Chapter 2099: Chapter 1965: Watching Someone Die Without Helping_4

"I won’t be drinking today. I just had a check-up and my cholesterol is a bit high," Deputy Mayor Han said to everyone.

"You go ahead and drink, I’ll drive, so I won’t be drinking," Qiao Yutong said to Song Xiaodong.

"Alright, alright, both of you leaders are busy with work, so you should take care of your health. As for us local bosses, running around all day entertaining, we still have to drink a little, or we won’t get anything done!" Zhang Dongfang smiled, signaling Wang Hongfei to pour wine.

Wang Hongfei poured wine for Song Xiaodong and nervously placed it in front of him.

Song Xiaodong glanced down, showing no expression.

"Director Qiao, even if you’re not drinking, you should have something," Zhang Dongfang said with a smile to Director Qiao.

"Hmm, I’ll have some juice then."

"Alright, and Deputy Mayor Han?"

"I’ll just have the same as Director Qiao."

"Alright."

Once the drinks and dishes were served, Zhang Dongfang spoke, "Deputy Mayor Han, anything you’d like to say?"

Deputy Mayor Han replied, "You’re the one who invited guests, so of course, you should speak."

"Alright! I’ll speak!"

"Inviting the two leaders and Mr. Song, indeed there’s business, mainly two matters."

"And what two matters?" Deputy Mayor Han asked Zhang Dongfang.

"The first matter is, of course, our investment and development at the Minghe Beishan District Development Zone. I was ordered by my father-in-law to invest in Minghe, but ended up offending Mr. Song, who drove me away. My father-in-law was furious and scolded me thoroughly, telling me to return and continue discussing investment issues with Deputy Mayor Han," Zhang Dongfang explained.

"You’ve already talked to me about this," Han Yang said to Zhang Dongfang.

"Yes, Deputy Mayor Han, but today Mr. Song is here, and I want to mention it again in front of Mr. Song." Zhang Dongfang glanced at Song Xiaodong.

Han Yang also gave a meaningful look towards Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong’s expression remained calm, appearing straightforward.

"Mm, you are an Overseas Chinese, we didn’t treat you well, causing you to get upset, which reflects my inadequacy as the Deputy Mayor. Since Mr. Zhang has come again, I will definitely provide the most relaxed investment environment for Mr. Zhang. When the time comes, you must achieve something," Deputy Mayor Han told Zhang Dongfang.

"Certainly, certainly!" Zhang Dongfang nodded repeatedly.

"And what’s the other matter?" Deputy Mayor Han asked Zhang Dongfang.

"The other matter was entrusted to me by my father-in-law," Zhang Dongfang said while glancing at Deputy Mayor Han.

"Oh?" Deputy Mayor Han was curious about what the matter was and asked.

Zhang Dongfang waved to someone outside, and a female assistant came in from outside carrying a gift box.

"This is a gift my father-in-law wanted me to deliver to Mr. Song. He said he’s too old and frail to travel, so he couldn’t personally visit Mr. Song. Hence, he asked me to present this gift in person," Zhang Dongfang took the gift box and said to Song Xiaodong.

Deputy Mayor Han, upon hearing this, was greatly surprised. He knew Zhang Dongfang’s father-in-law was the president of Ruitu United Bank, so he had been trying hard to ingratiate himself, hoping this walking ATM could sprinkle some money over Minghe to help develop the Beishan District’s slums.

But now it seemed totally unnecessary; just flattering Song Xiaodong was sufficient; not knowing the relationship between Song Xiaodong and Zhang Dongfang’s father-in-law, he even sent Mr. Song a gift, regretting he couldn’t personally come to deliver it.

Deputy Mayor Han looked at Song Xiaodong as if he were looking at money.

"It’s rare for the old man to still remember me," Song Xiaodong finally showed a trace of expression on his face.

"The old man is no longer involved in business and spends his days at home studying ancient Chinese texts, like the ’Tao Te Ching’ and the ’Book of Changes’. Initially, he was reading translated versions, but now he has started reading original classical Chinese versions. Because of Mr. Song, my father-in-law has developed infinite interest in China, always wanting to visit, though it’s indeed too far," Zhang Dongfang responded.

Chapter 1968: Don’t casually take on the role of the big brother

Upon reflection, Song Xiaodong guessed that Zhang Dongfang, the son-in-law, might have something to do with the old man’s fondness for the people of the state.

In other words, Zhang Dongfang might have become the son-in-law thanks to Song Xiaodong.

"What is it that’s being gifted?" Song Xiaodong took the box, which seemed large but lacked weight.

"I don’t know; my father-in-law didn’t allow me to open it," Zhang Dongfang answered honestly.

"However, he said Mr. Song would definitely be interested," Zhang Dongfang added.

Song Xiaodong, hearing this, grew even more curious and opened it in front of everyone.

The box contained a silk pouch, resembling those old-fashioned tobacco bags used by elderly people.

Song Xiaodong sniffed a faint fragrance emanating from the box, his expression suddenly serious.

Deputy Mayor Han, Director Qiao, Zhang Dongfang, and Wang Hongfei saw Song Xiaodong’s expression and became curious too.

"What is it?" Deputy Mayor Han asked.

Song Xiaodong didn’t respond but picked up the silk pouch, which was quite heavy, with something the size and weight of a steel ball at the bottom.

Song Xiaodong turned the pouch inside out, pouring out a dull grey elixir.

It looked very much like the candies eaten during childhood.

"What’s this, a chocolate bean?" Qiao Yutong asked Song Xiaodong.

"It’s an elixir," Song Xiaodong glanced at Han Yang and replied.

"An elixir?" Han Yang was somewhat skeptical.

"Mm," Song Xiaodong nodded.

"Does Mr. Song also understand Taoist alchemy?" Han Yang asked.

"I don’t understand it, but my ancestors did," Song Xiaodong replied.

"It seems Mr. Zhang’s father-in-law has indeed chosen a gift that suits Mr. Song’s taste!" Han Yang remarked.