Mayor An: I never accept dinner invitations-unless they're to young Chen's farmhouse resort!

The Construction Group's efficiency was nothing short of terrifying.

Early that morning, when Chen Lin drove to the clearing beside the reservoir behind the village, it was no longer the peaceful stretch of overgrown ground it had been a few days earlier.

Dozens of workers in blue hard hats were busy measuring, running lines, and marking piling locations in an orderly fashion. The roar of machinery mingled with the workers' rhythmic calls, forming a spirited overture to the construction ahead.

Several excavators had already begun working on the level clearing. Every swing of their enormous mechanical arms scooped up great heaps of dirt as they cleared the foundations for the future parking lot.

Chen Lin had barely stepped out of his car when Chen Shuting hurried over in a pair of elegant high heels. Today, she wore a sharp women's suit that perfectly accentuated her mature, graceful figure.

Beside her was a distinguished middle-aged man in a white suit. He looked around fifty, with immaculately slicked-back hair. Though he wore a smile, the air of authority cultivated through years at the top made him impossible to dismiss.

"President Chen, you're here." Chen Shuting stepped forward to introduce them. "This is Gao Qiqiang, chairman of the Construction Group, and my husband."

She then turned to Gao Qiqiang. "Qiqiang, this is Chen Lin, President Chen, whom I told you about."

"President Chen, you're certainly young and accomplished!" Gao Qiqiang offered his hand, a practiced smile on his face and a firm grip.

Chen Lin gave his hand a light shake and smiled modestly. "You're too kind, Chairman Gao. I just got lucky. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes."

"You're far too modest, President Chen." Gao Qiqiang laughed. Despite his polite words, he made no effort to hide the reserve and