Clearly, Zheng Zuxin's target was this young man, so as soon as he saw the car, he quickly stood up to greet him. The young man entered the lobby through the hotel's revolving doors, looked around, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. His steps became lighter, and he even opened his arms as he walked.
Zheng Zuxin suddenly felt as if his bones had lightened considerably, overwhelmed with gratitude. He bowed even lower, his smile becoming even more obsequious, his already small eyes narrowing into slits, looking every bit the subservient servant.
But Zheng Zuxin's smile quickly froze, because the young man simply walked past him, treating him as if he were invisible. Zheng Zuxin, still bowing and with his arms outstretched, remained in that posture, completely dumbfounded, standing there looking utterly ridiculous.
Chen Yang, at this moment, also revealed a playful smile, slowly standing up. The young man quickly approached Chen Yang, gave him a big bear hug, and excitedly exclaimed, "Chen Yang! What are you doing here?"
Chen Yang's lips curled into a slight smile, and he teased, "What? Only your Third Brother Fang can come, but I can't?"
This young man was Fang Hongda's son, Fang Xu, Chen Yang's cousin from his previous life. In his past life, Chen Yang was the true Third Young Master Fang, but after being reborn into this world, the Fang family lost their star playboy, and Fang Xu naturally rose to third in the family rankings. Chen Yang felt a little strange addressing him like that.
Zheng Zuxin stared in utter astonishment at the scene before him. He had arrived at the hotel early that morning and waited patiently for so long, just to see this Third Young Master Fang. Fang Xu's trip to Sanya was arranged by Vice Chairman Xu of the Qiongzhou Provincial Political Consultative Conference, Zheng Zuxin's old superior. Since a core member of the Fang family was coming to his turf, Vice Chairman Xu naturally wanted to provide him with the best possible reception. Therefore, he entrusted this task to his closest confidant, Zheng Zuxin. This also gave Zheng Zuxin an opportunity to get closer to the Fang family; after all, he had already retired from his official position, and his favors for Zheng Zuxin were essentially over; he would have to cultivate his own network from then on.
Zheng Zuxin was well aware of Fang Xu's importance, so he had booked a deluxe executive suite at the Haojue Hotel well in advance. However, due to a hijacking and return flight a few days prior, Fang Xu did not arrive as scheduled, and Zheng Zuxin did not check out of the hotel, leaving it empty. Upon learning that Fang Xu was taking an early morning flight to Sanya, Zheng Zuxin got up very early and eagerly waited in the hotel lobby.
Although the organizing committee's offices were located in the hotel, Zheng Zuxin had never been this attentive before, rarely appearing at the hotel. Today, however, he arrived at the hotel at breakfast time, demonstrating how much he valued Fang Xu. So, Professor Yan and Chen Yang's untimely interruption had greatly displeased him, especially since Zheng Zuxin and his secretary had said some very unpleasant things to Chen Yang.
However, seeing the scene before him, Zheng Zuxin was filled with remorse.
Chen Yang, Fang Xu… Could that young man from earlier also be a member of the Fang family? Watching the two chatting so amiably, Zheng Zuxin began to speculate. Although he hadn't heard of Chen Yang before, the Fang family was incredibly powerful; he couldn't possibly know every member!
Thinking this, Zheng Zuxin became even more uneasy. If Chen Yang really was a member of the Fang family, then his previous bureaucratic performance had been utterly suicidal! The thought that he might have offended a member of a powerful family he had been so desperate to get close to made him break out in a cold sweat, despite the cool air conditioning in the hotel.
"Let me introduce you, Professor. This is Fang Xu, the son of Secretary Fang of our Southeast Provincial Party Committee." After exchanging a few pleasantries with Fang Xu, Chen Yang introduced Professor Yan and Fang Xu, "Fang Xu, this is my international law professor, Professor Yan Jun, a renowned legal expert in China."
"Professor Yan, hello, hello! I've long admired your name!" Fang Xu stepped forward humbly, bowed slightly, and extended both hands to shake hands with Professor Yan.
Fang Xu was somewhat similar to Chen Yang in his previous life. Although he was rather casual and unrestrained among his peers, the good upbringing of his large family made him still very polite in front of respected elders.
Compared to the snobbish and condescending Zheng Zuxin, Fang Xu, this spoiled brat, was much more likable.
"Hello, Xiao Fang!" Professor Yan seemed somewhat surprised that his student was acquainted with the son of the provincial party secretary, but he didn't show it on his face. He simply asked in a friendly tone, "Secretary Fang, how are you?"
Professor Yan inquired about his family elders, and Fang Xu became even more respectful, answering earnestly:
"Thank you for your concern, Professor Yan. My father is in good health!"
While the group was exchanging pleasantries, Zheng Zuxin approached with a slightly embarrassed expression and said respectfully:
"Hello, Young Master Fang!"
