Chapter 259 235: Glittering On the Outside

Xu Chunliang applied a bit of pressure with his hand, making Zhang Haibin's face twist in pain: "Dean Xu, be gentle... gentle..."Outside, Yuan Peiqiang and Tan Haiyan were baffled. Tan Haiyan forced a smile: "They are old friends. Maybe... maybe they have secrets to share..."

Even she couldn't convince herself with this excuse. What is Xu Chunliang doing? Isn't the man a vice director!

Yuan Peiqiang sneered, aware of the grudge between Zhang Haibin and Xu Chunliang.

Tan Haiyan braced herself and knocked on the door: "Xiaoxu, stop joking around."

Xu Chunliang pointed at Zhang Haibin's nose and said in a low voice: "Why the hell can't you remember anything? Dare to come back?"

"No... it was him who insisted on me coming..." Zhang Haibin whispered, feeling as if his bones were about to shatter from Xu Chunliang's grip.

Xu Chunliang said: "Why not be a decent person, instead of playing the dog?"

"I didn't... ah... let go first..." Zhang Haibin squatted down in pain, and only then did Xu Chunliang release him.

The door was reopened and Tan Haiyan stopped knocking halfway. Seeing Zhang Haibin was fine, Yuan Peiqiang asked unhappily: "What were you up to?"

Zhang Haibin said: "Nothing... nothing!"

Xu Chunliang said: "I was asking Assistant Zhang what Vice Director Yuan likes to eat, so I can arrange something for you tonight."

Yuan Peiqiang thought to himself, keep making up stories then. He said calmly: "No special treatment needed, a working meal is fine."

Xu Chunliang said: "According to regulations, no working meals are provided at night."

Yuan Peiqiang was momentarily stunned, realizing this guy was messing with him. He nodded and said: "Then we'll manage our own meals."

Tan Haiyan, nearby, winked at Xu Chunliang, who ignored it: "Would Vice Director Yuan like to come and take a look inside?"

Yuan Peiqiang glanced inside: "I'll go to Secretary Tan's office, we have some things to discuss." He turned and left, with Zhang Haibin quickly following.

Yuan Peiqiang was now highly suspicious that Xu Chunliang was involved in the previous incident of Dong Changhao being beaten. Before coming to Changxing, Dong Changhao had a conversation with him.

Dong Changhao described Zhao Feiyang as an idealist and an ambitious person, and called Xu Chunliang an enforcer, a tool for Zhao Feiyang.

He also warned Yuan Peiqiang that Xu Chunliang, though young, is a master of open strategies. This guy is rough and rude, yet detailed in his approach—bold enough to have hit even the CEO's son, Tang Tianyi, which Yuan Peiqiang just witnessed.

Yuan Peiqiang interpreted Xu Chunliang's attitude as one of having nothing to lose. He believed Xu Chunliang should know his time was limited.

Once Hua Nian Group and Changxing officially signed the agreement, there would be no place for him within Changxing's territory. Although CEO Tang Jingwei hadn't publicly addressed his son's beating, it doesn't mean he didn't care.

The primary purpose of Yuan Peiqiang's visit wasn't to inspect the branch hospital, but to discuss cooperation with Da Heng.

Zhao Feiyang had idealistic visions about the construction of the future Healthy Elderly Care Hospital. Hua Nian Group internally allotted a budget, with a total investment of around 3 billion solely for the joint-stock hospital and the second phase construction in Changxing. However, Hua Nian Group was currently in a downturn, making it impossible to also focus on Weishan Island Hospital's upgrade.

Furthermore, the Healthy Elderly Care Hospital built on an isolated island wouldn't yield short-term benefits, indicating a prolonged process in fund recovery.

Da Heng Group's proposal for a land swap tempted Hua Nian Group, as it would greatly lessen investment costs. To them, the hospital's location didn't matter as much—they weren't planning immediate expansion, only aiming to leverage the land swap to gain more cash.

Yuan Peiqiang bypassed Zhao Feiyang to discuss this as per headquarters' instructions. Zhao Feiyang was overwhelmed with other concerns these days, unable to focus on this. Besides, even if he was aware, he wouldn't have any objections as his role was about to change soon.

Xu Chunliang phoned Mei Ru Xue, asking if she was aware of Da Heng Group and Hua Nian Group negotiating a land swap.

Mei Ru Xue knew Da Heng Group had never given up on the Weishan Island Hospital land, but she wasn't aware of Hua Nian Group's involvement.

Mei Ru Xue reassured Xu Chunliang that this matter wasn't worrisome. Even though Hu Shan Town Government transferred property rights to Changxing Hospital, that land is designated for medical use, and any unauthorized transfer would constitute a breach of contract.

The contract explicitly states that in such an event, the government has the right to reclaim hospital ownership.

Xu Chunliang hadn't noticed this before, but after hearing Mei Ru Xue mention it, he found and reviewed the original electronic contract and indeed discovered this clause. He laughed: "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—it's the government that's truly shrewd."

