Chapter 133 - 113: What Did You Say?

Mei Ruoxue smiled slightly and said, "Today is a welcome dinner, it doesn’t seem suitable to talk about work. I suggest that everyone only talks about friendship, not work."Tong Guangsheng helped to mediate, "Town Mayor Mei, though young, has a broad vision. Come on, everyone, let’s respond to Town Mayor Mei’s call and drink this toast."

After everyone drank this toast, Zhang Hengyang didn’t intend to drop the previous topic and pressed on, "Mr. Xu, as far as I know, the property rights of Weishan Island Hospital do not belong to Changxing."

Tong Guangsheng glanced at Zhang Hengyang; this regional president of Da Heng Group was obviously stirring things up. From start to finish, the guy knew everything yet kept making indirect remarks.

Based on Tong Guangsheng’s experience, Da Heng Group seems determined to invest in Weishan Island, and the land they are interested in includes the Weishan Island Branch.

Tong Guangsheng is an outsider and it’s not convenient for him to express an opinion. Affection is affection, and business is business.

In this matter, Changxing Hospital hasn’t paid enough attention. How could they send the young Xu Chunliang to handle such a complex issue? He probably can’t cope.

Xu Chunliang said, "President Zhang’s investigation is not thorough enough."

Zhang Hengyang laughed, "Secretary Kong doesn’t understand the situation on Weishan Island better than you?"

Tong Guangsheng frowned; this Zhang Hengyang is a typical businessman, truly not a good person, clearly trying to incite conflict between Kong Xiangsheng and Xu Chunliang. Xu Chunliang is too young; I’m afraid he is no match.

Kong Xiangsheng’s anger was already unmistakable, Mei Ruoxue noticed things might go wrong and timely intervened, "Drink and no work talk; specifics can be discussed later."

Xu Chunliang said, "President Zhang, if you report results to headquarters without investigation, you might get criticized by the company. To put it mildly, it’s lack of insight; to put it harshly, it’s dereliction of duty, irresponsible to the company, betraying the trust the leadership placed in you. In a private enterprise like yours, it’s harder than in our state units. A single misstep can lead to total failure, destroying a project is minor, but ruining a career is major. I really don’t want to see President Zhang destroy so many years of effort over a small matter."

The scene fell silent, and the smile on Zhang Hengyang’s face disappeared. Who is this kid? How dare he lecture me in front of so many people? Who gave him the guts?

Tong Guangsheng silently sipped the tea in front of him. He originally thought about stepping in to diffuse the tension but after Xu Chunliang’s words, he started to think this young man was not simple.

The courage of a newborn calf not fearing a tiger is the bravery of the ignorant. Xu Chunliang, however, advances steadily and systematically, zeroing in on the opponent’s weaknesses, decisively and relentlessly.

Kong Xiangsheng regarded Zhang Hengyang as a distinguished guest. Da Heng Group is one of the top ten real estate companies in the country. If he could successfully sign a contract with Da Heng Group, it would be his most brilliant political achievement since he entered politics, putting a perfect ending to his long bureaucratic career in the grassroots towns.

Everything was progressing smoothly as expected, but Xu Chunliang’s appearance messed up his entire plan.

Kong Xiangsheng said, "President Zhang, I’m the most familiar with Weishan Island’s situation. As long as Da Heng Group settles on this island, I promise to give the most favorable policy."

Xu Chunliang publicly opposed, "Secretary Kong, Town Mayor Mei, Hu Shan Town has only been established for half a year, there may be situations you’re not aware of."

Mei Ruoxue really wanted to stop Xu Chunliang from speaking; he’s really bold in what he says.

Kong Xiangsheng was already beyond angry, "Do you mean to say I understand Hu Shan Town less than you? What a joke!"

Xu Chunliang said, "Changxing took over Weishan Island Hospital three years ago, and at the time Shiliang Town Government had already clarified the ownership. Town Mayor Mei knows about this. Didn’t she report to you?"

Mei Ruoxue was already feeling a headache, Xu Chunliang, oh Xu Chunliang, can you not mention me? I don’t know you, we aren’t familiar.

Kong Xiangsheng chuckled, "Then you should find Shiliang Town Government."

Xu Chunliang said, "Secretary Kong, what you said is shirking responsibility. According to the initial documents, Shiliang Town and Huahu Town merged into Hu Shan Town. Hu Shan Town Government is responsible for all the official documents of the previous two town governments."

He glanced at Mei Ruoxue, and at this moment, Mei Ruoxue wished she could crawl under the table; you can’t see me, you can’t see me!

But Xu Chunliang pointed her out again, "Town Mayor Mei, am I right?"

Mei Ruoxue’s stance had already become the focus of everyone’s attention, and now it was impossible to avoid.

Mei Ruoxue said, "The merger of Shiliang Town and Huahu Town left many historical issues. We will resolutely implement correct ones, and correct wrong ones, and under Secretary Kong’s leadership, we will do our best to protect the people’s interests."

Mei Ruoxue becoming town mayor of Hu Shan Town at the age of twenty-three was not just due to family background, nor purely luck; she is capable, and this response is the best proof.

Xu Chunliang said, "I agree with Town Mayor Mei’s words; this is what a responsible leader looks like."

Kong Xiangsheng was furious, his anger almost palpable, "What do you mean by this? Are you accusing me of being irresponsible in front of everyone? What right does a mere assistant to the director of Changxing Hospital have to challenge me?"