Fang Xu glanced at Zheng Zuxin, a look of doubt on his face, and asked hesitantly:
"You are... Mayor Zheng?"
Although Vice Chairman Xu had mentioned Zheng Zuxin on the phone, Fang Xu had never met this non-committee vice mayor of a small prefecture-level city before. "Yes, yes! Young Master Fang, this is Zheng Zuxin!" Zheng Zuxin nodded repeatedly. "Chairman Xu instructed us that I be responsible for your service and support during your stay in Sanya. What are your instructions?"
Fang Xu said casually:
"Take me to my room first! I'm exhausted from flying so early this morning!"
"Oh, and please reserve a private room for me at noon!" Fang Xu thought for a moment and added, "Professor Yan, Chen Yang, I'd like to invite you to lunch. Please do me the honor!"
Chen Yang and Professor Yan exchanged a glance and both nodded with smiles. In his previous life, Fang Xu was the family member Chen Yang liked the most. Professor Yan also had a good impression of Fang Xu, so he naturally wouldn't refuse his kindness.
"Yes, yes! We'll arrange everything perfectly!" Zheng Zuxin quickly replied. After speaking, Zheng Zuxin winked at his secretary, Xiao Wu, who immediately understood and took Fang Xu's suitcase, leading the way to the elevator.
Zheng Zuxin deliberately lagged slightly behind and whispered to Professor Yan and Chen Yang:
"Professor Yan, Fang...Fang, the opinions you just raised are very important, and I completely agree! I plan to urgently convene a meeting with the relevant responsible comrades of the organizing committee before the morning's activities begin to discuss the emergency response plan. Would you both please attend this meeting so we can discuss it together?"
As Zheng Zuxin spoke, he kept looking at Chen Yang, his eyes filled with a pleading expression. He knew he had just thoroughly offended Chen Yang, and the only way to make amends was to do something about this matter.
Zheng Zuxin was a typical politician; his actions were entirely based on his own interests. Therefore, when Professor Yan raised this issue, he was too busy receiving Fang Xu to pay attention, but now, to mend his relationship with Chen Yang, he was desperately hoping to hold this meeting. His attitude was completely different before and after, but his purpose was the same.
Chen Yang had completely anticipated Zheng Zuxin's current attitude from the moment he saw Fang Xu. He was a complete and utter scoundrel, and such people share a common trait: when someone demonstrates significantly greater strength than themselves, they can immediately change their stance without a second thought!
However, Chen Yang was only interested in the result. Zheng Zuxin's initial intentions were irrelevant to him. As long as the organizing committee truly took it seriously and implemented effective measures, Chen Yang and Professor Yan's goals would be achieved. No matter how incompetent the leadership, there's no doubt that when the powerful national machinery is in operation, the execution capabilities of each department are quite impressive.
Inexperienced leaders leading experts—this is a major characteristic of China.
Therefore, Chen Yang hardly hesitated. He simply glanced at Professor Yan for his opinion, and after receiving a positive response, nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Zheng Zuxin's suggestion.
Zheng Zuxin, feeling as if granted a pardon, bowed repeatedly in gratitude, then let out a long sigh of relief. He politely greeted Professor Yan and Chen Yang before striding after Fang Xu.
...
On the 17th floor of the hotel, in the room of Lopez, the head of the delegation from the Bero Kingdom, the dark-skinned, thin Lopez stood by the window, holding a cup of coffee and gazing at the distant sea. Without turning his head, he said:
"Sanchez, make sure everything is foolproof. The Chinese are very sensitive; if even the slightest leak occurs, they will immediately notice!"
Sanchez nodded emphatically and said:
"Minister, rest assured! We have rehearsed the entire plan many times, considering every detail. We have also attached great importance to secrecy. Apart from the few people involved in the plan, the experts and scholars in the delegation are completely unaware! These leaflets were also printed by me personally after arriving in China, purchasing a printer and returning to my hotel room. There is absolutely no possibility of leakage."
"Hmm, well done!" Lopez nodded in satisfaction. "Sanchez, the meeting arrangements…" "Have you found out the details?"
"Minister, we have a thorough understanding of all of this." Sanchez nodded respectfully and said, "The first speaker this afternoon is Yan Jun from China. Five of us will go to the venue carrying leaflets. An expert from Belo, whom we've arranged, will interrupt Yan Jun's speech, and then we'll start distributing leaflets to the delegates and media. It'll all be seamless. I believe that by then, this forum in China will become a joke!"
Lopez nodded happily and said:
"Excellent! President Aro has personally contacted senior officials from Western media outlets like ABD and CMN. As soon as you distribute the leaflets, the press releases from these major Western media outlets will be issued immediately, catching China completely off guard! Go back and prepare! Remember to be careful!"
"Yes, Minister!" Sanchez bowed to Lopez and quietly left his room.