The week-long China-Africa Forum concluded successfully. Zabol led the delegation in wrapping up their state visit and set off for home.
As for Zhang Yang, he remained in Beijing.
In other words, the real power was still here, while the puppet had gone back.
By now, Zhang Yang had accumulated all sorts of identities and been crowned with every kind of accolade. His reputation had risen to another level, making him a truly influential figure in high demand.
He rode in the ceremonial car, accompanied the president to official receptions, and spearheaded the signing of bilateral cooperation agreements worth hundreds of billions in total.
One matter after another.
President Zhang's name had long since become truly illustrious, like the sun at its zenith, resounding like thunder.
Ordinary dinner gatherings were not even qualified to send him an invitation.
Zhang Yang stayed at Beijing Manor, turning down many dinners he did not feel like attending. Every couple of days, he would invite three or five friends over for a small get-together to pass the time.
"Brother Zhang, your name in Beijing is this big..." Li Xingyu raised a thumb, his face full of ingratiating smiles. "In this vast capital, who hasn't heard of you, Mr. Zhang? Whenever my elders mention you, they're full of praise."
Zhang Yang smiled but said nothing.
Li Xingyu's elders had once held high office themselves, so their praise carried no small weight.
There was a saying: beyond the Five Elements, outside the Three Realms. He had already begun to embody that somewhat... Though he was everywhere within the circle, he could also rise above it, beyond its reach, unbound by ordinary rules.
What did he rely on? His status in the Gangge Republic? The bilateral cooperation projects that he alone could influence? Or perhaps... himself?
Perhaps