<h4>Chapter 199: Chapter 199 Support Can’t Just Be Lip Service</h4><h4></h4>


    Inside the private room, Lin Fan took the main seat withoutpetition, for at this moment, he represented Zhu Defu. Director Wang could only take the seat next to him, apanied by two deputy directors. The producer who arrivedter had no choice but to sit by the door, relegated to serving tea and water.


    If it hadn’t been for the matter concerning Cai Shuli tonight, Lin Fan wouldn’t have taken over the hosting duties so forcefully. After all, he was originally the one who had nned to host the dinner, but Director Wang had actively offered to reserve a table, making it a representation of performing duties for the leadership.


    "The matter is just this," he said honestly. "Transforming crops to Chinese Herbal Medicine is beneficial for farmers and the public. However, due to the opposition from some, this beneficial policy is difficult to implement. Even if apany willing to take the risk is found to guarantee the farmers’ absolute safety, certain individuals still incite public opposition to this policy, fanning the mes and even targeting me personally. Therefore, I had no choice but to seek help from Director Wang."


    Lin Fan held his wine ss, recounted the ins and outs of the issue, and then heaved a sigh, downing the wine in one gulp. The others apanying him hurriedly followed suit. Director Wang then put his arm around Lin Fan’s shoulder and patted his chest, saying, "Lin brother, you are a great leader for the people and the country. Don’t worry, big brother here will support you fully."


    "Thank you very much, Director Wang. I wonder if Director Bai supports this as well?"


    Lin Fan turned to look at Director Bai, who had been silent the whole time. The man, in his forties and looking rather schrly, had only been smiling obligingly since he entered, without saying a word.


    "Support, of course I support!"


    Suddenly called out, Director Bai quickly stood up. This dinner was filled with hidden meanings in every word, and he had to understand each one clearly. Otherwise, judging from Director Wang’s behavior, any mistake could cost him his job.


    "We can’t just talk about support."


    Director Wang adjusted his sses, and his look towards Director Bai suddenly turned icy. This intimidated him so much that he broke out in a cold sweat, and before he could grasp what was happening, the door to the room opened. Cai Shuli, dressed in a cheongsam and carrying a small purse, walked in with a smile.


    It must be said that she, in her thirties, looked morous and graceful in her form-fitting cheongsam, like a ripe peach. Her delicate features seemed artificial yet imposing, and she couldn’t believe she had received an invitation from Director Wang. If she understood the situation a bit better, her future could be limitless.


    But as she greeted everyone warmly, her eyes fell on Lin Fan in the main seat, who was watching her with a cold smirk while Director Wang could only sit beside him. This froze her in ce.


    "Ms. Cai, didn’t expect to see you again so soon, did you?"


    Lin Fan, smiling, rubbed his nose and said, "Aren’t you well-acquainted with our district leaders? It’s quite a coincidence, as I’m quite close to Director Wang too. I heard you were supposed to do a special report on me, aiming to nder me. So, I had toe and have a chat with my good brother. I wanted to ask how a policy benefiting the farmers turned into a negative example."


    Upon hearing this, Director Bai finally understood, his face turning pale. He realized why he was part of such a high-profile dinner. Reflecting on what Director Wang had just said to him, he started getting chills. Everything had been sparked by Cai Shuli speaking out of turn, and now it was burning him too.


    "Mayor Lin... I... I just mentioned it in passing... It wasn’t intentional... It was... my uncle who told me to say that... And I was just saying it... How could I oppose the government, you... you can’t take it seriously... I always speak without thinking... I beg you, considering our fellow vigers, don’t stay mad at me, a woman. I apologize and will drink three sses in penance..."


    Cai Shuli’s face was also pale. Not just because of Lin Fan’s demeanor, but because of Director Wang’s murderous look and the shivering Director Bai, her biggest backup. This was far more serious than she had imagined.


    "Director Bai, what about your support?"


    Lin Fan’s gaze was cold and merciless, drastically changing the atmosphere in the room. Some things should be kept low-key if not acted upon, but once a decision is made, one must be ruthless.


    "Mayor Lin... I failed in my supervisory duties. I’ll take care of this!"


    Director Bai sneaked a nce at Director Wang, who hadn’t said a word. Biting his lip, he stood up, looked at Cai Shuli, and before she could even plead, the seemingly gentle Director Bai suddenly grabbed her hair and fiercely pped her across the face.


    "p!"


    With a crisp sound, Cai Shuli was knocked to the ground, covering her face in horror and looking at Director Bai as if he was a devil. Just that afternoon in the office, he had been pressing down on her, expressing longing and pleasure, and now, in just a few hours, he had turned violent towards her—utterly heartless!