Around 8 o’clock on the evening of April 29, 2008, inside Nanjing Lukou Airport, the lights were bright, and there were few pedestrians. In contrast to the

    bustling and lively atmosphere during the daytime, it appeared somewhat deserted at this moment.

    Speaking of Lukou Airport, despite its grand appearance, with its curvilinear design and silver-gray color, it exudes a modern charm. Moreover, the prominent display of the six characters “ 南京祿口機場 ” (Nanjing Lukou Airport) adds a sense of grandeur, exuding a significant presence. However, the locals have some minor grievances about Lukou Airport. Their own airport seems to have been built for the neighbors, rather distant from the city itself. It’s like making wedding clothes for others. The decision-makers seemed to have the letters “H,” “tow,” and “O” playing tricks in their minds; otherwise, it’s hard to explain. In fact, there is some historical connection to the neighboring provinces. Back in the day, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, entered Jinling (Nanjing) from the neighboring region. He didn’t just enter, he stayed for over 30 years until his final days.

    It is said that the selection and construction of Lukou Airport here was a result of a slip of the tongue. A leader from our hometown who was working in Beijing, deeply connected to and passionate about our hometown, naturally cared for it. Thinking about the people of our hometown traveling north and south without an airport, he wanted to bring happiness to the people and build an airport in our hometown. In a way, this is a common sentiment. Even a primary school student, not to mention a kindergarten child, once they start receiving education, they learn to “love the motherland, love the people, love the hometown.” How could a leader working in Beijing not have some attachment to “loving the hometown”? So, he made a declaration to build a “XX Airport.” When this leader was young, he left his hometown, traveling far and wide, and his accent naturally got a bit mixed up. Consequently, the non-standard Mandarin pronunciation of the leader’s words reached the ears of local officials, and the location completely changed. A complete reversal of north and south. For ordinary people, building an airport is a monumental task. But for that leader working in Beijing, dealing with a myriad of responsibilities every day, including numerous domestic and international affairs, there’s no doubt about it. How could he possibly have the time or inclination to focus on a small airport?

    As a result, the “XX Airport” was filled in by local leaders as “Lukou Airport.” This caused dissatisfaction not only for the leader working in Beijing but also among  the local residents. On the matter of filling in the “airport” blank for the local leaders,  there was an unusually high level of unanimous agreement from top to bottom.  However, the leader working in Beijing couldn’t openly express their dissatisfaction,  while the discontent of the local residents could be vented at any time. Complaints  emerged about traffic jams on the way to the airport, long lines at security checks  inside the airport, delays in departure from the boarding gate, and so on. All of these  grievances were attributed to the mistake made by the local leaders in filling in the  blank. These are just rumors in the streets; who really knows the true situation? If you really want to understand the truth, unless you have strong connections, you  won’t be able to find out even if you inquire. But enough idle talk, let’s listen the  announcement over the airport’s public address system sounded

    Passengers traveling on Eastern Airlines flight MU2861, scheduled to depart from Nanjing to Beijing at 20:50, are kindly requested to proceed for boarding. This is the final announcement for this flight. This is the final announcement for this flight.

    Inside the airport loudspeakers, the calm and composed voice of a young woman once again resounded. While she spoke in a deliberate pace, the urgency of her message was unmistakable. Especially for those passengers who hadn’t boarded yet, it was hard not to feel a sense of haste upon hearing the announcement. And if you doubt it, just take a look at the four individuals walking toward you three men and one woman, their footsteps noticeably hurried. Contrasting with the sparse and leisurely movement of people inside the airport, the difference between the two was stark. On the pathway leading to the boarding gate, the four individuals appeared rather rushed, almost jogging the whole way. Clearly, they were in a hurry to catch the imminent flight, MU2861. Indeed,they were in a hurry. What’s fortunate is that, despite the rush, not a single one of them was grumbling. Judging from this, it’s unlikely that these four are from the city; it’s highly probable they come from a city or county within our province.

    Indeed, that’s exactly how it happened. As the three men and one woman settled into their seats aboard the Boeing 737 aircraft of Eastern Airlines, a scene unfolded. One of the young and handsome men among them wore a smile on his face as he greeted a distinguished middle-aged individual with well-groomed hair, saying, “I’m really sorry, Director Wu. We made you rush.”

    “Manager Liu, there’s no need for excessive courtesy. This is in line with the mayor’s decision. How can we not rush?” The balding middle-aged man addressed as “Director Wu” responded coolly while fastening his seatbelt.

    “It’s alright, it’s alright. We finally caught the flight.” The only woman among the four, addressed as “Manager Liu,” greeted the young man known as such. “Director Wu” seemed unimpressed and quickly interjected to defuse the situation. The woman had longhair cascading down her shoulders, quite captivating. As she spoke, she wiped sweat from her brow with a tissue. On this early spring night, the fact that a lady was breaking a light sweat indicated they truly had been in a hurry.

    “Manager Liu, Xiao Qian, the two of you will have to put in some extra effort this time and make sure Director Wu is well taken care of. Our trip carries important instructions from Mayor Wen, and Director Wu’s involvement is crucial for the key tasks.” The woman with longhair casually brushed her hair aside, then turned to address the two young men seated in the rear.

    “Please rest assured, General Manager Qin. Providing excellent service for Director Wu and General Manager Qin is absolutely essential,” Manager Liu, who was tall and handsome, maintained his smiling demeanor. “Xiao Qian,” who appeared much younger than his age, also quickly chimed in, “If you have any requests, please feel free to instruct General Manager Qin and Director Wu. Both Liu Yong and I will definitely see to them.”

    “General Manager Qin, no need to be so polite. Our trip to Beijing this time can  be considered as being entrusted with a task in a time of crisis. Whether we can turn  the situation around and accomplish Mayor Wen’s instructions is still uncertain. So,  there’s no need to talk about whether we’ll provide service or not,” “Director Wu,” who was seated next to the woman addressed as “General Manager Qin,” responded

    with a slight, casual smile on his face, turning to the woman with longhair beside him.

    At this moment, the airplane was still taxiing on the runway and hadn’t taken off yet. Let’s take a moment to provide a brief introduction of the three men and one woman before us, dear readers.

    The tall and handsome young man referred to as “Manager Liu” is named Liu Yong. He’s in his early 30s and runs an entertainment company in Moon City. He’s a prominent figure in the entertainment industry of Moon City and is often regarded as a heartthrob by many local girls. His charisma and presence make him a significant personality in the city’s entertainment scene.

    The middle-aged man with a well-groomed head referred to as “Director Wu” is named Wu Shimang. He holds a notable position in the political landscape of Moon City. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Moon City Municipal People’s Government and also holds the position of Director of the Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Office. His influence and role in the city’s governance make him a recognizable figure in the political arena.

    The woman with long hair cascading down her shoulders, referred to as “General Manager Qin,” is named Qin Xiaoyue. She has a talent for maintaining her appearance, as her radiant complexion doesn’t reveal her actual age. She is one of the rare combinations of beauty and talent in Moon City, currently holding the position of Chief Editor at the “Moon City Evening News.” Her role as a skilled journalist adds to her charm in the city.

    The young man referred to as “Xiao Qian” is named Qian Tao. He’s around the same age as Liu Yong and works under Qin Xiaoyue. He currently holds the position of Director and General Manager of the Advertising Center at the Moon City Evening News. Since the newspaper’s operations have become market-oriented, the advertising center has adopted a corporate management model. As a result, Qian Tao has taken on the role of General Manager of the Moon City Evening News Advertising Company.

    On this trip to Beijing, these four individuals have a daunting destination indeed: the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (Beijing Organizing Committee).

    “This performance must not stop under any circumstances. It’s the themed event hosted by the Moon City Municipal Government to welcome the Olympics.How can we afford to halt it? If we stop, how can we explain to the people of Moon City?”

    Even though it was past office hours, a tense emergency coordination meeting  about the “May 1st  Welcome Olympics Grand Concert” was still underway in the  mayor’s office. Mayor Wen Lianggong held a letter from the Beijing Organizing  Committee to the municipal government, urging them to “suspend the performance,” and he gestured continuously, his expression unusually serious. Just as his name  implies, Wen Lianggong, who was transferred from southern Jiangsu to Moon City  to become the mayor, was seen by government officials and Moon City residents  alike as an amiable and approachable person. Even when delivering speeches at  gatherings, he wore a gentle smile, being a mayor who was close to the people and  had a good reputation.

    At this moment, faced with the letter from the Beijing Organizing Committee to the municipal government, stating that the “May 1st  Welcome Olympics Grand Concert” is illegal and must be immediately suspended, what can they do? It is now a little past 6 PM on April 29, 2008, and there is just over a day left until the official start of the “May  1st  Welcome Olympics Grand Concert.” Over 30,000 concert tickets were sold out more than a week ago. Of course, there might have been some exaggeration in the “sold out” claim. The successful sell-out was largely the result of collaborative efforts between Liu Yong and Qian Tao’s companies. It involved generous contributions from various government departments and important enterprises. While there were tickets genuinely sold to the public, the quantity was limited. In Moon City, attending various shows, including concerts, has a historical and traditional significance. Asking the public to purchase tickets out of their own pockets is difficult.

    At this moment, canceling the concert would undoubtedly lead to a mass event. This is a special year of nationwide celebration for the Olympics, and the people of Moon City had harbored hopeful wishes to convey their blessings and cheers to Beijing, a thousand miles away. The purpose of hosting this concert was to boost and support the Olympics, but if it turns into a riot, what would that achieve? Moreover, during the “Two Sessions” at the beginning of the year, Mayor Wen had the honor of a warm reception by that leader from their hometown working in Beijing. This leader expressed great satisfaction with the achievements of the hometown in recent years and even mentioned a desire to return for a visit. The prospect of this visit would undoubtedly provide immense encouragement and motivation. Just imagine the significance of this for Mayor Wen’s potential progress from mayor to provincial leader.

    Because it wasn’t a significant holiday, there were no important delegations to receive, and there was no heavyweight leader inspecting the city, unlike the leader from their hometown who worked in Beijing. As a result, the Moon City Municipal Government building, which looked quite majestic during the day, wasn’t illuminated with lights, shining brilliantly. This 20-plus-story square-shaped building stood on Fenghuang Road in the Moon City New District. At this moment, it appeared rather dim and gloomy.

    As the saying goes, a phoenix doesn’t descend upon a place without treasures. Back when Moon City was upgraded from a county-level city to a prefecture-level city, the choice to have the municipal government building located on Fenghuang Road was a deliberate one. Although Mayor Wen isn’t the first mayor, he has been serving as the mayor of Moon City for nearly two terms, which is around seven or eight years since his transfer from southern Jiangsu. The current moment is crucial. At this particular moment, when one looked out from the mayor’s office, the Fenghuang Road in front of the government building was beginning to light up with the glow of various lights. Vehicles came and went, with their front lights shining brightly and their taillights casting a subdued red glow, occasionally blinking. It was this bustling flow of traffic and the twinkling lights that depicted the prosperity of the new district. Fortunately, the traffic flow wasn’t too heavy, and even though it was just after work hours, there was no congestion.

    Speaking of traffic congestion, it’s something that frustrates many people in China. It’s as if a traffic jam in one city triggers traffic jams in other cities. Once Beijing gets congested, Shanghai follows suit, then Guangzhou, and even Nanjing joins in the chaos. This “congestion” has become like a virus that quickly spreads from first-tier cities to second-tier and third-tier cities. It seems uncontrollable; there are even some small towns experiencing congestion. Quite amusing, isn’t it? Fortunately, Moon City isn’t plagued by this issue. This aspect alone brings a sense of relief and contentment to the people of Moon City.

    Despite the sense of relief, it’s important to note that the residents of Moon City have their opinions about urban development. A wry and widely circulated rhyme captures this sentiment: “In the city, there’s a township government; in the township,there’s a city government.” Another version humorously quips, “Where there are  people, the lights are off; where the lights are on, there are no people.” Anyone even  remotely acquainted with the situation in Moon City can recognize the satire behind  these lines. They serve as a commentary on the initial stages of the “greater city” formation, where the expansion of the new district’s framework was so extensive  that it seemed as if the originally smaller Moon City was trying to fit into oversized  clothing. Consequently, the much-needed “old city transformation” of the existing  urban area was temporarily set aside.

    The concept of becoming a “big city” is perhaps an invention of the people  of Moon City, contrasting with the original county-level city, referred to as the  “small city.” Before Moon City upgraded to a “big city,” it was merely a street  with a population of 200,000, hardly qualifying as urban development. As locals  would put it, it was like trying to establish a monastery within a snail’s shell, there  wasn’t enough space to spread out or move around. In more straightforward terms,  it was akin to taking a dog for a walkin the evening; the dog might raise its hind  leg to relieve itself, and if not careful, it could end up urinating in a neighboring  county. Fortunately, after several years of effort, the Moon City that emerged as a  “big city” underwent significant changes in its urban landscape. The developed area  expanded considerably. While it might not be as organized as the “ring roads” of Beijing or Shanghai, the formation of a network of roads spanning both vertically  and horizontally gave the residents of Moon City a sense of hope. As for the city  government being in the countryside and the township government eventually  becoming urban, that did happen. The township government wasn’t always in the  city, and not long after, there was a round of administrative adjustments, leading to  the transformation of the township government signboards into “sub-district offices.”

    It’s important to understand that this “changing of the signboards” is indeed an effective method of operation. When you change “township government” to “sub-district office,” the results are different. In the eyes of the ordinary citizens, it might seem like just changing a sign, what’s the big deal? However, these citizens might not fully grasp the underlying context. This change in signboards leads to some direct changes, notably, the urbanization rate of Moon City has significantly increased.

    Of course, the “old city transformation” involves a vast and extensive undertaking. During the days of being a “mall city,” due to the accumulated backlog and various issues, it wasn’t easy to completely change the situation of “dim lights.” As for the new district that just “put on” its “oversized clothes,” it’s not an overnight  task to make it vibrant and bustling; impatience won’t lead to good outcomes. As the  saying goes, haste makes waste.

    However, at this moment, Wen Lianggong, the mayor of the city, is feeling  more than just a bit impatient. It’s not just a slight unease; he’s actually deeply  anxious. He’s become as agitated as a “little insect on a hot pot.” Faced with the  charming and elegant Qin Xiaoyue, Wen Lianggong has lost the usual enjoyment  he finds in her presence. He’s also reluctant to engage indirect conversation with  the two young individuals who seem to have “no experience and lack capability.” Furthermore, the cultural and public security departments, despite their efforts to  investigate and halt the concert, haven’t offered any convincing solutions, much to  Wen Lianggong’s dissatisfaction. He nearly scans the office with a glance before  turning to Wu Shimang, the Deputy Secretary-General and Director of the Political  and Legal Affairs Office, and issues an instruction:

    “Director Wu, take them to Beijing and explain the situation to the Olympic Organizing Committee. Strive for their understanding and support. I don’t care what methods you use, but the concert must not be stopped. Any other issues can be discussed after the concert is over. If there are any violations, they must be dealt with seriously. If there is accountability, it must be pursued.”

    The mayor’s words caused a slight tightening in the chest of Liu Yong, who had been sitting quietly in a corner of the office. Could it be that he was really going to fall from this Olympic concert? Gazing at the constant stream of traffic outside the window, Liu Yong felt a sense of unease wash over him.

    During this trip to Beijing, Liu Yong had already leveraged his father’s connections.

    Liu Yong’s ambition to carve out a slice from the “Olympic cake” in Beijing was quite audacious. He truly had a lot of ideas. It’s no wonder he’s a young man, exuding a sense of youthful fearlessness. However, despite his youthful enthusiasm and lofty aspirations, Liu Yong didn’t take his father’s initial warnings to heart.

    Thinking that he had secured the agency rights for the provincial “Olympic- themed concert” through his connections in the Beijing entertainment industry, Liu Yong believed that everything was “OK.” He was just waiting for those involved in the entertainment business to come knocking on his door, seeking to book orders.With dozens of cities and the provincial capital wanting to host concerts, he felt it was all in his hands. He envisioned himself sitting at home, counting stacks of money in private. In this day and age, everything seemed fake, and only the money in hand was real. Especially when it was fresh from the bank, crisp and new, consecutively numbered, those red Chinese Yuan notes felt truly satisfying to hold in his hands.

    Talking about that “sensation,” Liu Yong understood it well. In these past few years of being in the entertainment industry in Moon City, he had certainly made a name for himself. The claim that he was surrounded by beautiful women wasn’t an exaggeration. With the movement of his fingers, girls would moan and become aroused. The sensations that followed were delightful and pleasurable. Yet, after the delight and pleasure faded, everything suddenly felt empty and uninteresting. This change was something that Liu Yong didn’t particularly enjoy.

    But counting money was an entirely different story. Although their generation didn’t hold much “revolutionary sentiment” for the “great leader,” Mao Zedong, his leadership during the “Long March of 25,000 li” seemed a bit too distant. The tumultuous Cultural Revolution appeared “absurd” and “ridiculous” in their eyes. However, their enthusiasm for Mao Zedong appearing on the currency was a different matter altogether an enthusiasm that sometimes seemed unusual. If you see these young people holding the red bills with Mao Zedong’s image and repeatedly kissing them at their lips, don’t find it strange, and certainly don’t find it amusing. This gesture comes from their hearts. It’s not all about money; they genuinely want to show their affection for the red Mao Zedong. Every flick of their fingers makes Chairman Mao “smile” once. The faster they flick their fingers, the more frequent Mao Zedong’s “smiles” become. If they flick their fingers faster and faster, Chairman Mao ends up “smiling” non-stop, laughing uncontrollably. Sometimes, Liu Yong found himself unable to stop grinning while watching this. In those moments, the “sensation,” one word, was pure-blissed.

    Unexpectedly, before the flood of orders to carve a slice of the “Olympic cake” had even arrived, trouble struck right at his doorstep, in his own stronghold. Someone had reported the “May 1st Olympic-themed Concert” in Moon City as an illegal performance. How could this be possible? At that moment, even Yung couldn’t fully comprehend the situation. However, when Mayor Wen held up the “halt performance notice” issued by the Olympic Organizing Committee to the city government,Yung immediately thought of someone his father had mentioned before. In this critical situation, there was only one option to seek the help of that person. Without his intervention, navigating this crisis would prove to be an insurmountable challenge.

    Upon learning of Yung’s desire to grab a piece of the Beijing “Olympic cake,” his father, Liu Chengyin, had warned him. He suggested that when Yung went to  Beijing, he should look up “Uncle Cheng.” This person was now a key official  responsible for major events at the Beijing Olympics. Anything he said carried  immense weight and influence. Given their history of working together in the  Provincial Committee’s Agricultural and Industrial Department, Uncle Cheng would  likely offer assistance if Yung ever faced a problem.

    Indeed, Liu Yong didn’t really pay much attention to his father’s advice. In his mind, organizing a concert was his forte; he was familiar with the ins and outs, well-connected, and experienced in navigating both the upper and lower echelons. To him, the “Olympic-themed concert” was just another type of “concert,” albeit with a different theme. After all, weren’t the main performers still the same? He had established connections with agents, and important connections could be easily resolved with a single phone call. Financial matters were also not a concern. He was confident in his ability to handle any challenges that arose.

    Now that a tricky legal situation has arisen, it’s clear that Liu Yong needs to seek help from “Cheng Shu.” Without reaching out to him, the “danger” cannot be averted. It seems that “Cheng Shu” still holds onto the connection he shared with Liu Yong’s father from their time working together at the Provincial Committee’s Agriculture and Industry Department. Liu Yong reached out to “Cheng Shu” for assistance over the phone, and surprisingly, “Cheng Shu” didn’t adopt an official tone. Instead, he reassured Liu Yong not to worry too much and advised him to discuss matters in person when they meet in Beijing. He promised to help, and he specifically told Liu Yong to lethis father know that everything was in “Cheng Shu’s” hands.

    Liu Yong had already informed one of the organizers of the “May 1st  Olympic- themed Concert,” Qin Xiaoyue, the Chief Editor of the “Moon City Evening News,” about this situation. He didn’t want his “Qin Sister” to worry too much. The part that went awry was supposed to be under Liu Yong’s full responsibility and that of his company. Involving Qin Xiaoyue made Liu Yong feel guilty, and their successful past collaborations with the “Moon City Evening News” allowed him to casually address her as “Qin Sister” inappropriate settings. Sometimes, in special circumstances, he would even separate the “Qin Sister” part. This way of addressing each other is bound to trigger various speculations among the readers about their relationship. However, it’s not something that can be easily explained in a few words, so it’s better to set it aside for now.

    Dear passengers, our flight has now taken off. Please ensure your seat belts are fastened, your mobile phones are switched off, and your seat backs are in an upright position. We apologize for the delay in takeoff due to air traffic control, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Welcome aboard Star Alliance’s flight MU2861 operated by China Eastern Airlines. This flight is headed from Nanjing to Beijing, with an estimated flight time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Thank you!

    After a brief wait on the aircraft, flight MU2861 has finally taken off.

    Despite the company of a beautiful woman sitting next to him, Wu Shimang remained upright and composed, avoiding any sidelong glances. He not only kept his gaze straight ahead but also closed his eyes. It was unclear whether he was resting his eyes or taking a brief nap. This behavior raised some curiosity among the two young individuals seated in the back row. Whether referred to as “Director Wu” or “Secretary-General Wu,” some of Wu Shimang’s certain “preferences” were known to both Lao Xiong and Qian Tao, given their positions in the municipal government.

    Perhaps some might argue, isn’t Wu’s official title “Vice Secretary-General”?  Shouldn’t he be addressed as “Vice Secretary-General Wu” then? Well, this isn’t  the military, and there’s no need for such formalities. The distinction between  “Chief” and “Deputy” is quite strict, and it’s not necessary. Moreover, whether  someone holds a high or low position, who would like their title preceded by the  word “Deputy”? Take Wu Shimang for instance. People call him “Secretary-General  Wu,” which sounds straightforward and pleasant. If you were to call him “Deputy  Secretary-General Wu,” it would sound like adding a redundant word before his title.  Astute readers might have noticed that Mayor Wen, being the city leader, neither  called Wu Shimang “Secretary-General Wu” nor “Deputy Secretary-General Wu.” Instead, he referred to him as “Director Wu.” There’s a reason behind this. Mayor  Wen needs to be precise in his speech. Calling Wu “Secretary-General” wouldn’t  be appropriate, as there’s another individual serving as the Secretary-General of the Municipal Government. Calling him “Deputy Secretary-General” isn’t suitable either, as people generally avoid using the word “Deputy” in casual conversation, and even the Mayor doesn’t want to use it. So, calling Wu “Director” is both accurate and pleasant to the ear, even though it might not carry the same official weight as “Secretary-General.” But, as the saying goes, the title “Director” carries no inherent hierarchy. After all, the dearly respected Deng Xiaoping once held the title of “Director,” albeit as the head of the “Central Advisory Commission.”

