Chapter 146 - 126: It’s All My Fault

Everyone at the scene nodded in agreement.Wang Jinwu continued: "If this rectification action can be carried out thoroughly, treating everyone equally and clearing all illegal constructions on the island, we naturally have no objections. But we’re afraid that the action may not be impartial, and if some are torn down while others are left, people will inevitably feel unbalanced. Just like Director Xu said earlier, since everyone is involved in illegal construction, why are you tearing ours down first?"

Kong Xiangsheng said: "Every action needs a starting point. Bringing everyone together is our hope that you can understand and support our work."

Wang Jinwu said: "Understanding and accepting are two different things. In fact, I think instead of rectifying existing illegal constructions, it’s better to prevent new ones from now on, ensuring no new problems arise. As for existing issues, many are historical legacies from special periods and can be dealt with gradually in the future."

Kong Xiangsheng wanted to insist that principles should not be compromised, but he found himself lacking confidence now. A few days ago, he also had a relatively conservative attitude towards illegal construction, but yesterday’s gas explosion changed his perspective.

Kong Xiangsheng picked up his teacup for a sip of water, realizing it was empty, he put it down and glanced at Mei Ruxue: "What does Town Mayor Mei think?"

Mei Ruxue said: "I think President Wang is right. We should look at the issue of illegal constructions based on actual conditions. Right now, our most important task is to improve the business environment, not exacerbate social conflicts. Clearing illegal buildings is a long-term task and not something that can be done overnight. But I’m confident that under Secretary Kong’s leadership, we will find the best solution."

She gave Kong Xiangsheng a way out, even though this situation was caused by him.

Kong Xiangsheng nodded, turning his gaze to Huang Yong: "Comrade Huang Yong, today’s meeting is to listen to voices from all sides. In actual work, attention must be paid to methods and not just blindly enforce actions, avoiding social conflicts."

In his heart, Huang Yong cursed Kong Xiangsheng, damn it! You asked me to tear them down, and now you’re saying it’s all my fault? What did I ever do to you? No wonder Mei Ruxue doesn’t respect you. From today on, I won’t either.

Kong Xiangsheng stated he had a very important conference call to attend and asked Mei Ruxue to take over the meeting. He had already seen that today’s situation was becoming unmanageable, and leaving quickly was the best course.

While Kong Xiangsheng could leave, Huang Yong couldn’t and had to sit there dutifully.

Mei Ruxue said: "Director Huang."

Huang Yong responded, realizing he had probably utterly offended Mei Ruxue today, and life might become difficult from now on. Choosing sides at crucial moments was important, but who could he blame for being blind?

Mei Ruxue said: "Let’s put the hospital’s illegal construction issue aside for now. I think President Wang’s suggestion is excellent; this cleanup action should focus on inspecting currently under-construction illegal projects."

"Yes, I’ll adjust the work direction immediately."

Huang Yong understood that the issues at Weishan Lake Hospital were beyond his reach. Mei Ruxue’s comment had openly implied that she was covering for the hospital’s illegal constructions, and anyone causing trouble would be going against her. Even Kong Xiangsheng had tactfully left, so what could a subordinate like him say?

Mei Ruxue said: "Thank you all for attending this discussion and for providing us with invaluable opinions. On behalf of the Hu Shan Town Government, I assure everyone that our entire government team will work tirelessly to promote the development of our town, serving everyone present and all the people of Weishan Island. We also hope for your supervision in our continuous progress."

Many noticed Mei Ruxue’s wording. She represented the Hu Shan Town Government, which was correct, as a town mayor can do so. However, after today’s discussion, everyone felt a bit odd.

This stunningly beautiful town mayor was not the mere figurehead everyone imagined. It was uncertain whether the future of Hu Shan Town would be under Secretary Kong or Town Mayor Mei’s leadership.

Mei Ruxue announced the meeting adjourned.

Xu Chunliang walked alongside Wang Jinwu, who informed Xu that Tong Guangsheng fell sick from the rain while participating in the rescue yesterdya.

Xu Chunliang asked Wang Jinwu to convey his regards. Wang Jinwu offered to drive him back to the hospital, but Xu Chunliang pointed to a Santana 2000 parked next to the Land Rover, indicating he had also brought a car.

Wang Jinwu shook hands with him goodbye.

Zhang Haitao had already opened the car door for Xu Chunliang: "Director Xu, where are you heading?"

Xu Chunliang got in the car, thinking this guy was asking the obvious since he was definitely heading back to the hospital. The flattery made him feel like he was back in the past. He asked Zhang Haitao to drive back to the hospital. Just as Zhang Haitao started the car, Xu Chunliang received a call from Mei Ruxue.

Mei Ruxue expressed her wish to talk. Seeing that it was nearly the end of the workday, Xu Chunliang invited her to dinner to talk over a meal.

Mei Ruxue hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Xu Chunliang told her the car was waiting below.

He hung up and asked Zhang Haitao if there were any nearby restaurants with a pleasant atmosphere and good food.

Zhang Haitao said there were some fishing-style restaurants near Bright Moon Bay, one of which was run by a classmate of his, and the food was quite good.

