Chapter 1006: Stolen Leisure Amid Life's Hustle

Chapter 1006: Chapter 971: Stolen Leisure Amid Life’s Hustle

Xu Chunliang said, “Isn’t anyone using this incident to deliberately target…”

Qin Zhengyang stopped him with a glance and took another sip of tea, saying, “No matter the time or place, there are always people with ulterior motives. Tell me about today’s matter.”

Xu Chunliang said, “It’s really nothing major, just some clueless idiots doing something stupid.”

Qin Zhengyang looked around and whispered, “The management of Dongzhou Culture and Tourism is about to be reshuffled.”

This was something Xu Chunliang had anticipated. With the previous lesson from Dongzhou Barbecue City, Wang Jianming had become very cautious about cultural and tourism work. Once a problem is discovered, he would definitely resolve it promptly. To change the face of a department and increase efficiency, the most direct and effective approach is to start with the management.

Xu Chunliang said, “Has something happened?”

Qin Zhengyang said, “A reshuffle is inevitable.”

Xu Chunliang wasn’t really concerned about changes in the Culture and Tourism Bureau. With endless troubles arising, the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau had turned from a prize to a hot potato, and no one wanted to take charge at such a time.

Xu Chunliang thought of Fan Lidada. Fan had been in a deputy position for many years. Although he was eager to advance, he always seemed to be a step away from a principal role. He wondered if this time it would fall to him.

Looking at Qin Zhengyang across from him, Xu Chunliang recalled the situation where Wang Jianming separated the command post and assigned it to Qin Zhengyang and laughed, “Secretary Wang wouldn’t send you, would he?”

Qin Zhengyang shook his head.

Xu Chunliang knew it was unlikely. Wang Jianming was very satisfied with Qin Zhengyang as his secretary and wouldn’t let him manage things independently during his term. Assigning Qin Zhengyang to the command post indicated that Wang Jianming was refocusing on the national-level tourism resort, mainly influenced by the Jianjie Square incident. He wanted to create a new cultural tourism highlight to divert public attention from that matter.

Qin Zhengyang said, “In retrospect, departmental integration has its pros and cons. If the Culture and Tourism Bureau hadn’t been established, only the Cultural Relics Bureau would be affected now.”

Xu Chunliang said, “The events have already unfolded, but Dongzhou’s culture and tourism development really isn’t up to par. Just look at this national-level tourist resort; Jizhou and we are both building it, but look at what they’ve got.”

At this moment, seeing Wang Jianming approaching alone, the two quickly stood up to greet him.

Wang Jianming said, “You two seem quite at ease.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Stealing a moment of leisure amidst a busy life. If you wish, you could enjoy the same leisure as we do.”

Wang Jianming laughed, and Xu Chunliang arranged for someone to brew a pot of fresh tea.

Wang Jianming sat down, gazing at the lake illuminated by the setting sun, and softly said, “Even stealing a half-day of leisure seems difficult now.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Secretary Wang, do you like fishing?”

Wang Jianming shook his head, took the tea cup Qin Zhengyang handed him, sniffed the aroma, and took a sip, saying, “Drinking tea here feels so different.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I really didn’t expect you to come so quickly.”

Wang Jianming laughed, “I’ve been in Dongzhou for this long and haven’t had a proper rest. I told your sister-in-law about Aunt Lin coming to Dongzhou, and she suggested we come over today to relax. So, today’s just a family gathering for us.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Don’t worry, I haven’t told anyone.”

At this time, Xue Anning left, greeting Xu Chunliang as she passed.

Xu Chunliang seized the opportunity to say to Wang Jianming, “Her name is Xue Anning, a friend of Sister Qingya’s, a member of the archaeological team invited by Jizhou, currently inspecting the underwater city ruins between our two cities.”

Qin Zhengyang said, “Underwater city? That area is mostly under our Dongzhou’s jurisdiction.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Indeed. When I passed by yesterday, I was stunned and thought it was our people, but it turned out someone else got there first.”

Wang Jianming said, “Little Qin, go verify this. If it’s true, negotiations with Jizhou are necessary.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Nothing to negotiate really. Even if it’s in Dongzhou, if we don’t value or develop it, should we stop others from investigating and developing?”

Qin Zhengyang lightly kicked him under the table. This guy never knew the weight of his words.

However, Wang Jianming didn’t mind, nodding, “That’s a fair point. Xiaoxu, it’s still early, take me to the island for a look.”

Given the directive, Xu Chunliang certainly wouldn’t refuse. So he found a car and took Wang Jianming and Qin Zhengyang for a tour. Wang Jianming had visited Weishan Island before when Qin Zhengyang was still the top official of Hu Shan Town, and at that time, Wang Jianming saw a scene of booming construction everywhere.

But this time, it was during the busy farming season, and there were noticeably fewer workers on the construction site. Passing by the Da Heng site, they saw that construction had stopped.

Wang Jianming specially got out to chat with the old man guarding the gate, while Xu Chunliang and Qin Zhengyang did not follow.

Xu Chunliang said to Qin Zhengyang, “Is Secretary Wang here on a micro-inspection undercover?”