    At this moment, “Director Wu” does indeed seem preoccupied, even though  his eyes are tightly shut. However, his concern isn’t focused on Qin Xiaoyue,  his seatmate. During this trip to Beijing, it’s not an easy task to provide Mayor  Wen with a satisfactory answer. The notice from the Beijing Olympic Organizing  Committee isn’t something to betaken lightly. If they’ve ordered the Municipal  Government to halt the “May 1 Olympic-themed Concert” and have mentioned legal  violations, can Mayor Wen really decide not to cancel the concert? While Moon  City has its practical situation, there are also regulations from higher authorities.  Otherwise, why would there always be a gap between the upper and lower levels in  many practical tasks? “Putting yourself in others’ shoes” is often written in reports  and spoken about, but in practice, it’s rarely implemented. Otherwise, why would  the first point emphasized in most leadership reports be “unify thinking and raise  awareness,” indicating that there’s still a lack of alignment between upper and lower  levels, hence the need for “unification.” Now we’re dealing with the small matter of Moon City versus the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee. Who should “unify” with whom? That’s quite clear. Can you expect the Beijing Olympic Organizing  Committee to listen to Mayor Wen? It’s difficult—more challenging than launching  the “Shenzhou” spacecraft.

    Of course, since Mayor Wen has instructed Wu Shimang to lead the team to Beijing, Wu Shimang cannot remain idle either. He is considering how to approach the situation and make the leaders in charge of large-scale performances understand Moon City’s practical circumstances. After all, the concert is approaching, and tens of thousands of concert tickets have already been sold. Naturally, Wu Shimang also has his own “trump card.” He won’t easily reveal this “trump card”; if he does, it must be effective. At the same time, he wants to ensure that Qin Xiaoyue, who is usually arrogant and looks down on others, is impressed by him. Otherwise, he would rather return empty-handed, offend Mayor Wen, and even disappoint over 30,000 Moon City residents who have bought concert tickets. Wu Shimang is determined to teach a lesson to the peacock—Qin Xiaoyue—who has been consistently unwilling to give him face.

    Wu Shimang’s calculations seem to have taken a somewhat cunning turn. He is well aware that if he fails to establish a good relationship with the Olympic Organizing Committee during this Beijing trip and cannot resolve the crisis of the concert suspension, the “May 1st  Olympic-themed Grand Concert” in Moon City will undoubtedly become a major “incident.” As one of the responsible parties, Qin Xiaoyue,how could she escape the repercussions?

    Qin Xiaoyue, being both a beauty and a talented woman, could be considered  one of Wu’s top choices for collaboration. As a key person involved, she naturally  holds more influence than Liu Yong and Qian Tao. Sitting beside Wu at the moment,  she is inclined to offer some “empty promises” to her companion, encouraging him  to exert effort and sweat to resolve the crisis during this Beijing trip. After all, the  “May 1st  Olympic-themed Grand Concert” involves both the Moon City Evening  News and her as the main responsible parties. The responsibility is significant and  the pressure is immense. While Liu Yong is also a co-organizer, he has been focused  on his own endeavors, with no consideration for positions or political prospects. In  his eyes, there is no such concern. On the other hand, he is tall, handsome, strong,  and charming qualities that captivate Qin Xiaoyue. Having always been a reserved  and contemplative woman, she had been pursued by many prominent figures in  Moon City through various means, trying to win her favor and affection. However, it  was all in vain. She never expected that after encountering Liu Yong, she would also  find herself following the trends of Hong Kong and Taiwan. Although this “trend” is currently underground and only known to a few close friends, it’s an unexpected  change in her demeanor.

    At this moment, Wu Shimang has transformed himself into a serene “Buddha,” while Qin Xiaoyue refrains from making any moves, especially since there’s a pair  of eyes behind them intently watching. The two in the front row are each calculating  in their own minds, while in the back row, Liu Yong’s inner thoughts are bounding  about like a little rabbit. He sneaked a glance at Qian Tao beside him. Qian Tao, by  now, has already started emitting a faint snore. It’s not surprising since, despite the  significance of this Beijing trip, Qian Tao’s responsibility is singular: to heed Qin’s  instructions and handle the bills. Apart from that, he finds himself powerless to do much. Ultimately, how things will conclude, whether they can defuse the crisis or bear the consequences, lies entirely in the hands of fate, and he has no agency in the matter. Sleeping seems like a rather good choice. After all, having spent years with Liu Yong, whenever Qin and Liu Yong are together, it’s best for him to turn a blind eye. The sillier he seems, the more Qin seems to like it, right?

    Sure enough, seeing Qian Tao asleep, Liu Yong softly called out, “Sis,” and discreetly reached out a hand toward Qin Xiaoyue in front of him. He truly is a restless little rabbit. The significance of this “little rabbit” between Liu Yong and Qin Xiaoyue will be explained in detail later.

    Qin Xiaoyue turned her head and gave Liu Yong a glance, whispering, “Think  about how to talk to your ‘uncle’ when we land, and behave properly.” In this  situation, with someone pretending to sleep beside her, and subordinates behind  her, it’s better to stay composed. Upon reflection, even though Liu Yong mentioned  his father’s connection with “Uncle Cheng” in Beijing, it’s still uncertain how  things will turn out. If they can’t resolve the situation smoothly, it won’t be a small  matter. Liu Yong has his “backing,” and he doesn’t care about any “political future.” But what about her? Can she really count on this “handsome guy” in front of her,  admired by many girls? There has been some tenderness between them, but how  much responsibility can he shoulder? Without going through trials, how could she  know? Suddenly, Qin Xiaoyue felt a touch of melancholy and didn’t want to engage  in further conversation with Liu Yong. She absentmindedly took out the earphones  from her seat pocket and put them on, intending to hide her emotions by listening to  music. Just as she turned back, her heart skipped a beat. Outside the airplane window  hung a waning moon.

    The Beijing Olympic Building is located at the northwest corner of Xueyuan Bridge on the North Fourth Ring Road, adjacent to the Olympic Green, and is a modern 19-story intelligent office building.

    At the top of the building, the six characters “ 北京奧運大廈 ” (Beijing Olympic  Building) are prominently displayed, each measuring about four to five meters in  size. They shimmer and shine in the glow of the night, and radiate brilliance under  the sunlight. These six characters are like the title of an article, instantly “jumping” out of the densely packed skyscraper landscape. They are striking, eye-catching,  and convey a clear and meaningful theme. People passing by the building can’t help  but admire it. After a century of longing, generations of effort, and generations of dreams, the moment has finally arrived for Beijing to host the Olympic Games. The  building before them seems to bear witness to people’s aspirations. All affairs are  carried out within this building. The Olympics have truly arrived.

    The front of the building is adorned with a prominent red “ 中國印 ” (Chinese seal), and the logos on the east and west sides further strengthen the role of enhancing people’s Olympic dreams.

    The “ 京 ” character from over 2200 years ago, transformed into the “ 中國印 ” (Chinese seal), has taken on an extraordinary quality. It exudes vitality, pulsating  with a sense of life, and in people’s eyes, it becomes an agile athlete. Of course, this  showcases the ancient and profound Chinese seal script, leading people to imagine  it as a Chinese athlete. As for the red and blue “Beijing 2008” lettering on the east  and west sides of the building, made of satin cloth, the combination of the specific  geographical concept “Beijing” and the modern time concept “2008” imparts a  unique significance. Not only does it emit a distinctive modern flair, but it also  radiates a brilliant splendor, illuminating the hundred-year Olympic journey of a vast  Eastern country with a population of 1.3 billion, resplendent and magnificent.

    When the group of four led by Wu Shimang arrived at the front of the Beijing Olympic Tower, it was a morning bathed in sunlight, and the Olympic Tower was gleaming brilliantly in the early rays. Standing before this building, they were filled with astonishment and pride, momentarily forgetting the purpose of their visit.

    However, waiting is a remedy that brings clarity. The polite obstruction by the armed police served as a reminder to Wu Shimang that this place was not the guard post at the entrance of the Moon City Municipal Government. Sometimes, even if he worked late and arrived early, the armed police stationed at the gate would still offer him a standard salute. This “salute” made Wu Shimang, the Deputy Secretary- General of the Municipal Government, feel appreciative; he sensed a certain level of courtesy extended towards him.

    The armed police in front of him also saluted, but this “salute” was different from the previous one. The current “salute” was merely a basic form of courtesy. After the “courtesy” was extended, they carried on with official business, without any flexibility. Waiting. Patiently waiting. In order to establish connections with the relevant departments of the Beijing Organizing Committee as early as possible, Wu Shimang had requested everyone to get up early. Beijing’s traffic was notorious for being congested; who could predict how bad it might be today? The word “congestion” really lived up to its reputation.

    Unlike the long wait before starting work, once the staff began their workday, Wu Shimang andhis team were unexpectedly well-received in the reception hall. This made him suddenly take young people like Liu Yong more seriously. After completing the necessary registration procedures, a service staff member escorted them to a designated area to rest, informing them that Minister Cheng Quan had sent someone downstairs to receive them. At this point, Liu Yong had no choice but to explain to Director Wu that Minister Cheng Quan was his “Uncle Cheng,” a former colleague of his father.

    It turned out that the previous night, to facilitate their work the next day, Wu Shimang andhis team had arranged to stay in a non-star-rated small hotel near the Beijing Olympic Tower, arranged by the Moon City Office in Beijing. Given the special task and urgent timeline, and the need to return to Moon City promptly, Director Wu wasn’t concerned about the hotel’s star rating. However, Chief Editor Qin felt that Director Wu was being somewhat neglected. Regardless, as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government, Director Wu was also the full representative of Mayor Wen at this moment and should have enjoyed the treatment befitting a municipal leader. However, Wu Shimang had taken a high-minded approach by complying with the arrangements of the Beijing Office, choosing to stay nearby and prioritizing work needs above all else.

    In this situation, Qin Xiaoyue had only to remind Qian Tao to consider Director  Wu’s needs in other aspects. She also urged Liu Yong to contact “Uncle Cheng” to facilitate relevant connections so they would have a better understanding of the  situation. After settling in, despite the late hour, Liu Yong immediately called “Uncle  Cheng” to explain the situation. Much to Liu Yong’s gratitude, “Uncle Cheng” didn’t  hesitate and assured him that after they left Moon City, Liu Yong’s father had already  contacted him. He also reassured Liu Yong that he would do his best to ensure the  success of their endeavor. All the key individuals involved had been contacted and  informed.

    Although the group of four, including Wu Shimang, entered the Olympic Building as directed, they did not immediately meet the “Minister Cheng” as mentioned by the staff or the “Uncle Cheng” that Liu Yong had referred to over the phone. However, the meeting and conversation with the relevant department responsible for legal affairs at the Beijing Organizing Committee turned out to be relatively smooth, much smoother than Wu Shimang and Qin Xiaoyue had anticipated.

    In a relatively small office, Deputy Minister Niu, responsible for legal affairs at the Beijing Organizing Committee, received the group of four from Moon City’s Municipal Government, including Wu Shimang, the Deputy Secretary-General.

    Wu Shimang, having spent many years in the political arena, understood the importance of presenting his role as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government. He knew that his identity carried more weight than that of the Director of the Municipal Legal Affairs Office. On this trip, he represented both the Moon City Municipal Government and Mayor Wen, and it was necessary for him to provide a statement and explanation regarding the “May 1st Olympic-themed Concert” on their behalf.

    It should be noted that Deputy Secretary-General Wu Shimang’s presentation was well-balanced and his attitude was sincere. This allowed Vice Minister Niu, responsible for legal affairs at the Olympic Organizing Committee, to see that the Moon City Municipal Government’s intention behind hosting such a large-scale concert was genuine. The purpose was to boost spirits and show support for the centennial dream, and to cheer on the Olympic athletes. However, the “official response” from the Beijing Organizing Committee attached to this concert was a fabricated document. It is clear that certain entertainment companies in Beijing exploited the Olympic name for their own unlawful profit, and both the Moon City government and the event organizers were unaware of this deceitful activity. In light of these circumstances, we kindly ask for the understanding and leniency of the Olympic Organizing Committee’s legal affairs leadership.

    During the conversation, Vice Minister Niu, responsible for legal affairs at  the Olympic Organizing Committee, explicitly stated that the Beijing Organizing  Committee supports and welcomes proactive promotion and engagement with the  Olympics from various regions. Activities such as “Olympic-themed concerts” are acceptable as long as they are registered with the relevant departments of the  Olympic Organizing Committee, serve a charitable purpose, and do not involve  profiteering or illicit gain.

    Of course, Vice Minister Niu also pointed out the seriousness of the issue regarding the “May 1st  Olympic-themed concert” organized by Moon City. Regardless of the entity, impersonating the Olympic Organizing Committee and issuing false correspondence constitutes a grave matter. Moon City had no knowledge that the “response letter” was a forgery, and this incident serves as a profound lesson. It is necessary for Moon City’s municipal government to provide an explanation of the situation and conduct a written examination to address the matter.

    Due to the prior communication with Minister Cheng, Vice Minister Niu did not insist on the immediate cessation of the “May 1st  Olympic-themed concert.” After all, over 30,000 concert tickets had already been distributed to the public. The key focus now is to ensure the proper organization of the concert and avoid any issues. Additionally, it is crucial to respect and not infringe upon Olympic intellectual property rights during the course of the performance.

    Perhaps some readers may wonder why the “May 1st Olympic-themed Grand Concert” in Moon City, with over 30,000 tickets, was said to be “distributed” to citizens’ hands when it was reported to have been “sold” out a week ago. Such thinking would be overly rigid.

    As the saying goes, adapt, adapt, and through adaptation, you achieve understanding. How can there be understanding without adaptation? This change in wording is a small “adaptation” that Deputy Secretary-General Wu Shimang made

    in his statement. It’s not easy to directly tell the Deputy Minister of Legal Affairs, who is responsible for the legal affairs of the Olympic Organizing Committee, that the “May 1st  Olympic-themed Grand Concert” in Moon City, although organized by the municipal government, is essentially a commercial performance where both organizations and individuals are profiting. That would be undermining one’s own position, wouldn’t it? It’s better to complete the task assigned by Mayor Wen first, and ensure that the concert proceeds as planned. As for whether the “concert” is a charitable event, that’s a matter for the future. Wu Shimang, as a Deputy Secretary- General, can’t be too concerned about such matters at the moment.

    Everything went unexpectedly smoothly.

    When they received Mayor Wen’s instructions, even the young men, Liu Yong and Qian Tao, who were considered inexperienced and not very reliable, sensed that the situation might be difficult to handle. Even Wu Shimang and Qin Xiaoyue, who had dealt with challenging issues in their daily work, felt uneasy. The interaction with the Olympic Organizing Committee in Beijing seemed daunting. Just looking at the stern official seal on the notice to suspend the concert, along with the seemingly inflexible and impartial attitude, made it appear challenging to negotiate.

    However, the smooth communication with the Deputy Minister with the surname “Niu,” who was responsible for legal affairs at the Olympic Organizing Committee, eased their concerns. If they could successfully proceed with the “May 1st Welcoming the Olympics Grand Concert” as planned, it would be a good report to Mayor Wen. With this thought in mind, Wu Shimang felt the weight on his shoulders suddenly lighten. As the burden lifted, his mood improved. In moments like this, a man, if he were to be emotionally moved, would naturally raise a certain part of himself; or if it were at a drinking table, he would raise his wineglass. Don’t believe it? Just watch as Wu Shimang stands up at this moment and proactively raises his glass for a toast.

    This meal was deliberately arranged by Cheng Quan. He made a reservation at a restaurant he was familiar with, called “Yun Teng Tavern.”

    Despite its unassuming exterior, “Yun Teng Tavern” was a pleasant surprise for the four visitors from Moon City once they entered the establishment. The winding path led to a serene setting with pavilions, terraces, lush trees casting shade, murmuring streams, swaying lanterns, and a rustic mountain village atmosphere. It felt as if they had stepped out of bustling Beijing and into a picturesque village in the Yun-Gui plateau. This creative setting was unexpected and sparked their interest, setting the tone for an enjoyable dining experience. There was a sense of anticipation lingering in the air, as their taste buds were awakened and a certain excitement began to build.

    As they entered the restaurant, it seemed that Minister Cheng Quan noticed Wu Shimang’s curiosity. With a smile, he explained to him that this establishment aimed to bring the authentic Yun-Gui style to Beijing. Not only was this reflected in the interior design, but also in the menu selection and even the choice of service staff. Every aspect, down to the smallest detail, bore a distinct Yun-Gui character, making the restaurant stand out from the rest.

    Earlier, when reporting to Director Wu and Chief Editor Qin, Liu Yong had mentioned that his “uncle” was planning to host them for a meal. The purpose was twofold: to celebrate the successful resolution of the “performance suspension incident” and to apologize for not being able to host them at the Olympic Tower due to his involvement in “major event” preparations. At first, Director Wu didn’t agree, stating that regardless of the circumstances, they should be the ones treating him. Minister Cheng had provided significant assistance this time, genuinely lending a helping hand. Your resourcefulness and connections are truly remarkable, young man. It was evident, and also audible, that Wu Shimang’s attitude towards Liu Yong had changed dramatically compared to their encounter on Flight MU2861.

    Indeed, Qin Xiaoyue, being more attuned to subtleties, agreed to Minister Cheng’s arrangement, allowing the roles to be reversed when the time came. She discreetly handled the bill, secretly settling it. Additionally, she prepared a present of proper quality as a gesture of gratitude to Minister Cheng. This way, the sentiment of appreciation would be conveyed without explicitly expressing it. Moreover, inviting Minister Cheng might not necessarily be feasible, considering the time constraints. Besides, the countdown to the “May 1st  Welcome Olympics Grand Concert” in Moon City had already begun by the hour, so they needed to return promptly.

    With this arrangement, the gathering hosted by Minister Cheng commenced in  the open hall of “Yun Teng Jiusi,” adorned with the hanging sign of “Dai Village.” The meal adopted a fashionable approach, mirroring the current trends in the  entertainment industry a fusion of styles. The choice of alcohol was “Niulanshan” baijiu, the type that comes in blue and white porcelain bottles. Being knowledgeable about liquor, Wu Shimang was aware that although this baijiu wasn’t as prestigious as “Maotai” or “Wuliangye,” it still held considerable value. Before the cold dishes were served, each guest was presented with a large bowl of Yunnan specialty, “Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles.”

    In a graceful procession, a group of Yunnan young lasses, adorned in ethnic costumes, glided toward the table, each holding a tray with steaming bowls of soup emitting delightful fragrances. The sight was enough to stir the hearts of the gentlemen seated at the table. Amidst the wafting steam, these Yunnan maidens were not only resplendent in their vibrant attire, but their youthful visages resembled freshly peeled boiled eggs smooth, radiant, and irresistibly inviting. The ambiance was so alluring that it tempted one to reach out and touch.

    While others might openly desire and admire without consequence, it wouldn’t matter much to Qin Xiaoyue. However, when one person crosses the line, goes beyond reason, and completely disregards Qin Xiaoyue’s presence, that’s unacceptable. This is excessive, beyond all bounds, and displays a lack of respect for Qin Xiaoyue. How dare you? Liu Yong, you little rascal, remember the time when you begged this lady for help.

    Thinking of Liu Yong’s “little rascal,” Qin Xiaoyue’s heart fluttered. That “little rascal” frolicked freely in her cozy haven, bounding joyfully without constraints, as if in a realm untouched by others. Qin Xiaoyue, defenseless, was utterly defeated. In front of Qin Xiaoyue, Liu Yong wasn’t just a brave warrior, he had transformed into a triumphant general.

    At this moment, “General Liu” raised a “white flag” to the group of Yunnan youngsters with their distinctive hair in front of him.

    In fact, it wasn’t just Liu Yong who raised the “white flag.” Even Wu Shimang, who had seen quite a bit of the world, Deputy Secretary-General Wu, and Director Wu couldn’t take their eyes off, unable to maintain the same composed posture as they did on flight MU2861.

    “Secretary-General Wu, please take a moment to savor the Yunnan specialty  dish, ‘Crossing the Bridge Noodles.’ I’m sure you must have had ‘Crossing the  Bridge Noodles’ more than once before. However, the ‘Crossing the Bridge Noodles’ at ‘Yun Teng Jiusi’ are truly unique.” As the host, Cheng Quan courteously promoted  the “Crossing the Bridge Noodles” from “Yun Teng Jiusi.”

    First and foremost, the emphasis is on the broth. It’s prepared by simmering a combination of chicken, duck, and pork bones, which is then ladled into a bowland covered with a layer of pork fat to retain warmth. At this point, the broth should be handled with care to avoid any splashing onto the hands. It’s brought to a vigorous boil,reaching temperatures of at least 100°C (212°F) and possibly even as high as 170°C (338°F).

    Furthermore, the order of eating is of utmost importance. If the  order is incorrect, the flavors won’t develop properly, and the authenticity may be compromised. This is something that most restaurants won’t specifically point out. First, you place the raw quail eggs, slices of meat, and liver into the bowl. Then, add ingredients like magnolia petals, green onions, ginger, and garlic chives. By this point, the bowl is already filled with an enticing aroma that can make one’s mouth water. Take a moment to compose yourself, then gently stir the contents with chopsticks. Afterward, you can add the rice noodles and in a moment’s time, you’re ready to savor the dish.

    Just as those gathered around the table thought they had grasped Minister Cheng’s secrets and were about to start eating, Minister Cheng added a third point. He said, “And perhaps the most noteworthy of all is this third point. Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to ‘Crossing the Bridge Noodles,’ you only have the ‘privilege’ of enjoying it, not the ‘obligation’ of preparing it. All of these procedural tasks are handled by the Yunnan girls before you. They have been carefully selected from the mountains, pure and simple as jade, far beyond the mere phrase ‘pleasing to the eye. ’”

    Minister Cheng Quan, feeling quite pleased and with a hint of mystery, took  the opportune moment to introduce the distinctive features of “Yun Teng Jiusi.” The charming young women gracefully placed the bowls of “Crossing the Bridge  Noodles,” along with the ingredients and rice noodles, onto the table, initiating a  “one-on-one” service.

    This was just the “prelude” to the meal. Following the “prelude,” the young women began pouring drinks for the guests, marking the formal start of the banquet. As a prominent figure representing Moon City, Wu Shimang naturally raised his glass to toast Minister Cheng Quan and Deputy Minister Niu. Today, Liu Yong managed to earn some face in front of Wu Shimang once again. Even during these exceptional times, Deputy Minister Niu, who rarely accepted invitations, made an exception to grace “Yun Teng Jiusi.” While it was in honor of Minister Cheng Quan,it still left Wu Shimang and Qin Xiaoyue pleasantly surprised and flattered.

    “I raise this first toast to our gracious host, Minister Cheng,” Wu Shimang spoke with the authority of representing the Moon City government. “We’re thankful to Minister Cheng for not only personally overseeing the successful hosting of our ‘Welcome the Olympics’ concert but also for hosting this banquet for us, the grassroots comrades. Your thoughtful gesture truly moves us.”

