he didn’t dare to say more, only standing there waiting obediently.

After a while, just as the bald middle-aged man was getting a bit impatient and about to ask, he saw Liu Huaming turn around looking in the direction of the road and said, "Here they come."

Hearing this, the bald middle-aged man was stunned and followed his gaze to see a Maserati sports car speeding from afar. After parking by the roadside, a young man in a dark long trench coat stepped out.

"Who’s that?" The bald middle-aged man asked, somewhat surprised and puzzled.

"President Li, I wonder if he can help."

Hearing Liu Huaming’s answer, the bald middle-aged man curiously looked at Li Jing approaching from afar, frowning, "President Li? This project probably requires him to advance the funds himself, and we can’t sign a contract now. Would he be willing?"

"We’ll find out by asking."

By this time, Liu Huaming had already walked over, and his stern face showed a rare trace of a friendly smile, "President Li, long time no see."

"Captain Liu." Li Jing smiled and greeted back.

Seeing Li Jing’s gaze fall on the bald middle-aged man beside him, Liu Huaming introduced, "This is Wang Mingjun, Director Wang, the person specifically responsible for this project."

"President Li, hello." Director Wang also smiled and shook hands with Li Jing.

"The reason for troubling you to come over this time is actually to ask if you could help with something, to see if your side can manage it."

Liu Huaming skipped excessive pleasantries and directly explained the requirements and situation of the square setup to Li Jing.

Director Wang, who was specifically responsible for the matter, occasionally added some details and difficulties to Li Jing.

After listening, Li Jing slightly frowned, pondered, and then asked, "So, there’s only five days to achieve the effect from the photos you just showed?"

"President Li, to be precise, it’s four days. Because we need to leave one day to adjust and inspect."

Wang Mingjun adjusted his glasses. Although he seemed like a greasy middle-aged man, he was actually meticulous and serious about his work. No wonder Liu Huaming wanted him in charge of this matter.

This time, Liu Huaming spoke up, "The time is tight, no need for major construction—mainly use movable flower boxes, assembled stages, and a large number of fresh flowers for the arrangement."

"In that case, arranging more workers could barely make it."

Li Jing nodded and also reviewed the other party’s plan and budget.

"If we can start setting up tonight, it should still be on time."

Liu Huaming stepped forward, distancing himself from Wang Mingjun.

Seeing this, Wang Mingjun subtly shifted, choosing to walk towards the young woman not far away, assigning her tasks and giving Liu Huaming the space to chat privately with Li Jing.

Li Jing keenly noticed the change in atmosphere, moved closer to Liu Huaming, and asked, "Captain Liu, are there any other issues with this project?"

Liu Huaming was silent for a moment before speaking, "You know, nowadays, the procedures and process requirements are becoming more standardized and complex, but in reality, many tasks can’t spend so much time going through procedures."

Understanding the gist of what the other was implying, Li Jing slightly raised his eyebrows, "Captain Liu, you mean?"

Liu Huaming turned to look at Li Jing, "I’m wondering if President Li, you could advance the funds to complete this project first. When the processes are done, we’ll sign a contract and make payment."

Hearing this, Li Jing narrowed his eyes slightly, "When can the contract be signed, and when can the project’s fees be paid?"

"The contract can be issued by next week at the latest. As for the project costs, I’m afraid it won’t be paid until next month.

You know, the procedures for paying money are not much simpler than project reporting."

After listening to Liu Huaming, Li Jing finally understood his difficulties.

This project required him to advance the funds himself, and there wasn’t even a contract in place, meaning he’d bear all the risks.

The only thing he could count on was that Liu Huaming wouldn’t go back on his word and wouldn’t cause trouble in the subsequent payment of funds.

In fact, this situation exists in many organizations. If Liu Huaming had favorable connections with certain companies or other contacts, he could have gotten this done.

But from what Zhou Shun mentioned earlier, Liu Huaming was transferred from elsewhere, and he consistently remained cautious and conservative, intentionally keeping a certain distance from previously cooperated companies to avoid problems.

Though this indeed safeguarded his political reputation, it also left him without sufficiently trusted or available corporate contacts.

If he opened up, accepting other companies to participate, there wouldn’t be a shortage of companies willing to put up money to help him complete the project.

However, favors are mutual; if a company helps him, he has to handle matters for them in the future.

That’s also why he didn’t want to seek unfamiliar companies.

So, after much thought and nearly sleepless night last night, Liu Huaming finally thought of Li Jing.

An apparently suitable candidate, he also wanted to see Li Jing’s abilities and working style through this matter.

Seeing Li Jing remain silent, Liu Huaming thought he was in a dilemma and spoke again, "President Li, if this collaboration succeeds, although I cannot promise you anything and the rules and discipline won’t allow me to do anything against regulations.

But, this favor, you can consider it a personal debt I owe you, Liu Huaming."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing’s expression slightly shifted.

Seeing that he made it clear, and thinking it was just a matter of about a million, cheaper than buying a few luxury watches, Li Jing smiled and said:

"I trust Captain Liu’s character; I’ll ensure this is done for you."

As soon as he finished speaking, a peculiar glint appeared deep in Liu Huaming’s stern eyes, and he then laughed heartily, "Great, then this time I’ll trouble President Li."