The banquet was set at the most prestigious Tiandi Hotel in Zhonghai. Huang Wenlang felt that if he didn't do this, it would seem disrespectful.

Last time, he almost lost his life by underestimating Qi Dengxian. For this mysterious but highly capable young man, Huang Wenlang dared not show the slightest disrespect again.

"Mayor Huang, you're dining here too?" Seeing Huang Wenlang and his entourage at the entrance, Zhang Shaojie and the Qiao family, who had just arrived at the hotel, were taken aback.

Zhang Shaojie hurried over to greet Huang Wenlang, but Huang Wenlang frowned, not recognizing him.

Zhang Shaojie said, "Mayor Huang, I'm the young master of the Zhang Group. We had drinks together last time!"

Huang Wenlang gave a lukewarm greeting, looking somewhat impatient.

Zhang Shaojie dared not say more and quickly ushered the Qiao family into the hotel.

"Young Master Zhang, I didn't expect you to have such a connection with Mayor Huang!" Pang Xiuyun, having just seen Zhang Shaojie speak with Huang Wenlang, couldn't help but feel envious.

"Haha, it's all thanks to my father, nothing much," Zhang Shaojie waved it off, indifferent.

Zhang Shaojie's attitude made Pang Xiuyun admire him even more, and she increasingly felt that Qiao Guotao had chosen the wrong person.

Li Yunwan whispered, "Mayor Huang is probably waiting for some important guest from the province."

Zhang Shaojie thought the same; otherwise, Mayor Huang wouldn't be so impatient.

"If I could become someone whom Mayor Huang waits at the hotel entrance to greet, how glorious would that be?" Qiao Qiumeng couldn't help but think, feeling a bit hopeful.

"It takes time. One day, I'll definitely become as dazzling as Yu Xiaolong!"

The group entered Tiandi Hotel and went to the private room they had reserved.

Around this time, Qi Dengxian finally arrived, looking relaxed and unhurried. "Sorry for being a bit late," he said casually.

"Master Qi, you're too polite. It's no problem at all. I'm just grateful you could come!" Huang Wenlang was very courteous to his savior, showing great respect.

Those observing secretly were shocked. Who was this young man that could make Mayor Huang wait so long?

Moreover, knowing Mayor Huang was waiting for him, he dared to be fashionably late!

Qi Dengxian always did things his way and was laid-back. Arriving around this time was already giving Huang Wenlang face.

"Master Qi, have you thought about what we discussed last time?" Sun Qingxuan, the old man, flattered Qi Dengxian repeatedly, hoping to learn something from him.

Old Mr. Sun was renowned throughout Hua Country for his skills, but he was also known as a fanatic. To advance his medical skills, he wouldn't hesitate to kneel before Qi Dengxian.

Qi Dengxian casually replied, "We'll see," brushing off Sun Qingxuan.

At the table, Wang Wanjin played the role of mediator, while Huang Wenlang and Sun Qingxuan kept toasting him, showing great respect.

After several rounds of drinks, the private room door swung open, and a slightly overweight middle-aged man entered.

"Why is Director Sun here?" Huang Wenlang frowned upon seeing Sun Xingzhang, the director of Zhonghai Bank.

Sun Xingzhang had worked his way up from a small bank clerk and was excellent at reading people. Seeing that the person seated at the head of the table wasn't Huang Wenlang or Wang Wanjin but an unfamiliar young man, he couldn't help but be intrigued.

"I happened to be here discussing a loan with Zhang Hao from Zhang Real Estate. Knowing you were here, I came to toast," Sun Xingzhang said with a smile, discreetly observing Qi Dengxian, wondering about the young man's background to warrant such attention from Mayor Huang.

Huang Wenlang frowned, "Zhang Hao's real estate company is in big trouble, with a huge financial deficit. Even if you grant a loan, it might not save them."

Sun Xingzhang immediately flattered, "Mayor Huang, you truly have fiery eyes, seeing the problem at a glance! Of course, I won't grant a loan to Zhang Group. Their real estate deficit is too large; even twenty billion wouldn't cover it."

Qi Dengxian listened calmly, realizing that Zhang Shaojie, the young master, wouldn't hold his position for long.

After making a round of toasts, Sun Xingzhang finally came to Qi Dengxian, smiling as he raised his glass, "A toast to you, young man."

Qi Dengxian casually wet his lips with the drink, while Sun Xingzhang downed his in one go, not feeling slighted at all.

To have Mayor Huang greet him at the door and sit at the head of the table, it was clear how extraordinary this young man was.

After the toast, Sun Xingzhang cautiously left the private room. Just showing his face to the leaders and toasting their esteemed guest was enough for him.

Qi Dengxian could tell Huang Wenlang had a request, so he said, "If Mayor Huang needs my help, just say it directly, no need to beat around the bush."

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Huang Wenlang, having his thoughts exposed, wasn't embarrassed. Being a seasoned politician, he continued, "My daughter has been ill for many years, and even Mr. Sun couldn't cure her. I hope Master Qi can give it a try."

"An illness even Mr. Sun can't cure?" Qi Dengxian glanced at Sun Qingxuan.

"Master Qi, it's a mental illness. Huang Qingge locks herself in her room all day, with the curtains drawn, never seeing the light of day. If this continues, she'll get seriously ill even without any physical ailment!" Sun Qingxuan sighed.

"Mental illnesses must have a cause," Qi Dengxian said.

Huang Wenlang hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "My daughter had a fight with her mother and ran away from home... Unexpectedly, my wife fell ill suddenly, and before she passed, my daughter never got to see her. So, she's been left with this mental burden, constantly blaming herself."

Qi Dengxian nodded thoughtfully, "I'll take a look when I get the chance."

With Qi Dengxian's assurance, Huang Wenlang was completely relieved.

Not one for socializing, Qi Dengxian left after eating and drinking his fill.

Huang Wenlang didn't try to stop him and immediately got up with Sun Qingxuan to see him off.

Seeing three bigwigs like Huang Wenlang, Wang Wanjin, and Sun Qingxuan escort a young man out, everyone was left dumbfounded.

Li Yunwan happened to be outside on a call, and witnessing this scene, she almost dropped her phone.

"This... how is this possible..."

"The person Mayor Huang just greeted outside was him?"

"He's just a prison guard. What makes him worthy of Mayor Huang's personal welcome and send-off?"

Li Yunwan's shock was indescribable.

She returned to the private room, eager to share this astonishing news with Qiao Qiumeng. As she entered, she heard Zhang Shaojie laughing, "Our Zhang Real Estate just decided to increase capital and shares. Mengmeng, would you like to consider it?"