    “Secretary-General Wu, for this first toast, you should actually raise your glass to Deputy Minister Niu. Giving your Moon City the green light does come with certain pressures. Thankfully, Deputy Minister Niu and I have been comrades and brothers for many years. Just like my camaraderie with Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Comrade Liu Chengyin, we share a bond of comradeship and brotherhood. We’ll delve into these stories later, but for now, go ahead and share a toast with Deputy Minister Niu.”

    As soon as Wu Shimang finished speaking, Minister Cheng quickly picked up the conversation and redirected Wu’s first toast towards Deputy Minister Niu, who seemed somewhat captivated by the allure of beauty.

    “Minister Cheng is indeed my former superior. What you might not know is that before being seconded to the Olympic Organizing Committee, Minister Cheng was my department head in the district. It’s only fitting that I do my best to fulfill the requests of my former leader. Secretary-General Wu, I believe it’s more appropriate to follow orders than to merely show respect. How about you and I share this toast first?” Deputy Minister Niu spoke as he stood up and raised his glass toward Wu Shimang,appearing to be a straightforward individual.

    At the dining table, Qin Xiaoyue was accustomed to being a spectator when the men performed their rituals. However, now she felt that she couldn’t let these men overlook her presence any longer. So, she lifted her wineglass, turned her delicate face towards Minister Cheng, and softly said, “How about it, Minister Cheng? Would you honor me by allowing me to raise a toast to you?”

    “It’s a great honor. I’ve heard of Editor-in-Chief Qin’s beauty and reputation from others before, and to have this opportunity to meet in person feels like fate. Interestingly enough, we could even consider ourselves half-countrymen. My hometown isn’t far from Moon City, and it borders with Chuxian County where you, Secretary Liu, used to govern. Back in the day, my affinity with Secretary Chengyin was somewhat due to our shared connection to this ‘local spirit.’ So, come on, the four of us together, let’s raise our glasses for a toast.” Minister Cheng’s words were eloquent, and his actions were even more skillful, as he created a harmonious blend for the first toast of the gathering. As a result, the four of them all “drank” together.

    After a few more rounds of toasts, it was time for the younger generation to take the stage. Liu Yong and Qian Tao began to offer their toasts. When Liu Yong toasted “Uncle Cheng,” he downed three consecutive glasses. Minister Cheng was quite pleased with the performance of the “nephew.” He reminisced at the dining table about the extraordinary camaraderie he shared with Liu Chengyin during their earlier years, emphasizing their exceptional bond as colleagues.

    More than a decade ago, Cheng Quan and Liu Chengyin both worked at the Agricultural and Industrial Department of the Provincial Committee. However, Liu Chengyin had already gained a significant reputation by the time he joined the department. “In the eyes of Shen Dachuan, who was the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Committee at the time, your father was truly a rare and promising reserve talent. Which young section chief in the department didn’t envy him? We also understand that moving Liu Chengyin from his position as the County Party Secretary to become a section chief at the Agricultural and Industrial Department was somewhat of a compromise for him. But as for political prospects, how much control do we really have over them?” Cheng Quan seemed to be slightly intoxicated, speaking of past events with some emotional sentiment.

    Cheng Quan certainly remembers those times. Back then, he was just an ordinary financial staff member at the Agricultural and Industrial Department. Because he was closely situated to Liu Chengyin’s hometown, with one being from Chuxian County and the other from Xingdong, they were almost like fellow villagers. It’s not just a saying, “When fellow villagers meet, their eyes brim with tears.” The meaning is quite clear when fellow villagers meet, they can be open and sincere with each other, and truly connect. Moreover, Cheng Quan noticed that if you remove Liu Chengyin’s last name, it’s like they’re brothers from the same family. You know what, “Cheng Quan” and “Cheng Yin,” don’t they sound like two brothers? People, sometimes it’s subtle details that didn’t really mean much suddenly become important, and things feel different. Cheng Quan’s realization led him to become closer to Liu Chengyin in their daily interactions, engaging in more conversations than with the average person, and being more willing to share thoughts together.

    In this way, he managed to secure a rare opportunity for promotion. The department was selecting a Deputy Secretary for the Youth League Committee, and it was through Liu Chengyin’s connection with Secretary Shen, who was in charge of the Agricultural and Industrial Department, that Cheng Quan was able to vie for this chance. Perhaps being a Deputy Secretary of a department’s Youth League Committee isn’t a monumental achievement. However, for a young individual, the path to personal growth consists of just a few critical steps. If taken successfully, progress is rapid, and development is smooth. But if missteps are made, missing the mark, progress naturally slows down, and growth becomes far from smooth.

    “Your father, he saved me at a crucial moment. I will never forget this throughout my life,” Cheng Quan said, fueled by the effects of alcohol. He took out his phone and dialed Liu Yong’s father’s number.

    “Liu Secretary, it’s Cheng Quan here, I’m having drinks with Liu Yong and the others. You ，my elder brother can relax, the issue with the performance cancellation is sorted out. I really want to thank your nephew, giving me a chance to help out for you, my elder brother. When are you coming to Beijing? Let’s have a good drink together as brothers. If it weren’t for your help back then, how could I be where I am today!”

    “Thank you, Cheng Quan. You’ve not only helped me personally, but also resolved a crisis for the Yue City Committee and Municipal Government. Thank you! I’ve heard Minister Niu, who is in charge of legal affairs, also lent a hand. You’re like a brother to me. You must raise a toast to Minister Niu on my behalf and invite him to visit Yue City with you. That way, I can fulfill my duties as a gracious host!” Even from thousands of miles away, the voice of Liu Yong’s father remained remarkably clear, stirring a sense of excitement around the entire table.

    Cheng Quan’s phone quickly made its way to Vice Minister Niu’s hands, naturally sparking a round of gratitude and pleasantries. Following Vice Minister Niu, Deputy Secretary-General Wu took the initiative to take the phone, seizing the opportunity to express his regards to the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. Qin Xiaoyue, due to a special relationship, wasn’t as eager as Wu Shimang to speak with Secretary Liu, but given the circumstances, she also took the phone, deeming it necessary. Qian Tao didn’t need to join in the commotion, and Liu Yong couldn’t ignore his dad’s call, even though their father-son communication was not usually very smooth. After this extensive cycle, when the phone returned to Cheng Quan’s hands, its body had become noticeably warm.

    After this phone call, it naturally led to another round of lively drinking, reaching a new climax a “full bloom.” Liu Yong finally realized why his father’s relationship with “Uncle Cheng” was so extraordinary. Back then, Liu Chengyin not only set Cheng Quan on the path of political prospects, but also, when the ship of Cheng Quan’s career was about to run aground, he managed to steer it back on course and turn the tide.

    As it turned out, just a few years after Cheng Quan became the Deputy Secretary of the Youth League Committee in the department, he was designated as the candidate for the position of “Agricultural” System Youth League Committee Secretary. By that time, he had already become responsible for financial matters within the department. However, an issue arose when the organization demanded that Cheng Quan transfer the financial accounts. There was a problem with  100,000 yuan that couldn’t be accounted for. It was said to have been borrowed temporarily for a company owned by the son-in-law of a local leader, but what was meant to be a temporary arrangement turned into a long-term situation. Cheng Quan regretted his poor choice of friends. Over a decade ago, 100,000 yuan was no small amount. Anyone familiar with financial matters would know that if that  100,000 yuan couldn’t be accounted for, even if it wasn’t proven as embezzlement, it could still be deemed as misappropriation, which would lead to disciplinary action. How could he talk about promotion in such circumstances?

    At the critical moment, Liu Chengyin utilized his connections from his time as the County Party Secretary in Chuxian County. He not only patched up the discrepancies in Cheng Quan’s financial records but also mitigated the negative impact of the situation. This allowed Cheng Quan to smoothly step away from financial responsibilities and wholeheartedly focus on his work within the Youth League. Liu Chengyin also made it clear to him that he should avoid any involvement with financial matters in the future as it wasn’t suitable for him . Walking by the river often results in wet shoes; implying that being too close to certain situations can lead to trouble.

    Looking back now, it’s evident that Cheng Quan heeded Liu Chengyin’s advice and embarked on a path conducive to his own development, eventually becoming the “Minister Cheng” he is today. When tracing back to its origins, the organization’s planning for these “large-scale events” related to the Olympics can indeed be attributed to the foundation laid during Cheng Quan’s earlier work in the Youth League.

    The atmosphere in the “Dai Village” hall was warm and lively. During the banquet, both hosts and guests were in high spirits, and the “one-on-one” service was harmonious. Suddenly, a rich fragrance wafted through the air. Two Yunnan girls approached, carrying a large basin, which they placed on the table. Despite his slightly dimmed state due to the alcohol, Cheng Quan maintained his role as the host. He warmly introduced the dish, a genuine “Flower River Dog Meat.” Tasting this Guizhou Flower River specialty in the “Yun Teng Winehouse,” the experience was naturally quite different and full of charm.

    “Roll the dog meat around, even immortals can’t stand steady. As I’m smelling this aroma right now, I’m already feeling unsteady without even tasting it. When enjoying the dog meat, you must dip it into the boiling hot dog meat soup. The meat, which was originally about 80-90% cooked, will be fully cooked in an instant. Then, ladle some of the dog meat soup into the dipping sauce. You can dip and eat at the same time, and I’ll give you a five-word experience: scalding, spicy, numbing, fragrant, and refreshing. I won’t say much more, please go ahead and try it for yourselves.” (Note: This paragraph describes a traditional method of enjoying hotpot-style dog meat cuisine, emphasizing the dipping process and the sensory experience of the flavors.)

    After Cheng Quan’s slightly tipsy introduction, the waiter brought the dipping sauce. Don’t underestimate this sauce it’s made from dozens of condiments, including ginger, pepper, scallions, cilantro, and monosodium glutamate. It’s so tempting that it’s hard not to be enticed. As everyone around the dining table sat down, it seemed like their appetites were suddenly aroused by the enticing aroma of the dog meat, and they all started to dig in.

    The eclectic nature of the feast is probably clear to you, dear readers. In fact, China’s culinary development has intertwined various regional cuisines for a long time now, making it not so easy to enjoy a specific cuisine in its pure form. As you look around, you’ll see that in the world today, how many people can truly focus on a single profession or field? As the saying goes, even a white pigeon flies toward the bright spot. Wherever there is gain, that’s where they’ll go, driven purely by profit, often forgetting principles and ethics. They’ll do whatever it takes to achieve their interests. Moreover, this culinary “mix and match” also stems from the concept of having a rich and diverse palate. (Note: This passage reflects on the diverse and often eclectic nature of contemporary Chinese cuisine, as well as the broader societal trends that prioritize profit and versatility over specialization.)

    From the start of the banquet until now, all of this had been orchestrated by Qin Xiaoyue. At this moment, Qin Xiaoyue gracefully and tactfully executed a “stealing the limelight from the host” move. Not only did she cover the bill for the “Dai Village” hall, but also, while raising a toast to the two ministers, she slipped a “card” into each person’s pocket, emphasizing that it was just a small token of her “appreciation” and nothing more. (Note: This passage describes Qin Xiaoyue’s strategic role in the banquet, including her hosting and generous gesture of providing the guests with a card.)

    Of course, this “appreciation” naturally extended to Deputy Secretary-General Wu as well. However, Deputy Secretary-General Wu didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic today. Compared to the alluring Yunnan girls who were out of reach, Qin Xiaoyue in front of him seemed much closer. Yet, when they exchanged hands during the card presentation, it appeared that Qin Xiaoyue didn’t respond to Deputy Secretary-General Wu’s implications. This left Wu Shimang feeling that his “trump card” for this Beijing trip had not been put to use, which was quite regrettable. He had originally hoped to conquer the Organizing Committee with this “trump card,” resolve the performance cancellation crisis, and even make the beautiful chief editor submit. (Note: This passage describes Deputy Secretary-General Wu’s disappointment at not receiving the response he hoped for from Qin Xiaoyue, which impacted his strategic plans for the trip.)

    Who would have thought that Liu Yong possessed such abilities, rendering Deputy Secretary Wu useless and causing him to feel a sense of regret.

    The year 2008 was destined to be a remarkable year in the eyes of the Chinese

    people.

    This decision was made seven years ago. This significant decision was announced by an elderly man named Samaranch in Moscow, thousands of miles

    away.

    On the evening of July  13, 2001, what would have been an ordinarily unremarkable night took on extraordinary significance. The International Olympic Committee was set to decide the host city for the 29th  Summer Olympic Games on this very night. For China, a country with a century-old dream of hosting the Olympics, and for the 1.3 billion people who held fervent hopes for the Games, this decision held a special and unparalleled meaning.

    Starting from 9:30 AM Beijing time, the five candidate cities Osaka, Paris, Toronto, Beijing, and Istanbul each presented their bids. Following the presentations, 102 International Olympic Committee members participated in the first round of voting. Osaka from Japan faced elimination in the first round. Although Beijing didn’t secure victory in the initial vote, it wasn’t eliminated either, so hope still remained. Without a doubt, the atmosphere at the scene was tense. The hearts of every member of the Chinese delegation bidding for the Olympics were suspended in uncertainty. It wasn’t just the voting hall in Moscow; across 9.6 million square kilometers of land, countless cities and individuals were glued to their television screens, all anxiously awaiting the outcome.

    After the conclusion of the second round of voting, an almost  solidified  atmosphere prevailed, and an almost breathless anticipation set in. As the clock  pointed to 10:08 PM Beijing time, the beloved elderly figure known to the Chinese  people finally appeared on the stage. When he softly uttered the word “Beijing,” the members of the Chinese Olympic delegation erupted in jubilation, tears of joy  filling their eyes. Nearby international friends extended their hands in friendship,congratulating China and blessing Beijing. (Note: This passage describes the moment when Beijing was announced as the host city for the 2008 Summer Olympics, bringing immense joy and celebration to the Chinese delegation and their international counterparts.)

    Beijing won the right to host the 29th Summer Olympic Games in 2008!

    The entire nation rejoiced. Drums and gongs resounded, firecrackers echoed through the air. Lanterns lit up, and dragons and tigers leaped in jubilation. Amid the excitement at the Beijing Century Altar, national leaders delivered enthusiastic speeches. All of this was just a prelude to welcoming the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The more spectacular chapters were still to come.

    In this context, the Olympic torch relay opened the world’s eyes and drew attention to the ancient Eastern nation with a population of 1.3 billion. On March 25, 2008, the Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece, marking the beginning of a global torch relay. The designers of the torch relay route truly went all out, spanning over 130 cities both within and outside the country, covering tens of thousands of kilometers, and lasting over a hundred days. Within China, the torch not only passed through all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, and hundreds of cities but also reached the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, which stands at over 8,800 meters. Quite impressive, inadvertently claiming a “world’s first.” In the philosophy of today’s Chinese, being the “first” is good; beyond that, it’s hardly worth mentioning. When circumstances demand, if you can’t be the best “first,” then being the worst “first” is also acceptable. The saying “Better be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix” serves as evidence of this mindset.

    Sometimes, the words spoken by our ancestors should not betaken too literally. Isn’t there a saying, “Playing with fire will lead to self-destruction”?Applying this saying to the context of 2008 is not appropriate. In fact, it’s not only inappropriate but also incorrect. Since April, the Beijing Olympic flame had been relayed in cities like Almaty in Kazakhstan, Istanbul in Turkey, and St. Petersburg in Russia. In May, it would be carried through more than 110 cities within China. Not to mention its international journey, even the domestic leg of the relay, passing through the doorsteps of the Chinese people, was an exhilarating experience! A hundred years of anticipation, a century of dreams fulfilled. Even if the descendants of the Yellow Emperor were to showoff a bit, it wouldn’t be excessive. When the Olympic flame spreads across the north and south of the country, those 9.6 million square kilometers  will undoubtedly be set ablaze. This much is evident from the “dress rehearsals” conducted by the cities entrusted with the torch relay.

    It was precisely from the simulated Olympic torch relay event held in Moon City that Liu Yong gained inspiration and identified a business opportunity.

    The “Radiant Clouds Over Moon City” Olympic torch relay theme event swiftly unfolded in Moon City.

    As a political task, the Moon City Committee and City Government attached great importance to the event, issuing special notices to organize and mobilize people at all levels and from all walks of life throughout the city. They aimed to instill a strong sense of political responsibility, mission, pride, and honor, encouraging everyone to engage in the torch relay with the attitude of owners. Various levels and departments took actions, printing Olympic propaganda slogans and signs, organizing diverse activities to welcome the torch, distributing national flags, Olympic flags, and attire representing the Olympic spirit. The citizens of Moon City were elated, knowing that soon they would witness the grand spectacle of the Olympic torch relay right at their doorsteps, seeing the “Radiant Clouds” pass by their own homes and before their very eyes. A once-in-a-century event, isn’t that a stroke of incredible luck?

    Moreover, there were also some small benefits. Every household received national flags and Olympic flags, and resourceful housewives naturally had plans for the “future” of these flags. Of course, that had to wait until after the current activities were over. Otherwise, during organized gatherings where you were supposed to welcome the Olympic torch, while others proudly waved national and Olympic flags, full of excitement and fervor, you would be left empty-handed, dancing around without a flag in hand. Those in the know would understand that you were participating in the welcome, but those unaware might think you were acting abnormally.

    Both adult employees and students in schools were provided with a welcoming Olympic cultural shirt, made of good quality cotton and quite wearable. Nowadays, there’s more focus on practical matters at all levels of organizations. Since money has been spent, the items should have utility value and be usable. Otherwise, it’s like throwing money into the water. It wasn’t always like this in the past there was more emphasis on pomp and show, and even more wasteful spending. A cultural shirt might be a small thing, but it signifies a significant change in the work style and attitude at all levels of society.

    For a while, the streets and alleys of Moon City were adorned with festive decorations, displaying national and Olympic flags. On a certain day in April, the simulated Olympic torch relay event took place in Moon City.

    The route for the Olympic torch relay in Moon City was meticulously studied and formulated by relevant departments in advance. After obtaining approval from the City Committee, City Government, and relevant higher authorities, it was officially confirmed. The torchbearers for the Olympic flame were selected openly from various industries and fields across the city, including outstanding individuals and role models. In recent years, Zhang Weiming, a national exemplary figure from Moon City, had emerged, and without a doubt, he became the first torchbearer, carrying the honor of being the number one torchbearer during Moon City’s torch relay.

    Even though the Olympic torch had not yet arrived and this event was just a simulation, the higher authorities demanded that it be treated with utmost seriousness. It was to be approached as if the actual Olympic torch relay had taken place, ensuring that the relay activities went off without a hitch and were safe and successful.

    As the Olympic torch passed through major thoroughfares in Moon City such as Moon City Avenue, Phoenix Road, and Drum Tower Road, these main traffic arteries were flooded with people, and colorful flags fluttered in the air. The resounding cheers echoed throughout the area. Organized citizens and students waved national and Olympic flags with both hands, chanting repeatedly:

    “Go Olympics ——”

    “Go China ——”

    “Go Beijing ——”

    “Go Beijing ——”

    “Go China ——”

    “Go Olympics ——”

    The first torchbearer, Zhang Weiming, dressed in distinctive Olympic-themed sportswear, energetically ran with agile steps. Cheers and shouts of excitement erupted from the crowd as he approached. A police escort vehicle led the way just ahead of Zhang Weiming, its flashing lights communicating a clear and inviolable message of sanctity. Following closely was the camera car from Moon City Television Station, equipped with multiple camera lenses. Some cameras remained focused on Zhang Weiming, while others captured the enthusiastic crowds cheering along the streets. The visual language of the cameras was evident, expressing pride and active cooperation. Behind them came a large promotional float adorned with the city’s renowned artists, each representing the city’s distinct talents. Some waved national and Olympic flags, while others waved colorful ribbons, all displaying a jubilant and festive demeanor. Subsequently, support vehicles followed, ready to respond to any emergency situations that might arise. These vehicles were also thoughtfully decorated to emphasize the Olympic theme.

    Zhang Weiming, running along the route, appeared somewhat comical as he ran with empty hands, without the “auspicious cloud” torch. Fortunately, he was a nationally recognized exemplary figure who had attended numerous important meetings and participated in various significant events. His adaptability was remarkable. He filled the empty-handed moments with smiles, waves, and brief pauses to shake hands with enthusiastic spectators along the roadside. While his impromptu stops and handshakes garnered warm responses from the public, the accompanying running guards gently criticized him for these actions. Such interactions were not officially allowed during the formal torch relay. Engaging in such activities could disrupt the overall rhythm and arrangement of the torch relay.

    On this day when the citizens of Moon City were joyful and enthusiastic, there were also some discordant notes. Due to the torch relay, road traffic control was deemed necessary. Some residents found it inconvenient to enter and exit their residential areas. Even though their homes were right in front of them, they had to take detours, which naturally led to feelings of displeasure. Although the torch had not actually arrived, the strict control measures made it feel as if the torch had already come, making things seem overly rigid. Couldn’t there be a bit more flexibility? Most frustrating were the security guards in some residential areas. While they used to greet and interact with people amiably, they now acted as if they had never seen you before. Even if you tried to ask for a small favor, like allowing you to enter the residential area, they would point to the nearby police cordon with a stern expression, instructing you to go around. They displayed an attitude of strictly following rules and being impartial, which not only irritated people but also seemed quite comical.

    “I want to go home, and I want to enter from here. What can you do to stop me? So what if there’s a torch relay? Does that mean I can’t go home? I haven’t committed any crime! Ridiculous.”

    Some defiant individuals tried to challenge the security cordon and confront the security personnel. But they were in for a surprise. The security personnel on duty were not the usual ones. They were different, well-prepared and resolute. Attempting to breach their line was out of the question. If you tried to breakthrough, well, you would be disrupting the Olympic torch relay! And that was no trivial matter; it was an important political task.

    “Laughable! The Olympic torch hasn’t even arrived for real yet, so what’s there to be afraid of?”

    This simulated relay is still a relay, and it must be treated just like the real Olympic torch relay. There can be no room for ambiguity. If you breach the security line and confront the Olympic torch security personnel, you’ll betaken to the police station to cool down and reflect.

    “You keep talking about putting people first, but it’s all fake. I’m a living person, and I don’t even have the right to enter my own home. Talking about putting people first? It seems to me you’re putting the torch first. Yes, that’s right, you’re putting the torch first! You’re a bunch of hypocrites with inconsistent words and actions!”

    Clearly, this dissatisfaction turned into annoyance, and annoyance turned into discontent,which further escalated into hatred. Emotions changed. Many situations arise from these changes in emotions, and if leaders fail to notice and address them in a timely manner, things can go wrong, leading to the escalation of events and causing significant trouble.

    “We don’t want the Olympics, we want to go home.” Some citizens who temporarily lost control of their emotions gathered together, forming a small wave of dissent.

    Wrapped in the wave of cheers, Liu Yong did not notice the discordant scene. Echoing in his ears were the sounds of cheers, blessings, and the exhilarating shouts of “Go Beijing! Go China! Go Olympics!”

