Another publicist chimed in, "Yes, report her and get her disqualified from the election."

Zhang Rongguang threw down the toothpick he was using to pick his teeth, his face beaming with excitement, and asked, "Besides the herbal tea, what else did Hu Xiaoxiao use to bribe the residents?"

"Gone."

"Gone?"

"Yes, just give herbal tea. Brother Guang, isn't bribing her with herbal tea enough?"

"That's enough to kill you!" Zhang Rongguang slapped him on the back of the head. "Using herbal tea to bribe residents? Do you think the higher-ups would believe that? I think you're trying to get me disqualified from the election!"

As a candidate, he made baseless accusations and fabricated stories. If the higher-ups are displeased, they might disqualify him.

After scolding his entourage for their publicity work, Zhang Rongguang stood with his hands on his hips in front of the stall, peering towards Hu Xiaoxiao.

Compared to the deserted state of his own stall, Hu Xiaoxiao's place was indeed much more lively. Perhaps it was the effect of being a big star, or perhaps some people really did crave that cup of herbal tea.

"You guys stay here and keep watch," Zhang Rongguang instructed his underlings before walking towards Hu Xiaoxiao.

When he arrived at Hu Xiaoxiao's stall, he first squeezed through the crowd to see her. She was beautiful and approachable; no wonder so many residents liked to come to her stall. Zhang Rongguang suddenly felt a sense of crisis: at this rate, he wouldn't be able to compete with Hu Xiaoxiao.

Zhang Rongguang was highly vigilant, but he smiled and approached her, "Oh, Miss Hu, nice to meet you! I didn't expect a big star to be so approachable, personally handing out herbal tea on the street. It seems I should learn from you."

After handing a flyer to a pretty girl, Hu Xiaoxiao turned around and saw Zhang Rongguang, and said with a smile, "Isn't this Mr. Zhang? Zhini, pour Mr. Zhang a cup of herbal tea."

All candidates in the community are publicly announced, with their photos and biographies posted on the bulletin board. Hu Xiaoxiao not only carefully reviewed each of her competitors but also learned a lot about them.

This Zhang Rongguang is her biggest competitor.

Zhang Rongguang's ancestors have been from Baogang for generations and have always lived in this area; he is a native local. Moreover, many people in the community are related to him.

Even before the election, Zhang Rongguang had already told a group of relatives to vote for him.

According to Feng Junhao's investigation report, Zhang Rongguang was domineering and had been involved in gangs when he was young, so many people in the village were afraid of him.

Perhaps it is true that one's appearance reflects one's heart; even though Zhang Rongguang had a smiling face, his eyes still carried a hint of menace.

Since entering the film industry, Hu Xiaoxiao has seen many ruthless and vicious people, especially those who hold power in various gangs. Compared to them, Zhang Rongguang is child's play.

Zhang Rongguang took the herbal tea Ye Zhini offered, took a sip, and found it very sweet, like sugar water. He took another sip, walked to the stall, and picked up a flyer to read.

After reading the flyer, his eyes darted around. Seeing Hu Xiaoxiao patiently talking to a resident, showing no airs of a celebrity, he frowned, finished his herbal tea, put down the cup, and returned to his stall.

"Brother Guang, you just went to scout things out, right? How did it go?"

As soon as Zhang Rongguang returned to his stall, the promotional staff surrounded him and asked him what was going on.

Zhang Rongguang rolled his eyes. "None of your business! Just stay here and hand out more leaflets to the residents. Also, remember to tell the old folks that I'll treat them to a big meal after I win the election."

After saying that, Zhang Rongguang yawned, feeling sleepy. He handed the stall over to a few of his underlings and prepared to go back for a nap. He planned to come back to watch the stall after his nap and dinner.

After making two appearances at the stall, Hu Xiaoxiao handed the stall over to Feng Junhao to manage, and then she went to another place to promote her business.

The area under the jurisdiction of Dafang Community was already quite large, and it became even larger after Tiancui City was built.

Tiancui City is temporarily under the jurisdiction of Dafang Community, which means that Tiancui City also has voters.

Hu Xiaoxiao checked the data and found that the number of registered voters in Tiancui City was not small. Although it was not as many as the original residents of the nearby villages, the residents of Tiancui City were more committed to autonomy and democracy and more enthusiastic about elections than the villagers. Therefore, the number of registered voters in this community was quite large.

This is only considering the later phases of Tiancui City that haven't been occupied yet; once they move in, the number of residents will be even greater.

Hu Xiaoxiao took a large stack of flyers and went to the Xie family's restaurant for morning tea early in the morning, handing out flyers to the neighbors who came for tea.

Hu Xiaoxiao often comes to the restaurant for tea and is very familiar with the residents of Tiancui City. She handed out flyers, saying, "We're all neighbors, remember to vote for me."

"Definitely, definitely. If Miss Hu is running for office, of course everyone will support you," a regular customer at the tea house assured, taking Hu Xiaoxiao's flyer.

Hu Xiaoxiao was familiar with them, so she wasn't so polite and said directly, "You have to keep your promises. You have to be true to your word. Don't change your votes to someone else or just be too lazy to vote on election day."

The other diners were also very friendly with Hu Xiaoxiao, and they joked around and bantered, making the atmosphere in the restaurant lively.

The restaurant manager, being very perceptive, came over, asked Hu Xiaoxiao for a stack of flyers, and said, "Miss Hu, leave some flyers here. Whenever customers come in for a meal or tea, we'll give them one and help promote Miss Hu and garner votes for her."

"You're really sharp," Hu Xiaoxiao praised. "Since you're so sharp, when Young Master Xie comes back, I'll have him give you a raise."

"Miss Hu, you must keep your word. Your teeth must be as precious as gold. Don't forget again when Young Master Xie returns." The restaurant manager relayed what Hu Xiaoxiao had just said to her.

Hu Xiaoxiao was amused by him and said, "I can't forget, I have a very good memory."

The restaurant was packed with customers, making it a perfect occasion for campaigning. Not only did Hu Xiaoxiao come specifically to hand out flyers, but Zhang Rongguang also brought a henchman. He came in with a stack of flyers and happened to see Hu Xiaoxiao chatting and laughing with a group of diners.

Hu Xiaoxiao, with her sharp eyes, spotted Zhang Rongguang, but then pretended not to see the flyer in his hand. She waved to him, "Mr. Zhang, are you here for tea too? Come sit over here, it's on me today."

Seeing that Hu Xiaoxiao had taken over the home field, Zhang Rongguang hesitated for a moment, then walked over with a grin, saying, "Since the big star is treating, I'll gladly accept."

Hu Xiaoxiao asked the waiter to brew a pot of fresh tea, using the fine tea she had stored there. She placed the menu in front of Zhang Rongguang, saying, "The breakfast at this restaurant is excellent, especially the signature shrimp dumplings. They're made with fresh, live shrimp, peeled, wrapped, and steamed to order—they're incredibly sweet and delicious. There are also various kinds of rice noodle rolls, made with rice flour ground in a stone mill; the taste is absolutely superb."

"Big star, please have some tea. Don't worry, I won't stand on ceremony." Zhang Rongguang held up the menu and ordered several dishes.

Hu Xiaoxiao laughed and said, "We're all neighbors, why be so formal? Just call me Xiaoxiao."

“No, no, with Miss Hu’s fame and wealth, how can she be compared to us ordinary folks?” Zhang Rongguang said with a grin. “I think Miss Hu is so famous and knows so many important people. She could be a member of the Legislative Council. She’s not afraid of losing face by competing for a small district councilor position.”

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