In the end, Luo Ziling did not refuse Zhao Songliang’s goodwill.
He accepted Zhao Songliang’s invitation and was willing to attend his banquet.
After meeting Wang Jianmin, who was serving in Jinling yesterday, Luo Ziling and Ling Ruonan discussed the key personnel in these cities.
He learned from Ling Ruonan that Zhao Songliang in Yangzhou was quite a good person, very capable, and had great potential for development.
This person originally belonged to the Chen Family’s side, and now that the conflict with the Chen Family is intensifying, there is a possibility of bringing him over.
Guo Chao, the deputy in charge of administrative affairs in Gusu, is in a similar situation.
Ling Ruonan told Luo Ziling that if they take the initiative to make an appointment, then you can meet and discuss matters with them in person.
If they show signs of wanting to be close, you can show kindness.
Ling Ruonan didn’t ask Luo Ziling to find them proactively, just to not refuse their initiative to meet.
Luo Ziling also followed Ling Ruonan’s advice and did not refuse when Zhao Songliang extended an invitation.
After they agreed on a time and place for the meeting, they hung up the phone.
After hanging up, Luo Ziling looked at Yang Qingyin with a half-smile: "If we go sightseeing anywhere and important figures from that place contact us and want to treat us to a meal, our trips would be more relaxed. If we announce our itinerary in advance, they would surely help arrange the tour plan or even accompany us. We wouldn’t have to worry even if we encounter any troubles."
"Do you think that’s good?" Yang Qingyin gave Luo Ziling a sideways glance.
"It’s good, but also not so good!" Luo Ziling smiled wryly. "It seems too high-profile, and a lot of people would pay attention to it, and we wouldn’t be able to enjoy ourselves. But there are benefits too, like being able to network with a lot of useful people, and at least we can get acquainted with them, which wouldn’t be a problem, plus we’d have less to worry about during the trip."
"You just need to find the right balance!" Yang Qingyin didn’t say much more.
"With you accompanying me, we have even more clout, after all, you are your grandfather’s granddaughter." Luo Ziling joked while looking at Yang Qingyin, "Who knows, some people might be coming for you, wanting to establish connections with you, or even hoping to attach themselves to your grandfather."
"If it really happens, what do you think I should do?" Yang Qingyin asked Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling replied quietly, "Just go with the flow, don’t do anything deliberately. I’ll do the same, get to know them first, get acquainted for later things. Anyway, we’re not in a hurry, the ones who are impatient are those with motives!"
"Exactly!" Yang Qingyin nodded. "I’m a woman, and generally women don’t care much about current affairs, so whatever they ask me, I can just claim ignorance as an excuse."
The two continued their sightseeing.
Initially, Luo Ziling thought that while they were sightseeing, someone would come over to disturb them.
Because while they were strolling, they noticed several people who looked like government officials appearing nearby.
But until they finished exploring the entire Slender West Lake, no one came to disturb them.
"Are those people here to monitor us?" Yang Qingyin, having also noticed something unusual, curiously asked Luo Ziling.
"Probably not!" Luo Ziling shook his head. "These are clearly ordinary staff members; they wouldn’t use such people for monitoring. I guess if they’re Zhao Songliang’s people, they’re probably here to welcome us or to provide assistance if necessary. They should have been instructed not to disturb us during our free activities to avoid ruining our mood. If we need help or some explanation or similar activities, they would promptly come over."
"Why don’t you give it a try?" Although they had already reached near the exit, since it was still early, Yang Qingyin suggested, "If those people are really awaiting our instructions, it wouldn’t be bad to have them explain Yangzhou and Slender West Lake to us!"
Today, they didn’t ask anyone to explain things while sightseeing, just wandered around freely.
Some places they hadn’t visited yet, and there were others they had overlooked. Since it was still early, wandering around a bit more wasn’t bad.
Yangzhou is mostly known for Slender West Lake; other attractions aren’t as famous.
Seeing Yang Qingyin was interested, Luo Ziling immediately greeted a few suspicious-looking people nearby.
Everything happened just as he thought; when those people heard Luo Ziling’s greeting, they immediately ran over, asking Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin what kind of help they needed.
Luo Ziling stated their request, asking if they could explain the history of Slender West Lake, the cultural history of Yangzhou, and other worthwhile places, and if they could take them around.
The man and woman who came over to follow Luo Ziling’s directions were very enthusiastic upon hearing this request.
After a few exchanges, Luo Ziling learned that these two young men, who seemed quite pleasant, were staff from the local culture and tourism department, where their job was to host guests and explain the historical culture of Yangzhou.
Today they received a temporary assignment, which is why they appeared around Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin.
But what puzzled them was that the task they received was somewhat vague.
Just as Luo Ziling guessed, their instructions were not to disturb Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin unless they asked for it, but to provide enthusiastic assistance with explanation services to ensure their satisfaction.
Realizing the situation, both Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin found it amusing yet helpless.
However, these two staff members, Yu Hong and Fu Leilei, were well liked by Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin. They were of similar age, had a good demeanor, were polite and courteous, and didn’t act too subservient. Despite their enthusiasm and initiative in escorting them, they didn’t display any fawning behavior.
With their guidance, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin revisited some spots in the scenic area they hadn’t gone to before and listened to detailed explanations of historical and cultural anecdotes related to Slender West Lake and Yangzhou.
During the tour, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin exchanged contact information with them and said that if they ever visited Yanjing, they should look them up.
Unexpectedly, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin were so approachable, and the two staff members were overjoyed. When they received the assignment, they had a rough idea about Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin’s status, but were only told that their identities were very special and should be well-attended.
Zhao Songliang had called them to personally emphasize the proper hospitality.
Since Zhao Songliang personally intervened, Yu Hong and Fu Leilei understood that the people they were accompanying had extraordinary identities.
This arrangement was personally organized by Zhao Songliang, something Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin didn’t anticipate.