    “Go Olympics!”

    “Go China!”

    “Go Beijing!”

    “Go Beijing!”

    “Go China!”

    “Go Olympics!”

    No matter how deafening and grand the shouts are, can Beijing hear them? More importantly, can the “high-level leader” in Beijing, who hails from the hometown, hear them? The answer to these questions for Liu Yong requires no more than a second of thought. Beijing cannot hear the deafening and grand shouts from Moon City, and the “high-level leader” living in Beijing cannot hear them either. So, how can Moon City make its deafening and grand shouts heard in Beijing? How can the “high-level leader” from the hometown, living in Beijing, also hear these deafening and grand shouts from Moon City?

    Liu Yong had an idea. “Let Beijing hear the blessings and cheers of the people of Moon City!” With this as the theme, he planned a large-scale concert to welcome the Olympics. It would surely be an unprecedented success, bringing both reputation and financial gains. Therefore, he thought of the Moon City Evening News, he thought of Qin Xiaoyue, and he thought of the first collaboration with Qin Xiaoyue and the Moon City Evening News.

    The Moon City Evening News is a newcomer in Moon City. When Moon City was upgraded to a “major city,” the Moon City Daily was established. By that time, Moon City already had two urban newspapers, the Yangtze Evening News and the Modern Express, which were familiar and recognized by the citizens. Although the Moon City Daily entered the sight of Moon City residents later than the Yangtze Evening News and the Modern Express, it had strong support from the city committee and city government, and didn’t need to penetrate ordinary households. Therefore,its reliance on the market factors was much smaller.

    However, the Moon City Evening News was different. As the first locally oriented urban newspaper targeting Moon City residents and the market, being a newcomer was a disadvantage. Furthermore, due to its underdeveloped state at birth, it naturally couldn’t compete with the well-established Yangtze Evening News and Modern Express, which had become deeply entrenched in Moon City. To attract its own readership, it was like “snatching from the tiger’s mouth,” as Qin Xiaoyue, the appointed editor-in-chief of the Moon City Evening News, put it when she took office.

    The concept of “snatching from the tiger’s mouth” is quite understandable. Those in the media industry know well that newspapers are no trivial matter. Even a slight mistake can lead to the dissatisfaction of tens of thousands of readers, so there’s no room for carelessness. If any fundamental or political issues are overlooked, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper may have to be replaced. Therefore, in the industry, it’s a consensus that newspapers are a “paper tiger.” For Qin Xiaoyue’s newly established Moon City Evening News to establish a foothold locally, it is inevitable that she must compete with the two established external newspapers that have already entered Moon City and vie for readership. “Snatching from the tiger’s mouth” is indeed the reality.

    The traditional path of media development is no longer viable; the market no longer allows a gradual growth from a small sapling into a large tree. Indeed, if this were the case, within a few years, the sapling would inevitably wither prematurely due to the inability to secure the sunlight and rain it needs to grow. Both the media survival environment and the market demand that new media emerge fully developed from the start, like a mature tree. Only in this way can there be opportunities for future growth. Otherwise, if you and others are not starting from the same line, how can you compete and engage with the market? People often say not to let children lose out at the starting line. The same goes for launching a newspaper; you also can’t lose at the starting line. However, coming full circle, as long as there is competition and the possibility of elimination, what kind of endeavor can truly be said to lose at the starting line? In other words, the idea here is that in a competitive environment, it’s not just about the starting point but also about how well an entity can adapt, evolve, and excel over time. (Note: The analogy of a sapling and a tree is used to illustrate the need for new media to establish themselves quickly and effectively, without the luxury of a slow and gradual development process.)

    After serving as the editor-in-chief of the Moon City Evening News for 5 years, Qin Xiaoyue felt the need to break with convention and find innovative ways and paths for the newspaper’s breakthrough development. She thought about expanding the circulation of the Moon City Evening News. Only by surpassing the circulation of external newspapers could the “Moon City Evening News” become a mainstream media outlet in Moon City and truly achieve the goal of being Moon City’s own evening news. Of course, the content of the newspaper was also crucial. “Content is king,” is a principle almost every journalist knows. However, achieving “content is king” requires a good team of reporters and editors. Building these two teams takes time and effort, not something that can be accomplished overnight. Circulation, on the other hand, is different. Today it’s 30,000 copies, tomorrow it could be 40,000, 50,000, or even 60,000, 70,000, or more. The key lies in having effective distribution methods and strategies. In essence, Qin Xiaoyue is recognizing the importance of both content quality and distribution strategies for the success of the newspaper. While quality journalism is essential for building readership and maintaining credibility, expanding the reach through increased circulation is a strategic approach to becoming a dominant presence in the local media landscape.

    Qin Xiaoyue came up with the idea of leveraging influential events to enhance the impact of the Moon City Evening News and capture readers’ attention. After studying numerous successful experiences of evening newspapers expanding their circulation, Qin Xiaoyue decided to organize a significant concert under the name of the Moon City Evening News. This concert would feature popular mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan stars to generate interest among the citizens of Moon City. Following the concert, they would implement a strategy of “Watch the Show, Get the Evening News,” thereby boosting the circulation of the newspaper. If the concert managed to attract an audience of 30,000, the circulation of the Moon City Evening News would instantly increase by the same number, surpassing any other urban newspaper in Moon City in terms of circulation. Just the thought of it excited Qin Xiaoyue. A single concert could potentially elevate her position to the top of Moon City’s urban media landscape. What reason could there be not to pursue such an opportunity with enthusiasm?

    Being a journalist herself, Qin Xiaoyue was certainly sharp-minded. The theme for the concert quickly emerged from her thoughts: “Celebrating the 17th  National Congress, Moon City Evening News’ Accompanies Your Journey.”

    That’s how in 2007, through collaboration with Liu Yong and his “Moon City  New Power Entertainment Company,” the “Joyful Journey through China • Enter  Moon City” large-scale concert came into being. Wasn’t Qin Xiaoyue’s original  plan to be “Celebrating the 17th National Congress, ‘Moon City Evening News ’ Accompanies Your Journey”? How did it turn into “Joyful Journey through China •Enter Moon City”? As the saying goes, plans can’t keep up with changes. Organizing a large-scale concert, as Qin Xiaoyue intended, was far from easy. It can truly be described as full of unpredictability and endless changes.

    Because they were both operating in the Moon City market and were of similar age, Qian Tao and Liu Yong had become close friends a long time ago.

    In a small city like Moon City, if you know Zhang San, who knows Wang Wu, and Zhang San also knows Wang Wu, then it’s highly likely that you’ll end up knowing each other. In Moon City, getting to “know” each other usually happens either at a dining table, in a bathhouse, or in a private KTV room. Of course, this is generally speaking about common and prominent interactions. There are those “special” and “private” matters that aren’t openly discussed.

    Qian Tao and Liu Yong got to know each other, interacted, collaborated, and helped each other out in what you might call a “typical” situation, and they became good friends. When Qin Xiaoyue discussed with Qian Tao about planning a large- scale concert, without hesitation, he mentioned “Liu Yong.” In Moon City, when it comes to organizing major concerts, “New Power Entertainment” is undoubtedly the top brand, and no one can surpass Liu Yong in this field.

    When Qin Xiaoyue was presented with a beautifully designed hardcover proposal for the “Celebrating the 17th National Congress, ‘Moon City Evening News’ Accompanies Your Journey” large-scale concert, she couldn’t help but feel surprised. She hadn’t expected that a local entertainment company in Moon City could have such a high level of planning expertise. The proposal covered event positioning,objectives, partnering media and platforms, lineup of performers, event promotion, commercial marketing, ticket sales, risk assessment, and much more. The presentation was thorough, detailed, and insightful. Taking a closer look at the person who presented this proposal, “Manager Liu,” who was tall, handsome, and young, Qin Xiaoyue truly had to admire his capabilities.

    Naturally, Qin Xiaoyue was acquainted with Liu Yong. Moreover, he had a significant influence backing him. However, her acquaintance with Liu Yong was not the typical “knowing” that often happens among people in Moon City. She merely had a basic awareness of him, perhaps having crossed paths on certain occasions, and that was the extent of it.

    Things were different now. From the planning proposal provided by Liu Yong, Qin Xiaoyue gleaned numerous valuable insights. His idea to collaborate with the highly popular CCTV program “Joyful Journey through China” was bold and  creative in itself. It was said that no newspaper in the country had attempted such  a “cross-domain collaboration” or “asymmetrical media partnership” to date. His  suggestions for promotional concepts like “I host the concert, you choose the stars,” “You choose the stars, you request the songs,” and “Get up close with the stars” were  all innovative and attractive. His commitment not to offer any discounts or price  reductions for the concert tickets showed a keen understanding of the psychology  of Moon City residents who are eager to secure tickets. The proposal to bundle  ticket sales with newspaper advertising sponsorship created a synergy that instantly  expanded the marketing opportunities.

    In that moment, Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t help but notice the disparity between Qian Tao and Liu Yong. She found herself thinking how wonderful it would be if Liu Yong were under her leadership. She recognized talent and valued it. Interestingly, even the young and attractive Qin Xiaoyue felt a subtle shift within herself. Qin Xiaoyue expressed her willingness to collaborate more with “General Liu.” She was open to communicating, exchanging ideas, and mutually exploring opportunities with him. This approach aimed to leverage each other’s strengths, make up for weaknesses, and ultimately achieve a win-win situation. Her recognition of Liu Yong’s capabilities and her willingness to work closely with him demonstrated her strategic thinking and commitment to the success of the endeavor.

    Perhaps some people are not accustomed to the change from “Liu Yong” to “Liu Zong” as a title. In reality, Qin Xiaoyue is merely adapting to the current trend of using such appellations. Nowadays, the use of “Zong” (meaning “General” or “CEO”) seems to have become quite common. There’s a joke that tells of a construction worker at a certain construction site who accidentally threw a brick from the site over a fence, leading to a major incident as it hit four people outside. Among those hit, three were “laoban” (a term often used to address business owners), and the other person was also a “laoban.” (Note: This joke reflects the widespread use of the title “Zong” in modern society.)

    The planning proposal’s full approval by the “top leader” of the Moon City Evening News left Liu Yong pleasantly surprised. He was well aware of Qin Xiaoyue’s reputation as both a beautiful woman and a talented individual. He had long felt regretful about not having had a chance to become acquainted with her under more unique circumstances. After spending several years in Moon City, he had gathered some knowledge about the city’s upper echelons, and he understood that the editor-in-chief, who was known for both her beauty and talent, wasn’t exactly “hidden away from the world.” Furthermore, with her father keeping an eye on things, Liu Yong didn’t dare to be too bold or reckless in his actions, even though he had been mixing in Moon City for a few years now.

    With this opportunity at hand, Qin Xiaoyue took the initiative to “build a bridge,” and Liu Yong saw no reason not to take advantage of it. The premise, however, was that he had to work together with Qian Tao to ensure the success and completion of the “Celebrating the 17th  National Congress, ‘Moon City Evening News ’Accompanies Your Journey” large-scale concert, and deliver 30,000 copies of the Moon City Evening News into the hands of Moon City residents. Once this initial goal was achieved, everything would naturally fall into place and proceed smoothly.

    This era is truly an age of “heroes emerging one after another.” There are so many “heroes” that it’s not surprising that they often share similar perspectives.

    I understand. The “Celebrating the 17th  National Congress, ‘Moon City Evening  News ’ Accompanies Your Journey” large-scale concert planned by the “Moon City  Evening News,” under the “Joyful Journey through China” project, was recognized  by the Publicity Department of the Municipal Party Committee during their planning  and deployment meeting for the “17th National Congress” promotion. It was elevated  to a city-wide promotional event for the 17th National Congress and couldn’t be  considered solely as a newspaper marketing activity. The leadership’s perspective  is clear how can you, Qin Xiaoyue, use the solemn theme of the “17th  National  Congress” to promote newspaper sales? The “17th  National Congress” is a matter of great significance. Utilizing a performance from the “Joyful Journey through China” program to express the joy of millions of Moon City residents in welcoming the 17th   National Congress is indeed appropriate. With the platform and strong influence of CCTV, this event could capture high attention and have significant impact. There’s a  chance that even your hometown “higher-ups” might inadvertently come across this  performance and witness the positive changes in Moon City over the years that  would be an exceptional outcome. Thus, this concert has transformed into a platform  to report back to your hometown’s “higher-ups” and the entire nation. It has turned  into a showcase of Moon City’s recent achievements in promoting civility. The  significance of this concert is profound and carries immense importance.

    Therefore, an executive leadership group for the “Joyful Journey through China • Enter Moon City Celebrating the 17th  National Congress” large-scale concert was established in the name of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government. The group was headed by a member of the Party Committee and Minister of the Propaganda Department, with two deputy mayors serving as vice- chairmen. Multiple departments, including those responsible for propaganda, culture, public security, and firefighting, were involved. As the original idea stemmed from the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, also participated in the group as a member. Qin Xiaoyue had to temporarily set aside her aspirations of making the Moon City Evening News the top newspaper in the city, and with a sense of honor and dedication, she fully embraced her role in undertaking this political task, even if it meant putting aside the distribution of those 30,000 copies of the newspaper.

    Just as the “Joyful Journey through China • Enter Moon City Celebrating the 17th National Congress” large-scale concert leadership group was actively advancing its work, the key leaders of the city government returned from their overseas inspection trip.

    Readers familiar with the situation will undoubtedly recognize that the principal leader of the city government in question is none other than the amiable and affable Mayor Wen Lianggong. Upon his return, Mayor Wen noticed that two of his deputy mayors had been reassigned to new positions as deputy chairmen of the leadership group, and yet no one had bothered to inform him beforehand. This lack of communication left Mayor Wen, who was typically mild-mannered and easygoing, quite displeased. Mayor Wen, known for his gentle and approachable nature, wondered: despite my affable demeanor, shouldn’t there be at least a basic courtesy extended to me? Is it too much to ask for a simple notification when using my deputy mayors? Is there a deeper implication to this lack of communication? If things continue like this, how can I continue to function as the mayor? Do they think that just because I’ve served two terms, I can be easily replaced as the mayor?

    Since the unwritten rule of “two terms of 10 years” was established at higher levels, it had a cascading effect on local governments as well, leading them to adopt the “two terms of 10 years” practice.

    Mayor Wen’s displeasure led to a problem. The leadership group for the “Joyful Journey through China • Enter Moon City Celebrating the 17th  National Congress” large-scale concert suddenly lost two deputy chairmen. The deputy mayors responsible for culture and public security, who were initially in charge, were explicitly instructed by Mayor Wen to no longer participate in this leadership group. Not only that, the “Joyful Journey through China  • Enter Moon City Celebrating the 17th  National Congress” large-scale concert leadership group was also prohibited from assigning tasks to subordinate departments under the banner of the city government.

    Why does Mayor Wen seem like a completely different person after returning from overseas? Did he get a “brain transplant” while abroad? Isn’t it common for higher-level leaders to ask grassroots comrades to emancipate their minds and think differently? Has something similar happened to Mayor Wen? Otherwise, how could he be so uncooperative, uncoordinated, and unsupportive even towards the “Celebrating the 17th National Congress” event?

    Mayor Wen’s stance is quite clear. The government cannot lead in “chasing after  stars.” With such extravagant concerts that incur multimillion-dollar performance  costs, where would the city’s finances bear such an expense? Only when you’re  in charge do you truly understand the value of every bit. The budget for financial  resources may seem sizable, but when divided among various allocations, there’s  hardly any room left for maneuvering. Unless there are exceptional circumstances,  when the Secretary signs off on a substantial allocation, Mayor Wen, as the “steward,” only opens the coffers and disburses the funds. Money is meant to be spent wisely.  For the “Celebrating the 17th  National Congress” event, the directive is for it to be  grand yet simple, warm-hearted but not extravagant. Leave the organization of such  large-scale concerts to others. The municipal government should not be involved.

    With the “western” side taking such a strong stance, the situation on the  “eastern” side has become challenging. What some readers may not be aware of is  that both the Moon City Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government  work within the same building located on Phoenix Road in the Moon City New  District. The entire building has a layout resembling the Chinese character “  回 ” (meaning “return” or “loop”). The eastern side houses the main departments of the Municipal Party Committee, such as the Organization Department, Discipline  Inspection Commission, and Propaganda Department. On the western side are the  main departments of the Municipal Government, including the Departments of Human Resources and Social Security, Economic and Information Technology,  Development and Reform, and Legal Affairs, among others. When people interact within the building, they often inquire about directions or destinations. Responses might be, “Go to the ‘eastern’ side” to find a certain leader or report to someone, or “Go to the ‘western’ side” to seek a signature from a particular leader or convey the spirit of the “eastern” side. Over time, these directions have evolved into nicknames for the respective institutions: “ 東邊 ” (eastern side) refers to the Municipal Party Committee, and “ 西邊 ” (western side) refers to the Municipal Government.

    Causing friction between the “eastern” and “western” sides over a concert is quite unlikely. Mayor Wen’s considerations are indeed comprehensive. Neither the Municipal Government nor the Municipal Party Committee can afford to “chase after stars.” As for the “Joyful Journey through China • Enter Moon City” concert, it seems that it was originally envisioned by the Moon City Evening News for market- oriented operations and was led by Comrade Qin Xiaoyue for market-oriented efforts. Relevant departments should prioritize security measures.

    This situation has left Qin Xiaoyue bewildered, caught between points “A” and “C.”

    The ever-changing dynamics between the “eastern” and “western” sides caught  Qin Xiaoyue off guard. It was like she had savored a delicious piece of “hairtail” (a type of fish), relishing its taste, but suddenly encountered two fish bones that got  stuck in her throat - neither hard nor soft, impossible to remove or swallow, causing  discomfort.

    To speak of it, the best time to savor “hairtail” is usually just before the Qingming Festival each year. Referred to as one of the “Three Delicacies of the Yangtze River,” the “hairtail” fish, also known as “knifefish,” derives its colloquial name due to its resemblance to a narrow, flat, and thin knife. It is more formally known as the “knifejaw.” Its body is silver-white and translucent. Each spring, before migrating into the Yangtze River for spawning, the hairtail fish accumulates a significant amount of fat for energy along the way. As a result, during this time, the Yangtze River hairtail is especially flavorful, tender, and boasts high nutritional value compared to other times. In the Qing Dynasty, the scholar Li Yu referred to it as a “delightful spring delicacy.” In the Moon City area, the most common preparation method is “steamed hairtail.”

    The hairtail fish has many soft bones, which often make people hesitant to eat it. However, when eating, as long as one person uses chopsticks to hold onto the fish head and lift it up, while another person uses chopsticks to press from below the fish head, gently separating the flesh from the bones, one can easily enjoy the meal. When eating the fish meat, as long as one is not too hasty, there shouldn’t be any trouble. Nevertheless, every year before the Qingming Festival, visitors from out of town who come to Moon City are often pricked by the hairtail fishbones while trying to eat them. Although these bones are soft, they are still bones, and having a bone stuck in your throat is naturally uncomfortable.

    At this moment, Qin Xiaoyue felt as if there was a thorn in her throat, feeling very uncomfortable. Originally, the well-thought-out plan for the “Celebrating the 17th  National Congress, Accompanied by Moon City Evening News grand concert seemed to be mature enough. She thought that by working together with Liu Yong’s “New Power Entertainment,” they could easily increase the circulation of the Evening News by 30,000 copies and allow her to achieve her dream of becoming the head of the Moon City Urban Daily. What a wonderful prospect! However, the sudden turn of events caught her off guard and left her feeling surprised and troubled, much like the discomfort caused by a fishbone stuck in one’s throat.

    Now, the event has been elevated in status, and the leadership group that was formed has become paralyzed after only a few days of operation. Both the “east side” and the “west side” have stopped caring and let go. The leaders of the City Committee Propaganda Department feel embarrassed - how could the newly appointed head of the group declare that the event is canceled just like that? This loss of “face” is quite significant.

    Indeed, Chinese people place a significant emphasis on “face.” As you can see,  in any organization or company, without exception, there is a grand and imposing  “main entrance gate,” with a prominent and attractive sign. This is where “face” resides. In contrast to countries like the United States and other Western nations,  which often display a modest and inconspicuous street address, this reflects a  completely different cultural concept. For most Chinese people, if you give them  “face,” everything can be discussed and negotiated; if you don’t give them “face,” don’t be surprised if they become offended. In such cases, it’s better not to even  bring up the matter; it’s a dead end.

    As a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee  and the head of the Propaganda Department, the principal leader naturally wouldn’t  easily let go of their “face.” Since the attitudes of both the “eastern side” and the  “western side” had changed, they could only work within their own “territory” and  come up with solutions. Thus, the grand highlight of the “Moon City Celebrates  the 17th  National Congress of the Communist Party of China with Mass Cultural  Activities” the “Joyful Journey Across China Comes to Moon City” grand concert   was launched in a grand manner. It’s clear to discerning individuals that this was  undoubtedly a version of the “Joyful Journey Across China Comes to Moon City” “Celebrate the 17th National Congress” grand concert. However, now it was the  Propaganda Department taking the lead, rather than the Municipal Party Committee  and the Municipal Government. Previously, the event aimed to report to the “high-ranking leaders” working in Beijing and the whole nation, showcasing Moon City’s achievements in the Three-Advancements, whereas now it was described as a mass cultural activity by the people of Moon City, celebrating the 17th  National Congress. More importantly, the original organizing entities were the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, involving numerous government departments. Now, with a single decision from the Propaganda Department’s leadership, the responsibility shifted to the Moon City Evening News, and the organizing entity became the Advertising Center of the Moon City Evening News.

    Faced with such changes, Qin Xiaoyue truly found herself in a situation where she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She had indeed intended to organize a large-scale concert, but her goal was crystal clear: to increase the circulation of Moon City Evening News by an additional 30,000 copies. To be honest, she was willing to endure hardship and put in effort just to achieve that goal. Furthermore, she had the “New Power” and the assistance of Liu Yong to rely on. However, as the event escalated and its objectives shifted, along with a change in the responsible entity with the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government taking the lead she had no choice but to comply. Now, the goal of 30,000 newspapers was no longer on the agenda; it had transformed into a “major cultural activity to celebrate the 17th National Congress,” with the responsibility primarily resting on “the masses.” Curiously, the responsible entity was not the “masses” but rather the Moon City Evening News. With the Moon City Evening News as the responsible entity, it almost implied that Qin Xiaoyue herself was the responsible entity. What used to be a shared burden had now become a burden borne solely by her. Qin Xiaoyue’s discontent was hard to express; who could she confide in about this feeling?

    “County officials are not as good as current administrators.” The Propaganda Department is a direct management department of the Moon City Evening News, and the department’s leader is Qin Xiaoyue’s immediate superior with the power to make life and death decisions. If not following their decisions, unless Qin Xiaoyue, the Editor-in-Chief, doesn’t want to continue working. Just as Qin Xiaoyue was in a dilemma, Liu Yong stepped forward, undoubtedly providing Qin Xiaoyue with a lifeline.

