45: Chapter 45 In the Name of the People

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming gestured for Yang Shiguang to continue.

Yang Shiguang organized his thoughts and began a lengthy explanation.

"Mayor Tianming, I wonder if you can secure support from the banks?"

"Banks?"

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming was somewhat surprised; it was difficult to see a connection between sewage renovation and banks.

This kid's thinking was a bit too out of the box.

"Yes. We can actually issue certificates or titles to catering enterprises that have already completed their sewage renovation. For example, 'Environmental Benchmark Enterprise' or something similar; of course, you would decide on the specific name."

"Then, with the Municipal Government providing the funds, banks can issue vouchers to all citizens in the form of stored-value cards. These vouchers would only be usable at catering establishments with the 'Environmental Benchmark Enterprise' title."

"Of course, details like what services to use or what accounts to open to receive the vouchers can be negotiated with the banks to make it easier to gain their support."

"As for the limit per person and the cutoff point for distribution, that would be determined by the total amount of the special subsidy funds."

"This is equivalent to putting a lid on the plate. You can eat, but only if we allow it."

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming's eyes lit up upon hearing this, but he soon frowned. Such a method had never been used in the history of Jianning or even the entire Hunan Province.

"President Yang, can we do this? There's never been a precedent for this."

Yang Shiguang smiled at the remark.

"I've read the documents regarding the special funds. They clearly state that the funds can only be used to promote the special project of sewage renovation, but they don't say the money must be directly distributed, do they?"

"Mayor Tianming, think about it. Once the citizens have this money, they will definitely go out to spend it, and catering enterprises that haven't completed their renovations won't be able to serve these customers."

"In this way, foot traffic for enterprises that have completed renovations will increase, while it will decrease for those that haven't. You should know that foot traffic is the lifeblood of catering businesses—it's far more important than a subsidy of tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan. If they lose their customers..."

"I ask you, which enterprise wouldn't desperately accelerate their sewage renovation progress? There's only one dish on the table, and you've put a lid on it. If we want to eat, we have to listen to you; otherwise, we'll starve."

"Isn't this using the special funds for the sewage renovation project?"

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming burst into laughter.

"Good, good, good! President Yang, this move of yours hits them right where it hurts!"

Yang Shiguang didn't stop and continued his analysis.

"Moreover, this kills several birds with one stone."

"Looking at the long term, it accelerates the renovation work, stimulates consumption, and boosts total retail sales of social consumer goods. In the short term, it's a solid policy that benefits the people, increasing citizen happiness and government credibility."

"I believe that when you report this to Mayor Jiang, the resistance will be much lower. After all, tangible results are far more important than vague schoolmate sentiments, wouldn't you agree?"

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming was overjoyed. With this, the biggest problem was solved, leaving only the task of unifying voices at the symposium.

"It's a good method, but President Yang, I'm afraid this plan will provoke strong opposition from Jianhua and the others."

"If it causes serious conflict, it could be a problem. After all, Mayor Jiang places great importance on maintaining stability. If we can't ensure that, I can't guarantee the strength of his support."

After listening, Yang Shiguang lit a cigarette and came up with a solution after thinking for a few minutes.

"Mayor Tianming, this requires a two-pronged approach."

"First, you should secure the unified support of the Two leadership bodies beforehand, ideally through the Mayor's office meeting and the Secretary's briefing. Then, reveal this at the symposium in three days so the representatives know the city has already reached a consensus."

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming nodded. He knew this plan had many advantages and should pass through the Two leadership bodies without much trouble.

"And the second?"

Yang Shiguang acted mysterious and said slowly:

"In the name of the people."

"I'm listening."

A hint of ruthlessness flickered in Yang Shiguang's eyes as he spoke slowly in a low voice:

"We can build some anticipation for the vouchers, letting the citizens know that this is coming."

"That way, they won't be able to refuse. If their opposition causes the vouchers to fall through, they'll have to face the wrath of all Jianning's citizens."

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming turned slightly pale upon hearing this and frowned in protest:

"This won't do. The Municipal Government cannot announce matters that haven't been finalized to the public. It doesn't follow procedure, and if something goes wrong, the government's credibility will be severely damaged."

