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Ding Zi was slightly startled, and a rare blush appeared on her usually icy, elegant face.
One had to admit, this shy deanor of hers was far more appealing than her usual cold exterior.
Chen Bin continued, "Before your mother’s surgery, you should go to the town first. That way, you won’t be distracted, and it’ll be easier to focus on your work."
"Thank you, Secretary Chen."
"I helped you out in such a big way, and that’s all the gratitude I get? Just a verbal thank-you?"
Ding Zi lowered her head, not daring to et Chen Bin’s eyes, and timidly asked,
"Then... what do you want to do?"
Chen Bin gave a mischievous smile and took a step closer. "I’ll tell you after your mother’s surgery."
Watching his figure gradually fade into the distance, Ding Zi finally snapped out of her daze.
"Secretary Chen, wait a mont. I’ll go write you an IOU!"
Chen Bin didn’t turn around; he just waved his hand.
"We’ll talk about it later!"
Standing there, staring at his carefree departing figure, Ding Zi remained silent for a long ti.
On Monday morning, just before lunchti, Chen Bin called Xue Baoguang.
He wanted to inquire about the situation with the food processing plant and the County’s stance on it.
But Xue told him to co to the County in the afternoon—they’d discuss it face-to-face.
Chen Bin was actually quite happy with this outco.
If it had been a straightforward "no," there would’ve been no need for such a roundabout approach.
After lunch, Chen Bin imdiately had Cheng Zhuang drive him to the County.
However, upon entering Xue Baoguang’s office, the response he got left him dumbfounded.
"The proposal to establish the food processing plant was not approved by the Standing Committee."
"Why not?"
"The County’s financial situation is tight. Being able to pay wages on ti every month is already quite an achievent. There’s simply no way to support additional projects like yours."
Chen Bin found this reasoning believable.
After all, from Xue’s deanor and words, he truly didn’t seem to be putting on an act.
Seeing Chen Bin’s spirits sink, Xue Baoguang added,
"But if you can figure out a way to secure external investnt, then it’s a different story."
This was indeed a potential solution—but who on earth would be willing to invest in a place as impoverished as Qinghe Town?
Noticing Chen Bin’s silence, Xue continued,
"Why not think of other ideas? I believe there’s always a path forward."
Nodding, Chen Bin left the County Committee and County Governnt Building.
Over the following days, he had Cheng Zhuang drive him around the nearby villages to scout for opportunities.
However, no matter where he looked, he still couldn’t find a way to revitalize Qinghe Town.
Just as Chen Bin was feeling increasingly troubled, He Beibei officially transferred to Dragon Mountain County’s No. 1 Middle School.
Zheng Najiao personally escorted her to the school.
Since there were no classes that day, after completing the registration process, Chen Bin had Cheng Zhuang drive the mother and daughter to Qinghe Town.
During the ride, He Beibei pursed her lips and looked astonished.
"Oh my God, I’ve never seen a place this poor before!"
Zheng Najiao gently patted her on the head.
"You ca here to study, not to sightsee. The environnt has nothing to do with you!"
Chen Bin quickly chid in, "Exactly. Sotis it’s places like this, with harsher conditions, that inspire people to persevere and succeed."
"Pfft, I don’t buy it!"
Upon arriving at the guesthouse, Chen Bin showed Zheng Najiao and He Beibei the accommodations.
Originally, he’d considered letting Beibei stay in his side room.
But after a mont of reflection, he realized it probably wasn’t appropriate.
After all, Beibei was already sixteen, and it wouldn’t be convenient for them to live together under one roof.
To give Zheng Najiao peace of mind, Chen Bin ultimately arranged for Beibei to have her own room.
After inspecting the room, Beibei gave a very satisfied nod.
"I didn’t expect this rundown place to have a guesthouse as fancy as a high-end hotel."
At this point, Zheng turned to look at Chen Bin.
"Do you eat at the guesthouse too?"
"Yes. The chefs here can make pretty much anything, so Beibei’s als won’t be an issue."
Nodding, Zheng reached into her bag and took out a secure-looking parcel of cash.
"This is ten thousand yuan. You take it."
Chen Bin didn’t accept it imdiately. Instead, he asked, "What’s this about?"
"Since Beibei will rely on you for food, lodging, and care here, take this money. If it’s not enough, let know."
Chen Bin shook his head and was about to refuse.
But Beibei snatched the money from Zheng’s hand and stuffed it into Chen Bin’s hands.
"She told you to take it, so just take it. Don’t be so polite!"
Chen Bin genuinely didn’t want to accept, but given how determined both Zheng and Beibei were, he had no choice but to nod.
After dinner at the guesthouse, Zheng left.
Before leaving, she repeatedly instructed Beibei to listen to Chen Bin.
She also told Chen Bin to treat Beibei like a younger sister—to discipline her and scold her if necessary.
And if all else failed, to call He Chaoping directly.
Pouting, Beibei grumbled in annoyance.
"My mom is so naggy. She’s driving crazy!"
"It’s all for your sake."
"Yeah, right. Let her nag at you for a full day; I bet you wouldn’t feel the sa!"
Shaking his head, Beibei quickly changed the topic.
"Can I check out your room?"
"Sure!"
Chen Bin then took Beibei to his room.
Seeing the interior, her expression was one of amazent.
"Wow, how co you get to live so nicely? No way, I want to switch!"
Chen Bin firmly rejected her unrealistic suggestion.
"This room is reserved for the town’s Party Secretary. You can’t stay here."
Seeing Beibei about to argue, Chen Bin pressed her down onto the sofa.
"This is Dragon Mountain County. From now on, you must study hard and not let your parents down, understand?"
"Don’t worry about it! My last poor grades were intentional—I already know all that material."
Hearing this, Chen Bin nodded, reassured.
At that mont, Beibei’s expression suddenly turned red as if she’d thought of sothing.
"Since you’ve been in Qinghe Town, have you missed ?"
"Of course I missed you. Why?"
"No, I an *that* kind of miss, like... like..."
Seeing Beibei struggle to articulate, Chen Bin quickly grasped the situation.
He sternly lectured her, "You’re in your adolescence and don’t fully understand certain things. Don’t have inappropriate thoughts about , got it?"
"What? You... but last ti, when you were in my room, that’s not what you said! How did you change your mind?"
"What are you even talking about? I seriously don’t know!"
Seeing Chen Bin’s utterly confused expression, Beibei’s face darkened.
"Fine. Keep pretending. You’ll regret this!"
Throwing out this harsh remark, Beibei stord back to her own room.
Watching her leave in a huff, Chen Bin stood there, utterly perplexed...
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