    The joint undertaking of the Moon City Evening News Newspaper Advertising Co., Ltd. and the Moon City New Power Entertainment Company, the “Moon City Welcomes the Seventeenth National Congress Mass Cultural Event Highlight” -“Joyful Journey Across China in Moon City” Large-scale Concert Cooperation Project Signing Ceremony, took place on the 17th  floor, the top floor of the Moon City Evening News building.

    Dressed in a dark-colored suit, Liu Yong appeared even more handsome and stylish in Qin Xiaoyue’s eyes, instantly overshadowing Qian Tao who was sitting at the other signing desk. Qian Tao’s short and chubby stature can be forgiven, as that’s something he was born with and beyond his control. However, he could have compensated for it by dressing more elegantly and paying attention to his attire. When signing a contract with a cooperating partner, especially on such an important occasion, how could he just wear a casual jacket? That seems a bit too casual, doesn’t it?

    In any case, as the two individuals sat at the signing desk, Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t help but find Liu Yong charming, handsome, and charismatic, capturing her favor and admiration. On the other hand, she perceived Qian Tao as ordinary, lacking any distinctive qualities, and simply not pleasing to her eyes. It was truly perplexing. Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t help but wonder to herself. In reality, in their usual interactions, Qian Tao was quick-witted and socially adept, qualities that she genuinely appreciated. So, what was happening today? The disparity between the two individuals shouldn’t have been so pronounced, right?

    At this moment, with the “New Power” willing to join forces and weather the storm with the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue felt touched, and her perception of Liu Yong naturally underwent a subtle change. While the burden on her mind couldn’t be completely lifted yet, at least there was a foothold, a support. Qin Xiaoyue had been quite satisfied with Liu Yong’s initial proposal, and his involvement provided her with some reassurance. Without his participation, embarking on a large-scale concert with no prior experience, especially for a woman like her and a team of newcomers from the newspaper, would have been a daunting and costly endeavor. The first attempt at such a grand event would have been risky, like trying to eat a costly and unfamiliar delicacy without knowing the outcome it could easily end up bitten and bruised.

    Now, things were different. Although Liu Yong was young, he was a standout in his field, and he had powerful connections backing him. Qin Xiaoyue’s confidence had grown. Of course, risks needed to be acknowledged they were ever-present in the market. Whenever you ventured into the market, risks were unavoidable. Since it was a joint effort between the two companies, they would “share the risks.” By working together, they could navigate the uncertainties and challenges that came with organizing a large-scale event like the “Happy China Tour - Coming to Moon City” concert. Liu Yong’s experience and connections could help mitigate potential pitfalls, and with their combined efforts, they could leverage each other’s strengths to ensure a successful outcome. This collaboration not only lightened the burden on Qin Xiaoyue’s shoulders but also provided her with a sense of assurance as they faced the unpredictable landscape of the market.

    Given the significant and solemn theme of “Moon City’s Grand Cultural Event to Welcome the 17th  National Congress,” it was imperative for both companies to exercise caution and discretion during their market-oriented operations. They couldn’t afford any slip-ups. As the head of the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue took her role seriously. During the signing ceremony of the collaboration project for the “Happy China Tour - Coming to Moon City” concert, she earnestly put forth four key requirements: political awareness, discipline, dedication, and efficiency. These four principles were essential to ensure that the event aligned with the overarching theme of the 17th  National Congress and maintained a high standard of professionalism and integrity. By emphasizing these principles, Qin Xiaoyue aimed to guide the collaboration towards a successful execution while upholding the values and expectations of such an important cultural event.

    The phrases “political awareness” and “discipline” may not sound particularly profound, but in the context of welcoming the 17th  National Congress, they hold significant meaning. Even in the midst of market-oriented operations, it was crucial to maintain a strong political orientation and adhere strictly to rules and regulations. The focus on “political awareness” ensured that the event’s message and activities aligned with the political objectives of the occasion, while “discipline” emphasized the importance of conducting all operations within legal and ethical boundaries, without compromising on this principle for monetary gains. As for “dedication” and “efficiency,” although their meanings are clear, their application within the project needed explicit definition. The extent of “dedication” and the criteria for determining “efficiency” should be well-defined for the project’s success. Qin Xiaoyue, on behalf of the Evening News Editorial Committee, proposed a specific requirement: Moon City Evening News would dedicate ten million pages of coverage to the event, while the two companies would handle the operational aspects. In return, the newspaper would be exempt from any further financial responsibilities related to the event, with the exception of its role in publicizing and planning.

    Qin Xiaoyue’s proposal of “ten million pages” of coverage may appear to be a significant level of support. For the Moon City Evening News, which has an annual advertising revenue of only two to three million, this level of support is unprecedented. Qin Xiaoyue’s move is truly remarkable. However, as the people of Moon City would say, this “ten million” is more of a “theory than practice.” It’s not actual tangible money, but rather a commitment that may not easily translate into real financial gains. Newspaper pages need to be filled with advertisements to generate revenue, and without advertisements, they are essentially blank. Given the current influence and advertising appeal of the Moon City Evening News, turning “ten million pages” into ten million yuan is far from straightforward. It’s a challenging task to transform theoretical support into actual financial results. Both Liu Yong and Qian Tao are undoubtedly aware of this reality.

    Speaking of “effectiveness,” the focus is naturally on social benefits, with the newspaper not seeking any economic return but aiming to enhance its influence and reputation through this activity in order to expand its circulation. The two organizing companies must be prepared for potential losses and share the risks. In short, Qin Xiaoyue’s performance at this signing ceremony can be summarized in one word: “excellent.” Her awareness is high, her posture is elevated, and her level of competence is impressive.

    After exchanging signed copies of the contract, both Liu Yong and Qiantao made resounding statements to General Manager Qin, promising to firmly uphold the “Four Emphases,” fulfill their duties without disgrace, and ensure the success and resonance of this “headline performance.”

    “Jay Chou is here—”

    “Wang Leehom is here—”

    “Stefanie Sun is here—”

    “S.H.E is here—”……

    The news of numerous celebrity stars coming to perform in Moon City created a sensation once it was announced through the Moon City Evening News.

    Banners, slogans, posters, and various types of promotions related to the concert flooded the streets, alleys, public parks, bustling commercial districts, and major shopping centers, creating a powerful and overwhelming presence.

    “The Grand Cultural Event to Celebrate the 17th  National Congress of the Month City” - “Joyful Journey Through China: Enter Month City” Mega Concert will beheld in Month City on a certain date.

    CCTV’s program “Joyful Journey Through China” enters Month City for the first time. Ticket hotline: ********

    Jay Chou is here

    Wang Leehom is here

    Stefanie Sun is here

    S•H•E is here ……

    Liu Yong and his “New Power,” along with Qian Tao and his advertising company, sprang into action. Ticket sales and marketing plans, as well as advertising sponsorship plans, were further refined. Targets and tasks were broken down step by step, and those salespeople who often had little to do suddenly found their chance to shine. With the opportunity at hand, it meant that gleaming silver money was beckoning to them, and the crimson bills with Chairman Mao’s portrait were smiling as they approached.

    The interactions between Liu Yong and Qin Xiaoyue increased significantly “beyond the eight hours.” For some key clients, the presence of the beautiful female executive was necessary. A glass of red wine, a song, a dance all these could bring in hundreds of thousands, even millions, in revenue. Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t afford to stay away. For the sake of the “bigger family” that is the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue had to temporarily sacrifice her own “small family.” Her husband had to take on the role of a “homemaker” for a while, taking care of their elementary school-aged son who needed supervision.

    It seems that the word “handsome” (“  帥 ” in Chinese) is a weak point for Qin Xiaoyue. No wondershe named her son “ 帥帥 ” (“Shuai Shuai”). Liu Yong’s

    “handsome” quality has already captured the attention of this somewhat experienced woman.

    You are silently by my side,

    Quietly making wishes of love’s attachment,

    The cooking smoke of the pasture adorns the grassland,

    Love is like an eternal and unchanging youth.

    You hold my hand by my side,

    Guiding me with familiar and unchanging vows,

    High snow-capped mountains bless us,

    Love you in this moment,forever and always.

    How long should we love?

    Love until eternity,

    Two people in love, until old age,

    I’m holding your hand, oh,

    Holding you till our hair turns white,

    Holding on till the end of time,

    Feeling the tenderness in your palm.

    On a certain night after a gathering with clients, a slightly tipsy Qin Xiaoyue was invited to Liu Yong’s bachelor apartment. Liu Yong didn’t turn on the lights, but instead, he used the moonlight from outside to navigate and turned on the stereo in the living room. He mentioned that he wanted to play a song for Qin Xiaoyue first, followed by a surprise.

    So, Qin Xiaoyue leaned lightly against the sofa, her body slightly tilted. She wanted to see what tricks Yung Liang could come up within front of her and what kind of “surprise” he had in store. As a result, she heard Daolang’s song “ Tenderness in Palm.” Daolang’s unique and soulful voice, both poignant and powerful, pierced through a woman’s tender heart like a knife, revealing her innermost feelings.

    “Yong, you little rascal. Are you here to torment me? You’ve unsettled my mind, turned my years of self-discipline into nothing. Answer me, answer me, you little troublemaker.” Qin Xiaoyue stood up, swaying slightly, and went to grab the wine bottle that Yong was opening.

    Upon seeing this, Liu Yong quickly set down the wine bottle and the corkscrew, then pulled Qin Xiaoyue into his arms. Their passionate lips met like magnets, drawing them together instantly. At this moment, words from Yong were unnecessary; everything else seemed superfluous compared to the passionate release between them.

    Outside the window, a crescent moon shone brightly and silently. Inside the room, a soft radiance enveloped the couple as they nestled together, wordlessly. No one knew what kind of tumultuous emotions had just unfolded here, nor could anyone fathom the depths of tender affection that had been expressed, like water flowing gently or glue holding fast.

    With Qin Xiaoyue’s delicate fragrance emanating from her earlobe, Liu Yong softly whispered to her, “In the past life, I already knew you, my dear sister. That’s why I want to love you for three lifetimes. In the last life, we met; in this life, we love; and in the next life, we’ll stay together.”

    Suhua noticed that although her son had been busy with the large-scale concert for the “Moon City Evening News” in recent days, he was coming home less frequently than before. However, his mental state seemed to be quite good. She had also heard from her husband about some twists and turns, but from Liu Yong’s perspective, the situation didn’t seem to be as serious as Liu Chengyin had described. Sometimes, when her son came home for a meal, aside from his usual lack of conversation with his father, Suhua would actively inquire about recent developments. Liu Yong would always have the same one-word response, “Busy.”

    In the past, when Liu Yong responded with a simple “busy,” there usually wasn’t much more to say. However, during this period, Liu Yong would patiently respond to his mother’s inquiries, almost always answering with detailed explanations. He seemed to have transformed into a different person. After the questioning was over, he would even tell his mother that he was indeed busy, but being “busy” was interesting. Seeing her son’s joyful demeanor, Suhua could sense that the progress of the concert must be going well. As a result, she would reprimand her husband for consistently lacking confidence in their son’s endeavors. Suhua knew that in Liu Chengyin’s heart, he still did not approve of their son’s choices and the path he had taken. Not having been able to attend a prestigious university and not having pursued something that would earn the approval and honor of their ancestors, Liu Chengyin truly felt a deep sense of guilt toward his grandfather who had passed away many years ago in distant Xianghe.

    Suhua, her husband, and both of their parents (Suhua’s in-laws) lived together as a family of four in the “Phoenix Court,” a three-story detached house located in the Moon City New District. A cleaning service came over every weekend to tidy up and ensure cleanliness. The daily three meals were all taken care of by Suhua’s parents-in-law. Despite being in their seventies, Suhua’s father-in-law, Liu chunyu, and mother-in-law, Yang Xuehua, were full of vitality. The elderly couple strictly adhered to the wellness principle of “early to bed and early to rise,” going to sleep before 8:30 PM and waking up before 5:00 AM. They started their mornings by preparing breakfast in the rice cooker, boiling eggs on the gas stove, steaming grains like yam and taro on the side. Afterward, the two of them would step outside for a slow-paced morning walk, focusing on leisurely strolls. After an hour of walking, they would visit the local market to pick up some staple ingredients for a balanced meal. Suhua displayed an uncommon level of tolerance when it came to dining decisions, likely because most of the time, it was her, her parents-in-law, and her husband eating together.

    Suhua’s husband, as the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee in charge of rural affairs in Moon City, had a multitude of responsibilities. His days were filled with meetings and inspections. He needed to attend meetings organized by superiors, lead meetings within the city, and provide guidance in meetings with subordinates. This cycle of meetings, one after the other, had become a routine. Apart from meetings, there were inspections. When superiors conducted inspections, he had to accompany them; when inspections happened within the city, he had to take the lead; and when subordinates were inspected, he needed to be present. This sequence of inspections had also become a customary practice. From this perspective, it seemed that “meetings” and “inspections” had become the two major essential tools for current leadership officials to carry out their work.

    No wonder Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua often chatted with their son using the term “young man” (referring to “son” in the local parlance of villages around Xianghe). Regardless of their son’s high-ranking position as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee, there was one thing that hadn’t changed from the past until now. The elderly couple didn’t care about their son’s official title; they simply referred to him as “young man” in their conversations. This sometimes bothered Suhua, and she would talk to her parents-in-law about it. She would remind them that they shouldn’t keep calling Chengyin “young man” as he had risen to the significant position of Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. It might sound somewhat amusing to others.

    Ah, I’ve been so forgetful, so forgetful. Since my daughter-in-law has expressed her opinion, it’s only right to yield a bit to the wishes of our elders (referring to oneself as a senior or ancestor in the local terminology of villages around Xianghe). It’s not an excessive adjustment.

    At times like this, Liu Chengyin would always smile and say to Suhua that it’s not that serious. He’d explain that older generations are accustomed to being addressed in certain ways, and it’s even more acceptable at home. He would then turn to his own parents and ask them, “Mom, Dad, what is it about our young man that hasn’t changed at all?”

    Not coming home. When he was young, he needed to strive for progress, so he was out all the time to show his performance. After becoming a leader in the county committee, he had to be responsible for the well-being of all the people in the county, which also meant being away from home constantly. Now, as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee and reaching middle age, he’s still not coming home, and there’s never a moment of leisure. They show it on TV too—look at the President of the United States, taking vacations on his own estate. Does that mean the U.S. President isn’t busy? How does he manage to find time to rest?

    The words of the elderly couple left Liu Chengyin somewhat amused and bemused. “You two have quite the sense of humor. How can I, a minor official, compare myself to the President of the United States?” he thought. “Besides, it’s not like I’m never coming home. It’s just that I spendless time at home due to my responsibilities.”

    It’s not just “less,” it’s extremely scarce, extremely scarce. Even on weekends, it’s rare to have an entire day to spend at home. On this matter, Suhua has chosen to stand with her parents-in-law. Suddenly, Liu Chengyin feels quite isolated and unsupported.

    Liu Chengyin didn’t suddenly go from the Provincial Committee’s Department of Agriculture and Labor to become the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee in Moon City. He was initially transferred from the position of County Committee Secretary in Chuxian County to become the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Labor in the Provincial Committee. It can be said that Vice Secretary Shen Dachuan, who was in charge of rural work in the Provincial Committee, played a significant role in this transfer. Some might wonder why a County Committee Secretary became a department director, where even though his rank wasn’t lowered, the disparity in position was quite significant. How could one attribute this to the care of a Vice Secretary in the Provincial Committee? Well, these are just old stories and trivial matters perhaps it’s best not to dwell on them.

    It was indeed with the recognition, encouragement, and mentorship of Secretary Shen that Liu Chengyin didn’t remain stagnant in his role as a department director. A few years later, he was reassigned to a less developed city in northern Jiangsu Province, where he took on the position of Deputy Mayor in charge of rural affairs.

    To others, taking up the role of a Deputy Mayor in a poverty-stricken and underdeveloped area, particularly in charge of rural affairs, might seem like a “lesser” position. There’s a saying that being from a poor family is hard, and being a poor official is even harder. Some might argue that Liu Chengyin’s role as Deputy Mayor wasn’t exactly a prestigious one. However, Liu Chengyin didn’t share this perspective. He thought that if it weren’t for northern Jiangsu Province and its challenges, or if the area wasn’t impoverished, he might not have had the opportunity to become the Deputy Mayor. He believed that being chosen for this role in an underdeveloped region of northern Jiangsu was a significant chance. The fact that the organization had selected him and that Secretary Shen held him in high regard meant that he had to make a meaningful impact. He was determined not to disappoint the organization’s trust and Secretary Shen’s confidence in him.

    Just as Liu Chengyin was full of confidence and settling into his new role, a short while later, the Provincial Committee and Provincial Government initiated a territorial reorganization. Moon City was elevated from a county-level city to a prefecture-level city. This transformation required a significant number of leadership cadres to participate in the establishment of the new “larger” city. As a result, Liu Chengyin was once again selected and transferred to Moon City to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee.

    However, Moon City was quite different from northern Jiangsu Province. It had a rich history, abundant resources, a pleasant climate, and convenient access to waterways and the sea. It belonged to the region of central Jiangsu Province, which was known for its relatively robust economic development. This move was extremely crucial for Liu Chengyin. It was as if he had been swiftly elevated from a department director to the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. If he had been directly promoted from a department director in the Provincial Committee’s Department of Agriculture and Labor to the Deputy  Secretary of the City Committee, how many people would have envied and been jealous of him? But now,transitioning from Deputy Mayor to Deputy Secretary, a lateral move with only a slightly higher position, who would still find reasons to gossip and speculate?

    Liu Chengyin not only felt grateful for Secretary Shen’s transformative support but also held a deep admiration for the strategic planning and arrangements made by his experienced leaders. Su Youliang, the old Taishan (a term often used to refer to a wise and influential person) in the local area, had a clear understanding of these moves. Initially, he had encouraged his son-in-law to take that first step, assuring him that with the first step, he needn’t worry about the lack of a second step. Otherwise, he might have been stuck as a department director indefinitely. Su Youliang advised Liu Chengyin that since Secretary Shen held him in high regard and had sent him to northern Jiangsu, he should approach the opportunity with enthusiasm and vigor. Once there, he should work with full dedication and handle the various aspects of his responsibilities, given his prior experience as a county secretary. Looking back, it becomes clear that Liu Chengyin’s resolute decision to accept the assignment in northern Jiangsu was not only to repay Secretary Shen’s trust but was also influenced by the guidance of his father-in-law, Su Youliang.

    After Liu Chengyin was transferred to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Moon City Committee, Suhua, as a “spouse of the transferred cadre,” was placed as a librarian at Moon City Teacher’s College. She had been a key teacher at Qingjiang High School. However, for the sake of her husband, she once again left her familiar position, her aging parents, and her hometown. Years before, she had followed her husband to work in Chuxian County with their young son. It was the first time she had left Qingjiang, where she had lived for over twenty years. She departed from her familiar Qingjiang High School, leaving behind her parents and her home. Unlike the first time, this departure was different because her son, Liu Yong, had already left Qingjiang to study in the provincial capital. This time, she didn’t have to take her son with her when she left.

    Despite the reluctance and emotional struggles, leaving was a decision Suhua made, for she had spent many years revolving her life around her husband. When her husband needed her, she chose to follow him, despite the countless moments of attachment and reluctance. She was well aware of the “pain” that her husband had carried within him over the years. Upon arriving in Moon City, she brought her parents-in-law from Xianghe, hundreds of miles away, to live with them, aiming to reunite her husband with his parents. However, in the process, she had to accept the separation from her own parents, becoming a part of a father-son and mother-son reunion, while she herself was left to navigate the life of a daughter and mother in separate places.

    Fortunately, life in Moon City had been relatively smooth for Suhua in the past few years. However, her biggest concern now lay with her son, Liu Yong. When Liu Yong chose to attend an art school in Nanjing for a vocational diploma, Liu Chengyin was deeply dissatisfied. It wasn’t just Liu Chengyin who was unhappy Suhua shared his sentiment. Even Liu Yong’s grandparents, who had watched him grow up and cherished him dearly, sighed and expressed disappointment upon seeing his acceptance letter. But what could they do? (Note: Everyone seemed to hold reservations about Liu Yong’s choice, and Suhua’s concern for her son’s future was growing.)

    This child, he certainly has the looks. He’s tall and well-proportioned, a handsome young man. At seventeen or eighteen, he’s already over  1.8 meters tall, with attractive features. His teachers at Qingjiang High School used to say that we had given birth to a Korean male star. He’s not lacking in intelligence either, and he’s naturally gifted with a great singing voice. During his highschool years, he was always surrounded by a group of girls. People used to joke that he wouldn’t have trouble finding a good wife in the future. Who would’ve known that this mischievous kid would actually start dating girls from his class? And not just from his own class, but girls from other classes too.

    Liu Chengyin often blames me for not raising our son well. As an educator and his mother, I’m left speechless. But honestly, I don’t really know who this child takes after you or me? When I was in school, all I focused on was my studies. I never had those “twists and turns” in my mind like your son does. Looking at your relationship with Lu Xiaoying, I think Liu Yong takes after you in that aspect!

    These thoughts are things Suhua can only keep to herself. They might come to the surface when she’s feeling unhappy, just for her to vent a little. Because, all this time, Liu Chengyin has been holding it against her, blaming her for their son not getting into a regular university.

    As the saying goes, even teeth and the tongue can clash at times, so it’s only natural for a married couple to have disagreements and things not always going smoothly. Now, Suhua no longer worries about the likes of “Lu Xiaoying” or “Huang Xiaoying.” What truly concerns her is that her son, who spends his days with entertainers, doesn’t get himself into any trouble or scandals.

    Suhua finally noticed a hint of “Chanel” fragrance in Liu Yong’s bachelor apartment.

    Besides the irregular occasions when Liu Yong would drop by for a meal, Suhua’s communication and interaction with her son involved periodic visits to his bachelor apartment, where she would tidy up and clean for him.

    Originally, Liu Yong didn’t really need to live on his own. His grandparents also very much wished to live together with their grandson a three-generation household, a source of great joy. However, as the saying goes, “Like father, like son.” The father can’t stand the son’s ways, and the son doesn’t listen to the father. In simpler terms, they don’t see eye to eye. They’re both stubborn and unyielding.

    This is just one of the reasons why Liu Yong chose to live away from home. In fact, there are more practical reasons behind his decision to move out of the family home.

    During these years in the entertainment industry, Liu Yong has managed to make some progress to a certain extent. If he didn’t have an independent space of his own, it would be challenging to conduct many of his business activities. Bringing his friends from the industry into his family home isn’t quite suitable, especially considering his father’s position as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. In the end, both he and his friends from the industry would feel uncomfortable. Over time, this could certainly impact his company’s operations. Therefore, his decision to purchase his own apartment and live independently is also a practical necessity for the development of his “new forces” within the industry.

