MWC – Chapter 183 Temporary Meeting (Part 2)

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

“Great idea. How about this, Qianxing, you draft a proposal, and in the next few days, we can discuss and research it in detail.” Baklo said with a slight smile, looking at Lu Ming.

Lu Ming stretched his hand out, and Li Zhongliang hurriedly took four file folders from his briefcase. Lu Ming took them, pushed the originals in front of Baklo, and handed two copies to Sherlock and Gao Wangshi. “This is the draft, take a look.” He then smiled at Auditor Li Shandong and handed him the third copy. “Li Brother, please take a look later and review it.”

When it comes to municipal matters, unless it involves financial budgets or expenditures, Li Shandong would listen quietly. Hearing Lu Ming’s words now, he paused for a moment, nodded with a smile, and took the copy to browse through without saying a word.

Baklo looked at Lu Ming’s proposal, which was several pages long and extremely detailed, even including a large list of candidates for the economic and trade delegation.

“Hire the United Matrix Security Consulting Company to provide security advice and protection for the economic and trade delegation?” Baklo asked with a questioning look in his eyes.

Lu Ming nodded, “United Matrix has a good cooperation relationship with the military, and they’ve signed a partnership agreement with the Inner Guard Military Academy. If any military academy graduates fail to enter the inner defense forces, excellent students can be recruited by United Matrix, and their qualifications are beyond reproach.”

“As I mentioned earlier, we want to establish a trade zone near the Bat city-state, one that’s closely connected with our Beiguan region. Given the poor security situation there, we will need armed protection for our interests.”

The United Matrix company is, of course, a mercenary company built on the foundation of the original Free Forces Leftist Group. Its headquarters has been relocated to a remote rural area.

Additionally, by cleverly using information gaps, I discussed with General Neville and helped United Matrix secure some military contracts.

General Neville must think the mercenary company’s backers are from the Duke’s family, with the strongest possibility being supporters of Christine, the powerful competitor for the Crown Prince. He probably thinks I’m just acting as an intermediary.

He must think it’s great to have a mercenary organization cooperating with the military, as it can help the military handle situations where they can’t directly intervene. At the same time, this involves the competition for the Crown Prince candidate, so he naturally keeps to the silence principle, doing what’s necessary and not saying what shouldn’t be said.

As for Christine, she couldn’t care less about my messy business. Even if she knows about it, the most likely scenario is her using it to force me to apologize and beg her. Moreover, I’ve never hinted anything to Neville.

Every time I think of Christine, I feel a bit sentimental. To be honest, at my current stage, if it weren’t for her influence, many things would have been difficult. Especially involving such sensitive matters like the mercenary organization, helping to foster cooperation with the military has ensured my success. It has saved me at least five or even ten years.

As for her, she has a peculiar hobby of wanting to catch me making mistakes so she can get an apology. Thinking about it, I laugh, but there’s a strange warmth in my heart.

I haven’t seen her for a long time, and I actually miss her a bit.

In any case, the successful establishment of this mercenary company has resolved a major worry I’ve had.

Looking at Baklo, I feel more confident. Everything I’ve said about United Matrix is the truth.

Baklo nodded thoughtfully.

Lu Ming continued, “Liu Shoufu is being extorted and has been given three days. I hope that, after our meeting, we can send a telegram in the name of the Beiguan City Government to the Eastern Sea’s representative office in the Western Alliance, urging them to pay attention to this matter. At least their attention should deter any rash actions from the other party. I can also quickly travel with the economic and trade delegation to solve the problem. From Beiguan to the Western Regions, it takes two full days by train, and the delegation can stay there for a few extra days. I’ll strive to return by the end of the month and attend the full meeting of the city council.”

“Liu Shoufu is my friend, yes, but if any Beiguan businessmen face such troubles in foreign lands and I find out, I won’t turn a blind eye. So I don’t think I have any personal agenda. In fact, Liu Shoufu’s matter has given me many new ideas, all of which are in the proposal I submitted to you.”

“Of course, everyone has personal interests. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to help my friend as soon as possible, right?”

Gao Wangshi smiled faintly. “Qianxing, don’t worry. Go ahead and handle this matter. Even if you don’t make it back in time, don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the vote for you.”

