s the father who nodded repeatedly beside them, finally recovering from his pent-up emotions. "Son, good... good..." He said three “good” words in a row but couldn't find anything else to say. Finally...Chapter 129: Mountain Climbing

On New Year's Day, the family went to climb Green Mountain. Su Cen received a call from Wang Yue.

"You need to quickly review the construction plan for our second store in Chengdu; there are still many places that require your signature. It would be best if you could give it to me before the fourth day of the New Year," Wang Yue said over the phone to Su Cen.

The so-called second store in Chengdu refers to the Dunhuang Department Store, which was under construction last year on Ambassador Road in the city's south area. It spans more than 8,000 square meters and is called the Brownlight branch of Dunhuang. The Brownlight district along Ambassador Road has a permanent population of one million, with thirty thousand high-consumption groups, twenty thousand transient residents, and sixty large and small residential complexes forming its core living circle. There are hundreds of pages in the plan book detailing this analysis. As Dunhuang gradually integrates into Chengdu as an upscale department store combining shopping, dining, and leisure activities, it has become a part of the city's culture and identity, becoming one of its iconic images. Wang Yue is increasingly appearing in the media industry as a businesswoman frequently featured in newspapers.

Su Cen had a vague sense that Dunhuang was advancing towards the most bustling area of Chengdu.

"In addition, we are collaborating with the China Children and Teenagers' Foundation to establish the ‘Dunhuang Child Rescue Fund’. The charity event in Chengdu will take place on the sixth day. If you wish to attend, I can arrange it at any time. After all, there's no need to be so indifferent about reputation after doing good deeds, is there" Wang Yue chuckled lightly over the phone.

Su Cen was halfway up Green Mountain, where crowds filled the winding mountain roads below, stretching all the way to the peak. The number of people climbing on New Year's Day could be seen from the numerous parked cars at the foot of the mountain.

Zeng Zhaoding turned around and called for Zeng Yuan and him to catch up. His sister, Zeng Na, was following closely behind the main group. Besides Su Cen's family climbing today, there were also members of Zeng Quaming's war comrade climbing with them. The young woman next to his sister Zeng Na is a student at the Central University of Nationalities, in her second year and rather quiet. She often jokes around with Zeng Na and occasionally glances back at them; it seems that their conversation sometimes includes Su Cen too. He wasn't comfortable being teased by his sister and the other girl, so he fell behind on purpose to communicate with Wang Yue.

"I've always been a fan of doing good deeds anonymously. So, attending these events is your responsibility," Su Cen replied with a smile.

"If you want to take it easy, just say so. It's only a matter of words for you, but I'll have my hands full with this foundation, the New Year promotional celebration, and the Sunshine Scholarship program. The Chengdu Federation of Industry and Commerce has recently set up contact times with us, hoping that we can outline the scholarship project before the tenth day of the first lunar month. This is quite exciting, and they also hope to arrange a time for media coverage so that it can be reported and promoted well. After all, this will be the first privately-owned enterprise in our province to set up a scholarship fund aimed at grassroots employees and college students."

The Sunshine Scholarship Project is the second回饋 plan of Dunhuang Department Store this year. Dunhuang has donated four million yuan to launch the project, with one million used for continuous financial support for children of frontline workers in the Dunhuang department store who are going to university and three million set aside at Rongda University for scholarships.

As a result, media now refer to this year as "Dunhuang's Year of Charity" because of these two funds established by the store. This is also in response to the municipal government’s eight key projects proposed for this year.

"If you throw me a peach, I shall return with a plum."

Su Cen’s actions were not without the intention of reciprocating Wang Bo's gesture. Su Cen's conflict with Tao Chuhong forced Wang Bo to shift from being low-key to making high-profile statements about handling issues in the Furong River area land acquisition, which might be contrary to Wang Bo's original intentions but could clear his brother-in-law’s name and pull Zeng Quanming out of trouble. At this time, Su Cen naturally had to stay more reserved; otherwise, one day Wang Bo would call him up for a settlement, and Wang Weiwei wouldn't fare well under such circumstances.

The family climbing the mountain encountered acquaintances at the front. Zeng Quanming and Su Licen warmly greeted them with smiles. The person they met seemed to be another official in Chengdu and it was not unusual to meet someone here, as there were only a few famous mountains around Chengdu with ancient temples for people to visit on New Year’s Day, most driving into town. With narrow mountain roads, it wasn't surprising to encounter acquaintances during the climb.

After exchanging greetings, Su Cen learned that this was the city's Cultural Bureau Director Wang. He greeted Zeng Quanming warmly and insisted on inviting Zeng Quanming’s family to rest in a scenic spot known as ‘Suzhen's Retreat’ here. "Daoist Zhang's tea is excellent; you can take a break after climbing, then we'll go see the masterpieces of the great Daoist painter, Zhang Suzhen."

Director Wang and Zeng Quanming had only met once before last year during Cultural Bureau funding approval meetings and rarely interacted otherwise. Meeting here was quite coincidental since he had just been talking about official disputes in Chengdu with some acquaintances.

However, Su Licen did not refuse this seemingly cordial invitation from Director Wang. Instead, he glanced at Su Cen, whose meaning made him look away. Given that everyone probably knew Zeng Quanming's backing was Wang Bo, it wasn't good to comment on the matter of befriending people; however, seeing Zeng Quanming did naturally make one feel closer.

