Due to strict oversight from the higher authorities, cultural companies had been under intense scrutiny for years. The tug-of-war between both sides had persisted for over a decade, always teetering on the edge of conflict.
Among them, Zhong Liyan stood as the most sharp-edged figure, unafraid to challenge authority from his personal standpoint.
But this time, no one had expected him to acknowledge the difficulties and constraints faced by the higher-ups in his speech.
In the world of business and politics, few people could genuinely empathise with those on the opposing side, let alone articulate their struggles and virtues with such meticulous understanding.
Especially coming from Zhong Liyan, the very businessman who had given government officials countless headaches, a man they could never quite rein in.
When he spoke about the hardships and challenges the leadership faced, expressing both understanding and affirmation, he paused briefly and lifted his gaze toward the senior official in attendance.
Sunlight streamed in through the windows, casting a golden hue over him in the late afternoon glow.
Even dressed in black, the light softened the contours of his figure.
His expression remained unchanged, no look of gratitude or admiration, no subtle nod of acknowledgement.
Yet, in that fleeting moment, when his eyes met the senior official’s, everyone in the room felt an unspoken chemistry shift the atmosphere.
A warmth spread in the official’s chest, like a refreshing breeze after a long winter.
Had those words come from someone else, he might not have taken them seriously.
But everyone knew Zhong Liyan, arrogant, aggressive and blunt to the point of being infuriating. It was precisely because he was such a man that his words of approval and gratitude held so much weight.
Though his speech lasted less than five minutes, its structure was well-crafted, its emotional layers distinct and its logic crystal clear, expertly steering the emotions of the officials.
The other business leaders were astonished.
His speech wasn’t flowery or poetic, but every word was grounded in sincerity. A quiet confidence ran through it, neither subservient nor arrogant.
It painted the speaker as a man with vision, strategy and a grand perspective.
Those who had been waiting to watch him cause a scene, to pick a fight with the government as he always did, were sorely disappointed.
Did Boss Zhong hire a PR consultant worth millions per speech?
The other executives had been counting on him to take the hit while they played it safe, buttering up the officials.
But now, they had severely miscalculated. Not only had Zhong Liyan managed to flatter the higher-ups, but he had done so in a way that preserved his dignity and status.
It was an absolute shock.
At the start of the meeting, the officials had braced themselves for another one of his inflammatory remarks, expecting an unresolvable conflict to erupt.
But as his speech neared its end, all they felt was goodwill, humility and an expansive generosity of spirit.
They were moved. They were grateful. Their eyes gleamed with emotion, gazing at him as if they were watching a rebellious child finally mature.
As if the years of hardship had finally led to this day.
The senior official listening intently pursed his lips, eyes locked forward. He did not meet Zhong Liyan’s gaze, but his stillness spoke volumes about his level of focus.
Over the years, he had obstructed Zhong Liyan’s projects many times, making things difficult for him.
But there had also been times when he had taken the heat from his superiors to protect promising projects.
Who didn’t long for understanding? Who didn’t hope for gratitude?
He may have held a position of power, but at the end of the day, he was still human.
Though he had to maintain his composure, he was not without emotions.
When Zhong Liyan finished speaking, the official unhesitatingly raised his hands and clapped twice.
Just those two claps sent a chill down the spines of the other officials beside him, who hurriedly followed suit. Their leader rarely showed such outward emotion.
The higher one climbed, the harder it became to express anything truly sincere.
Everyone wore layers upon layers of masks, facing each day’s storms with careful calculation.
Zhong Liyan’s speech had acted as a voice for the senior official, helping him vent unspoken pressures and emotions.
The relief and catharsis he felt were something no one else could understand.
As the applause faded, the senior official quickly composed himself, pressing a hand down to silence the room.
The meeting proceeded as planned, with the next speaker stepping forward.
But it was clear to all that while he seemed to be listening, his mind was elsewhere.
The mundane, scripted reports that followed were merely routine exchanges, a mere formality.
None of them held a candle to the resonance created by Zhong Liyan’s words.
From that point on, every speech felt dull in comparison.
By the time the meeting ended, the room was still heavy with unspoken thoughts, astonishment, curiosity and deep reflection.
Yet, a lingering sense of relief also hung in the air.
…
As the attendees dispersed, some executives took the opportunity to speak privately with officials about their company’s stalled projects. Others scheduled dinners with useful connections to further their interests.
Zhong Liyan stretched lazily in his seat before rising to his feet. With a casual motion, he handed his speech notes to Ju Li, who stood behind him.
As the young woman took the papers, his gaze swept across her face, catching the faint shimmer in her clear, bright eyes.
A moment later, he withdrew his gaze, his demeanour relaxed.
Wearing his signature cool smile, he strolled toward the exit, exchanging polite pleasantries and handshakes with the other executives.
At the doorway, he crossed paths with the senior official. Without hesitation, Zhong Liyan extended his hand. “Please continue to guide me in the future, sir. Don’t hold back.”
His words were courteous, yet carried his usual confidence and ease.
This time, the senior official did not frown. After shaking hands, he unexpectedly patted Zhong Liyan’s shoulder, his touch firm and warm, a silent testament to his approval.
…
Stepping out of the grand stone building, Zhong Liyan’s movements were unhurried, exuding effortless grace.
Ju Li followed behind, carrying his bag. Now that the meeting was over, she finally had a chance to take in the scenery around her.
The city lights had begun to flicker on, their glow casting irregular shadows against the rigid architecture,
A strange yet charming contrast unique to the urban night.
The air was damp and warm, the evening breeze slipping through their clothes like ripples in water.
Zhong Liyan’s car was already waiting at the curb. With a smooth motion, he ducked inside as the driver opened the door.
Ju Li climbed in beside him, settling into the seat on his right. Just as she got comfortable, his voice came, low and commanding: “You’re coming with me to Suzhou tonight. We’re visiting the White Fan Strategist film set.”
His tone was absolute, allowing no room for refusal.
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