Lu Ming, Baklo, and Sherlock probably all wanted to curse.

But Baklo, Sherlock, and Lu Ming were clearly feeling very different emotions.

Baklo and Sherlock probably had the urge to strangle Gao Wangshi. How could there be such a shameless woman? She was still a municipal committee member and shamelessly flirting in such a serious meeting?

You think because of this, we’ll present a proposal to impeach you? That would be absurd. And from now on, how will the municipal committee be viewed by the public?

It can’t get out, or else the reputation of the municipal committee will be ruined. It’ll be seen as a place of debauchery, a bunch of people doing nothing serious.

This woman really knows how to act.

Sighing in frustration, Sherlock shook his head and looked at Lu Ming. “In any case, this is too rushed. We still need to consider everything carefully, right?” He paused, “You don’t plan on leaving in the next couple of days, do you?”

Lu Ming smiled. “I’ll leave shortly. As for the economic and trade delegation, it’s fine to leave a little later. I’ll just be part of the advance team.”

Baklo thought for a moment, “Alright, we’ll be more cautious with the formation of the delegation. There are many things to consider, and Sherlock can lead the team when the time comes.”

“That’s not acceptable,” Gao Wangshi sneered derisively. “I think this proposal doesn’t need any changes. We can select the candidates for the delegation in less than ten minutes. Why delay the departure by a few days? Clearly, the idea and proposal were created by Qianxing alone, but now, it becomes something led by you, Mayor Baklo, and implemented by you, Commissioner Sherlock, right? The credit, prestige, and good relations with businesses and entrepreneurs will all go to you two.”

Lu Ming was stunned. This venomous woman clearly had no intention of staying in politics. Although everyone knew why Baklo would agree so quickly, even if they disagreed, they’d subtly dodge the issue. Everyone knew what was going on but wouldn’t openly say it.

But this woman is too reckless.

Baklo and Sherlock’s faces were as dark as thunderclouds. Sherlock glared at her, “Gao Wangshi, I don’t think you’re fit for such a sacred position on the municipal committee! You should resign and apply to be Qianxing’s administrative officer, serving him alone!”

Gao Wangshi laughed coldly, “You think I don’t want to? Help me ask Qianxing if he’d like me to be his administrative officer. If he does, I’ll resign immediately and give my position to you and your faction. How about it?”

Sherlock gritted his teeth, his eyes almost spitting fire, “If this were a hundred years ago, I’d demand a duel with you!”

One hundred and twenty years ago, duels had just been abolished. In the past, when political parties disagreed fiercely, duels were common. Now, duels were no longer allowed, but occasional scuffles between opposing members still happened.

Gao Wangshi smiled faintly, “What’s the point of talking about a hundred years ago? Back then, duels were just a formality, and no one died.”

“I’d rather go back three hundred years ago. That’s when duels in the council were interesting. I’m sure you’d die a terrible death! I’ve killed before. Have you?” She said calmly, staring at Sherlock.

Sherlock was stunned, feeling slightly guilty under her gaze, then turned away. “Absurd!”

“I don’t know if I have the right to express my opinion, but here it is, just for your reference,” Li Shandong suddenly spoke up.

As the Auditor-General, he had no authority to join in the discussions of the municipal committee’s specific matters. He clearly couldn’t bear to watch the current situation unfold.

This meeting had indeed become quite awkward.

Baklo hurriedly said, “Auditor-General, please speak.”

“I think Commissioner Lu’s proposal is very well thought out. If we all work overtime tonight and gather the advisors to discuss each item, including the candidates for the economic and trade delegation, we can get their opinions and come to a conclusion by morning. Commissioner Lu, you don’t need to leave now. It’s better to leave with the delegation tomorrow morning. The first train to the Western Regions leaves in the morning. If you leave now, you’ll have to take a detour, which might not get you there faster than taking the direct route. As for the members of the delegation, they’ll be busy all night and will need to rest on the train,” Li Shandong smiled, “Of course, this is just my personal opinion, for your reference.”

Baklo furrowed his brow for a moment but quickly relaxed, glanced at the others in the room, and thought for a moment. “Alright, Auditor-General, you make a good point. Then we’ll work through the night to come to a conclusion.”