Chapter 162 142: Sinister Motives

Tong Guangsheng took a sip of wine and said, "I'm in the agricultural products business, so I don't really have much authority to speak on this. But since Town Mayor Mei asked, I'll share my personal opinion. I've heard that Da Heng Group plans to build an amusement park here to boost tourism around Weishan Lake. But honestly, every big city has these amusement parks. I really can't see how it would boost our local tourism? We already have great tourism resources here. Personally, I think the focus shouldn't be on amusement parks, but rather on natural scenery, the lakes and mountains. Sure, many young people enjoy thrills, but with Dongzhou Park and Fantawild already in Dongzhou City, would they really make the long trip to Weishan Island?"Tong Guangsheng looked at Xu Chunliang and asked, "If it were you, would you go out of your way?"

Xu Chunliang shook his head, "I always thought Da Heng Group was just talking nonsense. Their ultimate goal in building this amusement park is really about tourism real estate. That's how it's played elsewhere."

Tong Guangsheng said, "There aren't many successful cases of tourism real estate in the country. The scenery on Weishan Island is nice, but it's not a top-tier destination nationally. I don't believe Da Heng can succeed here. It's probably the same old trick, riding the policy wave, fooling a bunch of people into paying up, and leaving a mess behind."

Mei Ru Xue laughed and said, "President Tong doesn't have a good impression of Da Heng Group, huh."

Tong Guangsheng said, "I'm a native of Weishan Island. I have feelings for my hometown. I know what's most valuable here. To use a trendy term, it's called core value. Weishan Island's core value is its mountains and waters, its people, its local products—not amusement parks. We also don't want excessive urbanization on the island, with dense high-rise buildings."

Mei Ru Xue listened intently. She's actually visited many local representatives recently, and most of the opinions were against Da Heng Group.

However, Da Heng Group has gained the approval of the county leadership team. It's still unclear about the attitude from the higher-ups in Dongzhou.

Xu Chunliang said, "I agree with President Tong's opinion. I think development shouldn't only focus on the immediate future but should also consider long-term benefits and people's welfare projects. Even if we, Changxing, withdraw from Weishan Island, we shouldn't let this land go to Da Heng Group. Although we haven't made money in recent years, we've served the health of the residents on Weishan Island, and even if it's at a loss, it's worth it."

Mei Ru Xue bluntly pointed out that Changxing Hospital's reputation hasn't been great since they took over Weishan Island Hospital, which is the actual situation.

Jin Yonghao felt a bit embarrassed since he's the director here.

Xu Chunliang said, "Reputation is subjective. Where there is positive, there will be negative. We are constantly improving. We believe that, with the support of the Hu Shan Town Government, our hospital will get better and better."

Mei Ru Xue knew that he was determined to bind himself to Changxing, so she deliberately bypassed Xu Chunliang and said to Yan Huaiyi, "Dean Yan, I hope to meet with Dean Zhao soon to understand Changxing's future plans on Weishan Island."

Yan Huaiyi nodded, glanced at Xu Chunliang, and immediately said that he would be in charge of this, letting Xu Chunliang follow up.

Mei Ru Xue inwardly chuckled. It's amusing that Yan Huaiyi, the vice dean of Changxing Hospital, had to look at his expression, indicating that Xu Chunliang was indeed favored.

Xu Chunliang did not decline and agreed readily.

After the banquet, Xu Chunliang asked Zhang Haitao to take Yan Huaiyi and the others back first, which was what Tong Guangsheng intended, as he wanted to talk to him and Mei Ru Xue alone about something.

In Tong Guangsheng's office, there was a full-scale model of Weishan Island, and the place with a red flag marked was Xianhong Farm.

Tong Guangsheng pointed to the location of Weishan Island Hospital and said, "I'm very interested in your medical and elderly care project."

Xu Chunliang said, "Do you mean you want to join the competition?"

He wasn't sure about Tong Guangsheng's intentions yet. If Tong Guangsheng also had an interest in this piece of land, it would certainly add pressure on Changxing.

Tong Guangsheng smiled and said, "I know about fish farming and agriculture, not about medical care. My meaning is to explore potential cooperation with you. If we can collaborate, I can provide fresh vegetables and grains to the elderly care hospital, and also the spring water we produce in Xianhong. With healthy food and water, breathing fresh air, plus your medical resources from Changxing as a guarantee, the elderly will surely live long and healthy lives. Also, I can reserve a piece of land on the farm exclusively for those elderly to cultivate, so they can enjoy the fun of rural life."

Mei Ru Xue's heart stirred. Although Tong Guangsheng's capabilities don't match Da Heng Group's, his local influence in Weishan County is substantial. He started with agricultural products and already leases quite a bit of land on Weishan Island, focusing on green agriculture. If he wants to collaborate with Changxing, surely the feasibility of this matter increases.

She did not rush to make a statement; after all, the cooperation is between Changxing and Xianhong Farm.

Xu Chunliang looked at Tong Guangsheng, who was a careful person despite his rough exterior. He probably sniffed out the business opportunity from their meal together, and by now, after a few days, he likely conducted research and evaluation, hence proposing the cooperation.

Xu Chunliang said, "Have you mentioned this to Dean Gao?"

