CHAPTER 604: CHAPTER 581: SECRETARY SHI (PART 2)

It was not yet eight o’clock, but a large crowd had already gathered densely at the front gate, looking like a black sea. Numerous flashes flickered among them like starlight, creating a rather overwhelming effect.

As soon as Yan Yueqing appeared, the crowd exclaimed in delight, "President Yue is here!"

"It’s President Yue!"

"Is it starting? I’m so excited!"

The crowd was noisy, yet they considerately made way for Yan Yueqing to pass through.

The film studio was being constructed from the mountainside down, with the major section being that massive sunken foundation, transformed into a magnificent palace structure. Logically, the ribbon-cutting ceremony should begin at the entrance to the building complex.

Unexpectedly, the ceremony was set at the front of the mountain, at the entrance?!

Director Tang happily came forward, followed by an exceedingly excited Director Qi.

The director, in his fifties, had graying hair, with drooping eyelids and heavy bags under his eyes, all indicating just how hard Director Qi had been working recently.

Finally, hardship paid off!

"Invisible Heart" was about to officially start filming after many twists and turns!

And in a new scene unseen by anyone before!!!

There was an exhilarating feeling akin to a serf singing in joy upon gaining liberation!

Director Qi eagerly shook hands, "President Yue, this is wonderful! I have finally waited for you!"

Yan Yueqing, infected by his excitement, responded, "Director Qi, you must feel reassured today?"

"Reassured, indeed!"

Yan Yueqing joked with a smile, "Isn’t Director Qi worried that the palace buildings constructed at the base wouldn’t satisfy you?"

"How could that be!" Director Qi responded confidently, "Anything President Yue produces is top-notch!"

He even believed that if he went up today and discovered—haha, so many thatched cottages?! Even then, he’d accept it, right?!

After some brief pleasantries, Yan Yueqing caught sight of an elder standing at the front door out of the corner of her eye.

The elder wore a Zhongshan suit, appearing robust amid the morning mist, his demeanor of righteousness contrasting sharply with those around him.

Hmm, clearly someone from the establishment.

Isn’t this the Secretary Shi that Jun Jiu mentioned?

Given his status, it’s almost impossible for him to welcome someone like Director Tang or Director Qi from several dozen meters away.

Only when a few steps remained did Secretary Shi smile and move forward to shake hands, "President Yue, a pleasure to meet. I’ve long admired your reputation."

Not welcoming in advance was his prerogative by virtue of his position.

The steps forward were a gesture of appreciation for Yan Yueqing’s proactive investment in the land.

It was Yan Yueqing’s first time dealing with someone from the establishment, having heard from Teacher Jiang repeatedly that the intricacies here were deeply complex, and anyone who could obtain even a minor official position was no small character—let alone a city’s secretary.

Fortunately, the dealings were handled by Jun Jiu, so she was just making an appearance today. There wouldn’t be much interaction later, which she didn’t mind much.

Smiling, she exchanged some polite words, "Hello, Secretary Shi. I appreciate your accommodating my last-minute schedule."

Secretary Shi’s gaze was approving, "Not at all, thank you President Yue for your significant contribution to our city’s development. The successful landing of this project not only showcases President Yue’s social responsibility as an entrepreneur but also serves as a model outcome of political-business collaboration for joint development. We look forward to continuing to create more well-being for the people together in the future..."

While they were speaking, cameras beneath flashed incessantly, with everyone eager to capture the current scene.

In the corner of her eye, Yan Yueqing noticed that all media outlets from P City with a name had come. Presumably, their news drafts were ready—all they needed was the photograph to grab the P City headlines.

Of course, the reporters were crowded on both sides, but in the middle stood a group of people in suits, all quite senior in age, enveloped in a strong institutional vibe, unmistakably P City’s officials.

Though the ribbon-cutting ceremony was indeed set up last minute, with the city secretary present, how could these people not rush to attend?

No wonder the parking lot was so full of official vehicles just now...

Additionally, Yan Yueqing saw Shen Yanzhu, Su Nianqing, and others. Although they occupied a relatively front position, they hadn’t turned on any live-streaming equipment.

Indeed, with the city secretary present, the media allowed to film were carefully selected. The mere fact that Shen Yanzhu and the others could get in was quite good. Without the big shots’ consent, how could they possibly start a live stream?

Under the lens of various media, the segment of the ribbon-cutting ceremony felt both long and swift.

Long because of the speeches by the big shots.

Swift because of the ribbon-cutting process.

Initially, Yan Yueqing planned to cut the ribbon with Director Tang, but with the secretary present, it was naturally only the two of them who could wield the scissors.

The golden scissors paused slightly before the red silk, then neatly cut through.