Chapter 3: Grand Ceremony Sentiment (3)

  "Director Xing, you misunderstood. Half an hour ago, I was at the government office asking the mayor about the opening ceremony, and he said that tonight they would be inviting the bosses of six pillar enterprises for dinner. I made a temporary motion and requested repeatedly to change it to our Oriental. Little sister is borrowing the government's big ship to raise our Oriental's sail! At the beginning of the trial operation, the chef appointed by the Hong Kong shareholders has also arrived, please let the bosses try some new flavors, taste the Cantonese cuisine system of Hong Kong and Macau, Hunan cuisine flavor and Western seasonings."

  As they spoke, three cars stopped behind them. The Hummer's door opened and the headlights flashed frequently. Du Huai Shun, the real estate tycoon, got out of the car with a loudspeaker and shouted: "Boss Gai, you really are ahead of your time in terms of ideological emancipation! You dare to drag a handsome rich guy outside the gate to whisper secrets. If you want to play matchmaker, I'll join in too!"

  "Don't be afraid, I won't kill you!" Ge Sanxian hastily turned around and shook hands with Du Huaishun, saying, "I've been waiting for all of you bosses and brothers here for a long time, please come in! Please go up to the second floor, Tian'e Lake Hao Ya."

  "You can't have both the end and the beginning, you can only choose one. Why count the walnut as the same number? You can't have fish and bear's paw at the same time."

  "This shows that you, Du, are a country bumpkin." Gai Sansheng was not one to be outdone and immediately retorted, "After finishing the fish, then taste the bear's paw. Isn't it said that those with good fortune don't need to rush, wearing brocade and eating from all directions?" Du Huaishun could only admit defeat, repeatedly saying, "Impressive, impressive, this year is indeed a time of yin flourishing and yang declining."

  No matter whether he could touch her or not, Du Huai Shun had to satisfy his craving for women.

  Behind them, two more cars stopped and out came Steel King Shi Xingbang and Coal King Li Tiezhong. Gai Sanxian went up to greet them one by one, shaking hands and saying: "Welcome, Director Shi and Director Li, thanks for coming to Dongfang."

  The Audi 082 of Mayor Lu has arrived. Gai, Sanxian and the four great kings hurriedly surrounded him to welcome the mayor's descent from the car. After shaking hands one by one, Mayor Lu looked at the vehicles of several bosses, either Toyota Land Cruiser or Hummer, the lowest level was a BMW, so he couldn't help but say: "Economic construction as the center, benefit creates heroes; good horses with good saddles, a thousand miles to Jiangling and back in half a day."

  Lu Mayor's quick wit and fluent speech won everyone's praise, saying that he was indeed a talented mayor with a graduate degree. As two old men had not arrived yet, Lu Mayor asked Gai to lead everyone around the building for a tour, admiring the elegant European-style architecture under the night lights.

  What a magnificent city that never sleeps! Unique and scattered, yet harmonious. There are still three underground layers hidden from view. From the first to the eighteenth floor, including the top floor, the night scene lights on all sides are emitting golden light. The middle floors are divided into different areas according to their service functions, and are decorated with various colors of light, including pink, pale green, pale purple, yellow, orange... Standing tall beside the Starlight Avenue in Xiahe City's Hot Spring Town, it is like a fairy who has descended from the sky and taken root. In this August Mid-Autumn Festival, under the bright moon and sparse stars, it forms a strong contrast with the buildings on the other side of the river in Xiahe City's main urban area, which are dimly lit.

  The internal structure, functional zoning and architectural decoration of the Oriental Holiday Hotel left a deep impression on Mayor Lu and several old bosses, who couldn't help but praise it. At this time, the two old bosses of building materials and transportation also arrived, and everyone stopped visiting each floor one by one, humbly stepping into the Swan Lake Luxury Suite on the second floor of the catering department.

