Chapter 903: Jinling's Candidates
Chapter 903: Jinling's Candidates
That night, Lin Ze indeed held a banquet at Lishun Hotel to welcome Chen Junyan.
Not only did he go there in person, he also invited Wang Zhulin, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, who was experienced and good at socializing. With him around, the atmosphere would never be dull.
The arrangement was a top-notch banquet at Lishun Restaurant, with all kinds of Eastern and Western dishes. The Chinese food was prepared by famous chefs from Shandong and Guangdong, while the Western food was prepared by a famous French chef.
After the European War, the concessions in the Far East became a safe haven for foreigners, and many wealthy people went to Shanghai, Tianjin, and even to the Ice City.
With the influx of these people, some foreign chefs and artists also flocked to the place.
When people are in a foreign land and communication is inconvenient, they can only rely on newspapers and food to temporarily relieve their homesickness.
By the end of the year, almost all the foreigners in Tianjin, especially Americans, were in trouble. The Japanese built a concentration camp in Weixian, and all those who had no connections or background were arrested.
At this banquet, Lin Ze gave Chen Junyan enough face and personally greeted him at the restaurant door.
The scene was also very grand. There was a large round table with a marble tabletop in the middle and a golden nanmu wood outer ring. On the table were cigarettes, cigars, rice wine, white wine, red wine, foreign wine, champagne, Dutch water, and various crystal glasses that were wiped crystal clear.
Everyone sat down as host and guest, and the waiter poured champagne to whet the appetite.
Wang Zhulin took a sip and burped.
He said embarrassedly, "I'm used to drinking from a bowl. After drinking this soda, I just felt my stomach churning. But after a burp, I felt better again. It seems this wine does have some magical effects."
Everyone burst into laughter, even Chen Junyan couldn't help but smile, and the atmosphere became lively.
In fact, Wang Zhulin has been in the business world for a long time. He served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce in a place like Tianjin. He has dealt with countless foreigners from various countries. How could he make such a fool of himself?
When facing strangers, sometimes making a fool of yourself can be a good way to get closer to them.
A few dishes were served. Lin Ze scooped a few for Chen Junyan with his spoon, then raised his glass and said, "Since ancient times, Nanjing has been a place where tigers and dragons roamed. Since the establishment of the Weixin government, Nanjing has been striving for innovation and governance. In just a short period of time, many new developments have taken place. Although we are separated by the north and the south, just watching the news and listening to the radio makes one yearn for it. Today, Deputy Minister Chen's personal visit is even more delightful. I hope that the hospitality is not good enough with just a few drinks and dishes."
This was said in a tactful and respectful way, and even Chen Junyan couldn't help but wonder, could it be that Lin Ze really didn't want to get involved in this matter, rather than deliberately going against Jinling?
He also raised his glass and said, "I am ashamed to be such an uninvited guest and to have disturbed you so hastily. Commander Lin, despite his busy schedule, has taken the time to entertain me with all the delicacies from land and sea. It is truly remarkable. Let's drink together, let's drink together."
So polite words are a skill that you have to know how to use and when to use them.
Those kinds of gatherings with classmates, family, and good friends where you have to raise your glass and say one, two, three, and four are either a habit or you just want to show off and are too addicted to it.
So some young people are very disgusted with it and think it is a drinking culture.
In fact, when you reach a certain level, no matter where you are, you will find that these words are used in social situations, regardless of the region.
For example, you are negotiating a business deal involving a public project, and the person opposite you is a director who has the approval authority. What would you say when you meet him?
You can't just say: It's great that you're here, buddy. Let's have a good drink today. I'll serve you well. Please hurry up and sign for me.
At this time, you need to say some polite words: Somewhere, we used to read about you in newspapers, on TV, and on public accounts. It can be said that we have been in spiritual communication for a long time. Today, I can finally learn from you in person. You are standing at the height of top-level design and have a global perspective, while we can only see the small part of the world in front of us. I have prepared some refreshments. Shall we drink while listening to your instructions?
After some symbolic tea, the food and wine can be served.
Don’t say anything great about foreigners. They have more formal words. Aren’t those compliments that sound so cloying just their formal words?
Oh my dear you are so great, this is the most wonderful experience I have ever had, God, you are so beautiful today that makes me jealous blah blah blah…
Why is it that for others it is "emotional value", but for us it is just a greasy routine?
After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the harmonious atmosphere made Chen Junyan relax his guard. Taking advantage of the alcohol, he asked again, "Commander Lin, when I talked about the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere today, if there is anything, I may not have been very precise. The actual reason why I came to the north is to convey to you Dean Wang's attitude of actively seeking cooperation. As long as the candidate for the chairman of the Administrative Committee can realize Dean Wang's intentions, then all other positions below the chairman can be discussed. Brother, please be more clear. Commander Lin can nominate some of these directors-general and directors-general. As long as they are acceptable, we will approve them."
Lin Ze lowered his head to eat, and Wang Zhulin took over. "Deputy Director Chen is a straightforward person! I was originally trembling with fear, thinking that if Deputy Director Chen is such a high-ranking official and difficult to get along with, then today's wine wouldn't be very enjoyable. I didn't expect the Deputy Director to be so straightforward! But I've been listening for a long time, but I still don't quite understand who Dean Wang is considering as the chairman of the North China Administrative Committee."
This question stumped Chen Junyan.
Didn't you say you wanted to cooperate? Didn't you say you wanted to convey a goodwill attitude? If that's the case, then tell me, who exactly do you want to take the position? If you say it, then your attitude is sincere. If you don't say it, then you are being hypocritical.
Chen Junyan didn't expect that this unprepossessing old man could be so sharp. He was speechless for a moment and could only take a sip of wine to cover up his anger.
Lin Ze raised his head and passed out a few cigarettes to the crowd. "President Wang, this is where you're wrong. Jinling has always been cautious and secretive about its actions. Even if we agreed to support them, they probably wouldn't reveal it until the very last moment. Why would they tell you now?"
Wang Zhulin laughed, "Yes, yes."
Chen Junyan pondered for a long time before finally speaking, "We don't hide anything when we do things. Dean Wang intends to recommend that Zhao Qi be appointed chairman of the North China Administrative Committee."
Lin Ze suddenly realized that it was him!
This is a brilliant move!
This Zhao Qi was a senior member of the North China Administrative Committee, but his position was not particularly prominent. He had never been in Peiping, but had worked in Shandong Province. He served as the general manager of the Jiaoao Commercial Port Bureau and it can be said that he had power over the island city and Yancheng. Later, he served as the director of the Island City Special Municipal Office and concurrently as a member of the Administrative Committee.
This person is influential and is a veteran of the North China Administrative Committee, but he does not have a strong foundation in Peking. If he is promoted, all parties in the North China Administrative Committee will accept him. However, if he wants to stabilize the situation, he must rely on the power of Nanjing, and Nanjing will then achieve its goal of controlling the North China Administrative Committee.
What is more crucial is that Zhao Qi once studied in Germany, has a good relationship with the Germans, has certain connections among the Japanese high-level officials, and there are also Japanese businessmen in the island city who support him, so this candidate should not face much resistance at the base camp.
But how could Lin Ze let them get what they wanted?
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