118: Woodworms

Changsha New Port Industrial Zone.

Inside a newly built factory building in the core area, the atmosphere was particularly tense.

Lu Fan was leading Bai Jinbiao and a group of Security Team members in installing a 7.62mm ammunition production line.

Time was tight; every single second counted.

Just then, Tang Jifeng walked over quickly with a grim expression.

"Brother Fan, people have suddenly arrived from Jinling. It's an observation group led by Zhou Dahai, the Vice Minister and Acting Minister of the Central Propaganda Department."

"They say they're here to show concern for local construction... I couldn't turn them away! They've already entered the industrial zone."

Tang Jifeng leaned in close to Lu Fan and lowered his voice, sounding somewhat helpless.

Lu Fan frowned slightly, a flash of impatience in his eyes.

He was extremely repulsed by such uninvited bureaucrats.

But since they were already here, he suppressed his annoyance to receive them for Tang Jifeng's sake.

At the entrance of the industrial zone, Lu Fan saw a man in his forties leading the way. He had a fair complexion and wore gold-rimmed glasses.

A habitual, reserved smile played on his lips—it was indeed Zhou Dahai.

Behind him followed a group of people dressed in elegant Zhongshan suits and fedoras.

"Minister Zhou, your presence is an honor. Please excuse my lack of a proper welcome," Lu Fan said flatly, showing little warmth.

Zhou Dahai adjusted his glasses, beaming with a smile full of bureaucratic air. "You're too polite, Boss Lu."

"I have been commissioned by the central government to inspect local construction and understand the people's situation."

"I heard that Boss Lu is undertaking massive construction here at Changsha New Port, building an industrial zone to benefit the hometown. You are truly a role model!"

"So, I specifically brought my colleagues here to learn from you."

Several aides behind him nodded in agreement, but their eyes darted around, revealing a sense of shrewdness and calculation.

Lu Fan sneered inwardly, knowing they hadn't come with good intentions.

"Minister Zhou flatters me. The industrial zone is in its early stages, and there's much to be done. Why don't we first visit the Resettlement Town we built for the workers and their families?"

He didn't want these people near the ammunition production line currently being installed, so he led them away.

"Oh? A Resettlement Town? Good, good, good! Caring for the workers—how benevolent! Let's go see it!" Zhou Dahai seemed very interested.

The group arrived at the resettlement area on the edge of the industrial zone.

This place was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the construction site. Rows of brand-new red brick houses were lined up neatly; though simple, they were clean and sturdy.

Facilities such as public toilets, a simple clinic, and a small convenience store were all available.

Some families of the workers who had arrived early were tidying up their homes, their faces glowing with anticipation for their new lives.

"Boss Lu truly has a grand vision!" Zhou Dahai clicked his tongue in praise as he looked at the new houses. "These houses look sturdy! I imagine the rent isn't cheap?"

"We only charge a symbolic management fee. The main goal is to resettle the workers so they can focus on production," Lu Fan explained.

"Symbolic?" A glint flashed in Zhou Dahai's eyes, and his smile deepened. "My, Boss Lu is so considerate of the workers; you truly have the heart of a Bodhisattva! However..."

He changed his tone, sounding earnest and grave. "Such a large project involves the people's livelihood, so every aspect must be compliant."

"Land approval, construction permits, health and epidemic prevention, fire safety... Are all these procedures complete? Has everything been done properly?"

A bloated aide behind him immediately chimed in, his voice shrill, "Indeed, Boss Lu!"

"From what we've seen along the way, many things seem... well... not quite in line with the regulations!"

"If something goes wrong, someone will have to take responsibility!"

Another voice joined in, "Exactly! Minister Zhou is also looking out for you, Boss Lu, to nip problems in the bud!"

"The construction costs, management fees, and various compliance deposits... shouldn't those be prepared in advance to complete the necessary procedures?"

Zhou Dahai nodded with satisfaction, looking at Lu Fan with a beaming smile, his fingers rubbing together as he waited for the other party to take the hint and offer a tribute.

Lu Fan looked at Zhou Dahai's greedy face, which he couldn't hide beneath his sanctimonious facade.

And at the blatant extortion from his subordinates, he felt a wave of disgust.

They hadn't even been there for half an hour, hadn't even entered the core area, and they were already baring their fangs to solicit bribes!

This greed was simply too unsightly!

His face darkened instantly, and his tone turned icy as he rejected them bluntly. "Minister Zhou worries too much."

"Regarding the construction of the New Port Industrial Zone, all land, planning, and construction procedures have complete documentation and are fully compliant."

"If Minister Zhou has any doubts about the regulations, you are welcome to review and verify the records at any time."

Lu Fan's gaze swept over Zhou Dahai and his aides, whose expressions had slightly shifted. "As for whatever fees or deposits you mentioned, I've never heard of them!"

"I, Lu Fan, pay taxes according to the law and operate in compliance. I pay every cent that is owed."

"But for what shouldn't be paid, not a single copper coin will be given!"

The smile on Zhou Dahai's face froze instantly, turning extremely ugly.

He hadn't expected Lu Fan to be so uncompromising, not only failing to give him, a "high-ranking central official," any face...

...but also slapping him in the face in public!

"You!" Zhou Dahai's fingers trembled with rage, and his voice became shrill.

"Boss Lu, you are defying the central government! Ignoring the law! I see that this industrial zone of yours has major problems!"

"For safety's sake, all work must stop immediately! You must undergo a thorough inspection! Work will only resume once everything is cleared up!"

Rules and policies were cited one after another, and he pinned as many labels on Lu Fan as he could.

Finally, he brandished the heavy club of a work stoppage, trying to use his power to intimidate.

"Stop work?" Lu Fan acted as if he had heard a massive joke. He took a step forward, his presence overbearing.

"Minister Zhou, the New Port Industrial Zone is a key project of Hunan Province, vital to the wartime production of the rear! You say stop, and it stops?"

"Do you have a work stoppage order signed by the Chairman? Do you have a wartime requisition order from the Military Commission? No?"

He gave a cold laugh, his tone decisive. "Then please do as you wish, Minister Zhou! Construction of the industrial zone will not stop for even a second!"

Having said that, Lu Fan ignored Zhou Dahai, whose face was livid and who was trembling with rage.

He directly ordered Bai Jinbiao, "Engineer Bai, show them out! No unauthorized personnel are allowed near the core production area. Security, heighten the alert!"

"Yes!" Bai Jinbiao had long been annoyed by this group. Upon receiving the order, he immediately stepped forward with several burly workers.

He made a "please" gesture with a firm attitude.

"Fine, Lu Fan! You just wait!" Zhou Dahai, who had never suffered such humiliation, pointed at Lu Fan, so angry he could barely speak clearly.

Surrounded by his embarrassed aides, he left the resettlement area in a sorry state.

The look he gave Lu Fan's back was full of resentment and greed—he had marked this fat sheep!

"Brother Fan, you've really offended Minister Zhou... deeply this time."

Watching Zhou Dahai and his group slink away, Tang Jifeng gave a bitter smile.

Lu Fan remained expressionless, his eyes cold. "If he's offended, so be it."

"He's just a giant rat who lives off the blood and sweat of the people, knowing only how to exploit others even in a time of national crisis."

"Our time isn't meant to be spent dealing with vermin like him."

"Come on, let's go back and watch the production line installation!"

He turned and strode toward the core factory building, completely putting the unpleasantness brought by Zhou Dahai behind him.

The construction of the industrial zone would not be halted for even a moment by these flies.