Jiang Cheng used his familiar artistic style to paint a highly alluring picture for Factory Director Yuan.
"So, Factory Director Yuan..."
Factory Director Yuan understood.
Jiang Cheng came to ask for money.
No, it’s to ask for donations.
He knew about the things happening at sea, and he had cursed at home for days; he’s a retired veteran.
"President Jiang, I’m in!"
"Factory Director Yuan, your righteousness is commendable!"
The two shook hands, with Factory Director Yuan modestly saying, "I’m not as good as you. You know about this and immediately think of taking action, while I only cursed a few times!"
"That’s not true!"
Jiang Cheng interrupted Factory Director Yuan’s modesty, saying, "Factory Director Yuan, if it weren’t for your deeply patriotic heart, my little tricks wouldn’t even be worth a glance to you."
"The only reason I succeeded in convincing you is because of your keen insight."
Jiang Cheng’s few words made Factory Director Yuan burst into hearty laughter, feeling quite delighted.
"President Jiang, talking to you is always such a pleasure."
"Is it? It’s been a while, I thought my skills had declined."
The two exchanged a knowing smile, stars admiring each other.
Afterward, Factory Director Yuan earnestly introduced Jiang Cheng to the factory directors he knew in Sea City, discussing personalities, likes, and backgrounds, all with the mindset of having paid, ensuring no one got left out. Factory Director Yuan spoke quite a bit.
After expressing gratitude, Jiang Cheng left with a wealth of information.
Following this, news of Jiang Cheng arriving in Sea City began to spread gradually.
However, the reason for her visit remained a mystery.
Of course, there were rumors that Jiang Cheng was there for a major sea project, but nobody knew the specifics.
Curious people called the factories Jiang Cheng visited, receiving nearly the same message.
Once Jiang Cheng visits, you’ll understand.
Between the lines, everyone needed to see Jiang Cheng in person, and the project was exceptionally good, a rare opportunity.
With everyone’s tacit agreement, Jiang Cheng successfully maneuvered from start to finish, smoothly seeking alms along the way.
On the day she left Sea City, no other city had gotten wind of the upcoming "targeted fat sheep"; instead, each waited in anticipation for Jiang Cheng’s arrival on their own turf.
After all, over the years, people seemed to have forgotten Jiang Cheng’s knack for successful persuasion and only remembered her prosperous nature of making money.
Everyone wanted to hitch a ride on her coattails, hoping to claim a share of the profits.
Whether genuine or feigned, with this mindset, Jiang Cheng’s journey of collecting funds went exceptionally smoothly.
Starting from Sea City, Jiang Cheng journeyed southward.
By the time she reached Yangcheng, the fundraising project was two-thirds complete.
Once she finished in Yangcheng, she planned to return to Beijing.
Upon arriving in Yangcheng, Jiang Cheng first checked into a hotel, planning to visit the factory directors for tea and chats the next day.
But having come so far, she still wanted to explore a bit.
That moment, she walked out of the hotel alone, planning to find a dim sum shop for some food.
Jiang Cheng wandered to a dim sum shop, ordered her favorite snacks and a pot of tea, waiting leisurely.
The people of Yangcheng naturally exuded a laid-back and leisurely demeanor. Here, there was no worry about attire; the weather was too hot for anything but sandals, T-shirts, and shorts, which were the standard.
"Jiang—Jiang Cheng? Right?"
A hesitant voice sounded, and Jiang Cheng looked up.
He Gong.
The same He Gong who initially rented out a courtyard house to Jiang Cheng.
He later volunteered for the Northwest, leading Jiang Cheng to suspect he might be from country R, and after reporting it, there had been no news of him.
Jiang Cheng wasn’t good at rote memorization in her studies, but she was excellent at remembering people.
But right now...
"And you are?"
Jiang Cheng looked at the middle-aged man in front of her, full of confusion.
He Gong scratched his head, feeling quite embarrassed, "I guessed you wouldn’t remember me either. I originally rented out the courtyard house in City S to you."
Jiang Cheng seemed to be led into memories by He Gong’s words, and she let out a sudden recognition sound.
"Ah—it’s—you, hello, hello."
Jiang Cheng looked as if she remembered but still didn’t know his surname.
From suspicion to realization, He Gong introduced himself, "My surname is He. I was just passing by and wasn’t too sure if it was you."
"Mainly, you look a bit different from the newspapers now."
"I don’t mean anything by it, just wanted to say hello."
He Gong explained that he remembered Jiang Cheng because he saw her news in the newspaper.
He wasn’t trying to flatter or ask for anything, just an ordinary person wanting to greet a notable acquaintance.
"Hello, He Gong."
Jiang Cheng smiled kindly and even invited He Gong to join her for a meal.
He Gong initially declined, but under Jiang Cheng’s invitation, he agreed.
As they ate, they mostly talked about the original residents of the courtyard, reminiscing about changes over time, with Jiang Cheng echoing He Gong’s sentiments.
After the awkward meal, He Gong showed no intention of lingering and left straightforwardly.
Jiang Cheng seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, packed a few boxes of dim sum, and left as well.
Returning to the hotel, she sat on the sofa, lost in thought.
She had once suspected He Gong of being a spy, so now that he had approached her, he must be up to something?
Given that Jiang Cheng hadn’t hidden her recent activities from anyone, could they be trying to stop her fundraising?
Would a spy, who’s avoided capture for so many years, risk exposing their identity just to stop her?
Actually, it’s quite possible.
Many planted spies lurk for years, even decades sometimes, all for that one fatal blow.
Jiang Cheng stayed vigilant, knowing that phone calls weren’t secure now.
Who knew how many were working behind He Gong?
With that thought, Jiang Cheng called Shen Que.
The two seemed to chat casually, with Jiang Cheng asking about "Shen Yanqing" several times, wondering if he behaved well today.
Shen Que answered each question, and they chatted as if leisurely talking.
When they hung up, Shen Que’s expression changed.
Jiang Cheng was in trouble.
She never used Zhaung Zhuang’s name unless it was something serious.
Shen Que thought deeply; Jiang Cheng mentioned the courtyard.
The courtyard was a nickname for their house in City S.
So, what in City S was hindering Jiang Cheng?
She also mentioned making new clothes for Shen Yanqing, although Shen Yanqing’s clothes were always store-bought.
Grandma Shen was too old to make them, and Jiang Cheng was clueless about sewing.
So, clothes... fabric, textiles?
Honing in on a few key points, Shen Que began to take action.
On Jiang Cheng’s side, after hanging up, she felt a bit more at ease.
Shen Que should understand.
He Gong originally worked in textiles, and it was Factory Director Fang who handled his paperwork and knew about their suspicions about He Gong.
If he follows this lead, Shen Que will find a solution.
That night, Shen Que was busy, and Jiang Cheng’s mind was active.
She had a feeling she would see He Gong again.