He actually understood in his heart that the director of Changxing Hospital held a division level rank, while he himself was only at a section level. Given that Mei Ruoxue was a section-level official, this young man in front of him might be of the same rank despite his young age.

Zhang Hengyang said, "Although I’ve just arrived in Hu Shan Town, the town’s leadership team has left a strong impression on me. They are fair, pragmatic, and highly efficient. With leaders like Secretary Kong, I believe the development of Weishan Island will only get better and better."

Xu Chunliang wanted to speak again, but Mei Ruoxue kicked him hard under the table. As it was already messed up like this, she wasn’t afraid of what he might say.

This time Xu Chunliang didn’t sell her out. He smiled and said, "I also believe Weishan Island’s development will only get better. However, everything has a sequence. We’ve been laying out our plans at Changxing for the past three years. President Zhang, your Da Heng Group is ultimately a step behind. In doing business, foresight is crucial; if you miss one step, you’ll miss all the steps thereafter."

Mei Ruoxue was really impressed with him. Isn’t Changxing’s reputation already in tatters? How can this guy still embellish himself, talking about laying plans three years ago? Where’s his face?

Tong Guangsheng found it amusing. Though he met Xu Chunliang for the first time today, he quite liked the young man’s character. Not afraid to fight back, no matter who he was up against. It reminded him a little of his own younger days.

In Zhang Hengyang’s view, Changxing wasn’t even on the same level as a competitor, at most having some influence in the Dongzhou Region, and it was just a public hospital.

The Da Heng Group, on the other hand, was a powerful real estate enterprise. Projects they set their sights on rarely went awry. The only trouble was the property rights of Weishan Island Hospital.

If Changxing secured the property rights first, no matter how powerful Da Heng was, they couldn’t force them to give up the land. However, if the property rights were undecided, then Changxing was absolutely no match for Da Heng.

Tong Guangsheng said, "It’s truly delightful to see so many capable groups taking an interest in Weishan Island. It looks like our local businesses need to step up their game too."

It was at that moment everyone realized Tong Guangsheng’s brilliance. When it came to strategic planning, he should be the first to have laid plans for Weishan Island. The scope of Xianhong Farm wasn’t limited to the Weishan Island area alone, perhaps he was the biggest beneficiary of the Weishan Island National Resort.

At 8 PM, the banquet concluded. Zhang Hengyang’s inspection team took Tong Guangsheng’s yacht to Weishan County, accompanied by Secretary Kong Xiangsheng. Arrangements had been made for them to meet with several county leaders the following day.

This left only Mei Ruoxue and two cadre members from the town government to return to the town. Xu Chunliang proactively suggested taking the Toyota Coaster back, sparing Tong Guangsheng the trouble of finding a driver, as Wang Jinwu had also indulged in quite a bit of alcohol tonight.

Before boarding the car, Xu Chunliang made a point of approaching Tong Guangsheng to apologize, as he had disrupted his drinking party that night.

Tong Guangsheng was very magnanimous, patting him on the shoulder, he said, "You have to fight for what’s worth fighting for. If you don’t speak up, others will think the land is up for grabs. This is called declaring ownership. Back when we fought wars, there was not an inch of land to spare. A man must have some guts."

The two made plans to have a drink together again in a few days, and Xu Chunliang boarded the car.

There were only three passengers in the car, plenty of empty seats. Yet he chose to sit next to Mei Ruoxue, cheerfully saying, "Thanks for backing me up tonight."

Mei Ruoxue rolled her eyes at him, with other colleagues still in the car. When did I ever back you up? You make it seem like I’m working against my own interests.

When she first met him, she thought he was somewhat talented. However, after the events of this evening, any good impression Mei Ruoxue had of him vanished. This guy was truly insidious and didn’t even bat an eye when setting others up.

Mei Ruoxue didn’t believe Xu Chunliang’s actions tonight would have much effect on the ownership of Weishan Island Hospital. His behavior had already displeased Secretary Kong, and Da Heng Group’s strength was obvious.

Zhang Hengyang was scheduled to meet with the county leaders the next day. The county would be eager for Da Heng Group to establish itself on Weishan Island, and they would likely accommodate their requests as much as possible. Mei Ruoxue privately thought that Changxing was likely fighting a losing battle, destined to come away empty-handed.

Xu Chunliang, in front of her, called Zhao Feiyang, telling him that Da Heng Group was interested in the land of Weishan Island Hospital. The Hu Shan Town leadership was clearly leaning towards them, and Da Heng Group was set to meet the county leaders the next day, urging Zhao Feiyang to act quickly.

Mei Ruoxue watched him from the side, convinced this guy wasn’t drunk, making the call in front of her on purpose, implying it for her to hear.

"Town Mayor Mei, your gaze seems a bit unfriendly."

Mei Ruoxue said, "Director Xu, with such energy, it wouldn’t hurt to use it to run the hospital better or to improve employee benefits. The main thing is to get the overdue wages paid as soon as possible."

Xu Chunliang sighed, "Speaking of that matter, I suggest you prepare in advance. I suspect something big might happen tomorrow."

"What do you mean?"

Xu Chunliang said, "Though we’ve only known each other for a short time, I’ve already considered you a friend. Since you’re my friend, I don’t want you to encounter trouble. I’ll be frank, the payroll funds won’t be released anytime soon."

Mei Ruoxue’s eyes widened, "What did you just say?"

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