  The decoration of the Swan Lake luxury room is exquisite. The ceiling is a vast blue sky with white clouds, the walls are soft and high-end wallpaper, red carpet, red wood table and chairs, British imported high-end audio equipment, LCD display, equipped with hand sanitizer and warm hand device for men and women. Eight little swan-like service girls wear swan feather shorts and bras, lipstick, eye shadow and curly brown hair, giving a strong European flavor feeling.

  Eight swans stood on both sides, bowing deeply to the guests, and in unison said in a well-trained tone: "Welcome!" Then they took their respective positions to help the guests with their coats, pour tea, and light cigarettes.

  The seating arrangement at the dinner party was centered around the mayor, then arranged in order of age. Li Tiezhu, the coal king, being the oldest, sat to the left of Mayor Lu. The other bosses sat down one after another. As the host and also the youngest among them, he naturally took the initiative to sit at the lower end. Then, he asked the waiter to present the menu and invited Mayor Lu to order first. Mayor Lu was an impatient person and felt that everyone ordering separately would take too much time. He said: "Since we are in this place, let's just follow the host's arrangements. I propose a principle: it should be delicious, of good quality, and reasonably priced. If no one has any objections, then let the host go ahead and order."

  Everyone exclaimed in unison. Gai Sanxian called the service staff to leave and personally went to the first floor kitchen to arrange it. In fact, Gai Sanxian was very clear in her heart that over the years, whether in officialdom or business circles, whether leaders or bosses, they had all become accustomed to fine dining. Having eaten many delicious dishes, the high and low levels of taste were not very obvious, especially after three rounds of wine and five flavors, most people's attention was focused on the wine. However, Lu Mayor's "nine-character principle" of "having flavor, being a brand, and being practical" made her deliberate when ordering dishes. The four cold dishes with meat and vegetables were well-matched, and the nourishing delicacies such as abalone, sea cucumber, swallow's nest, lotus seed porridge, and fish fins in the raw seafood dish were also indispensable. Fortunately, the head chef from Hong Kong was skilled at making big brand dishes of Hunan and Guangdong flavors, and was familiar with the types of northern cuisine, so he simply brought out a large table of fusion dishes combining southern and northern flavors for the municipal leaders and bosses to taste.

  The mayor of Lu saw that the opened bottles were all 20-year-old cellar-aged national liquor Maotai, and immediately his spirit soared, his eyes shining brightly. "Today we are all equal in front of the national liquor. Half a kilogram is the starting line, those who can drink more will be rewarded, there's no upper limit."

  The sixth of the six major heavenly kings, Chen Qiuliang, chairman of Xiahehua Group, a building materials industry leader, immediately bowed his hands to Mayor Lu and begged for mercy: "Please, Mayor Lu, have mercy on me. I'm now a teetotaler, only drinking apricot kernel juice. It's not shameful to say that my body is like the current state of the building materials industry - it has undergone large-scale energy-saving and emission-reduction renovations. For the economic development of Xiahe City, I'm now all about pushing forward with small cars, but please spare me from wine."

  The mayor of Lu city then remembered that General Chen had just undergone a kidney transplant in Beijing at the beginning of the year, and readily agreed: "In view of the actual situation, General Chen can be an exception. The Double Festival is approaching, I am willing to let everyone gather together and have a meal together. The first layer of meaning is to extend holiday greetings to all the old generals for their hard work. Especially after General Chen's major surgery, he still insisted on being in the front line of production and operation, which is deeply admired. It is very coincidental that today, the Oriental Group is preparing for the opening ceremony, and the Oriental has become the leading enterprise in the catering and entertainment service industry in our city. After the new project is normally operated, it will soon become a pillar enterprise of the municipal government's financial revenue. In terms of the momentum of our city's economic development, this is called a good play. Boss Gai is very enthusiastic and particularly willing to invite all the old generals to come to the Oriental to get drunk first. I just borrow flowers to offer Buddha. With six big kings and shared prosperity, plus Boss Gai of the Oriental Group, these seven fairy maidens descending to the world, the economy of Xiahe City will surely take off rapidly.