Xu Chunliang decided to go there. While waiting for Mei Ruxue to come down, Zhang Haitao couldn’t help but ask about Zhang Haibin’s situation, as he had heard something had happened to him.

Xu Chunliang informed him that the hospital had already removed Zhang Haibin from the position of Executive Deputy Director, and he was being submitted to the disciplinary inspection department due to several violations and disciplinary issues during his tenure, which was now under investigation.

Zhang Haitao became nervous, and Xu Chunliang noticed his unease, asking if he had been involved in Zhang Haibin’s illegal activities.

Zhang Haitao was so frightened that he quickly denied it. It was true that he got the driving job at the hospital through Zhang Haibin’s connections, but he was just a driver and had no opportunity to take advantage of anything.

His brother-in-law’s matter was handled by Zhang Haibin, and they gave Zhang Haibin a gift for it. He was unsure if this would implicate him.

Xu Chunliang assured him not to worry. As long as there was no illegal activity, he could handle it for him. As long as Zhang Haitao was honest with him, he wouldn’t be implicated in Zhang Haibin’s matter.

Zhang Haitao had already made up his mind to cling tightly to Xu Chunliang’s support.

Zhang Haibin was finished. He might even get arrested. One of his strong allies, Xu Daqing, was also detained for hooliganism. Without Xu Chunliang’s help, he might not even keep his job.

Zhang Haitao immediately pledged his loyalty to Xu Chunliang, stating that he would leave nothing unsaid, and in the future, wherever he was needed, he would brave any danger without flinching.

Xu Chunliang laughed and said there was no need to exaggerate. Someone like Zhang Haitao, who could betray Zhang Haibin today, could betray him tomorrow as well, but that didn’t mean the man had no value.

He had spent all his time with Zhang Haibin, so he knew him very well, and being a local, he could be useful for future work.

The decision to remove Zhang Haibin from his position was made by the top levels of Changxing, and Jin Yonghao, representing the hospital, announced this decision to Zhang Haibin.

Zhang Haibin had already prepared himself mentally for this outcome. He looked coldly at Jin Yonghao and said, "There’s no quality control work; you are here just to target me, aren’t you?"

"No one is targeting you. You know perfectly well what you’ve done over the years."

Jin Yonghao realized Zhang Haibin had overestimated himself; the hospital’s dissatisfaction with this guy wasn’t new, and it was only a matter of time before they took him down.

"What have I done? I haven’t taken a penny for myself in the past three years."

"You may not have embezzled, but damaging the collective interests is also a crime."

Zhang Haibin nodded and said, "Let’s wait and see who will have the last laugh."

Jin Yonghao shed his previous meek demeanor: "I may not laugh last, but I am sure that the one who does won’t be you."

Xu Chunliang waited downstairs for half an hour before Mei Ru Xue came down. Xu Chunliang opened the car door for her, and after getting in, Mei Ru Xue asked, "What shall we eat? My treat."

Xu Chunliang replied, "I’m a bit of a macho type, not used to living off a woman."

Mei Ru Xue couldn’t help but laugh; Xu Chunliang was very amusing.

Zhang Haitao said nothing as he drove them to a farmhouse restaurant he recommended at Crescent Bay; he had already informed the restaurant owner in advance.

After they got out of the car, Xu Chunliang told him to go back first, as it was less than two kilometers from the town center, and he would call if needed.

Zhang Haitao now had an innate respect for Xu Chunliang. What did Zhang Haibin have to compete with him? It seemed that Xu Chunliang’s relationship with the Town Mayor Mei was quite special.

Xu Chunliang and Mei Ru Xue arrived at a restaurant named He Tiantian, which was actually a concrete boat moored by the shore.

Business was slow today, and the hostess, He Tiantian, was a classmate of Zhang Haitao. They initially thought the restaurant’s name came from the Han Music House’s "Jiangnan," but found out its name carried another layer of meaning.

He Tiantian had been waiting at the bow of the boat. She had met Mei Ru Xue before; though she only graduated high school, she was incredibly sharp, knowing not to reveal their identities in such situations and not to be excessively respectful. She smiled as she approached Xu Chunliang, "You’re Director Xu, right?"

Xu Chunliang nodded.

He Tiantian led the way for them.

Although Mei Ru Xue had been in Hu Shan Town for three months, she had never come here to eat before.

Arranged by Zhang Haitao, He Tiantian reserved the best room on the second floor for them. Through the window, they could see the western sky filled with vibrant evening clouds.

On the wall of the room hung an appropriately themed piece of calligraphy, "Flying with the sunset clouds and the lone wild goose, the autumn waters blend with the long sky." These two lines are from Wang Bo’s "Preface to the Pavilion of King Teng." The calligraphy was in a wild cursive style, with a masterful balance of form and spirit, full of poetic imagery.

Mei Ru Xue paused to admire the calligraphy in front of her. Her beautiful eyes shone, and Xu Chunliang, also a connoisseur of calligraphy, could tell these characters were not written by an ordinary person. The inscription read "An Idle Man of Shanhu."

Mei Ru Xue softly exclaimed, "This calligraphy is truly exquisite."