    Of course, considering his grandparents’ advancing age, it’s only natural for Liu Yong to occasionally come back home for a meal and add a lively atmosphere to the household. It’s something he should rightfully do.

    At first, Suhua wasn’t particularly supportive of her son moving out to live on his own. However, upon reflection, she realized that if she wanted her son to run his own company, she should allow him the freedom to explore and work independently. Ideally, he should strive to become less reliant on financial support, which would contribute to his healthy growth. Given this perspective, it becomes clear that her son indeed needed his own independent space.

    Even though she provided him with his own space, as a mother, she couldn’t help but worry. This mischievous kid had been quite rebellious during his high school years, and as a result, he took a detour. While he didn’t make a catastrophic mistake, it certainly caused a lot of distress for the family. Especially for his father, who held the ideal of “glory and honor to the ancestors,” not getting into a regular university was a significant source of disappointment and resentment. Up to now, the relationship between father and son hasn’t been particularly harmonious, largely due to the fact that the “knot” in the father’s heart hasn’t been fully untied.

    Absolutely, one must be cautious about letting this young man get into any new trouble. Girls nowadays are not easily fooled. If you choose to engage in risky behavior, you might end up facing the consequences, with serious repercussions. Moreover, your father holds a prominent position as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. If his son were to cause a scandal, it would reflect poorly on his reputation.

    Now that Suhua has noticed the “Chanel” fragrance in her son’s apartment, she can’t simply ignore it and not ask about it.

    “The Highlight of Mass Cultural Activities in Moon City Welcoming the  17th Party Congress” — The large-scale concert “Joyful Journey through China • Coming to Moon City” has achieved tremendous success.

    This is the first large-scale plaza performance in Moon City after it upgraded  to a “major city.” There were around thirty to forty thousand people in attendance,  making it a truly grand spectacle. Numerous celebrity stars were dancing, jumping,  singing, and shouting with full enthusiasm, creating a passionate and exhilarating  atmosphere. The tens of thousands of spectators held “Joyful Journey through China” glow sticks and clapped along, following the rhythm of the live show. They waved  and danced, with tens of thousands of glow sticks swaying from side to side, creating  a spectacular and awe-inspiring scene. Suddenly, a wave of applause erupted, the  sound of clapping resonating throughout the audience. It turns out that a singer had  appeared among the audience, shaking hands with everyone while singing, and then  made their way onto the stage. It was a true “close encounter” with the stars, giving  the citizens of Moon City an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

    At this moment, on the stage’s lighting rig, several “fire dragons” whizzed through the night sky with a sharp hiss, leaving behind trails of cold sparks; fireworks bloomed around the stage, shining brilliantly, and firecrackers resounded. The atmosphere at the scene reached its climax with enthusiastic cheers, shouts, and leaps, creating a continuous wave of excitement. The entire concert turned into a massive sea of joy, where exuberance, shouts, and leaps echoed one after another.

    Indeed, collaborating with the CCTV program “Joyful Journey through China,” the entire concert showcased a top-tier ensemble of performers, stunning stage  design, impressive lighting and sound effects. While it’s hard to definitively say it’s  the best in Moon City’s history, it’s undoubtedly an unprecedented achievement. The  people were beaming with joy and left the concert fully satisfied, realizing that their  ticket purchases were truly worthwhile.

    The city leadership commended Qin Xiaoyue and praised the efforts of the Moon City Evening News. The entire concert’s publicity planning for Moon City, featuring three highlights of civilized construction presented in the form of “business cards,” demonstrated innovative creativity. The three “business cards” for the three aspects of civilization were meticulously crafted and precise, and when presented on a high-end platform like CCTV, it gained substantial influence and prominence nationwide. The city leadership regarded this as a top-tier success in “external promotion” that deserves thorough analysis and reflection.

    The leaders from both the “eastern” and “western” sectors of the city requested Qin Xiaoyue to come to their offices, listen to reports, provide guidance, and offered full encouragement and recognition. The unanimous conclusion among the leaders was that Qin Xiaoyue is exceptional. Despite the multimillion-dollar production costs of the concert, she managed to resolve all of them through market-based operations without seeking a single cent from the city. What’s remarkable is that this market-based approach also generated several million in advertising revenue and cash income. Impressed by this achievement, the city’s leaders couldn’t recall any other unit or leader in Moon City who has accomplished such a feat. In the era of the “Cultural Revolution,” Qin Xiaoyue might have been hailed as someone who “launched a satellite.” Nowadays, the phrase “launching a satellite” is outdated, and a more fashionable expression is “breaking new ground.” In essence, whether it’s “launching a satellite” or “breaking new ground,” the concept is similar—just different terminology to convey the same idea.

    Moreover, thanks to this grand concert, Qin Xiaoyue and her Evening News also gained both fame and fortune. The residents of Moon City were captivated by the allure of the Moon City Evening News, leading to a significant surge in subscription numbers. Suddenly, the Moon City Evening News, along with its charismatic female executive, became the hot topic of conversation for Moon City residents during their casual chats and meals.

    Liu Yong has become the unsung hero behind the scenes of the “Joyful China Tour • Enter Moon City” large-scale concert, the highlight of the “Moon City Welcomes the 17th Party Congress Mass Cultural Activities.”

    For him, the rewards are not just about fulfilling contracts and sharing profits. Of course, in business terms, money is naturally a part of it. Over the past few months, he has dedicated his brainpower, physical effort, and financial resources,and he deserves what he’s earned. Just to secure a “Jay Chou,” Liu Yong has paid an “unspeakable” price. But what can you do? “Jay Chou” is more than just an idol for young people; in the hearts of most teenagers, he’s an “icon.” With him on board, boxoffice success and investment attraction are fundamentally assured. However, how could you simply “invite” an international superstar like him? Spending money, using money as leverage? That’s quite humorous; for an international superstar, do you think they care about the commission from a single performance?

    At this moment,with such a big name involved, what matters most isn’t money. Of course, money isn’t entirely unimportant, as without it, there’s simply not much to discuss. What’s more crucial here is relationships, is connections. Does the Moon City Evening News have those kinds of connections? Can they reach out to “Jay Chou”? Even if Qin Xiaoyue is a beauty with talent, would she be effective in front of “Jay Chou”? No, it won’t work, none of them would be effective. Only he, Liu Yong, stepping in, willing to put in the effort, traveling to Beijing time and time again, seeking out his friends and contacts in the entertainment industry there.

    Spending money is necessary. In this world, it confirms that saying, “Money isn’t everything, but without money, nothing is possible.” Without money, who would be willing to “push the grindstone” for you? The problem is, for Liu Yong, sometimes it’s more than just “spending money.” Who made you so handsome, so tall and charming? Well then, sacrifice yourself a little. It’s hard to put into words, but this kind of thing can be quite distasteful. It’s true that Liu Yong is the dream lover of many women. But he’s only interested in those young girls, preferably the “naive” ones. He has never turned himself into an indiscriminate “Pigsy,” drooling over every “female.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t be Liu Yong anymore. Moreover, ever since he got busy with the large-scale concert for Moon City Evening New, Liu Yong has changed. He made a “three-lifetime” promise to Sister Qin. He obtained unprecedented satisfaction from her gentle realm; he gained glory and pride from traversing her not-so-vast hills; he found tranquility and serenity after docking in her harbor of happiness, where he no longer set sail.

    Of course, Liu Yong’s gains go beyond that. Due to the enormous success of the  “City Welcomes the 17th National People’s Congress Mass Cultural Event Highlight” - “Joyful Journey Through China • Entering Moon City” large-scale concert, Liu  Chengyin became aware of the contributions his son had made, which led to a  change in his perception of Liu Yong. He became less averse to the path Liu Yong had chosen for himself, almost as if he tacitly approved. Since the grandfather’s aspiration for family honor and glory couldn’t be realized, it was now placed upon the “next generation.” Liu Chengyin had long since made up his mind that when Liu Yong started a family and had children, he wouldn’t stand idly by anymore. He wouldn’t allow Su Hua’s indulgence and would instead implement a strict and scientific upbringing plan. The old-fashioned concept of nurturing talent, “A mulberry tree must be pruned from a young age,” though simple, still holds value and is worth remembering.

    The improvement in Liu Chengyin’s perception of his son played a decisive role in helping Liu Yong overcome difficulties later on. However, this is a topic for another time and will not be discussed for now.

    Due to the tremendous success of the “Joyful Journey through China Comes to Moon City” large-scale concert, which was the highlight of the city’s celebration for the 17th  Party Congress, a strategic partnership was formed between Liu Yong’s “New Power” and Qin Xiaoyue’s leadership at the Moon City Evening News. As a result, the collaboration between these two entities expanded significantly in various dimensions and levels. Furthermore, the relationship between the two individuals grew increasingly close and intimate over time.

    On a certain night, when Liu Yong shared with Qin Xiaoyue the inspiration he gained from the simulated Olympic torch relay event in Moon City, while lying on the bed that was once bathed in moonlight, Qin Xiaoyue almost didn’t need any time to think. She readily agreed to collaborate once again with the “New Power” to organize a large-scale concert to welcome the Olympics.

    With the success of the first event, everything became easier and the operational model was already in place. As a result, the entire team of the “New Power” and the Evening News Advertising Company quickly got involved in ticketing and commercial operations. Since the large-scale concert was themed around welcoming the Olympics, obtaining the approval letter from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games became crucial. This significant task undoubtedly fell on Liu Yong’s shoulders. To be honest, in the entertainment industry, neither Qin Xiaoyue nor the Evening News team had any connections or knowledge about how to navigate the process, let alone secure the approval letter from the Olympic Organizing Committee.

    Liu Yong naturally stepped up to the task without hesitation. In the Beijing entertainment industry, he had a few close “buddies” and exceptional “sisters” with strong connections. It shouldn’t have been too difficult for him to establish  contact with the Beijing Organizing Committee. After all, in the year 2008, the year  of the Beijing Olympics, wouldn’t those of them who were active in the Beijing  entertainment scene want to cash in on the Olympics and make a fortune? Unless  they were abstaining from worldly desires and acting selflessly, there was no money  they wouldn’t dare to earn. With the Olympic Games being such a substantial  opportunity and a lucrative venture, how could they not want a piece of that “cake”?

    Sure enough, a Beijing-based entertainment group called “Da Tang Fei Ge” readily agreed to Liu Yong’s request and promised to help obtain the approval letter  from the Organizing Committee. To be honest, Liu Yong’s relationship with “Da  Tang Fei Ge” was not particularly solid. He only knew their marketing manager,  Meng Ge, who seemed to be a girl from Sichuan, outgoing and bold with a touch of spiciness. She was decisive and capable, with a hint of boldness. After a few years of interaction, she left a good impression on Liu Yong. Saying it was good was merely  accurate; it didn’t quite reach the level of satisfaction. This girl was quite crafty. She  had never introduced her big boss, “Tang Shan,” to Liu Yong. Being active in the  entertainment industry, Liu Yong had long heard that Tang Shan was a person with  extraordinary connections in Beijing. Not only could he manage top-tier celebrities  from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, but he also had the power to secure approvals  and navigate government departments in Beijing. In the circles, stories about Tang  Shan abounded, and one of his well-known catchphrases was “everything depends  on one’s strength.” Money was a form of strength, and connections were another.

    Now, Meng Ge clearly informed Liu Yong that Mr. Tang has expressed that  “Da Tang Fei Ge” is willing to help obtain the approval letter from the Olympic  Organizing Committee. This makes it possible for Liu Yong to meet Mr. Tang,  the “big shot.” Of course, obtaining this “approval letter” from “Da Tang Fei Ge” comes with conditions. It can’t be obtained for free, and there are prerequisites.  The idea of not obtaining it for free is understandable. Mr. Tang is not an “Olympic  volunteer,” and he doesn’t have an obligation to provide you, Liu Yong, with  voluntary assistance. Mr. Tang is straightforward, and the price is 800,000. No need  for negotiations. Never degrade yourself to the level of a market vendor. Engaging in  the performing arts is inherently refined. Interacting with top-tier singers, performing  artists, renowned musicians, and famous performers of today, one should aspire to become more refined. In the performing arts, resolutely refuse to act like a small tradesperson. This is another famous saying of Mr. Tang’s. Therefore, there is no room for negotiation with “Da Tang Fei Ge.” Mr. Tang always sets a fixed price. 800,000 yuan, and Liu Yong cannot negotiate even a bit.

    In addition to this, “Da Tang Fei Ge” has one prerequisite that needs to be fulfilled. That is, the local government needs to send an invitation letter to the Olympic Organizing Committee. Only in this way can the approval letter from the Olympic Organizing Committee be obtained legitimately. Otherwise, how could a “Welcome Olympic Games” themed concert be arranged so easily? Just saying it’s for Moon City wouldn’t make it happen.

    Manager Liu, do you understand what General Tang means? Little Meng Ge is currently at a coffee shop in Meidiya, coordinating the relevant details with you. Her pair of expressive eyes are blinking incessantly at this moment, as if she’s worried that you might not catch her slightly “Sichuan-flavored” Mandarin clearly.

    Can’t hold back the wolf for the sake of the child. With 800,000, Liu Yong gritted his teeth and accepted. It’s not a big deal; he can work harder in event operations and make up for it from another aspect. However, obtaining an invitation letter from the local government is beyond his capability. He’s aware that the twists and turns in the “Joyful Journey Across China - Coming to Moon City” grand concert were precisely due to issues with the Municipal Party Committee and the City Government. In the end, Qin Xiaoyue managed to pull through safely, and the outcome was a happy one for all. However, at that time, both the “East” and the “West” sides were not supportive. Will the attitudes of the “East” and “West” sides change a year later?

    Liu Yong had no choice but to pass this matter to his “Sister Qin,” Qin Xiaoyue.

    In Mayor Wen’s office, Qin Xiaoyue was earnestly presenting her concept for organizing the “Welcoming the Olympic Games Theme Concert.”

    Qin Xiaoyue had a serious expression on her face, occasionally tucking her longhair behind her ears. Perhaps she was so engrossed in her report, she didn’t even notice when the door to the mayor’s office was closed.

    “Xiaoyue Chief, take a sip of water and speak slowly,” Wen Lianggong said as he stood up from his chair behind the office desk. He adjusted the tea cup in front of Qin Xiaoyue. Last year’s “Welcome the  17th  National Congress” had placed a heavy burden on Qin Xiaoyue due to a decision made by Mayor Wen himself. The reshuffling of two deputy mayors had led to all the responsibilities of organizing the tens of thousands of people event falling onto the shoulders of Qin Xiaoyue, a young woman. The coordination of the concert involved various departments, making the workload quite extensive. Mayor Wen was well aware of the intricacies and challenges involved. As the saying goes, one doesn’t realize the difficulties until they’ve experienced them. He recalled when the “Heart-to-Heart” Art Troupe was dispatched to entertain the “Million Farmers.” That event, with an audience of only a few thousand people, was for public welfare, yet it took several months of work for both the county and city governments. Wen Lianggong himself had been involved on-site for several weeks. Reflecting on this, he realized that without being on-site, without being directly involved in coordination, if any problems arose, especially safety-related ones, it would be a matter of life and death. No one could bear such responsibility, and it would be difficult to explain to higher-ups, especially the “higher-ups” back in Beijing. Achieving a successful event was no easy task at all.

    However, not only did Qin Xiaoyue have to organize a concert with tens of thousands of attendees, but she also had to manage the costs of millions of dollars for the performance. The pressure on her was far from light. Wen Lianggong had initially admired Qin Xiaoyue, who was known for her beauty and talent. He never expected that his personal dissatisfaction would result in such immense pressure on her. Looking back, Wen Lianggong felt a sense of remorse. However, as the mayor of the city, he couldn’t just take back what he had said without considering the consequences. Moreover, his comments were not directed at the Moon City Evening News, nor were they aimed at Qin Xiaoyue personally. In all honesty, which man doesn’t have a bit of a weakness for delicate and charming women in his heart?

    At this moment, Wen Lianggong felt that he could extend a helping hand to Qin Xiaoyue.

    Seeing Mayor Wen stand up, Qin Xiaoyue felt that it might be inappropriate for her to remain seated. So, she pushed her chair back and started to stand up. However, Wen Lianggong took a few steps and reached her side, gently patting her shoulder to signal her to stay seated. Meanwhile, he gestured with his arm as he explained his understanding of the 2008 Beijing Olympics to her.

    In 2008, the long-awaited Olympic year for the entire nation, the Party and the country will undoubtedly attach great importance to the promotion of the Olympics. Hosting an Olympics that satisfies the people and the world is undoubtedly crucial a fulfillment of a century-long dream. However, in my view, seizing the opportunity of hosting the Olympics to promote its spirit, engage people in the Olympic ideals of “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” and transform it into a spiritual wealth for people of all ethnicities across the country, is equally important. Not only is it significant, but it also holds profound and far-reaching implications. While the Olympic flame will eventually extinguish, the Olympic flag will eventually lower, and the Games will come to an end, the promotion and dissemination of the Olympic spirit, its inheritance and promotion, are enduring endeavors that require our unremitting efforts. For a city like Moon City, with its special political significance, hosting a “Welcome Olympic-themed Concert” in the name of the municipal government during a year of such political significance as 2008, seems necessary and meaningful. Editor Xiaoyue, your keen perception is truly impressive; you’re indeed well- suited for journalism and have a knack for capturing important elements. I will fully support this endeavor. However, I want to be clear from the outset that I won’t provide financial support. You’ll need to rely on your initiative and market-oriented operations. As for other aspects, such as sending invitation letters, ensuring security, coordinating with various departments, and even involving some businesses that might need to contribute, I can make calls on your behalf.

    The Mayor’s words left Qin Xiaoyue incredibly excited and elated. She hadn’t expected Mayor Wen to be so supportive. His eloquent interpretation of the Olympics displayed depth, insight, and foresight. Even more importantly, his endorsement of organizing a “Welcome Olympic-themed Concert” not only under the banner of the municipal government but also with substantial support, including his willingness to make calls to certain businesses, was truly remarkable. It’s worth noting that a call from the Mayor is not something taken lightly. Who wouldn’t carefully consider receiving a call from the Mayor, especially the CEOs of various companies?

    Qin Xiaoyue was perhaps too overwhelmed with excitement. As she stood up to shake the Mayor’s hand, she accidentally knocked over a tea cup on the coffee table. Her previously fair complexion turned instantly flushed, and she quickly retrieved a tissue from her bag to clean up the spill.

    “Blushing suits you, Xiaoyue,” Mayor Wen said with a smile, not paying much attention to the toppled tea cup. He playfully glanced at Qin Xiaoyue and made a light-hearted remark.

    “My apologies for being a bit flustered. Mayor, with your strong support and concern for our newspaper, we will ensure the success of this concert. We will strive to exceed the previous event in terms of overall quality and impact. Please rest assured. Of course, if any challenges arise, Xiaoyue will definitely seek Mayor Wen’s guidance,” Qin Xiaoyue replied earnestly.

    “Well, no need to ask, just let me know your ‘requests’. Let me provide better ‘service’ for our beautiful Chief Editor. After all, they say that leaders are here to serve, right?” After their conversation, it seemed that something had changed between Wen Lianggong and Qin Xiaoyue. Of course, for Qin Xiaoyue, this change meant more benefits. Now, obtaining the invitation letter from the municipal government to the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee was no longer a problem.

    Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t wait and immediately dialed the phone number of Liu Yong, who was far away in Beijing.

    The “Welcome Olympic Theme Concert” received strong support from Mayor Wen, and the Municipal People’s Government of Moon City issued an “Authorization Letter” to the Moon City Evening News, clearly stating that the newspaper was fully responsible for organizing and commercially operating the concert. At the same time, the Moon City Municipal Government also sent an invitation letter to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) to host the “Welcome Olympic Theme Concert.”

    With the city government’s “invitation letter” in hand, when facing Meng Ge once again, Liu Yong’s tone became firmer. He expressed to Meng Ge that this time, he must personally meet Tangshan.

    Stay calm and patient. Manager Liu, you can hand over the “invitation letter” to me first, and I will pass it on to General Tang. Let him personally take action to  obtain the approval letter from the Olympic Organizing Committee for you. Our  General Tang has mentioned that this could be considered a “gift” for you, Manager  Liu. What do you think?

    Still in a caf　 at Media City, Meng Ge, the marketing manager of “Da Tang Fei Ge,” lightly tapped the rim of her coffee cup with a golden long-handled spoon, producing a pleasant and crisp sound. Departing from her usual fiery demeanor, she calmly and systematically conveyed her plans and thoughts to Liu Yong. Of course, these plans and thoughts were also the plans and thoughts of General Tang from “Da Tang Fei Ge.” It’s just that they were being conveyed to Liu Yong through Meng Ge’s words.

    “So, should I wait in Beijing for Tang General’s ‘meeting gift,’ or should I return to Moon City and wait for your call?” Liu Yong understood that the established process set by Tangshan couldn’t be changed by anyone. After all, Tangshan was a prominent figure in the Beijing entertainment industry, while he himself was just a “small boss” of an entertainment company in a third-tier city.

    “Don’t be hasty; you can’t eat hot tofu in a hurry. Dealing with the Olympic Organizing Committee isn’t something anyone can manage. In the Beijing entertainment industry, from what I know, only a few ‘big shots’ like Tang General have the connections to communicate with officials from certain departments under the Olympic Committee and dare to take on your ‘delicate task.’ If it were someone else, they wouldn’t even have a foot in the door.”

    As Meng Ge’s words grew softer, she moved closer to Liu Yong. Eventually, she leaned in and whispered to him. Meng Ge suggested to Liu Yong that he should spend a few more days in Beijing. As partners, she could offer him complimentary companionship and entertainment services. She questioned the constant pursuit of money and the purpose behind it—consumption. Isn’t the trend nowadays all about “consuming life” and being fashionable? She urged Liu Yong to seize the tail end of his youth and engage in this trendy consumption lifestyle. In a few years, when you enter the stage of having a wife and children, do you think you’ll still have the luxury to “consume”? How can you “consume” when you have a family to support? Even if you’re a “man,” strong, and capable, if you can balance your responsibilities with your family, do you think anyone would be willing to accompany you in your “consumption”?

    Meng Ge’s suggestion struck a chord with Liu Yong. He smiled and playfully wrapped his arm around Meng Ge’s waist, asking, “You talk about being partners, but isn’t this more like ‘accompanying’ each other? Nowadays, no matter how you put it, it’s still ‘accompanying’ of all sorts.”

    “Sure, I’m going for it. After all, who made you, Yong Ge, such a sentimental guy!” A Sichuan girl is a Sichuan girl, and before you know it, that spicy spirit comes out.

    Yong could clearly see the spark of desire in Meng Ge’s eyes, as if while  igniting her own flame, she also intended to ignite Yong’s. It’s worth noting that  Yong has always adhered to the motto of “consume life, reject the sublime.”

