Chapter 143 - 123: Caught in the Middle

"Thank you!" Mei Ru Xue expressed her sincere gratitude.Xu Chunliang said, "No need to thank me; anyone else would have done the same."

Mei Ru Xue glanced at the ruins and said, "Secretary Kong wants to initiate a town-wide illegal construction cleanup because of this incident, and your hospital is likely to be a key target."

Xu Chunliang, having reclaimed more than half of the overdue rent, didn’t mind if they demolished the place. However, he was still grateful for Mei Ru Xue’s reminder.

The explosion at Yu Shuqing Restaurant caused a dramatic shift in many people’s perspectives. Kong Xiangsheng, who used to turn a blind eye to illegal constructions, became an ardent advocate for their removal.

Previously, Xu Chunliang had used the threat of demolition to intimidate tenants. Now that he had collected the rent, he was somewhat reluctant to see it demolished, as no one wants to part with money.

Xu Chunliang returned to the hospital, where Tang Mingmei called him into the emergency room to clean his wound again. This was to prevent infection, especially since he later participated in the rescue while injured, and the wound inevitably got wet.

Having received such significant help from Xu Chunliang, Tang Mingmei reciprocated by showing concern for her younger brother.

Upon hearing that Xu Chunliang had returned, Jin Yonghao immediately came over to offer condolences. Today, Xu Chunliang and his team participated in the rescue, and Jin Yonghao had many photos taken on-site, which would serve as excellent promotional material.

With a worried look, Jin Yonghao informed Xu Chunliang that the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office had just issued a notice to their hospital, requiring the demolition of illegally constructed buildings within three days.

If they failed to complete the demolition within the deadline, they would be fined. This was no empty threat; they meant business this time.

Xu Chunliang realized that Jin Yonghao wasn’t very capable. The rights to Weishan Lake Hospital’s property weren’t even clear yet. Even if fined, it wouldn’t affect Changxing. He told Jin Yonghao not to worry, as the bigger the commotion, the more beneficial it would be for them.

Jin Yonghao couldn’t understand how it could be beneficial. The Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office wasn’t just putting on a show; the explosion incident at Yu Shuqing Restaurant had attracted serious attention from Hu Shan Town leaders, and actions were inevitable.

Xu Chunliang returned to his dormitory and had just lain down when he heard a knock at the door. Opening it, he saw no one outside but noticed a letter slipped through the door.

Full of confusion, Xu Chunliang opened the letter and saw a crooked line of text: Be extra careful! There was no signature, just a drawing of a bamboo cane and a few snakes.

Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but think of Han Tianchi, a Snake Handler who once sent venomous snakes into Huichun Hall to harm him but ended up being captured by Xu.

Could it be that Han Tianchi had escaped? Xu Chunliang contacted Lu Qi to confirm that Han Tianchi and Fan Yajun were still in custody.

After ruling out these two possibilities, Xu Chunliang re-read the letter.

The bamboo cane likely symbolized Qiongmen, indicating that he had made enemies with them due to the Han Tianchi incident. Although Han was in custody, his associates could seek vengeance.

Xu Chunliang felt no fear, only curiosity about who had sent him the letter.

Having been on Weishan Island for only a short while, with few acquaintances locally, why would this person want to help him?

From the skillful manner of the delivery, it was clear the person had formidable martial arts abilities, yet none in his circle seemed to match up. A sudden figure flashed in his mind, plunging him into deep thought.

The next morning, the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office from Hu Shan Town sent a team to the hospital. Secretary Kong Xiangsheng placed great importance on this cleanup operation, personally overseeing the campaign.

Director Huang Yong led the enforcement team to the hospital, where the inspection group first tallied the businesses around the hospital.

After back-paying the rent, those tenants believed they obtained a pardon, as nearly all the shops were open. This marked the second notice for closure they received in three days.

The Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office didn’t bother with the petty merchants and directly approached the hospital leaders to talk.

Jin Yonghao took leave from work today, foreseeing potential trouble, thus opting to avoid it altogether.

Zhang Haibin, although present at the hospital, claimed to hold no authority and advised the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office to contact Changxing Hospital’s Vice President, Yan Huaiyi.

Yan Huaiyi originally came to the branch for a quality inspection, never anticipating such an overwhelming array of issues. In his years as vice president, he’d never been this exhausted.

He desperately wished to see this period through and leave Changxing, permanently severing ties.

Given that Zhao Feiyang appointed Xu Chunliang as the special assistant to the president, these special tasks naturally fell to him. Yan Huaiyi didn’t regard Xu Chunliang as his assistant.

Fearless, Xu Chunliang gladly took on the responsibility and invited Huang Yong to the president’s office.