  Eight little swans, six big kings, Luo Fangbao and Gai Sanchuan all applauded and praised. Lu Shizhang's impromptu speech became the toast for the banquet. Swan Miss had already filled everyone's wine glasses except for Chen Zong, who was served apricot kernel liquor. The cold dishes, four meat and four vegetarian, were all on the table, and the big brand dishes started to be served one after another. Lu Shizhang led the way by drinking three cups in a row, and no one fell behind.

  The strong aroma and flavor of Maotai liquor made the faces of the three county officials flush with excitement. As a seasoned drinker, Mayor Lu was unfazed after downing three cups, his face unchanged, his voice loud and clear.

  "Today's gathering has a second meaning: next year marks the 30th anniversary of reform and opening-up, as well as the 20th anniversary of Xiahe's county withdrawal and city establishment. The 'Six Great Kings' and 'Seven Fairy Queens' present are all leading figures in our city's pillar industries. This government solemnly promises to provide the best services and most favorable business environment for you.

  I ask you, esteemed entrepreneurs, to gear up and take action with swift and sharp strategies! Make full use of your management expertise and policies to achieve outstanding business success, celebrating the 30th anniversary of reform and opening-up, and presenting a magnificent gift to celebrate Xiahe's city establishment!"

  Everyone cheered and said it was good. Mayor Lu stood up with his cup held high. Luo Fangbao was overjoyed, thinking the mayor wanted to toast him first, and he became so excited that he stuttered, his two thick cheeks quivering. But instead, Mayor Lu said: "I and Director Luo represent the government's public servants in a toast to all of you bosses, wishing for your businesses to flourish and for us to help drum up excitement."

  Seven bosses didn't expect the mayor to be so generous and sincere, they all stood up with their wine glasses, even Chen drank a cup of almond tea and poured a glass of Maotai, everyone said in unison that they must first toast the municipal leaders.

  They argued for a long time without reaching an agreement, and in the end Mayor Lu ended the stalemate by proposing a toast to mutual respect and love among all sectors.

  The waiter brought a dish of Xiang flavor brand called fish. This kind of fish is almost an endangered species, no need to remove scales, under the scales there is rich fat, tender meat, fragrant entrance, is a noble edible fish. The mayor of Lu was the main guest, all brand dishes naturally had to be turned to the main guest position first, and the main guest took the lead in using them. This is an unwritten rule on the wine scene from ancient times to the present. Gai Sansheng pointed at the turntable and stopped the fish head facing the mayor of Lu. Then he toasted a cup to the mayor and asked the main guest to start with the fish.

  The mayor of Lu held the chopsticks above the fish's eye and lightly picked it up, saying: "This is called a high look and a thick love. Everyone has seen that according to the rules of Xiahe, head three, tail four, abdomen five, back six, I will drink these three cups in one gulp."

  Refreshing and delightful, the wine enhances its divine power. Lu Shichang stretched out his thick and powerful palm, with four fingers flat and curved to pick up the three cups of Maotai in front of Miss Tian'e, bowed his head, raised his lips, took a sip, and saw the bottom of the cup, not a single drop of wine was left.

  "What a great general's demeanor! Refreshing!" Everyone cheered in unison for the mayor's refreshing move.

  According to the procedure, it's Gai San County's turn to drink the last four cups of wine. She was a bit apprehensive about drinking strong liquor, but since the mayor had set an example earlier, she couldn't let everyone down. However, it was difficult for her to hold up the four cups of wine with one hand, so she raised her eyebrows, flashed her bright eyes and said: "Our 'Oriental Holiday Hotel' is preparing for its opening ceremony, and we sincerely invite all leaders and bosses to lend a helping hand. I'm not good at drinking, so I can only take a sip, and make it a win-win situation."

