Surrounded by the crowd, the president walked over to Lu Chengwen. "Mr. Lu."
Lu Chengwen turned around, looking utterly shocked, overjoyed, flattered beyond measure, and so delighted he nearly cried. "Mr. President?"
Dong Jianguo smiled and shook Lu Chengwen's hand. "Lu, I liked your speech. Fair and objective, focused on facts, and quite entertaining."
Lu Chengwen said, "I was just telling the truth. I've had this problem since childhood—I can't lie. The moment I do, I break out in allergies."
Dong Jianguo laughed heartily, still holding Lu Chengwen's hand. "I liked what you said about the future. I think many of your ideas align with mine."
Lu Chengwen said, "I like your understanding of tariffs. I think you won. You led the American people to victory."
Dong Jianguo said, "I wanted to do that before I became president. It's just a shame I wasn't president back then."
Lu Chengwen said, "And your new healthcare reform measures—they were simply a stroke of genius!"
Dong Jianguo shrugged and raised his brows. "That was just a flash of inspiration."
"Your flashes of inspiration are genius ideas that can change the world. Please promise me you'll have a few more flashes—preferably every day."
Dong Jianguo laughed loudly. "That's exactly what I'm good at."
"And your new planning and allocation for agricultural products—I think it's far too sophisticated. Most people may not even be able to fully grasp your intentions."
"Not most people. Everyone. Not only do they fail to understand me, they oppose me."
Lu Chengwen said sincerely, "Everyone really is awful."
Dong Jianguo said, "But you surprised me! You have ideas, creativity. You're a smart man—the kind of smart man who can speak with me as an equal."
Lu Chengwen said seriously, "You overestimate me. There may be two or three smart people