Huang Yong briefed him on Hu Shan Town’s illegal construction cleanup document and handed him a fine notice.

Xu Chunliang cared about the fine amount, finding it stated: Confiscate all illegitimate gains and impose a fine of 100,000. He laughed, "Director Huang, on what grounds are you fining us?"

Huang Yong righteously replied, "Shouldn’t one be fined for profiting through illegal constructions?"

"You’re accusing us of illegal construction? These structures have existed for four years, and where were you during that time?"

"Don’t argue with me. We are acting according to the law; illegal constructions must be penalized. I urge you to cooperate with us, or else..."

"Or else what? You’ll arrest me?"

"We’ll initiate legal procedures." Huang Yong’s attitude was unwavering, implying that arresting you was a possibility.

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily, "Director Huang, I admire your work ethic, but shouldn’t you investigate thoroughly before proceeding? As of now, the Weishan Island Hospital property rights don’t belong to Changxing. Although we’ve taken over the hospital, the land is leased. Even if fined, shouldn’t you target the right entity?"

Huang Yong was momentarily stunned, unfamiliar with the property situation. "Who does the property belong to then?"

"It previously belonged to the Shiliang Town Government and should now belong to Hu Shan Town Government, ultimately under national ownership. Thus, any penalties should be directed to the Hu Shan Town Government, not me, but to Town Mayor Mei."

Huang Yong was confounded, puzzled about how the fine landed on his shoulders.

He perceived Xu Chunliang as evasive, deliberately obfuscating to evade repercussions, coldly stating, "Director Xu, I hope you recognize the seriousness of this matter and don’t deflect the issue."

Xu Chunliang replied, "You don’t believe me? You can call Town Mayor Mei now to verify whether Weishan Island Hospital’s property belongs to us at Changxing."

Huang Yong hesitated to make the call lightly. "We’ll address the fine later, but within three days, you must demolish these illegal buildings immediately."

Xu Chunliang chuckled, "Since the property isn’t ours at Changxing, the illegal construction is unrelated to us. Demolition incurs costs, doesn’t it? Why should we expend time and resources to solve your problem? Even if you were asking for help, shouldn’t you be a bit more courteous?"

"You..."

"If demolition is urgent, don’t wait three days. Matters of principle can’t wait a moment, and no one’s face can be considered. Start the demolition now."

Who isn’t aware of the potential backlash from forced demolition? Huang Yong wasn’t foolish; the businesses at the entrance weren’t easy to deal with. Any conflict or adverse impact would lead to the leadership holding them accountable first.

"I’m warning you, you’re openly defying the law."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t falsely accuse me. I’ve told you, this has nothing to do with me. If you’re afraid to call, I’ll do it."

Xu Chunliang called Mei Ru Xue in Huang Yong’s presence, purposefully enabling the speaker.

Mei Ru Xue answered swiftly, "Director Xu, I was just thinking of calling you. How’s your injury?"

Huang Yong’s face showed surprise. What was Xu Chunliang’s relationship with Mei Ru Xue? The usually aloof Town Mayor Mei was never polite to them; her tone was notably different regarding Xu Chunliang, showing concern for his injury. Could it be that they... No wonder he’s so cocky.

Xu Chunliang felt a bit awkward but also somewhat proud. He didn’t expect Mei Ru Xue to first inquire about his injury. Smiling, he said, "Thank you for your concern, leader. I’m fine, just calling for official business."

"Say it directly, no need to beat around the bush!" Upon hearing it was official business, Mei Ru Xue’s tone immediately took on a leadership quality.

"Currently, who owns Weishan Island Branch’s property?"

Mei Ru Xue replied, "Weishan Island Hospital is allocated state-owned land usage rights, and the construction funds were appropriated from Shiliang Town’s budget, making the property state-owned assets. The buildings and ancillary structures are fixed assets of Weishan Island Hospital."

"No need for complexities; just confirm whether Weishan Island Hospital’s property belongs to Changxing Hospital at present."

"The relevant procedures haven’t been completed yet."

Xu Chunliang nodded toward Huang Yong, indicating, "Have you understood?"

Mei Ru Xue seemed to sense something, softly asking, "Has the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office been causing you trouble?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "No trouble, just that they want us to demolish the storefronts today, confiscate our previous rental income, and even issued us a fine notice. Quite harsh, imposing a 100,000 fine on our hospital."

Mei Ru Xue grew a bit agitated, "Nonsense! Did they get my consent for this?"

Huang Yong listened intently, yet dared not speak, realizing now that Xu Chunliang was under Town Mayor Mei’s protection.