Chapter 264

Chapter 264 - The Situation in Qinghe Has Changed!

“Why can't we come?” Qu Moyao inquired, fully aware of the answer.

“It's a matter of safety. We're not guarding something ordinary here,” Liu Zhongjun explained openly, considering their partnership. “If we were to place this item here, the higher-ups wouldn't be comfortable with just any ordinary troops. That's why we're stationed here.”

Liu Zhongjun's statement made it clear that he and his team were far from ordinary soldiers.

“Now that you're all here, does that mean we can proceed with the medicine and cosmetics?” Zhang Xiaolong asked.

“Typical businessman, always thinking about your profits with medicine and cosmetics,” Qu Moyao said with an eye roll.

“That's not fair. My medicine involves you too, and last time, it seemed like someone helped themselves quite generously to my cosmetics,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a laugh.

Qu Moyao, seemingly annoyed on purpose, chose not to respond further, leaving Liu Zhongjun to smooth things over.

“The medicine has been approved. You can list everything but the precious ingredients. As for the rest, it's up to you how much to disclose. But when it comes to the medicine's effects, we must be strict. Mixing it with military supplies would be considered a leak of state secrets—a grave offense. So, even though I trust Mr. Zhang, I must emphasize this point,” Liu Zhongjun stated earnestly.

“Don't worry, the special medicine will be exclusively for your use. I won't even produce it here anymore. That should give you peace of mind, right? Of course, I'll use it for my family and friends. If you're going to accuse me of leaking secrets for that, I might as well back out now,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile.

Liu Zhongjun smiled back, “I wouldn't go as far as to prevent you from using it. My concern is the formula falling into foreign hands, which could lead to a catastrophe. The potential damage can't be undone by punishing a single individual.”

“I'm well aware of that. Why else would I entrust the formula to you? I could easily keep it and make money without any risk. It's all for the greater good,” Zhang Xiaolong continued, “Now, let's discuss the cosmetics. Is it possible to keep their ingredients confidential?”

“Yes,” Liu Zhongjun glanced at Qu Moyao, noting her lack of objection, and promptly shared the news, “All the necessary paperwork has been approved. No department will give us any trouble over the details.”

The official video of Chu Wenwen's concert hadn't been released yet, but clips were already circulating online, shared by enthusiastic netizens.

This buzz had its effects, drawing people who had heard of the event, albeit in small groups rather than large crowds. Fortunately, nearly everyone who visited left satisfied.

Particularly noteworthy were the meals. Following Zhang Xiaolong's advice, and with Wang Tiehzhu's reinforcement, the hosts unanimously decided to serve their guests locally grown vegetables.

This decision paid off handsomely as the homeowners who rented out their space not only avoided losing money on purchasing vegetables but actually profited more and earned glowing reviews from their guests.

Although the visitor count was modest, Zhang Xiaolong was pleased with the outcome. He recognized that this was just the start and that progress takes time.

Moreover, Clear River Village had yet to engage in any formal advertising; all the visitors had come of their own accord.

Zhang Xiaolong believed that once they began a promotional campaign, potentially inundating the public with advertisements, people from across the nation would flock to the village for their vacations.

However, that time was not now. Clear River Village was not yet equipped to handle a large influx of tourists, and overwhelming their capacity could lead to widespread dissatisfaction and hinder the village's growth.

Zhang Xiaolong was well aware of the adage, “Haste makes waste.” He knew that even though he could expedite the fruit-growing process and produce exceptionally tasty results, that shortcut wasn't sustainable.

For long-term development, it was essential to follow the proper path, using appropriate strategies to aid progress, but ultimately, it was integrity and innovation that would ensure success.

Standing atop the embankment of the freshly excavated river channel, Zhang Xiaolong gazed at the vibrant array of trees lining each bank, sensing that his goal was nearly within reach.

In the distance, farmland drew water from the river for irrigation. The green wheat seedlings, revitalized by the watering, seemed to burst with vigor.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaolong's brow furrowed as he peered intently into the water.