Qin Zhengyang said, “Not sure, but I didn’t expect him to come here, either.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I have a feeling that the situation at Jianjie Square had quite an impact on Secretary Wang, he’s preparing to hedge his bets.”

Qin Zhengyang laughed, “Sounds just like a gambler.”

Xu Chunliang also laughed. Wang Jianming got into the car and let them continue driving to the town. Although this kind of incognito visit wouldn’t reveal everything, it could at least capture some authentic voices from the people.

Seeing the current state of Da Heng Hot Spring Town, Wang Jianming’s mood grew heavier. The situation with Da Heng was not an isolated case. On the way back, he said to Qin Zhengyang, “Da Heng’s promised theme park will be delayed again.”

Qin Zhengyang knew very well, and he even felt fortunate to have left Hu Shan Town in time. If he were still the leader there, he would be powerless to change this situation. Da Heng, similar to Hua Nian, is mired in a debt crisis. It’s said that Da Heng’s situation is worse than Hua Nian’s.

Qin Zhengyang said, “Mingde Group signed a cooperation agreement with Da Heng, but their follow-up funds didn’t come through in time either.”

Wang Jianming said, “Those who break their promises must be given an appropriate lesson.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Secretary Wang, weren’t you planning to steal some leisure time today? How come I see you just can’t sit still?”

Wang Jianming burst out laughing: “Once you find yourself in my position in the future, you’ll understand that time isn’t really yours.”

Xu Chunliang said, “The car will find a path when it reaches the mountain, and the boat will straighten out when it reaches the bridge.”

Wang Jianming said to Qin Zhengyang, “Did you hear that? He’s counseling me.”

Qin Zhengyang laughed.

Xu Chunliang said, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Wang Jianming said, “Lately, a lot has been happening with Dongzhou Culture and Tourism. Xiaoxu, you used to work in culture and tourism, do you have any suggestions?”

Xu Chunliang said, “I think our direction for culture and tourism is correct; it’s just about implementation. Like what you just mentioned about Da Heng Theme Park, the constructions are almost complete. They ran into internal issues, and work got halted immediately. Ultimately, it’s about not finding the right solution to the problem.”

Qin Zhengyang said, “Secretary Wang is asking you to suggest solutions.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Give them a final deadline. Punish where punishment is due, and fine where fines are due.”

Wang Jianming said, “Have you noticed that there’s a problem with the location of the theme park? Weishan Island is an isolated island, and transportation is a bottleneck.”

Qin Zhengyang said, “We considered that back then, but Da Heng Group insisted on building the theme park on the island.”

Wang Jianming said, “Their goal was never the theme park, but rather tourism real estate. Some of our officials only think about attracting investment without considering whether these projects are suitable for local development.”

Qin Zhengyang said, “Equatorial Capital initially intended to also acquire Da Heng Group’s hot spring town, but negotiations fell through. Da Heng and Mingde Group reached a private agreement and later secured support from the city. We thought backed by Lexus Group, Mingde Group wouldn’t have any funding issues, but after Da Heng’s debacle, Mingde Group also tightened its investments, adopting a wait-and-see attitude.”

Wang Jianming snorted coldly: “Once a contract is signed, it must be executed. These businessmen flock to profits and flee from risks without a shred of credibility or social responsibility. We neither welcome nor need such investors.”

The car returned to Xianhong Farm. Xu Chunliang parked the car and noticed two people getting out of a parked car nearby; it was Lin Hongwei, the leader of Hu Shan Town, and Deputy Secretary He Qiweng.

Previously, Xu Chunliang had politely declined their invitation to dinner. Lin Hongwei felt uneasy and insisted on bringing He Qiweng to Xianhong Farm, wanting to personally visit Xu Chunliang to explain things from earlier in the day.

But Lin Hongwei and the others never expected to encounter Qin Zhengyang and Secretary Wang here.

The two were caught off guard, unsure whether to greet them or not.

Wang Jianming and Qin Zhengyang went ahead. Qin Zhengyang knew both of them but did not even glance at them.

Xu Chunliang stayed back to greet Lin Hongwei: “Old Lin, what brings you here?”

Lin Hongwei’s back was soaked in cold sweat. Even though he had never met Secretary Wang face-to-face, he had seen him countless times on TV news, and Qin Zhengyang was accompanying him. Who else could it be but Wang Jianming? The chief of Dongzhou came to Hu Shan Town without notifying him. Lin Hongwei was frightened out of his wits, his throat parched as he tried to speak, nodding, forcing a sycophantic smile.

He Qiweng whispered, “Director Xu, was that Secretary Wang just now?”

Xu Chunliang coughed and said, “Old He, just keep some things to yourself.” Which was a tacit confirmation.

He turned back to Lin Hongwei, “Old Lin, did you come for something?”

“Noth…nothing…we were just passing by and thought to invite you for a drink.”

Xu Chunliang laughed, “You saw, friends are here, can’t pull myself away, apologies.”

“No problem, no problem, you go ahead.” Lin Hongwei bowed and scraped as he saw Xu Chunliang off. Once Xu Chunliang was out of sight, he asked He Qiweng in a lowered voice, “Was that Secretary Wang?”

He Qiweng coughed and said, “Old Lin, just keep some things to yourself.”