    Whether it was during his years at the art school or when he first entered the entertainment industry and made his mark, he was the “playful dragon” in “playing with dragons and phoenixes.” How many “phoenixes” he has “consumed,” he never really bothered to keep track. He didn’t study “statistics,” after all, and why bother remembering those numbers it would be so boring. “Consuming,” just keep on “consuming,” that’s the true joy of Yong’s life.

    Of course, there was a time when he contemplated becoming “sublime” for the sake of a “little bird.” Regrettably, his youthful and naive self took a wrong turn on the path to “sublimity,” ending up on a misguided journey. In the end, the “little bird” flew south and left him behind. Looking back, he found it laughable. How much does a kilogram of “sublimity” cost? What divine entity is this “sublimity”? What good is it? Even those who were considered supremely sublime eventually stepped down from their exalted pedestals, stripped of their “sublime” veneer by the masses. It’s just like a farmer cutting a pumpkin, whether it’s three-sevenths or four- sixths, it all depends on the farmer’s skill with the knife. “Sublimity” has long rolled off to the side, much like a pumpkin.

    Now, dealing with a “little dove” like this,in the eyes of Liu Yong, it’s a piece of cake. Facing Meng Ge’s gaze, Liu Yong tilted his head slightly, grabbed his bag, settled the bill, and left.

    “Let Beijing Hear the Blessings and Cheers from the People of Moon City!”-

    The press conference for the “May 1st  Welcome Olympic Games Grand Concert” was held in a grand manner at the Moon City Reception Center.

    The Moon City Reception Center is situated by the Moon City Lake in the old city area of Moon City. The scattered buildings are concealed by tall trees, and from an external view, there is no conspicuous luxury or grandeur commonly seen in upscale hotels. Especially the entrance of the reception center, it is ordinary to the extreme. Two cubic column-shaped structures with small pavilions made of glazed tiles at the top corners, each pavilion equipped with light tubes. As nightfalls, they emit a soft and faint yellow light, providing illumination.

    Between the two pavilions is a very common automatic sliding door. When the staff presses the button, the electronic display on the door flashes with four words, “Welcome to visit.” In fact, vehicles entering the reception center must have permits; ordinary vehicles and citizens are not “welcomed” at the reception center. Who knows, an important leader might stay here someday. Can security work betaken lightly? Since it can’t betaken lightly, regular management must be strict. In this regard, the citizens of Moon City can understand. They won’t think that the local government is exercising privilege.

    In today’s world, urban image construction has been elevated to an extremely  important position. For a city to increase its citizens’ happiness index, the primary  focus is still on economic development. With economic growth, citizens’ incomes  can be improved. Thus, there is an inherent connection between a city’s “economy” and its citizens’ “income.” However, economic development requires certain  conditions; it’s not just a matter of wanting to develop and being able to do so. In  this regard, the city’s image becomes crucial. Undoubtedly, a city with a positive  image enjoys a higher reputation externally, attracts more foreign investment, and  naturally contributes to the city’s economic development. From this perspective,Moon City Reception Center is also a part of enhancing Moon City’s urban image, a “image project” if you will. It’s necessary to have upscale and luxurious interior facilities. When political figures, business magnates, and celebrities from various fields choose to stay at the reception center and leave with a positive impression, that’s a good thing. At least, it leaves a favorable first impression of Moon City. This “first impression” is incredibly significant. Without a good first impression, everything else might as well be over. Where would a “second impression” or a “third impression” come from?

    At some point, this “image project” and “shoddy construction project” became  like twin brothers, unjustifiably bound together by the media, and were harshly  condemned as two dogs drowning in water. To be frank, there is a misunderstanding  here, and it’s unfair to the “image project.” As for the “shoddy construction  project,” it’s not excessive to harshly criticize it as “drowning dogs,” and the media  elites giving it a good “beating” might even help alleviate public grievances and  resentment. However, when the “image project” is also tied to it, and both are  subjected to the same “scorn” and “beatings,” it seems like the “image project” has  become the modern-day “Dou E” (an innocent victim). The importance of “image” for a city has been briefly explained earlier and requires no further elaboration. A  genuine “image project,” one that truly lives up to its name and uplifts the city’s  image, is undeniably beneficial. What’s concerning is the counterfeit and superficial  “image projects,” which can be harmful to both individuals and the city, turning  into birds of a feather with the “shoddy construction projects.” Whether through  “condemnation” or a “harsh beating,” it’s hoped that media elites won’t hold back.

    Let’s cut to the chase. Dear readers, please keep your attention on the Guest Reception Hall. Starting from the entrance of the hall, there’s a long tree-lined path, with both trees and bamboo intermingling. The lush trees and swaying bamboo create a sense of tranquility and depth, evoking a feeling of anticipation.

    The fact that the press conference for the “May 1st Welcome Olympics Grand Concert” in Moon City is being held at such a venue clearly indicates Mayor Wen’s high regard for this event. As the municipal government is both the organizer and the theme of the event is welcoming the Olympics, it has received full recognition and strong support from the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee. Therefore, when Qin Xiaoyue proposed to Mayor Wen to hold a press conference, he fully agreed. He emphasized that for a press conference to truly reflect the stature of the municipal government, it should be able to attract key figures from Beijing to attend. This means it cannot beheld casually in just any hotel. Mayor Wen explicitly instructed that the press conference should beheld at the highest-tier venue in Moon City, the Guest Reception Hall.

    As it turns out, the press conference was hosted by Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government and Director of the Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Office, Wu Shimang. The allocation of officials by leaders is indeed a sophisticated art. Take Wu Shimang for instance, as Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government, he serves alongside several other colleagues for Deputy Mayor Mei Xia, who is in charge of science, education, and culture. However, as Director of the Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Office, his department falls under the “political and legal” category, and there is another set of personnel serving the deputy mayor in charge of political and legal affairs, including a Deputy Secretary-General, Deputy Director of the Office, heads of departments, and accompanying secretaries. The personnel arrangement for Wu Shimang seems a bit peculiar and not entirely straightforward. However, those who are in the know might find it both odd and not odd at the same time. If the leaders have made such an arrangement, there must be a reason for it. After all, one would think that leaders are well aware that there’s no need for two Deputy Secretary-Generals for one “category.” If they are aware of this and still arranged things as they are, then this intricacy is not something outsiders should question.

    Deputy Mayor Mei Xia, who is in charge of science, education, and culture at the Municipal Government, attended the press conference as an invited guest. Representatives from provincial media stationed in Moon City, as well as local media including radio stations, television stations, daily newspapers, evening newspapers, and websites, were briefed on the progress of preparations for the “May 1st  Moon City Olympic-themed Grand Concert.” A prominent figure from the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee’s opening ceremony directing team, Director Huang, made a special trip from Beijing to Moon City to participate in the press conference. He read aloud the official approval letter from the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee to the Moon City Municipal Government regarding the hosting of the “May 1st  Moon City Olympic-themed Grand Concert.” Furthermore, Director Huang introduced the overall concept of the concert and provided details about the lineup of performers to the media reporters present.

    This time, it’s quite remarkable that Director Huang could come to Moon City to attend the press conference. According to Director Huang’s disclosure, he is also a significant director within the Olympic Opening Ceremony directing team. As per the requirements of the chief director, they are conducting closed operations. To put it bluntly, it means they have no personal freedom. The demands for the opening ceremony performance are exceptionally high, and that goes without saying. The confidentiality requirements for creative aspects of the opening ceremony are even higher, to the extent that no one involved in the directing team is allowed to reveal anything to the outside world. Otherwise, it could lead to a “political incident,” the consequences of which no one can afford to bear. In such circumstances, conducting closed operations ensures safety and security. As the chief director puts it, this approach is not only responsible for the endeavor itself but also for the well-being of each team member.

    Perhaps some might wonder, given the strict measures in place, how could Director Huang be allowed to leave Beijing? This is where I need to introduce another heavyweight figure seated on the podium, Tangshan, the General Manager of the Beijing “Dadao Feige” Performing Arts Group. It’s often said that Tangshan has a remarkable network and influence, and this operation has truly allowed Liu Yong to witness Tangshan’s “methods” and experience his “influence.”

    Tangshan, though not a director, exudes a similar grandeur to Director Huang. His hair is tied in a half-long braid, draped casually behind his head, giving him a free-spirited appearance. He wears gold-rimmed glasses on his well-defined square face, shining brightly, reflecting the owner’s nobility and refinement. Tangshan’s visit to Moon City is something for which Qin Xiaoyue must thank Liu Yong. Liu Yong did his homework thoroughly in Beijing, and thanks must go to Meng Gu for her efforts in front of Tangshan. This led to Tangshan’s presence in Moon City. It was precisely because of Tangshan’s presence that Director Huang was able to make an exception and leave Beijing. In simple terms, Director Huang’s participation in Moon City’s “May 1st  Olympic-themed Grand Concert” as the Chief Director was entirely due to Tangshan’s influence. When Director Huang presented the “Approval Letter” from the Olympic Organizing Committee to the media, all cameras focused on the bright red official seal of the Organizing Committee.

    The preparations for Moon City’s “May 1st  Olympic-themed Grand Concert” are moving forward smoothly and in an orderly manner.Yong’s “New Force” and Qian Tao’s advertising center are working separately, and the momentum for ticket sales and advertising sponsorship is impressive. In the year 2008, the year of the Olympics, it’s surprising that even the distant Moon City, thousands of miles away, is able to have a slice of the Beijing “Olympic cake.” This brings joy to both Qin Xiaoyue and Yong. After all, it was Yong’s idea, his vision, and it has received a positive response from Qin Jie and the approval of Moon City’s upper echelons. It’s about to bear fruit. In Yong’s plan, this is just the first piece of his “Olympic cake.” He intends to use this cooperation with “Da Tang Fei Ge” to organize more “Olympic-themed concerts” in the province. By then, as he slices through the “Olympic cake” and counts the red “Mao Zedongs,” it will undoubtedly be quite satisfying.

    This time, Yong felt a greater sense of achievement than during the “Joyous 17th  Party Congress.” Of course, this is largely due to the seamless cooperation and tacit understanding he has developed with Sister Qin throughout the entire process of organizing the Olympic welcoming concert. It’s truly a delightful experience. He is more than willing to open bottle after bottle of red wine from his wine cabinet, celebrating the smooth progress of the Olympic welcoming concert, the breakthrough in ticket sales, and the surpassing of expectations in advertising sponsorship. He celebrates the wonderful moments between him and his sister. From the bottom of his heart, he appreciates those HongKong actresses who pioneered the “sister-brother romance.” Without their “demonstration,” it would have been much harder for Yong to feel so at ease in front of Sister Qin.

    Of course, when it comes to the advertising sponsorship exceeding the expected target this time, it’s thanks to a “hero” that emerged.

    Mayor Wen Lianggong personally made several phone calls to relevant companies, and these calls were all connected in front of Qin Xiaoyue. As the head of the city, being so dedicated to an event, not only fulfilling her “requests” but also handling them immediately in her presence, made Qin Xiaoyue feel somewhat uneasy deep down. In fact, this is precisely the effect Mayor Wen wanted. He wanted to be Qin Xiaoyue’s “hero.”

    So, after Mayor Wen Lianggong made a critical phone call in front of Qin Xiaoyue at a certain hotel, she didn’t say a word. In recent years, after collaborating with CCTV a few times as a print media, Qin Xiaoyue had also established a certain network of contacts. For this “May  1st Welcome Olympics Grand Concert,” the broadcasting platform was still set on CCTV. Therefore, she paid attention to and  had a sense for any advertisement related to CCTV. “To gain, you must give up,” Qin Xiaoyue thought, feeling that this statement was absolutely correct. When she  thought about it, she realized that there were hardly any instances in the world where  opportunities just fell into one’s lap. If you want to “gain,” if you want to have  something, then you must be willing to “give up.” Otherwise, what’s the point of talking about a “wise life, appreciating the act of giving up”?

    The good thing is that Qin Xiaoyue knew when to “give up” in one situation and when to “gain” in another, without blindly giving up or constantly sacrificing. Moreover, she had gained quite a lot from Liu Yong, which also comforted her to some extent. The nights with the crescent moon hanging in the sky left her with beautiful memories and warmth that she often cherished. Indeed, life cannot always be perfect. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so does life. How often can there be a full moon? Life is like floating clouds that drift by. Is imperfection not a form of beauty? Nowadays, it’s needless to say for someone like Qin Xiaoyue, a determined woman making her way in the world, that she has to face certain worldly matters without compromising. Even those who seem to have great influence, can their lives truly be flawless? Probably not. However, the broken and imperfect side is not easily revealed. Who doesn’t have scars in their hearts? Who doesn’t have regrets? Who doesn’t have a crescent moon in their heart?

    The progress of this large-scale concert seems too smooth. During a break, when Qian Tao and Brother Liu shared a couple of drinks, there was a hint of disbelief.

    Brother Liu, you’ve really done a fantastic job with this project. Combining ticket sales and advertising sponsorship, it’s reached a total of 36 million yuan. Wow, that’s an impressive achievement! It’s even surpassed our newspaper’s total advertising revenue for the entire year. Compared to the previous year’s “Joyful Journey Through China • Into Moon City,” it’s exceeded by over ten million. You’re truly remarkable. And, over the past two years, Brother Liu, it seems like the more “big events” you organize, the more you benefit from them yourself. Am I right? With half a bottle of white wine in his belly, Qian Tao became quite chatty. Normally, Qian Tao rarely speaks much and keeps his mouth shut. But at this moment, he wanted to uncover some of Brother Liu’s secrets, to get a sense of what’s going on behind the scenes. To be honest, both of them are around the same age and hold the title of “manager,” yet Brother Liu seems to have all the success and influence, while Qian Tao can only follow along. This situation makes Qian Tao feel a bit dissatisfied. Take advertising sponsorship for example; it used to be Qian Tao’s specialty, but now, due to President Qin’s direct involvement, many clients have turned to Brother Liu. Even though there’s an agreement between the “New Power” and our newspaper’s advertising department, and it doesn’t matter who gets the advertising deals, everyone has their pride and reputation to uphold. I can’t just become a mere decoration, can I?

    What really gets under Qian Tao’s skin, though he’d never admit it, is that Brother Liu seems to have a natural charm with women, even to the point where he’s managed to catch the attention of their beautiful lady boss. This fact irks Qian Tao to no end. Moreover, he’s always trailing behind Brother Liu, and at most, he might play some minor tricks when entertaining clients at a KTV, trying to get a little attention from those “princesses.” Compared to Brother Liu’s more substantial achievements, it feels childish and insignificant. Just thinking about it makes him blush, feel embarrassed, and lose face.

    It’s not that Qian Tao has a dark heart, he just wishes that this “Olympic Concert” could have a bit of excitement like the successful “Joyful Journey Through China” event. He hopes that Brother Liu won’t always have everything going his way and feeling so triumphant. It would bring some balance to his own feelings. Of course, he doesn’t want anything major to happen either, considering the collaboration between the two companies. They’re in it together, like two crickets on the same string, sharing the benefits and bearing the risks.

    People often say, “It’s not about fearing the inability to do it, but fearing not thinking of it.” Qian Tao’s internal calculations were indeed on point, and he managed to hit the mark. The “Olympic Concert” encountered a problem, a significant one.

    A “priority” express letter from the Legal Affairs Department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) has arrived at the Municipal Government of Moon City.

    While eagerly anticipating the blazing performance of a grand play, as if being doused with a bucket of cold water from head to toe, his heart turned cold. The once fervent “fire” burning within him, like a rapidly ascending hot air balloon, was soaring higher and higher, growing larger. He even dreamed that when the concert aired on CCTV, the “high-ranking official” from his hometown might see it, perhaps even recalling the handshake they shared at the beginning of the year during the “Two Sessions”. But now, this “bucket of cold water” has extinguished the “fire” within Wen Lianggong’s heart, and the “hot air balloon” cannot take flight anymore.

    The “urgent” letter from the legal affairs department of the Beijing Organizing  Committee for the Olympic Games quickly arrived in Wen Lianggong’s hands.  The department responsible for legal affairs at the Organizing Committee was  very explicit in the “letter,” stating that the “May 1st  Welcome Olympics Grand  Concert” in your city constitutes an illegal activity and has not been confirmed  by the Organizing Committee. The so-called “approval letter from the Organizing  Committee to the City People’s Government of Moon City” is a forged document,  and the Organizing Committee’s “official seal” is also counterfeit. Therefore, in order  to quickly minimize the negative impact of this illegal activity on the “Olympics,” the department responsible for legal affairs at the Organizing Committee has  instructed the Moon City Government to immediately cease all activities related to  the “May 1st  Welcome Olympics Grand Concert,” cancel the concert, and ensure that  no further infringement of Olympic intellectual property rights occurs.

    Wen Lianggong’s mind exploded with a resounding shock. How could such a thing happen? How could the approval letter be forged? Who could be so audacious as to falsely impersonate the Organizing Committee? This shows the extent to which counterfeiting and fraud have spread, and the level of madness it has reached! Even daring to counterfeit the Organizing Committee’s “official seal,” this is not just poking a hornet’s nest, it’s courting disaster, digging one’s own grave! There are truly fearless individuals out there, daring enough to provide the Moon City Government with a fake approval letter. This situation was driving Wen Lianggong to the brink. The “urgent letter” from the legal affairs department of the Beijing Organizing Committee felt like a hot potato in his hands holding onto it was difficult, letting go was also difficult. At this moment, Wen Lianggong was pacing back and forth in his office.

    After a few laps of pacing, Wen Lianggong splashed his face with cold water  in the office restroom to calm himself down. The initial shock of the “cold water” had extinguished much of the fervor in his heart. While his emotions had cooled,  his mind was racing. Wen Lianggong had been serving as the mayor for seven or  eight years and had never encountered such a situation before. This was not a minor oversight; it had blown up into a major crisis. And wouldn’t you know it, in the past, Beijing was known as the “Imperial Capital,” where the emperor resided. This oversight, this crisis, had indeed reached “imperial” proportions.

    Since the issue at hand involved legal matters, Wen Lianggong immediately thought of Wu Shimang, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government and the Director of the Municipal Legal Affairs Office. This was a moment when Wu Shimang should be sharing the mayor’s concerns.

    Upon Wu Shimang’s suggestion, Qin Xiaoyue, Liu Yong, Qian Tao, as well as heads of relevant departments such as Culture and Public Security, quickly convened at the Mayor’s office in the Municipal Government building. Soon, an emergency coordination meeting regarding the “May  1st  Welcome Olympic Games Grand Concert” was convened under the personal direction of Mayor Wen, to address the urgent situation.

    Despite his current predicament, Wen Lianggong, with his years of experience as the mayor, knew the importance of addressing problems effectively. He began by emphasizing that there was nothing inherently wrong with the city government hosting a large-scale concert centered around welcoming the Olympic Games. The theme of “Letting Beijing Hear the Blessings and Cheers of the People of Moon City” was indeed meaningful. He acknowledged the hard work and achievements of Qin Xiaoyue, her team at the Moon City Evening News, as well as Xiao Liu and his “New Power” team in organizing this event. Wen Lianggong’s unexpected remarks left Qin Xiaoyue and her team pleasantly surprised.

    Qin Xiaoyue, Liu Yong, and Qian Tao were initially taken aback when they heard the news of “counterfeiting.” Their minds went blank for a moment, as if a wisp of blue smoke had escaped from the top of their heads. They felt dumbfounded. They had no idea how this situation would unfold and what consequences each of them would face. As they sat in Mayor Wen’s office, all three of them were on edge, their expressions blank, and their heads lowered as much as possible, waiting for reprimand. They knew in their hearts that being reprimanded was the least of their worries after such an incident. What lay ahead was uncertain at this moment.

    However, Mayor Wen surprisingly did not reprimand them. Instead, he fully acknowledged their work and achievements. This instantly stabilized the emotions of the three individuals and maintained the composure of the attendees. Mayor Wen, of course, understood that no matter what, he couldn’t admit that the municipal government had organized an illegal performance event. If the municipal government was implicated in wrongdoing, wouldn’t he, Wen Lianggong, become the biggest lawbreaker? That would surely cause a major uproar throughout the entire city. Such an unfavorable situation must be prevented from arising at all costs.

    Mayor Wen also pointed out the serious oversights in the process of this event. The fact that even the “approval letter” from the Olympic Organizing Committee turned out to be a forgery clearly indicates a lack of legal awareness among comrades, providing an opportunity for ill-intentioned individuals. Now it appears that not only are the fabricators despicable, but the informants also have ulterior motives. Just a day or two before the concert, they struck a heavy blow, aiming to mock our city’s government, disrupt this grand concert, and provoke over 30,000 citizens of our city who purchased tickets to criticize the city government, the Evening News, me, Wen Lianggong, and even Qin Xiaoyue. In short, they aimed to condemn all the organizations and individuals involved with this concert. Therefore, we must ensure that the counterfeiters face the appropriate sanctions and prevent those with malicious intent from achieving their goals. Under no circumstances can we allow this concert to be halted.

    Wen Lianggong’s resolute and unwavering demeanor at this crucial moment earned him enthusiastic applause from everyone present. Qin Xiaoyue, being a woman, felt a deep sense of gratitude and her eyes welled up with tears. Her tender hands were practically itching to applaud until they turned red and sore.

    And so, the first chapter of this novel begins with the scene that the readers have just witnessed: On the evening of April 29th, 2008, around 8:00 PM, at Nanjing Lukou Airport, four individuals three men and one woman appeared to be in a hurry as they moved along the corridor leading to the boarding gate. They were practically rushing, almost jogging, as they were trying to catch the departing flight MU2861.

    Upon successfully ensuring the “May 1st  Welcome Olympic Games Grand Concert” could proceed as planned, Wu Shimang and his group returned to Moon City. They received wholehearted recognition from Mayor Wen. With the bearing of a seasoned general, Mayor Wen even arranged a banquet at the Municipal Government Reception Center to host the four of them.

    “To be able to resolve the crisis in such a short period of time, to gain understanding, forgiveness, and support from the relevant departments and leaders of the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, this was truly not an easy feat. I, Wen Lianggong, thank you. On behalf of the municipal government, I express our gratitude to you,” Mayor Wen sincerely raised his glass at the banquet table, toasting Wu Shimang, Qin Xiaoyue, Liu Yong, and Qian Tao.

    “We were just following Mayor Wen’s instructions, honestly reporting the details of the concert to the head of the legal affairs department responsible at the Olympic Organizing Committee. We put in some effort to gain their understanding and support,” the four individuals who had traveled to Beijing stood in a line before Mayor Wen. Wu Shimang raised his glass first, clinking it with the mayor’s, and responded to his gratitude.

    “I’ve heard that you, Xiaoliu, did a very successful job in handling this matter. Your father’s old colleague provided significant assistance, playing a crucial role. That’s commendable. We should set aside another time for me to personally express my gratitude to Secretary Liu,” Wen Lianggong said as he specifically raised his glass to clink with Liu Yong’s.

