Lu Nan had a relatively easy time at this meal. 

It wasn’t that there was no drinking involved. 

Everyone present worked for the liquor company’s sales division. Meeting their new superior for the first time—of course, a bit of drinking was expected. 

Even the administrative staff and accountants weren’t exempt. 

And even though Lu Nan drove here, it wasn’t a problem to call a driver, right? 

The “easy” part mainly referred to the fact that Wu Chuan, the new boss, handled alcohol quite well. 

Unlike Xiang Yunfeng, he didn’t pressure people to drink or assert dominance at the table. After everyone had made a round of toasts, when Li Li and Chen Lu offered another, Wu Chuan simply said, “We’re all on the same team here, no need for formalities. Let’s just enjoy the meal and drinks however we feel comfortable.” 

From what Lu Nan observed, Wu Chuan truly meant what he said. 

Since even the group sales department staff didn’t have to make forced toasts, Lu Nan, sitting on the other side, had even less pressure to participate. 

Wu Chuan accepted the toasts from his subordinates, then mostly drank at his own pace—except Wang Xinglong, who kept actively clinking glasses with him. 

But Wu Chuan clearly had a high alcohol tolerance. By the end of the meal, Wang Xinglong was visibly intoxicated. 

During the dinner, He Manlin did indeed find a chance to check with Wu Chuan whether they should call in the city managers from across the province to Hailin City. 

Wu Chuan said, “No need to call them here just yet. Let them continue with their regular work. This week, I’ll visit each city with Wentao to get a feel for the provincial market. Since we’ve got the monthly meeting next week, we’ll all gather then.” 

Lu Nan glanced at Chen Xiao: Looks like your handover is going to be delayed. 

Chen Xiao didn’t mind. In fact, he quietly hoped his return to headquarters could be pushed back—longer, even. 

… 

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a week had passed. 

A week was enough for Wu Chuan to gain a general understanding of the market in Qianjiang Province, and to memorize the names and faces of ten out of eleven city managers—excluding Wang Xinglong and Lu Nan. One manager from Hua’an was about to be transferred, so only ten were formally counted. 

At the Saturday morning monthly meeting, Wu Chuan called on each city manager by name, asking them to present their plans and goals for the year. He asked He Manlin to take notes and compile everything into formal documents, which the managers would later sign—these would become their annual plans. 

Wu Chuan said, “I know you already submitted your annual plans during the year-end summary meeting at headquarters after New Year’s. But over the past few days, I’ve reviewed the figures and visited the markets. I think everyone’s targets are too conservative! Of course, I understand why. If the goal is set too high and not reached, the year-end bonus could be at risk, right?” 

At this, the city managers laughed—it’s a common concern in a performance-based role. 

Wu Chuan then added, “But what if you meet your target? Then next year, the leadership will ask you to aim higher, and that just makes it harder for both you and your team to earn bonuses, doesn’t it?” 

A few city managers nodded slightly in agreement. 

“So, these provincial-level annual plans are for internal use only. If you meet them, there will be a separate bonus fund distributed from the provincial office’s annual bonus pool. If you don’t meet them, there’s no penalty—your pay won’t be docked,” Wu Chuan said with a smile, watching the room’s reaction. 

Based on Wu Chuan’s approach, there was no downside for the city managers—only the potential for extra bonus money. 

The only possible drawback was that if they met their targets, headquarters might raise expectations for next year’s official plan. 

Then again, each year’s corporate targets were always higher than the last. From the standpoint of economics, market trends, and inflation, a 10% annual increase was standard. 

After some thought, the city managers realized this was part of Wu Chuan’s “new leader, new style” approach. In the end, they all gritted their teeth and firmly wrote down their annual plans for the province. 

When it came to Lu Nan and another recently appointed city manager in Jujiang City, Wu Chuan waved it off: “You two can have half a month after the New Year to familiarize yourselves with the market. Then we’ll talk about your annual plans.” 

By around 11:00 a.m., the monthly meeting ended. Before wrapping up, Wu Chuan said, “I’m hosting dinner tonight at Zui Qian Wei. Let’s use the opportunity to get to know each other better. This afternoon, the admin staff will send you the time and private room number.” The rest didn’t need to be said—since dinner was involved, drinking was inevitable. The out-of-town city managers could directly check into hotels with an agreed-upon rate at Yuan Chuan’s place, and the afternoon was free time for them. Also, the provincial office wasn’t covering lunch. 

As Lu Nan was walking out, someone called her name. 

She turned around—an old acquaintance. 

It was Zhang Fei, the new city manager of Jujiang. Yes, that Zhang Fei. 

His appearance was the complete opposite of his legendary namesake. 

In his 30s, with a rosy, slightly oily complexion, and a smile that resembled a cheerful Buddha. He wasn’t tall—Lu Nan’s 5cm heeled boots made her clearly taller than him. 

“Manager Zhang, what can I do for you?” Lu Nan stopped and turned. 

Zhang Fei smiled sheepishly, with a hint of flattery: “Manager Lu, I wanted to talk to you about something.” 

See, this is the type of person you encounter. 

You ask, “Is there something I can do for you?” 

And they reply, “I’ve got something to ask you.” 

Lu Nan didn’t want to get too involved with Zhang Fei, so she nodded and turned back to the meeting room. “Let’s talk in here.” 

Zhang Fei looked a bit embarrassed and said, “It’s work-related. How about this—I’ll treat you to lunch, and we can discuss it while we eat?” 

