booktalesy Chapter 693 - 663: Counterpart
Chapter 693 - 663: Counterpart
Song Jianmou smiled and said, "That President Wang is a bit too hasty. Our main task now is to plan the development and construction of the hot springs. The primary issue we face is how to best use the hot spring water without harming natural resources. As for the pipeline he suggested, that’s a minor issue. It can be added later. We can’t possibly build a dedicated pipeline for them when we haven’t even completed the supply center for the distillery’s hot spring water. The current design plan is to transport the hot spring water to a dedicated transfer station, where it can be redistributed conveniently and measured. This is the common practice internationally."Xu Chunliang nodded. Song Jianmou made a valid point. Actually, there shouldn’t be major issues with the use of hot spring water by the distillery, as the Hu Shan Town Government firmly controls the rights to the hot spring water, making it impossible for any single entity to monopolize.
Song Jianmou asked, "Town Mayor Xu, when will the auction for Plot B09 take place?"
Xu Chunliang was not in charge of such matters. The land auction work in Hu Shan Town was directly handled by Qin Zhengyang. He didn’t even know the specific location of the plot Song Jianmou mentioned.
Song Jianmou briefly explained that the plot was located northwest of the hospital. It wasn’t very large, just over 20,000 square meters. The town government’s original plan was to build a primary school there, but due to planning changes, the school had been relocated, leaving the plot vacant. Song Jianmou had received information that the plot might participate in the next land auction.
Xu Chunliang said, "You should go directly to Secretary Qin for the auction matters."
Song Jianmou said, "Da Heng is also interested in that plot."
Xu Chunliang was taken aback again. Da Heng’s current situation was not optimistic. The Hot Spring Town project alone was already giving them headaches, and yet they dared to acquire more land?
Xu Chunliang said, "Da Heng’s financial situation isn’t very good either, is it?"
Song Jianmou said, "We’re also puzzled. The real estate industry is in a downturn recently, and Da Heng has been significantly impacted. Our original plan was to jointly undertake the Da Heng Hot Spring Town project, and they were initially interested, but then suddenly changed their minds and decided to develop it independently."
Xu Chunliang said, "They probably see great potential in the Weishan Island National Resort project."
Song Jianmou laughed heartily and said, "If they didn’t see promise in your project, they wouldn’t have come to invest either."
After chatting with him for a while, Xu Chunliang got up to take his leave. Song Jianmou warmly invited Xu Chunliang to stay for a meal, but he politely declined. Song Jianmou quickly offered him two boxes of tea to try.
Before Xu Chunliang had even left his office, a call came in from Li Chengbo, the chief of the police station, saying there was an emergency he needed to report.
Xu Chunliang was a bit puzzled. Although he had a good relationship with Li Chengbo, they did not have a direct reporting relationship. He wasn’t Li Chengbo’s direct supervisor, and Li Chengbo wasn’t obligated to report to him. However, the urgency in Li Chengbo’s voice suggested it was important.
Back at the town government, Li Chengbo was already waiting outside his office door.
Xu Chunliang asked, "Why didn’t you go in?"
Li Chengbo replied, "I just got here and was about to knock."
Xu Chunliang took out his key and unlocked the door. Li Chengbo inwardly sighed, thinking to himself that it was no wonder—you locked the door, how could I go in?
As the two had a good relationship, once Xu Chunliang entered, he shared a box of tea with Li Chengbo, who accepted without hesitation and sat down on the sofa. "Director Xu, this time you have to stand up for us."
Xu Chunliang carefully pondered the request and felt something was off. "Hold on a second, what did you just call me?"
Li Chengbo said, "Director Xu, of course."
Xu Chunliang was highly astute and sensed there must be a hidden agenda behind Li Chengbo addressing him this way. Xu Chunliang handed over two bottles of mineral water, tossing one to Li Chengbo.
Li Chengbo briefly explained his purpose. The issue was that their police station supervised a water patrol team with few personnel and minimal duties. Typically, they patrolled the scenic area in speedboats. Today, while on patrol, the speedboat malfunctioned. While awaiting rescue, Jizhou’s management intercepted them, detaining both the personnel and the boat.
Xu Chunliang was puzzled. Why would you come to me with this? You should go to Qin Zhengyang or contact a higher-level public security department for coordination. Why involve me?
Li Chengbo explained, "The problem is that these three workers were all temporary employees."
Xu Chunliang said, "I’m really fed up with you guys. Whenever something happens, it’s always the temporary workers involved. Are you saying you usually rely on them to do all the work?"
Li Chengbo said, "The issue is a bit complex. Let me put it this way: these people used to fall outside our jurisdiction, and were supposed to be under the town’s Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office. However, due to numerous recent incidents, Secretary Qin believed the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office’s work was ineffective, and the personnel hired were of mixed quality. So, he reduced their powers and transferred the water patrol team to us."
Xu Chunliang said, "Why are you coming to me? The responsibilities I oversee in the town are related to investment promotion, and this matter has nothing to do with me."
Li Chengbo smiled, "Don’t be so quick to push me away. I have it clear that this matter needs to be addressed by you, and I’m not wrong. Right now, you’re in charge of the Weishan Lake National Resort command. The ones detaining us are from the Taibaiwa Scenic Management Office, subordinate to the Jizhou Weishan Lake National Resort command. Does that make sense now?"