    “If it weren’t for Minister Cheng’s mediation, things might not have gone as smoothly as they did,” Qin Xiaoyue chimed in, supporting Mayor Wen’s conversation. She had also heard some rumors about the less-than-harmonious relationship between Vice Secretary Liu and Mayor Wen. Now that Mayor Wen was taking a more magnanimous approach and showing goodwill towards Liu Yong’s father, it was indeed a positive development.

    “The issues that arose in Beijing are mainly my responsibility. Mayor, please  don’t blame Mr. Qin and the others. I will definitely negotiate with ‘Datang Feige’ and make sure they provide an explanation to the municipal government and you,  Mayor Wen.” Liu Yong’s demeanor remained composed, without a hint of arrogance.  He shifted the focus to the problem at hand and took the initiative to shoulder the  responsibility.

    “Let’s not discuss that today. Ensuring the concert takes place as scheduled is what deserves recognition. Moving forward, Mr. Qin, you need to meticulously organize the relevant staff to ensure the concert goes off without a hitch safe and successful. That’s the most crucial aspect. Of course, I’ll personally oversee security matters and ensure they’re handled by the police department appropriately. Now is not the time to discuss issues or assign blame,” Mayor Wen finally raised his glass to Qin Xiaoyue with a specific gesture.

    “Please rest assured, Mayor Wen. The concert will proceed without any issues. We will give it our all,” Qin Xiaoyue said confidently, habitually flicking her long hair. Her words were resolute, yet her demeanor remained captivating, bringing a smile to Mayor Wen’s face. He then smiled and said, “It’s good to know that I can rely on you. Comrades, it’s time to give it our all and be on high alert. Fortunately, you have experience in organizing large-scale concerts, which does ease my mind a bit. After the successful completion of the concert, I will invite you all to a celebratory drink. Here’s to a toast!” Mayor Wen raised his glass and emptied it in one gulp.

    Less than 10 hours remain until the grand opening of the concert.

    Qin Xiaoyue’s mind was running like a movie reel, repeatedly going over the preparations and key elements of the concert, ensuring that everything was in place as she had promised Mayor Wen flawless and without any mishaps.

    Liu Yong received a call from Meng Yu, made from the welcoming hotel. As the overall coordinator and scheduler of the concert’s performers, Meng Yu had become the full representative of “Datang Feige.” During the days Liu Yong spent in Beijing awaiting the Olympic Organizing Committee’s “approval letter,” Meng Yu was by his side like a shadow, sometimes boating on the Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace, and other times hiking along the shaded paths of Fragrant Hills. To outsiders, they seemed like a couple in a passionate romance, deeply entwined in a pivotal moment of their relationship. This closeness between them had deepened their collaboration. Liu Yong entrusted the main performers of this concert to “Datang Feige,” entrusting them to MengYu.

    “Datang Feige” is indeed impressive; they managed to secure “Andy Lau,” one of the “Four Heavenly Kings.” This left Liu Yong pleasantly surprised. However, amidst his delight, there was also a hint of regret. After all, a significant amount of “Renminbi” had been spent. Even the smiling Chairman Mao, who graced the currency, was leaving his pocket one note at a time, finding its way into Meng Yu’s wallet with a contented smile.

    But now, with less than 10 hours left before the concert begins, Meng Yu received an unexpected call. They informed him that “Andy Lau” had suddenly encountered an undisclosed situation and would be unable to participate in the concert performance.

    Just as one problem was resolved, another one emerged. “Rescuing” the situation how could this be done? With “Andy Lau” missing from the concert, it was like pulling out a crucial pillar from the stage. Even if the stage wouldn’t collapse,it would certainly tilt and look awry. With 30,000 tickets sold, how would the audience react to this?

    This news undoubtedly hit Liu Yong hard. He was somewhat at a loss and quickly discussed it with Qin Xiaoyue. No matter how affectionate or entwined they were, faced with such a sudden turn of events, Qin Xiaoyue transformed into a lioness. She roared at her own heroin her heart and left no room for retreat in her words. Liu Yong, you must take responsibility for this matter, and take full responsibility. I don’t care how you resolve it or how you save the situation, but you must “rescue” the stage. Otherwise, your fate won’t be pleasant. It seemed like Qin Xiaoyue was also a bit frustrated, as she unexpectedly used a playful line on Liu Yong.

    The “May 1st  Welcome Olympic Games Grand Concert” in Moon City finally took place as scheduled at the Moon City Sports Center.

    With over 30,000 spectators, the scene was akin to a sea of people, where flags of the country and Olympic flags waved, creating a magnificent and grand spectacle.

    In order to satisfy the organizers, the Moon City Government, Mayor Wen, and the over 30,000 ticket-holding audience, Liu Yong spared no expense and brought in two prominent hosts to ensure the success of the event. He invited the veteran male news anchor from CCTV, Anchor Zhang, and the renowned female news anchor from Phoenix Satellite TV, Anchor Xu. The two anchors co-hosted this grand concert. Both Anchor Zhang and Anchor Xu enjoy a high level of fame and have a vast fan base. The moment they stepped onto the stage and greeted the audience with a simple “Good evening, friends from Moon City,” the entire venue was in an uproar, and the applause was deafening.

    This stage is truly enormous and dazzling. The two anchors have worked hard. Descending from the elevated platform on the second level, they greeted the audience directly in front of the stage first, then quickly moved to the left and right sides to greet those viewers. They almost seemed to be lightly jogging. These two anchors are undoubtedly at the top of their field, dedicated and professional. They aimed to ensure that the audience on both sides didn’t feel left out for too long, all while maintaining their stage presence and image.

    While greeting the audience at the right side of the stage, a minor mishap occurred. The beautiful anchor from Phoenix Satellite TV, Xu, with her long peach- colored dress trailing behind her, got snagged on something, causing her to struggle to move gracefully. This sudden snag made Xu blush and feel a bit embarrassed. Just as she was caught in a dilemma, the gentlemanly Anchor Zhang stepped in. With a few swift steps, he came forward and rescued Xu from her predicament. Anchor Zhang added a touch of humor to the situation, playfully attributing Xu’s unexpected snag to the “enthusiasm” of the city. He wittily remarked to Xu that it seemed not only the audience in Moon City was enthusiastic, but every single element of the city, down to the stage itself, wanted to get closer to her.

    With a few words, Xu gracefully escaped the awkward situation and responded with a joyful smile, nodding in agreement. This exchange triggered a wave of hearty laughter from the audience below. The performance began with a rendition of “China Red” by L　 Wei. Instantly, the various lights positioned across the stage’s lighting rig illuminated, creating a spectacular display of colors vibrant, dazzling, and dreamlike. The audience was captivated, transported into a enchanting realm, cheering with excitement and their hearts brimming with joy.

    As L　 Wei sang, “Red, red, red covers every sky; red, red, red tinges every smile; in everyone’s heart, there’s a beautiful dream, that radiant red is the China Red,” three “fire dragons” suddenly shot out from the sky right in front of the stage like arrows released from a bowstring. They soared with a roaring sound and darted towards the stage. On the lighting rig above the stage, fireworks ignited, fireworks blossomed, and firecrackers roared. The entire arena erupted in excitement. The concert began by stirring up the audience’s emotions, igniting passion and fervor within each person. Everyone was caught up in the “joy” of the moment.

    Indeed, this was not just an ordinary concert, but a themed event centered around welcoming the Olympics. When six or seven Olympic champions waved the Olympic flags among the audience, proudly marched onto the stage, and joined Wang Zhengzheng in singing Beyond Dreams, almost the entire audience rose to their feet. The planning of the entire concert was distinctly different from a typical show, and the atmosphere was truly remarkable.

    Beyond dreams, let’s soar together,

    You and Ineed to face it sincerely.

    Let life savor this moment,

    Let time remember this occasion.

    Beyond dreams, let’s soar together,

    You and Ineed to face it sincerely.

    Let life savor this moment,

    Let time remember this occasion.

    Guided by Wang Zhengzheng’s powerful and resounding voice, several Olympic champions and tens of thousands of live audience members practically formed a grand chorus, harmonizing in perfect unison. Onstage, the Olympic champions held the Olympic flags high, fluttering in the wind. Below the stage, tens of thousands of national and Olympic flags waved incessantly, echoing the scene above. People felt the solemnity and sanctity of the impending Olympics.

    Finally, the highly anticipated superstar takes the stage.

    There was a slight commotion near the stage entrance, with many young people standing on their seats, holding cameras and phones in hand, eager to capture a live version of “Andy Lau.” The audience waving “Andy Lau” star headshots became highly animated, vigorously raising fluorescent signs and swaying while shouting, “Andy Lau!” “Andy Lau!” “Andy Lau!” A young girl even came on stage to present flowers to “Andy Lau.” Wow, the flower offerings were enthusiastic, not just one. Another girl boldly seized the opportunity and embraced “Andy Lau,” going as far as giving him a passionate kiss. The kiss was so genuine that “Andy Lau” had no choice but to sing with the imprint of her lips on his cheek.

    The order in the audience area began to falter as a group of young people squeezed their way towards the front of the stage, eager to get up close and personal with “Andy Lau.” They wanted a “close encounter” with him.

    “Andy Lau, I loveyou!”

    “Andy Lau, I loveyou!”

    “Andy Lau, I loveyou!”

    The girls’ shouts echoed one after another, forming a wave of sound that swept  across the entire venue, almost drowning out the singing of “Andy Lau” himself. The  atmosphere in the venue became incredibly intense. Whether they were “Andy Lau” enthusiasts or fans, they were dancing, shouting at the top of their lungs, completely  captivated and swept up in a frenzy.

    At this moment, one person didn’t join the excited crowd in cheering and shouting, but instead let out a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted. A suspended heart could finally be set at ease. This person was none other than Qin Xiaoyue, the Chief Editor of the Moon City Evening News, seated in the VIP area.

    Just hours before the performance, Liu Yong had told her that “Andy Lau” would be absent from tonight’s concert. How could they manage this situation? How  could they fulfill Mayor Wen’s demand for “nothing to go wrong”? With “Andy  Lau” not coming, this was a significant setback. In that moment, Qin Xiaoyue’s  emotions got the better of her, and she confronted Liu Yong firmly, even using strong  language. Though she felt a bit of regret afterward, seeing “Andy Lau” take the stage  as promised and electrify the audience, creating a climactic moment, she realized  that her firm stance and strong words were worth it. A weight was lifted off her heart.

    Of course, she also felt a bit of affection for Liu Yong, this “bad boy.”  She wanted to give him a taste of “revenge” for pushing her to take such a firm stance and use strong words. After all, who made him provoke her into being tough and resolute?

    Under immense pressure and garnering widespread attention, the “May 1st Olympic Welcoming Grand Concert” of Moon City finally came to an end on the evening of May 1, 2008.

    The concert was undoubtedly safe. Although during the performance, some zealous fans had minor clashes with security personnel due to their enthusiasm for certain celebrity stars, there were no significant security incidents throughout the entire event. Not a single audience member suffered any accidental injuries, and no large-scale incidents occurred. This left Wen Lianggong, seated in the VIP guest position, very satisfied. In his view, the entire concert could be described as having “orderly arrangements.”

    The concert was undoubtedly a success. Not only did it shine in various aspects such as stage design, lighting, creative planning, and celebrity performances, captivating the audience’s eyes and creating a feeling of overwhelming beauty, but what truly made this concert unique and distinctive was the display and embodiment of the Olympic theme. The enthusiastic participation of several Olympic champions, their interactions with the celebrities and the audience, the rendition of melodies that embody the spirit of “higher, faster, stronger,” and the dancing of the Olympic flag with the five rings emblem all stirred the emotions of the tens of thousands of spectators, making the concert a spectacular hit. While Wen Lianggong couldn’t fully immerse himself in this atmosphere, he still felt satisfied. A few times, he couldn’t help but squeeze Qin Xiaoyue’s hand beside him. However, Qin Xiaoyue’s delicate, tender hands couldn’t bear the unintended “force” of a man lost in the moment. Yet, as the live performance unfolded with great intensity and the VIP  guests were all watching, Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t make a big scene. She had to endure  it somehow. She whispered to Mayor Wen, creating a somewhat “side effect” that gave the impression to other officials and guests that there was some form of “intimacy” between them. In truth, Qin Xiaoyue had no intention of dwelling on any  past “intimacy.” She was simply being honest with the Mayor, letting him know that  he had accidentally hurt her hand and asking him to be gentle. It’s no wonder people  say not to take what you see at face value, as appearances can be deceiving, and  what you see isn’t necessarily the reality, nor is it what you imagine.

    Perhaps some may wonder how Qin Xiaoyue ended up sitting right next to Mayor Wen. After all, the seating arrangement in the VIP section was personally overseen by Mayor Wen himself. It’s not common for the Party Secretary to attend such events in person, and Mayor Wen, in his capacity as both the Mayor and the highest-ranking representative of the organizers, naturally should have occupied the “VIP Seat Number One.” If there were external VIP guests, the most they could expect was the “VIP Seat Number Two.” However, Mayor Wen designated the “VIP Seat Number Three” for Qin Xiaoyue. Qin Xiaoyue naturally hesitated to accept this arrangement. She understood the Mayor’s good intentions, but taking a seat in the “VIP Seat Number Three” seemed inappropriate. “What’s inappropriate? I think it’s perfectly fitting. I represent the organizers, and you represent the hosts. It’s only natural for us to sit together,” Mayor Wen’s words were grand and impeccable. Qin Xiaoyue had no choice but to respectfully acquiesce and take her seat next to Mayor Wen.

    Qin Xiaoyue realized that sitting next to Mayor Wen, dealing with her own hand being constantly “squeezed” was becoming unbearable. She couldn’t voice her discomfort, and she certainly couldn’t keep “whispering” either. Doing so might lead others to think less of her. In their eyes, what would Qin Xiaoyue become if she kept behaving that way? In reality, that was not the image Qin Xiaoyue wanted to project. Of course, she did want to become someone’s “special person,” but the object of her desires was different. As a result, Qin Xiaoyue had to find excuses to check the progress of the event, observe the scene, or visit the restroom, all in an effort to sit less closely to Mayor Wen.

    As Qin Xiaoyue continued to move around, she noticed that although the sky was clear and the sapphire-like canopy above was brilliant, the crescent moon appeared somewhat glaring. Qin Xiaoyue, who always hoped for perfection in everything, felt a slight sense of dissatisfaction in her heart.

    The concert was undoubtedly a resounding success. The organizers, including the Moon City Municipal Government and the hosting unit Moon City Evening News, received unanimous praise and acclaim from all quarters, especially from the vast audience. Moreover, the most significant achievement of this concert was the unprecedented success of the “new force” and the commercial operation of the Moon City Evening News. The total revenue reached 36 million, an increase of over 10 million from the previous year’s “Joyful Journey through China • Entering Moon City” grand performance.

    Qin Xiaoyue and Liu Yong jointly decided to provide a consolation bonus of 1,000 yuan to all the personnel involved in the preparation of this concert, the staff of the “New Force,” and all the employees of the Moon City Evening News, expressing their gratitude for the hard work everyone contributed to the success of the concert. Of course, at a time like this, Qin Xiaoyue wouldn’t forget the “hero” who worked diligently to attract investment for this concert. In fact, the person she most wanted to show her appreciation to was just one person—Liu Yong.

    While Wen Lianggong, Qin Xiaoyue, and Liu Yong were all immersed in the joy and relief of the successful concert, Liu Yong was taken away by the public security authorities.

    Someone reported to the provincial Department of Culture that during the “May 1st Olympic-themed Grand Concert” in Moon City, the superstar “Andy Lau” was fake, an impersonation from a talent show, and not the real artist.

    This left Wen Lianggong and Qin Xiaoyue in baffled astonishment. Just as the  fake official sealand forged approval letter incident from the Organizing Committee  had subsided, another case of impersonation emerged with the fake “Andy Lau.” How could it be that after dealing with the forgery of the official sealand approval  letter, a counterfeit “Andy Lau” appeared? While the fake official sealand forged  approval letter may not have any direct connection to the organizing entities—the  Moon City Evening News and Moon City “New Power” Entertainment Company—  in this new case of impersonation, these two entities were indeed the victims.  However, the appearance of a fake “Andy Lau” at the “May  1st  Olympic-themed  Grand Concert” stage seems to implicate the Moon City “New Power” Entertainment  Company, and more specifically, Starring Star Entertainment and its owner, Liu Yong.

    During the process of organizing the “May 1st Olympic-themed Grand Concert,” there was a dynamic balance between cooperation and differences between Qin  Xiaoyue and Liu Yong. Their collaboration was not only effective but also seemed  to reach a remarkable level. They seemed to be in perfect harmony, with an  understanding that went beyond words. However, in hindsight, their collaboration  may have been a bit excessive, and the balance between cooperation and differences,  particularly on Liu Yong’s part, seems to have shifted in the wrong direction.

    The entire lineup of singers and related performers for the concert was arranged and managed solely by Liu Yong and his “New Power” team. Before the concert, Liu Yong had mentioned to Qin Xiaoyue that one of the “Four Heavenly Kings,” known as “Andy Lau,” would be unable to participate in the “May 1st Olympic-themed Grand Concert” in Moon City due to an unforeseen reason that couldn’t be disclosed to the public. At that time, Qin Xiaoyue did not consider sparing any sentiment or giving face to Liu Yong. To put it plainly, she neither held back due to emotions nor saved any face. She firmly expressed her stance to Liu Yong without leaving him any room to maneuver.

    At this moment, Qin Xiaoyue felt a bit frustrated with Liu Yong. How could you, Liu Yong, engage in such deceptive tactics and try to deceive everyone? If you had honestly informed me of the true situation from the beginning, we could have brainstormed strategies together, figured out how to explain it to the audience, and taken appropriate measures in a timely manner. If “Andy Lau” couldn’t make it to the concert in Moon City, we should have offered refunds to those who purchased tickets for his performance. Simultaneously, we could have quickly organized an emergency replacement with an artist of similar caliber to salvage the situation. We should have worked hard to maintain the quality and standard of the concert, aiming for the understanding and forgiveness of the vast audience.

    Now, we’re facing a big problem. You, Liu Yong, actually arranged for a fake “Andy Lau” who was merely an impersonator, essentially staging a “imitation show.” How can we possibly explain this to over 30,000 audience members? And how are we going to explain this to Mayor Wen and the city government? Why would someone as usually clever and resourceful as you, Liu Yong, make such a basic mistake? Could it be that your brain has been filled with “H2O”? If your brain has indeed turned into “H2O,” that’s one thing, but now you’ve also put me, Qin Xiaoyue, in a difficult situation.

    In the end, it’s all about being “all talk, no action.” Now that you’ve been  taken away by the public security department, don’t expect any “good outcomes” awaiting you. You’ll have to rely on your old man to “rescue” you. It’s not that I,  Qin Xiaoyue, lack compassion or loyalty, but you should never mess with the public  security department or get involved with them. Let me say something not so pleasant   those individuals who wear the “police emblem” and carry the “police badge” are  experts at finding the “weak spots” and extracting valuable information. They have a  repertoire of unconventional tactics and strategies, and no matter how skilled you are  at counter-surveillance, you can’t outsmart their creative and innovative methods.  No matter how hard you “resist,” there will only be one outcome “spill the beans.”

    Inside the “Phoenix Court” building of the Liu family, Yang Xuehua was sobbing as she talked to her son. She was saying that no matter what, they must find a way to bring the “eldest grandson” back from the public security department. They couldn’t just let the public security handle the situation as they pleased.

    Although Su Hua didn’t cry aloud like her mother-in-law, she also had a teary-eyed appearance. While her mother-in-law was pleading with her husband to intercede on behalf of Liu Yong, she was there to support and urge Liu Chengyin to set aside his pride and communicate with the public security department. No matter what, they shouldn’t make things too difficult for Liu Yong. After all, he’s young and made a foolish mistake, so he should be given a chance to make amends. Whatever punishment is appropriate, let it be. We’ll accept it. Su Hua had some degree of attention to the entertainment industry, given Liu Yong’s involvement in it. In her impression,when actors encountered issues, they were mostly subjected to financial penalties, and rarely faced criminal charges. At this point, with the public security department imposing a penalty, they could only reluctantly accept it and hope that money could mitigate the situation.

    As a grandfather, Liu Chunyu was naturally worried. His grandson had been taken away by the public security department, and he had no idea about the severity of the situation. He was uncertain. This grandson of his hadn’t followed the “official path” like his son did, and he hadn’t taken up the “relay baton” of the Liu family’s honor and legacy. Liu Anran, his late father, hadn’t found solace in the afterlife. As a son, Liu Chunyu couldn’t express his dissatisfaction. However, no matter what, Liu Yong was his grandson. The relationship between him and Liu Yong, though not as remarkable as the one between his late father Liu Anran and his son Liu Chengyin, which had garnered admiration from the entire village, held significance. Under the influence of his late father, Liu Chengyin had achieved great success, becoming the county party secretary shortly after graduating from university. He had brought glory and honor to the Liu family’s ancestors. In Liu Yong’s generation, he seemed to have a complex philosophy of “consuming life and rejecting the sublime,” which was too profound for Liu Chunyu to comprehend.

    To be honest, Liu Yong always dresses quite stylishly. He tucks a coffee-colored leather bag under his arm, and wherever he goes, there are three or five young people following him. He’s often accompanied by flashy-looking girls. Dealing with those singing and dancing folks all day, Liu Chunyu can’t really stand it. But despite his disapproval, Liu Yong is still his grandson after all. They say that different generations have different habits, right? Although it’s rare for Liu Yong to come back to “Fenghuang Garden” for a meal and a heart-to-heart chat with his grandfather, whenever he does come back, Liu Chunyu and his wife, Yang Xuehua, will still be busy attending to him. They’ll prepare several of Liu Yong’s favorite dishes, making sure he enjoys his meal and visits home more often. Looking at their tall and well- mannered grandson, the elderly couple’s happiness and joy far outweigh the hidden regrets and disappointments deep in their hearts. Their regrets and disappointments about Liu Yong are usually hidden like “Yu Zecheng,” lurking beneath the surface. But on the days when they offer incense and pay respects to Liu Anran, those hidden feelings of “Yu Zecheng” come to the forefront. Afterward, they console themselves with the saying “Children and grandchildren bring their own blessings,” and they push those emerged feelings of “Yu Zecheng” back into hiding, once again lurking beneath the surface.

    Now, with Liu Yong being taken away by the public security authorities, Liu Chunyu is undoubtedly feeling anxious up in heaven. He’s probably beside himself with worry. Liu Chunyu is also trying to convince his son to set aside his position as Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, give face to the public security authorities, and downplay the situation surrounding Liu Yong. He hopes to turn a big issue into a small one and resolve the matter smoothly. He cannot afford to let anything happen to Liu Yong. To be honest, he and his wife are getting older, living day by day, and they’re still waiting to hold their great-grandchild. He believes that his in-laws, who are far away in Qingjiang, likely share similar thoughts with him and his wife.

    The whole family has placed their hopes on him, Liu Chengyin.

    Liu Chengyin has harbored a multitude of discontent towards his son, Liu Yong, for a long time.