Upon arriving at the rear courtyard of Su Qing in Green Mountain, there was a fence around it. Although it wasn't built with earth walls or brick tiles like traditional Chinese architecture, it looked more like a modern conference hall belonging to a government office. The Taoist Priest Zhang who came out to greet them was already over forty but still appeared youthful and energetic as if he were in his thirties.

At this moment, another group of people also approached from the opposite direction.

"When Chiang Kai-shek was young, he met a Taoist priest here in Green Mountain. This Taoist told him a phrase: 'Success won't leave Sichuan, failure won't leave Hong Kong.' All things in this world are predestined by heaven. Probably even Chiang Kai-shek couldn't have imagined that an itinerant fortune-teller on the roadside could succinctly encapsulate his entire life with just eight words. Of course, this is also a legendary anecdote passed down among locals about Green Mountain. We're approaching Su Qing Tea House now; inside are some paintings by Daoist painter Zhang Suqing. Mayor Tao, please follow me." Chengdu's Executive Vice-Mayor Wang Zhigang's secretary led Tao Changping and his nephew Tao Chuhong up the mountain in a leisurely manner.

Tao Changping was around forty years old and at the peak of his career; if there were no unexpected incidents, he would likely be appointed as the mayor of Chengdu after this term ended. Thus, he wasn't too concerned about the National Development and Reform Commission incident. However, having Wang Bo personally intervene made him feel somewhat embarrassed, but Wang Bo couldn't do much to him either. Nevertheless, their original strategic goal of establishing a foothold in southwestern China was slightly hindered by this event. Tao Changping harbored resentment over it secretly while publicly accepting criticism from Wang Bo and indirectly expressing his displeasure through other channels. But he still needed to accumulate strength before clashing directly with Wang Bo.

"If we cannot secure the Fenghe District site, how confident is Nanning Group about participating in Chuanhang Airlines' restructuring" Tao Changping asked Tao Chuhong. Tao Changping had mentioned that Tao Chuhong smashing the car was immature behavior, but there wasn't much he could do since the other party had Wang Weiwei backing them up. Moreover, it was Tao Chuhong himself who smashed his own car rather than someone like Su Chen or Wang Weiwei doing so, making this a silent loss that had to be endured.

Although Tao Changping advised Tao Chuhong briefly, he didn't dwell on the matter further. He knew well enough about his nephew's capabilities despite some occasional mischievous behavior. To make this performance period look good, Nanning Group was an indispensable tool. The development of Fenghe District could be temporarily put aside, but negotiations for Chuanhang Airlines' restructuring and Nanning Group's investment had to proceed. If the company managed to participate in Chuanhang Airlines' reconstruction, it would significantly contribute to Tao Changping's political achievements by pulling investments and opening new routes. Having impressive economic data was crucial for his career advancement.

"My father has already made contact with the senior management of Chuanhang Airlines. Deputy General Manager Li hopes we can join in. We can purchase their equity at a premium price, which is exactly what they need. However, to finalize this deal, Uncle San needs to make some efforts."

Tao Changping knew that Wang Bo was also covertly working on this matter using his influence. If Nanning Group could participate in Chuanhang Airlines' restructuring, it would be a way of venting the frustration from the National Development and Reform Commission incident.

While Tao Changping was contemplating this, they were stopped at Su Qing Tea House by someone saying: "Sorry, Master Zhang has guests today."

He asked who the guests were, and Daoist boy didn’t know either. Tao Changping’s secretary had a slightly displeased expression. At this moment, someone in their thirties came out from inside—also adept at reading people’s expressions. Seeing everyone, he felt it was not simple and spoke frankly, "Director Wang of the City Cultural Bureau and Director Zeng of the Municipal Development and Planning Commission are inside. You all are friends with them. If not, shall I go in to say something"

Tao Chuhong's face instantly turned unpleasant—indeed a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road. Thinking about Su Can’s attitude at that time and Lin Luoran’s betrayal against him made Tao Chuhong feel depressed just thinking about it, making his expression difficult to look at.

Tao Changping remained calm as his secretary was visibly displeased and was about to reveal their identity. Tao Changping waved dismissively, "Forget it, I won’t drink tea."

He turned around and walked off in another direction; the group didn’t dare go against him either and immediately changed course.

"Tao Changping came" Upon hearing this news, Zeng Quanming was quite surprised.

After Su Can’s family left the mountain, a vice-secretary from the Municipal Committee Office approached Zeng Quanming to inform him of the matter. "Originally intended to enter the tea garden, but in the end didn’t come inside. It is said that Mayor Tao’s car was parked at Green Mountain Parking Lot; many people saw it. They came down from Suqing Tea Garden and left directly. Accompanying them were his nephew Tao Chuhong—a secretary from the city government office, Wang, the general manager of Da Jiang Trade, along with a few men and women whom I don’t know…"

Although Director Wang’s closeness to Zeng Quanming was something that Tao Changping knew about which made his heart shake, he didn’t reveal it in front of everyone. He just thought that Tao Changping avoided Zeng Quanming at Green Mountain; after the New Year, this matter would probably have spread into all sorts of rumors.

Zeng Quanming and his recent very controversial nephew were truly a bizarre pair.ader could match a ten-thousand-ton aircraft carrier in terms of combat power with his mouth.Wei Dingding saw Lin Luoran smiling approvingly beside her, and she didn't know what was going on.Cheng Con...