  When he finished speaking, he followed the example of Mayor Lu's toast and picked up four cups of wine with both hands. He tilted his face to the left and drank two cups in one gulp, like a swallow carrying mud. Then, he slightly opened his red lips and sipped from the cup on the right, draining it to the bottom.

  "Ah, so cool! Truly awesome! You're indeed a heroine among women, a female hero!" Luo Fangbao led the applause, setting the tone for the others. The various bosses all cheered in unison, creating a thunderous ovation.

  Lu Mayor also applauded for Gai three counties. "Our Xiahe City is a land of talents, and women are not inferior to men."

  The rules of the wine party are that no one lets anyone else go first. The "fifth cup" has arrived at Jiao Huadai's boss Xing Yongliang, and this handsome CEO is staring at Tian'e Miss's full five cups, searching for words: "The first three cups belong to Mayor Lu, who takes the lead with a single horse; the last four cups belong to Gai Xiaomei, who has a way out wherever she goes. But my 'fifth cup' is really hard to express."

  "Stop trying to get a good deal, you sly thing!" Real estate mogul Du Huai Shun always fires off his cannons at every opportunity. "This is 20-year-old cellar-aged national liquor Maotai, calculate how much it costs per ton? It's not like I'm letting the coking king drink coal tar, what a stinky mess!"

  "My old stomach ulcer has acted up again these past few days, I really don't dare to be too full," Xing Yongliang said as he went to get some medicine from his bag.

  Du Huai Shun stretched out his arm to block Xing Yong Liang's hand and said: "Don't play this trick on everyone anymore! Who doesn't have a pile of medicine? Come on, I'll take the blame for you. No matter if it's your 'abdominal five' or my 'back six', once it's drunk into the belly, it's just stuff that will nourish our cow gall and dog treasure."

  The mayor of Lu said, "Look at the wine and see the wind, Mu Guiying broke through the Tianmen formation, whoever doesn't sell their life will only be able to sing 'Yanmen Zhanzi'. Tonight, except for Director Chen, no one can give a discount."

  Xing Yongliang was extremely helpless, and had no choice but to pour all five cups of wine into a teacup, and with Du Huai Shun holding up his "one" teacup, they clinked them together fiercely, then tilted their heads back and gulped it down.

  After this round, the two bottles of Maotai were almost gone. Everyone's spirits rose even higher, as if they had just found their rhythm.

  "Everyone, let's take advantage of the wine and talk about the third layer of meaning behind tonight's dinner. The twenty-year-old Maotai served by Boss Dongfang is a deep and meaningful gesture. After drinking this twenty-year-old wine, we must all make a concerted effort to contribute to next year's 20th anniversary celebration of our city's founding. The opening ceremony on September 28 will be prepared on the same scale as the city's anniversary celebration. The government office has already notified the relevant departments to hang banners and lanterns on major streets and landmark buildings, and set up rainbow gates at the four entrances to the city. September 28 is a great day, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day celebrations. After the ceremony, we will also organize cultural performances by art troupes. Everyone, please bring out your dragon dance teams, flower carts, yangko, whip dances, lion dances, and all sorts of colorful floats to perform on the streets. Whether it's a mule or a horse, let's bring them out for a stroll. This is another triple win: first, showcasing corporate culture during the double festivals; second, adding excitement to Dongfang's opening ceremony; and third, conducting a simulation exercise for next year's 20th anniversary celebration of our city's founding. At this week's standing committee meeting, we will also discuss and pass the agenda for the Dongfang celebration ceremony. Because the provincial leaders are coming to attend, and it's rare for them to make a special trip to our remote mountainous region, everyone must give them a warm welcome and boost our city's image."

