"Old Lin, why are you still not up? Don't you have a bidding meeting at ten o'clock this morning?" In the Lin Family residence, Feng Xin saw her husband still in bed after preparing breakfast, and couldn't help but urge, "Come on, I've already made breakfast."

Lin Feng stretched lazily, opened his bleary eyes, and yawned, saying, "I don't know why, but ever since I came back from the discussion meeting last night, I've been feeling very sleepy."

"Maybe you've just been too exhausted lately!" Feng Xin said, "Once this period passes, you can relax a little."

Lin Feng shook his head while getting dressed and said, "With so many things going on in the city right now, how can I possibly relax? Not to mention the whole Biotech Park mess that's got me running ragged. Neither Asia-Pacific Biotech Group nor Chaoyang Group is easy to deal with!"

Feng Xin didn't reply; she simply helped tidy up Lin Feng's clothes.

Although Lin Feng occasionally discussed city matters, Feng Xin never joined the conversation, because she knew she shouldn't influence her husband's judgment.

"But based on last night's discussions... it seems I need to draw Asia-Pacific Biotech Group closer," Secretary Lin thought to himself. "This would be a major political achievement. If Asia-Pacific Biotech Group settles in Yanjing, it'll reflect well on my role as secretary! Besides, Chaoyang Group is a local Yanjing company anyway; making some sacrifices at this point is perfectly reasonable!"

Once his mind was made up, Lin Feng's face lit up with renewed vigor.

"There's no time left!" Lin Feng glanced at his watch and said, "I won't eat breakfast now—it's cutting too close."

Feng Xin hesitated for a moment and asked, "Old Lin, do you even know what day it is today?"

Lin Feng paused, "What day? Is it some holiday? Oh, right, tonight I have dinner with Chen Gui, Chairman Chen. I won't be coming home tonight!"

Feng Xin froze for a moment, and before she could respond, Lin Feng had already left.

"Today is our wedding anniversary!" Feng Xin murmured softly, a trace of loss flickering in her eyes.

Ever since Lin Feng confided in her during the Lunar New Year, Feng Xin had felt both touched and guilty. In past years, Lin Feng always planned surprises for their wedding anniversary, so this year, Feng Xin had started planning a surprise for Lin Feng well ahead of time.

She felt that she owed Lin Feng far too much!

But it seemed as though Lin Feng had completely forgotten what day it was. From the look in his eyes, Feng Xin could tell he truly didn't remember!

"Maybe I'm reading too much into it!" Feng Xin shook her head, comforting herself, "He's never forgotten it in previous years; he surely won't this year either. He must be planning to surprise me!"

Bolstering her spirits, Feng Xin began tidying up the house. She had already prepared everything and was determined to give Lin Feng a big surprise this year.

"Xiao Liu, what's on the agenda for today?" Lin Feng asked his secretary after arriving at the office.

Xiao Liu, personally promoted by Lin Feng, adjusted his glasses and replied, "Secretary Lin, you have a business recruitment meeting at ten o'clock. Lunch will be with the attendees, and at three this afternoon, you're scheduled to inspect nearby chemical factories. Per recent directives, companies with severe pollution problems need to be prioritized."

"Tonight, I'll also be having dinner with Chairman Chen from Asia-Pacific Biotech Group. Arrange a hotel for that," Lin Feng instructed.

Secretary Liu frowned, "Secretary Lin, weren't you supposed to have dinner with President Yun from Chaoyang Group tonight?"

"Huh? When did I arrange that? I don't recall," Lin Feng responded, puzzled.

Secretary Liu explained, "Five days ago, President Yun scheduled it with you directly. You even specifically asked me to remind you."

Lin Feng furrowed his brow, vaguely recalling the arrangement. With recent events piling up, he had completely forgotten.

"Then make apologies to President Yun and tell her I have another engagement tonight and can't make it," Secretary Lin said flatly. "Our priority now is ensuring the smooth relocation of Asia-Pacific Biotech Group to Yanjing. I believe President Yun will understand."

Secretary Liu hesitated momentarily before nodding, "Understood, Secretary Lin."

"Also, during my meeting, if Director Chen contacts me for anything, notify me immediately. Got it?" Secretary Lin directed, "I'm heading to the meeting now."

Watching Secretary Lin's retreating back, Secretary Liu frowned. Something seemed off about him today—more preoccupied than usual. Even if Asia-Pacific Biotech Group warranted urgent attention, this felt excessive.

Shaking his head, Secretary Liu muttered to himself, "The thoughts of the leadership are truly hard to fathom." Then, he dialed a number, "Is this Chaoyang Group? This is Secretary Lin's office calling..."

...

After the meeting, Lin Feng still felt uneasy, as though a voice inside him kept urging him to finalize Asia-Pacific Biotech Group's relocation as soon as possible!

Even during the afternoon inspections, Secretary Lin appeared distracted and absent-minded.

Finally, evening arrived, and Secretary Lin's energy seemed to revive.

"Xiao Liu, has the hotel been booked?" Secretary Lin asked casually.

Secretary Liu paused, "Secretary Lin, the hotel reservation was arranged by Chairman Chen. It's at the Gentleman's Pavilion in Junyue Grand Hotel."

"Alright, thanks. I'll head over now. You all wrap up work early tonight," Secretary Lin replied.

After gathering his documents, Lin Feng left in his car.

"Why does Secretary Lin seem so unusually anxious?" Secretary Liu murmured, shaking his head.

Outside Junyue Grand Hotel, Chen Gui had already sent his son David to greet Secretary Lin.

Inside the private room at the Gentleman's Pavilion, Chen Gui toyed with a wooden puppet. On its previously featureless surface, a faint likeness of Secretary Lin had begun to emerge.

"It seems this enhanced puppet truly is powerful!" Chen Gui thought, feeling exhilarated. He was certain that using the puppet to control Secretary Lin would pave the way for smooth Chen Family dominance in Yanjing.

As for opposition from Chaoyang Group, it barely registered as a concern for Chen Gui.

"Yun Hanrui must be feeling completely helpless right about now, huh?" Chen Gui chuckled smugly, tucking the puppet back into his pocket.

"Chairman Chen, sorry to keep you waiting!" At that moment, the door to the Gentleman's Pavilion opened, and Secretary Lin entered with a warm smile.

"Not at all! Sharing a meal with Secretary Lin is a blessing for me, Chen Gui. Please, have a seat—the dishes will be served shortly!" Chen Gui replied affably.

Meanwhile, Yun Hanrui, whom Secretary Lin had stood up, sat in her office fuming. Ever since receiving the call from Secretary Lin's office, she'd been struck by an ominous sense of foreboding.

Secretary Lin had already made his decision!

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