Lu Nan glanced at her phone screen and said with a polite smile, “Sorry, I already have lunch plans with a friend.” (Which was true—Sasha had messaged earlier with a lunch spot.) 

She added, “Let’s discuss work matters at the office. If I can’t help, you can always ask Director Wu for advice.” 

With her position clear, Zhang Fei had no choice but to follow her back into the now-empty meeting room. 

Lu Nan picked an empty seat and asked, “So, what is it, Manager Zhang?” 

Zhang Fei sat beside her. “Here’s the thing, Manager Lu. We’re the only two newcomers here. I transferred from Su Province, and you came over from the group purchasing department. One of us is unfamiliar with the local market, the other with channel business. Shouldn’t we help each other out?” 

“I might’ve been in the group purchasing department,” Lu Nan replied, “but I handled contracts that covered all channels. So I do have some understanding of channel operations. No need for you to worry on that front.” She looked at him a bit awkwardly. “Besides, Hua’an and Jujiang are more than 200 kilometers apart, and the local customs are quite different. I’m afraid there’s not much I can do to help you.” 

Zhang Fei leaned in a little. “Don’t sell yourself short, Manager Lu. You’re young, attractive, and probably have no trouble negotiating contracts or collecting payments. I’m straightforward and experienced in this industry. Been doing this a few years longer, so I’ll just call myself your big brother. Since we’re both newly appointed, we should keep in close contact… When you’re drafting your annual plan, give me a heads-up—I can give you some tips. I know the ins and outs of the channel.” 

Lu Nan had originally intended to politely brush him off. But after hearing him flatter himself and speak inappropriately, she curved her lips into a cold smile. 

“Thank you for your kind offer, Manager Zhang. But I think you may have misunderstood. My recognition from distributors is based on my ability to attract business and drive sales. It has nothing to do with how I look. I’ve always been independent-minded and don’t like being told what to do. I’d rather make my own mistakes than follow someone else’s advice. I’m afraid I’ll have to pass on your offer.” 

Lu Nan’s smile made Zhang Fei’s heart skip, but before he could say anything, she added bluntly: 

“And by the way, I’m not used to calling people ‘brother,’ nor do I want to be anyone’s ‘little sister.’ Let’s stick to formal titles—Manager Zhang and Manager Lu. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.” 

She gave him a polite nod and got up to go. 

At the door, she ran into Chen Xiao and Xu Wentao. Facing away from the meeting room, Lu Nan called out brightly, “Brother Xiao, Manager Xu.” 

With that, she left. 

Chen Xiao glanced into the room—just in time to see Zhang Fei staring at Lu Nan’s back with a look that made him feel deeply uncomfortable. 

“Sorry, Sasha, I’m late.” As soon as Lu Nan put down her bag, she clasped her hands together and apologized. 

Sasha replied casually, “It’s fine. You’re only ten minutes late. I know the provincial office held the first monthly city manager meeting this morning—you must’ve had a lot going on. With our friendship, you think I’d get mad over something like this?” 

Of course not. Lu Nan knew that well. She said, “It’s just that when I make plans, I like to be precise—within plus or minus five minutes. So if we agree on 11:30 and it’s past 11:35 and I’m still not there, I start to feel really anxious.” 

Sasha looked surprised. “Wow, I had no idea you were like that. You’re not like this with everyone, are you?” 

Lu Nan shook her head. “No, of course I’m not that strict with others. I allow a ten-minute margin… What are you doing?” 

“I’m trying to remember how many times I’ve been late meeting you, to estimate when you might stop being friends with me.” 

After joking around, Sasha turned serious. “Honestly, being punctual is a great habit. Nan Nan, I really admire you. You’re a person with principles. That’s why you were promoted to city manager in such a short time. Don’t listen to what some people say—it may be partly luck, sure, but mostly it’s your own capability.” 

“What have you heard now?” 

Sasha looked around, then lowered her voice. “I heard Chen Xiao… has a powerful background.” Which naturally leads to people saying you have strong backing too. 

Lu Nan nodded. It had been nearly two weeks since the official announcement; it made sense that people were starting to talk. 

Seeing that Lu Nan wasn’t surprised at all, Sasha asked, “Did you already know?” 

Lu Nan explained, “I found out a little before you did, but I didn’t think it was necessary to bring up…” 

And that was true—she had only learned about it recently, so she wasn’t exactly lying. 

“Mm-hmm. I get it. After all, you work under him,” Sasha said. Aside from the time Lu Nan didn’t tell her about the big decision to buy a car—something that briefly upset her—Sasha usually didn’t care about these little details. “So, is it true? He’s the son of a shareholder?” 

Lu Nan nodded and added, “You can take your guess one step further.” 

Sasha gasped. “Don’t tell me he’s the chairman’s son?” 

Lu Nan nodded seriously. 

“But they don’t even have the same last name!” Sasha exclaimed, frustrated. “I even threatened him before… Do you think Chen Xiao will take it personally now that he’s back at headquarters?” 

Lu Nan laughed. “Don’t worry. He definitely won’t hold a grudge over something like that.” 

Sasha was quickly reassured. “True. You’ve worked with him long enough to know. If you say he won’t, then he won’t.” Then she exclaimed again, “When he rises through the ranks, Nan Nan, won’t that make you the ‘emperor’s protégé’?” 

Lu Nan frowned and chuckled. “The imperial dynasty’s long gone. What kind of expression is that?” 

“Well then, you’ll be a trusted aide to the boss! Wow! Nan Nan, keep up the good work—aim to become head of the provincial office in three years, regional head in five! I’ll just follow behind you and share in the success!”