Yang Shiguang gave a mischievous grin and chuckled.

"Mayor Tianming, I know that, of course. But what if the banks handle this anticipation? For example, through account opening benefits, customer follow-ups, and other such forms."

"Hahahaha..."

The two smiled at each other; the plan was set.

...

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

At 8:50 AM, Yang Shiguang led An Miaomiao into the Municipal Government's Third Conference Room.

An Miaomiao's outfit certainly caught Yang Shiguang's eye.

She wore a white shirt, a short black blazer, a gray A-line skirt, and black tights covering her slender legs, paired with chunky-heeled, round-toed Mary Janes. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and she wore light makeup.

She looked youthful and beautiful yet appropriate, retaining her sweetness while highlighting her professional competence.

Although they were chunky heels, they were still 10 centimeters high. However, An Miaomiao had clearly practiced hard; she no longer walked unsteadily as she had before, and her steps were light and natural.

Even her sitting posture had been practiced. Previously, she sat in a cute, girlish way—thighs together with calves flared out to the sides, like a duck sit on a stool.

Now, sitting in the observer's section, she adopted a formal posture: legs pressed together, knees tilted to the left, and calves tucked together to the right rear—elegant and poised.

It was clear how hard she had worked to avoid embarrassing her Brother Shiguang.

Yang Shiguang looked back at the observer's section. Sensing Brother Shiguang's gaze, An Miaomiao's peach-blossom eyes shimmered slightly, and she gave a sweet smile.

Yang Shiguang was gratified to see his sister's transformation, but he also felt a bit sorry for her.

But it couldn't be helped; he would need her help in the future, so this training was necessary.

Soon, the meeting began.

The meeting was still chaired by Director Li Liang, but Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming attended in person.

The meeting quickly got down to business, and Yang Shiguang introduced the plan in detail to everyone.

The listeners reacted in various ways.

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming remained expressionless, Director Li Liang looked at him with appreciation, and Mr. Wang along with representatives of enterprises that had already completed renovations showed looks of surprise and joy.

Meanwhile, representatives of large catering chains like Huang Zhibin looked grim. They actually already knew something, as China Construction Bank's anticipation campaign had started a day ago.

As for An Miaomiao, her peach-blossom eyes were naturally full of stars of admiration.

After the plan was introduced, Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming subtly revealed that the city had reached a consensus and that both leadership bodies had already held meetings.

Upon hearing this, Huang Zhibin and the others turned ashen-faced.

Finally, the plan was passed unanimously, and the symposium concluded smoothly.

After the meeting, Yang Shiguang and An Miaomiao stood at the conference room door, having not yet left.

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhu Tianming chatted with Yang Shiguang for a moment, then patted his shoulder with a smile and left with Director Yang.

Then came Director Li Liang, who reached out and gently shook Yang Shiguang's shoulder.

"President Yang, thank you for supporting my work! Feel free to drop by my office when you have time."

Yang Shiguang naturally agreed readily.

Mr. Wang also walked over with his secretary to greet him.

"Brother, brilliant! You always manage to create miracles."

Then, he put on a troubled look and said:

"Sigh, don't blame me. I had no choice, I hope you can be understanding."

Yang Shiguang smiled and said:

"I understand, I understand. As long as the matter is perfectly resolved, don't take it to heart, brother."

However, what he was thinking was:

"How nice. This way we don't owe each other anything, and I'll feel even more justified when I sell you out later."

Finally, President Huang of the Jianhua chain walked over.

"President Yang, I've learned my lesson."

Without giving Yang Shiguang a chance to reply, he walked away quickly.

After leaving the Municipal Government compound, An Miaomiao saw that no one was around. No longer able to contain herself, she threw herself into Yang Shiguang's arms.

"Brother Shiguang, you were so handsome when you were speaking!"

Yang Shiguang patted her little head and said:

"Miaomiao was great too. You practiced for a long time, didn't you? Thank you for your hard work."

An Miaomiao pouted her little mouth, rubbed against him coquettishly, and whined:

"Yes, yes, Miaomiao's ankles hurt so much. Brother Shiguang, help me rub them when we get back, okay? Please? *Sob sob*."

"Alright, alright, I'll rub them for as long as you want."