Universe Infinite Canteen

Everyone looked towards Luo Xiangshi upon hearing this, Luo Xiangshi simply smiled slightly, picked up the wine glass in front of him, planning to make some polite remarks.

However, Chen Meng continued, "Just last week, he, disregarding his personal safety, led the teachers and students of his school deep into a very dangerous catastrophe belt and rescued a group of children trapped there. Although I am merely a woman, I greatly admire such heroic figures."

Her words caused the originally harmonious and joyful atmosphere to freeze immediately.

Luo Xiangshi's smile also froze.

Ma Lu straightened his collar and stood up with his wine glass, "Miss Chen is too kind."

Chen Meng did not say much, tilted her head back to drink all the wine in her glass, set the glass down, and then sat back down.

The others looked at each other, all guessing the relationship between Ma Lu and Chen Meng.

Could it be that Principal Ma is actually Vice Commander Wei's man? Otherwise, it's hard to explain why Chen Meng chose to toast at this moment.

But wasn't Chen Meng invited by Luo Xiangshi? Why would she stand up for Ma Lu?

Thinking about this, Hou Chengyi and others looked towards Luo Xiangshi.

Luo Xiangshi's expression changed unpredictably. Vice Commander Wei was also one of Fu Tongzhao's men, but well-known for his cunning, a real old fox.

Luo Xiangshi wasn't very familiar with him. He had only found out in the afternoon that Chen Meng was coming to Ping City, supposedly for location scouting for a new drama. Luo Xiangshi had a sudden idea, deciding to leverage Vice Commander Wei's influence, thinking it would smooth over persuading the local powers.

For this, he even specifically sent a diamond necklace worth over six thousand Yuan to Chen Meng.

In his original plan, Chen Meng was just supposed to sing a few songs and make an appearance, who knew this woman would suddenly toast to Ma Lu, spoiling his plans.

Could it truly be Vice Commander Wei's directive?

Luo Xiangshi was also guessing the relationship between Vice Commander Wei and Ma Lu, or perhaps Vice Commander Wei also had his eyes on the contents of the box?

But Vice Commander Wei didn't own a talisman master school, so in theory, obtaining the contents of the box was useless.

Luo Xiangshi's thoughts rapidly turned. Unlike the others, he wasn't very afraid of the surnamed Wei. They all worked for the President.

Furthermore, a Military Committee Member would have a hard time interfering with educational affairs.

But the problem was Vice Commander Wei's name obviously subdued everyone present. They had already agreed to Hero Group's merger with Hou De, but now their attitudes were becoming ambiguous again.

After a while, Mayor Huang was the first to speak up, breaking the silence, "Regarding the acquisition, I think there's no need to rush it at the moment, Boss Luo can have a good talk with Principal Ma."

Director Ye also changed his tune, "Indeed, when it comes to business transactions, forcing a deal is the least desirable. It's best if both parties agree."

Pan Taiyan added, "The current school site does seem a bit large for Hou De, but the school is going to develop, isn't it? We need to have a dynamic view of issues, and I believe under Principal Ma's leadership, Hou De will continue to thrive. There's no need to rush the sale of the property."

Seeing them one by one changing their attitudes, Luo Xiangshi knew he needed to bring out something substantial.

So he had someone make a phone call, and about half an hour later, Luo Xiangshi personally went out and welcomed a distinguished guest.

As the visitor entered, everyone in the banquet hall stood up.

"Governor Zheng, how come you are free today?" Mayor Huang, recognizing the visitor, suddenly got a jolt and hurried forward with a smile to apologize.

The military governor, overseeing the military affairs of a province, holds the position of the second most powerful person within the province, and being the superior of people like Mayor Huang, his presence surprised many of the city-level leaders who had come to the banquet.

Governor Zheng waved his hand, allowing his aide to take off his military uniform and casually said, "I was supervising the suppression of bandits outside the city and got a bit thirsty. I heard you were dining here, so I came over to have a drink. What, am I not welcome?"

"Look at what you're saying, Governor Zheng, it's an honor for all of us that you would grace us with your presence."

Mayor Huang and Luo Xiangshi lead Governor Zheng to the main seat, and then all the officials and wealthy merchants present came forward to pay their respects.

However, Governor Zheng didn't pay attention to them and first greeted Chen Meng, "It's getting late, and Vice Commander Wei is very worried about Miss Chen's safety. How about I send some men to escort you back to the hotel to rest?"

"The public order in Ping City is still very good, and it's not even 8 PM yet..."

Before Director Ye from the police department could defend his work, Governor Zheng stopped him with a glance.

Chen Meng glanced at Ma Lu and then at Governor Zheng, then opened her small bag, took out a jewelry box, and slid it across to Luo Xiangshi.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Boss Luo, but I am unworthy of such a generous gift. I'd better return it to you."

Before she left, she tactfully reiterated her position, as a final show of support for Ma Lu.

Governor Zheng arranged for four soldiers to escort Chen Meng out of the banquet hall, then turned to the others and called out, "Sit down, what are you all standing for? Let's eat."

Everyone took their seats as Luo Xiangshi asked the waitstaff to add another chair.

Governor Zheng did not start eating but asked again, "What were you discussing before? Let me hear it too."

Hou Chengyi, the head of the education department, immediately responded, "Boss Luo wants to invest in Ping City and incorporate Hou De into the Hero Group."

"That's a good thing," Governor Zheng said. "Hero Group has a wealth of experience in education, as well as a large number of teachers and financial resources. Having them take over Hou De could lead to better development."

"It's a pity that Principal Ma doesn't seem to agree," Hou Chengyi said softly.

Governor Zheng raised an eyebrow, "Who is Principal Ma?"

Everyone looked at Ma Lu, and Hou Chengyi secretly smiled.

Ever since this young man took over Hou De, he had been arrogant and dismissive of others. This time, however, he had met someone even more domineering and uncompromising.

Yet, Ma Lu appeared calm and collected. He picked up the tea cup at his table and sipped leisurely before finally speaking.

"It's me."

"Why don't you agree? Could it be that the money is too little?" Governor Zheng slammed the table, "Boss Luo, add another 100,000, I'll make the decision. Consider the deal done."

"Very well, Governor Zheng," Luo Xiangshi took out his checkbook, wrote a check for 300,000, and handed it to Ma Lu.

But Ma Lu didn't even look at the check before tearing it up.

This truly shocked everyone present, and the banquet hall fell silent in an instant.

Governor Zheng also paused, as if realizing that someone had dared to defy him. Then, his eyes filled with a killing intent.

"Brave, very good, it's been a long time since I've seen such a courageous young man, Vice Officer Cui."

"Present!" The vice officer named Cui immediately stepped forward.

"Show Principal Ma the results of our bandit suppression campaign."

Upon hearing this, Vice Officer Cui instructed his subordinates to bring in a bloody sack, leaving a long trail of blood on the carpet of the restaurant as they walked.