Logically, Tong Guangsheng should first contact Gao Xinhua, who is the vice dean of Changxing and also his old comrade.

Tong Guangsheng shook his head. Actually, he did talk to Gao Xinhua, but Gao Xinhua considered this matter risky, given Changxing's financial situation wasn't optimistic. Of course, even in front of an old comrade, Gao Xinhua couldn't say anything bad about Changxing but advised him to be cautious.

"What does Town Mayor Mei think of my idea? Is it feasible?"

Mei Ru Xue immediately understood that Tong Guangsheng wanted to gain support from Hu Shan Town.

Originally, the cooperation should be a negotiation between Xianhong Farm and Changxing. However, Tong Guangsheng sought her opinion first, appearing respectful of the local government, but in reality, it was his clever move. By gaining government support first, he would have the upper hand in negotiations with Changxing.

Hu Shan Town Government is certainly inclined to support local enterprises, yet Mei Ru Xue still isn't sure about Tong Guangsheng's ultimate goal.

Is it simply cooperation? Does he aim to contribute to the local government?

Although Tong Guangsheng has always had a good reputation, at the end of the day, he is still a businessman, and a businessman's nature to seek profit cannot be changed.

Mei Ru Xue thought for a moment and realized that she shouldn't show her stance easily. She needed to maintain an even-handed attitude towards both local enterprises and foreign investors.

Mei Ru Xue said softly, "As long as it benefits the public, the town government will fully support it." It sounded as if she answered, yet as if she said nothing at all.

Tong Guangsheng said, "What does Dean Xu think?" When discussing business, he used official titles, clearly distinguishing the setting. Xu Chunliang, although a deputy dean without real power, was indeed useful in business situations.

Xu Chunliang said, "I support it, but my influence in Changxing is limited; my words don't count."

Tong Guangsheng laughed. You really can't underestimate today's young people. These two are not even older than his kids, yet they're very smart and answer questions flawlessly, leaving no opportunity for advantage.

Xu Chunliang said, "President Tong, make your idea clear, and I'll write a report to submit to Dean Zhao. By the way, he'll be visiting the branch soon. I'll arrange for you to meet."

Tong Guangsheng said, "Great!"

At nine in the evening, Wang Jinwu drove them back to town. When they reached the west entrance of the town, he suddenly stopped the car, stating that the right rear tire's pressure was low and might need a spare tire.

Mei Ru Xue suggested not to trouble over it, as it was less than a kilometer to the town government; she could walk back and was accustomed to an after-dinner stroll anyway.

Xu Chunliang chose to walk back with her. As they left, he gave Wang Jinwu a sneaky wink, and Wang Jinwu responded with a smile. Such a coincidence doesn't happen by chance; it was all pre-arranged by Xu Chunliang. Once proposed, Wang Jinwu had to cooperate.

Mei Ru Xue walked a few steps, turned around to look back, and the car was still parked there.

Xu Chunliang said, "What? Still want to take the car? Or should we wait?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "I know a bit about cars. Even if the right rear tire is low, it shouldn't prevent getting to the town government's entrance." She had checked the right rear tire as she got off and immediately saw that Wang Jinwu was fibbing.

Xu Chunliang scratched his head and said, "What's up with this Wang Jinwu? Offering a ride halfway and then ditching us? Did I offend him?"

Mei Ru Xue looked at him with deep meaning in her eyes.

"Why are you looking at me?"

"To see if you're feeling guilty."

Xu Chunliang burst into laughter. Mei Ru Xue was indeed smart, immediately seeing through the truth. He shamelessly nodded and said, "Yes, it was arranged by me."

Mei Ru Xue snorted, "You're not sincere at all."

Xu Chunliang said, "If I said no, wouldn't it make Town Mayor Mei seem unnecessarily clever?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "You're full of tricks, I can't compare." Though she said this, her pace slowed down a bit.

The moon was particularly bright tonight, its light like mercury spilling silently, falling beside the Nanxi River.

The creek flowed down from Shiliang Mountain, converging into the Nanxi River in the town center, widening to about five meters at its broadest point. The night breeze gently stirred the water, reflecting the moonlight. Countless silvery notes shimmered before passersby like lively silver musical notes, which silently flowed like poetry within Mei Ru Xue's heart.

Xu Chunliang said, "Weishan Island really is a nice place."

Mei Ru Xue said, "Precisely for this reason, we must preserve its original look. Development must be based on preservation, not destruction."

"If Secretary Kong had a tenth of your political insight, that would be nice." From Mei Ru Xue's words, Xu Chunliang realized she would not side with Da Heng Group.

Mei Ru Xue frowned with displeasure and said, "Your motive for that remark is questionable."

Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "When you look at me with tinted glasses, any words or actions of mine bear ill motives. So, what do you think was the purpose of having him stop the car at the town's entrance?"

Mei Ru Xue did not answer. This kind of question doesn't need a response. Don't you realize?

Xu Chunliang felt that during this meeting with Mei Ru Xue, they seemed more distant. He could clearly sense Mei Ru Xue's guard against him, probably due to external rumors.

Xu Chunliang sighed and said, "These past couple of days, I've encountered some frustrating things, so I wanted to find a friend to talk to."

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