"Speak, what's the matter?" Su Muchen asked in return.

"The Investment Promotion Bureau's expenses have exceeded the budget and they said they submitted a report. Are you aware of this?" Lin Hao asked.

"Of course, I know about it, but the hospitality costs of the Investment Promotion Bureau have really exceeded too much. I don't have the authority to approve it for them..." Su Muchen explained the situation in detail.

"Since you don't have the authority, can't you report it to Secretary Li?" Lin Hao said.

"I reported it once, but Secretary Li didn't approve it, so I haven't gone to him again since." Su Muchen stated truthfully.

"How much have the expenses exceeded for the Investment Promotion Bureau?" Lin Hao casually asked.

"From last year to this year, it's estimated to have exceeded by over a million." Su Muchen replied.

"What? So much?" Lin Hao was also shocked.

"Yes, it's a huge amount. You know the county's finances are tight right now, getting Secretary Li to approve such an amount would be extremely difficult. But if you step in, it might be possible." Su Muchen joked with a smile.

Lin Hao felt like he had gotten himself into trouble and was overwhelmed. He reluctantly hung up the phone.

Cheng Jiayao naturally heard Su Muchen's response throughout and said with a frown, "County Magistrate Lin, you know the Investment Promotion Bureau is the gateway for all foreign investment and the engine for the county's economic development. If we can't get it running, how will we attract foreign capital?"

"I can see the effort and hard work of all of you. I will discuss this with Secretary Li and try to help resolve it." Lin Hao nodded slightly and said in a deep voice.

"Actually, sometimes exceeding the budget is a result of the leadership's intentions, and there are also additional requests from guests, and indeed some guests exploit the situation. We certainly have management loopholes in this regard." Cheng Jiayao first acknowledged the deficiencies of her department.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I understand your difficulties and can empathize with your constraints. Just like last time, you ladies pleased Chairman Ma, and didn't we successfully secured Red Era Group?" Lin Hao smiled and reassured her.

Cheng Jiayao was surprised that Lin Hao remembered their achievements and was overjoyed, saying, "Actually, those are just our duties. We will continue working hard to attract more foreign investment."

"Director Cheng, although today's enterprises may not compare to Red Era Group, it's still a renowned large enterprise in the agriculture industry named Kanghui Technology Group. They started with agriculture, mainly producing bamboo fiber products, and also engage in planting and meat processing..." Lin Hao shifted the topic to the upcoming work to avoid further discussion on that topic.

Upon hearing his introduction, Cheng Jiayao felt reassured, and the subsequent reception work became much easier.

As for the funding issue, she figured finding Li Jingyi might solve it, but she was also pondering how to alleviate the county's economic pressure.

Lu Xiaodan, the clever secretary, finished eating quickly and went out to settle the bill, leaving private discussion time for the two leaders.

Seeing the secretary leave, Cheng Jiayao took out a business card and handed it to Lin Hao with a smile, saying, "County Magistrate Lin, here is my best friend's business card. If there are any business matters in the future, please take care of her."

"Anbang Supervision Company General Manager, Dong Yue." Lin Hao took the card and read it out loud.

It reminded him that he had promised Director Cheng to help her best friend secure some business, and her best friend indeed worked at a supervision company.

"Yes, she's my college mate, a very capable and beautiful lady. How about having her treat you to a meal?" Cheng Jiayao grinned.

"No need for a meal. Since I promised to help, I will keep it in mind." Lin Hao took out his phone, noted down Dong Yue's number, and returned the card to her.

"County Magistrate Lin, I really don't know how to thank you enough for your help," Cheng Jiayao smiled and said.

"Didn't I say before? You've contributed to the county's economic work, and both the county committee and government see that. It's just a small effort on my part." Lin Hao was straightforward.

After thinking for a moment, Cheng Jiayao said, "In that case, I'll have my friend give you a five percent commission."

"No need for a commission. I dread talking about money. If it involves money, I can only stand by." Lin Hao said sternly.

"Come on! If not money, we can still talk about friendship, right?" Cheng Jiayao quickly changed her tactic.

In her view, she had won over many foreign bosses and considered herself an experienced veteran in the field of conversational skills.

"As long as it doesn't involve money, everything's negotiable. As for friendship, hasn't our friendship always been good? Otherwise, how could I possibly help you?" Lin Hao countered with a smile.

"Then thank you very much, I'll toast you with tea!" Cheng Jiayao, deeply touched, raised her cup in toast.

Lin Hao picked up his tea cup, clinked it with hers, and said, "You're welcome!"

Cheng Jiayao knew that in official circles, everyone was desperately trying to make money, but Lin Hao's integrity made her see him in a whole new light.

Besides, Lin Hao's reason for helping her was valid, as it was due to her contributions to the county's economic development.

If those of them working tirelessly on the frontline couldn't have even a small request granted by the county committee and government, it would indeed be disheartening.

As the director of the Investment Promotion Bureau, outsiders only knew them as heavy drinkers, unaware of the times when drinking caused gastric bleeding or emergency hospital visits for IV drips at midnight.

Lin Hao understood their work and knew they occasionally had to make some personal sacrifices to let those bosses take some liberties.

Therefore, when Cheng Jiayao asked for his help, he agreed without hesitation.

Cheng Jiayao originally wanted to invite Lin Hao to a meal, but when they came out, the attractive secretary had already settled the bill ahead of time.

...

After two o'clock in the afternoon, two luxury cars drove into the county government.

This investigation and research visit was personally led by Chairman Kang Mingsheng of Kanghui Technology Group, highlighting the group's importance towards this investigation.

The person responsible for coordinating this reception was Lu Xiaodan. As soon as she saw the cars arrive, she immediately went up to greet them, first getting acquainted with the group's contact person.

Lin Hao, as the deputy county magistrate in charge of Wucheng's economy, stood at the county government's entrance. He didn't step forward to greet them but waited for Lu Xiaodan to familiarize herself with Chairman Kang and his group.

Lu Xiaodan showcased her extraordinary capabilities, leading Chairman Kang and his group towards him.

"County Magistrate Lin, this is Chairman Kang of Kanghui Technology Group."

"Chairman Kang, this is our county's Vice County Magistrate in charge of the economy, Lin." Lu Xiaodan introduced loudly.

Chairman Kang Mingsheng of Kanghui Technology Group proactively extended his hand and greeted with a smile, "County Magistrate Lin, nice to meet you!"

"Chairman Kang, welcome, welcome!" Lin Hao grasped his hand.