Xu Chunliang wore a face of profound and bitter realization, while Li Chengbo looked helpless.
Xu Chunliang was well aware that this matter involved conflicts between the two cities, making it a thankless task. Li Chengbo, being an experienced hand, understood this very well too.
Xu Chunliang took a sip of water and said, "Did Secretary Qin give you this idea?"
Li Chengbo quickly shook his head in denial, "No."
Xu Chunliang said, "Temporary workers? The Public Security Bureau won’t step in?"
Li Chengbo said, "I’m representing the Dongzhou City Cultural and Tourism Bureau."
Xu Chunliang realized that this guy was aware of everything, which meant he intentionally sought him out.
Li Chengbo said, "To be frank, I approached you after careful consideration. Although the town government could step in, the other side is the National Resort Construction Command, and they might not be willing to pay attention to us, so it’s important to match our approach appropriately."
Xu Chunliang said, "It’s not that I don’t want to deal with this; I have to apply first. I can coordinate only if the superior agrees, otherwise, even if we have a good relationship, I can’t violate principles, right?"
Li Chengbo sighed inwardly, realizing Xu Chunliang was becoming more savvy; it’s not easy to trap him. He immediately indicated his willingness to respect Xu Chunliang’s decision.
Xu Chunliang wasn’t intentionally brushing him off and immediately called Fu Guomin to report the matter.
Fu Guomin thought for a moment and decided to let Xu Chunliang handle it. He preemptively advised him to resolve the issue through negotiation, not to act impulsively, as they are neighbors after all. If there are any matters that need discussion, it’s important to clarify the sequence of events. If the fault lies with the other party, don’t press them relentlessly. If it’s their responsibility, express sincere apologies. In short, giving room can prevent conflict, and stepping back can lead to broader opportunities.
After hanging up the phone, Fu Guomin still felt uneasy. Just then, Fan Lidada entered his office.
Fu Guomin explained what happened at the Weishan Lake Resort.
Fan Lidada said, "This is a historical issue. Everyone believes Weishan Lake belongs to them, and without a clear demarcation, things have somewhat improved in recent years, mainly because Dongzhou sacrificed some townships. Our remaining lake area has been shrinking, and initially, Jizhou wanted to claim Weishan Island."
Fu Guomin said, "If it really came to that, the whole Weishan Lake would be theirs."
Fan Lidada said, "The initial intention of setting up the National Resort Command was to provide a platform for both sides to communicate, cooperate, and reduce conflicts. He’s very aware of the actual impact the Command has had since its establishment."
Fu Guomin said, "I’m still not at ease. You know Xu Chunliang’s temper; I’m afraid he’ll blow things out of proportion."
Fan Lidada thought to himself that causing a stir was inevitable; Xu Chunliang always created some noise wherever he went.
Fan Lidada said, "Why don’t I go over there to help contain the situation?"
Fu Guomin thought for a moment but shook his head. The saying goes that you don’t use people you doubt. Since the Command was entrusted to Xu Chunliang, he should trust him. Furthermore, Xu Chunliang’s capabilities had already been recognized by Fu Guomin, and he didn’t believe Fan Lidada was more competent than Xu Chunliang; even if Fan Lidada went, it wouldn’t make a difference.
Fu Guomin said, "Some of the conflicts between the two cities have been long-standing. Since a communication mechanism has been established, it should play its role, allowing for communication. Issues that remain unexposed will persist indefinitely. Only by exposing them is there a chance for resolution."
Fan Lidada praised, "You’re still the one. In the past, I was most afraid of misunderstandings and conflicts between the two cities. Your words have enlightened me."
Fu Guomin said, "It’s still important to give the younger generation more opportunities. I believe Xiaoxu has the capability to handle this dispute."
Fan Lidada said, "He certainly can, but you should also be mentally prepared for the situation to escalate."
Fu Guomin and Fan Lidada exchanged a glance. They both somewhat understood Xu Chunliang’s style of handling matters, knowing that if Xu Chunliang decided to act, he would be resolute and vigorous. Regardless of who was right, there was no way he would back down.
Xu Chunliang decided to adopt a diplomatic approach first. He and Li Chengbo took a cruise from Xianhong Farm to the incident location, which was near the Underwater City. The water security team’s speedboat and personnel had been taken away.
The unit handling this matter was officially called the Taibaiwa Branch Water Security Management Brigade of the Jizhou City Weishan Lake Scenic Management Office.
This time, Xu Chunliang also brought along Office Director Liu Deshun. It wouldn’t make sense for the new leader to endure the scorching sun to protect his side’s interests, while the others sat in the air-conditioned new office reading newspapers.
Liu Deshun was actually quite puzzled in his heart. Why did such a matter fall into the hands of their Command? Although puzzled, he couldn’t refute the actions of the current leader, Xu Chunliang, especially since even the office was organized with his help. At least the working environment had genuinely improved.
Thank you all for your blessings. The college entrance exam has successfully concluded. In the coming period, I still have to plan and work hard for my son’s affairs. Today, I’m in Suzhou. I’ll strive to keep up with the updates, resolve his matters properly, and afterward, I’ll be able to fully focus on writing. We must give it our all in the second half of the year!