  The six big kings listened and immediately looked at Gai Sancun with new eyes. It's really a different time, a different situation! Their companies have done countless projects and ceremonies of all sizes, and having the mayor and municipal party secretary attend is the biggest show and face. This Gai Sancun is indeed a crane that has flown out of a flock of sheep, flying high into the sky! Although the six big kings couldn't help but feel uneasy about the scale of the Eastern Celebration ceremony, they still vied with each other to express their support in front of the mayor and Gai Sancun, saying they would spare no effort for the celebration.

  Gai Sancun, who had been trained in the social scene, knew it was her turn to toast, but she wanted to push Luo Fangbao forward first. "Director Luo is the head of our catering industry management department, I'll follow Director Luo to toast the city leaders and all the bosses."

  Eight Miss Swans were busy pouring wine and serving cups. After two rounds of drinking, except for Chen Qiuliang, the king of building materials who was drinking almond dew, everyone had a few points of intoxication.

  As the wine reached its peak, everyone's words increased, and they talked about everything under the sun, unknowingly turning the dinner party's atmosphere around.

  Standing Committee

  Every Friday, the municipal party committee meeting is always on schedule. Not counting his work experience in the municipal government, Qiao Junling has been the secretary of the municipal party committee for two terms and will be completing his term in a year. It can be said that Secretary Qiao Junling is still a very strict and orthodox party official. During his tenure as head of the municipal party committee, all work requirements have been very detailed. Especially when it comes to meeting records of the municipal party committee members, he requires the office secretariat to record everything in detail. For more important matters, they must also be published in the internally circulated "Party Affairs Newsletter". All departments and bureaus that submit agenda items to the municipal party committee meeting are required to follow the system and report to the competent municipal leaders, and finally submit a well-written report to the two offices of the municipal party committee and government.

  The Standing Committee meeting had four agenda items: 1. The draft implementation opinions on industrial structure adjustment; 2. The plan to requisition 3,000 mu of land for the construction of a new high-tech industrial park in Xiahe City; 3. The program and participant list for the CPPCC Mid-Autumn Festival tea party; and finally, 4. The agenda for the opening ceremony of the "Oriental Holiday Hotel" and the list of invited leaders and guests.

  The first two agenda items, although involving a large and complex content and action program, are still in the early stage of paperwork and agenda setting. Everyone expressed their opinions frankly and generally, and the opinions have basically formed a preliminary consensus. The CPPCC's Mid-Autumn Festival Tea Party is an annual routine event that can be passed with just one discussion. However, the last item "Oriental Holiday Hotel" opening ceremony made leaders deliberate for some time.

  As for the content of the agenda itself, it's just seven lines on A4 paper. However, when it comes to actual implementation, leaders need to carefully sift through multiple considerations. Because in today's Chinese officialdom where the consciousness of official position is extremely strong, whoever takes these things lightly is no different from making a joke about their own official hat. City Party Secretary Qiao Junling, who was a senior colonel when he transferred from the military, deeply understands the unwritten rule that one level higher in official rank can crush people to death.

  Information from various channels is finally collected in the secretary's office of the municipal party committee. Important information must also be reported orally by the secretary to the secretary, mayor and deputy secretary in charge before it can be submitted to the standing committee and meeting attendees. Because the executive vice governor will attend, the ceremony level has suddenly been upgraded, and the two deputy heads of the provincial people's congress and the provincial political consultative conference, as well as the head of the provincial politics and law committee, public security department, and provincial commerce department, will all come, making this a top priority for Xiahe, a prefecture-level city. As Xiahe was built on the basis of an expanded county and was once the location of the regional administrative office, the appointment of cadres is one level higher than that of ordinary county-level cities, with the heads of the four major offices in the municipality all receiving treatment at the deputy provincial level.

  The seating arrangement on the rostrum is the first item to be studied for the celebration ceremony. The level of officials is naturally the only sign, and provincial leaders, municipal four major teams, heads of provincial departments and commissions, as well as major shareholders from both Hong Kong and mainland China will all go onto the rostrum. The order of seating is of course from large to small, first left then right. These are easy to unify thinking, and specific operations are a matter for the conference group.