Mei Ru Xue said, "We don't have that many ulterior motives. The reason we added this clause is because we're worried you'll act in contradiction to our agreement. We prioritize the people's interests, while you're aiming for more benefits. Our starting points are different, and unless absolutely necessary, the government wouldn't act this way."

Mei Ru Xue is also concerned about the current restructuring situation of Changxing. If necessary, she will schedule a meeting with Changxing's leadership to get an explanation about the situation at Weishan Island Hospital.

Xu Chunliang said, "If you want to see me, just say the word. I'll come over and report to you right away."

Mei Ru Xue couldn't help but laugh, "You? You don't seem to represent Changxing, do you? Why? Feeling a sense of crisis? Worried that your position won't be secure after the restructuring?"

She is well aware of Xu Chunliang's circumstances. After all, he attacked the son of a future big boss. If he stays at Changxing, he won't have good days ahead. She believes Xu Chunliang should prepare for the future and leave before the cooperation is fully finalized. With his capabilities, he can succeed anywhere.

However, Mei Ru Xue knows Xu Chunliang must have his own ideas, and she wouldn't intervene in his affairs unless he asked for her help.

Xu Chunliang said, "Others might not know, but you should. This isn't even an official position."

Mei Ru Xue praised him for not losing his head. In the system, one must always maintain such clarity.

Xu Chunliang asked if she was free in the evening, as he wanted to invite her to see a movie in town since she stood him up last time, intending to rekindle their past interaction.

Mei Ru Xue didn't want to be talked about, so she refused to go to the town's cinema.

Xu Chunliang understood well. Mei Ru Xue, being the head of the town, and Hu Shan Town having only one cinema, it would be difficult not to attract attention if they were seen together.

He suddenly realized that although they were physically close, meeting in Dongzhou offered them more freedom. Mainly because Mei Ru Xue, considering her status on Weishan Island, deliberately kept her distance from him, which only intensified his desire to win her over.

Just before getting off work, Tan Haiyan came looking for him. Vice Director Yuan Peiqiang wasn't leaving tonight, so she wanted to seek Xu Chunliang's opinion on the evening arrangements.

Though she was the secretary, she had no say in the branch hospital. Even for a car, Xu Chunliang's approval was required. But Tan Haiyan didn't complain, knowing Xu Chunliang's abilities. Since his arrival, they've cooperated well, and he's been very courteous to her.

Xu Chunliang said, "Didn't he say he wanted a working dinner? Just arrange for the cafeteria to whip up something simple to fill him up."

Tan Haiyan thought Xu Chunliang might be upset since Yuan Peiqiang visited Da Heng Group without informing him, which touched a nerve for Xu Chunliang.

Tan Haiyan said, "Isn't it improper, though? After all, he's the Vice Director of Changxing."

Xu Chunliang said, "There's nothing improper. Changxing has standard procedures for these matters. Even when Dean Zhao visits, we serve a working meal. He's just a deputy; there's no exception. What would Dean Zhao say if we give him special treatment?"

Tan Haiyan said, "But..."

Xu Chunliang said, "Secretary Tan, are you worried he'll make things difficult for you? We are all formally appointed; what are you afraid of? Moreover, he didn't even inform Dean Zhao for this inspection at the branch hospital."

"Huh?" Tan Haiyan was stunned, "Could that be?"

Xu Chunliang said, "It's very complicated now. You've seen Changxing's situation these past few days. Will they cooperate or not? When will they cooperate? Nothing is clear."

Tan Haiyan didn't overthink it. Though engaged in administrative work for years, her political sensitivity was lacking. Her long-standing habit was to follow instructions from her leaders.

Tan Haiyan said, "So you mean there's a possibility the negotiation between Changxing and Huayuan Group could break down."

"I didn't say that. Anyway, Dean Zhao sent us here to safeguard Changxing's fixed assets. What's Yuan Peiqiang discussing with Da Heng? What right does he have to represent Changxing in talks?"

Tan Haiyan said, "I don't know, I was merely accompanying him there. All the discussions were between him and Zhang Hengyang."

Xu Chunliang said, "Don't you know Da Heng Group has been eyeing our hospital's land? If Huayuan Group genuinely wants to develop here, they'd never negotiate with Da Heng. You can easily guess the negotiation content; it's all about trading interests."

Tan Haiyan said, "Huayuan owns two listed companies, they're quite strong, they wouldn't be lacking in funds, right?"

"Who told you they don't lack funds? The more prominent a listed company, the more it shines on the outside and decays inside. If they weren't short on cash, why negotiate with Da Heng? I believe they never intended to develop a Healthy Elderly Care Hospital."

"Aren't they planning to develop into a big health industry? I heard there's a thirty-billion investment plan to build a new hospital."

"Where is the thirty billion going? To the High-Tech Zone, to the second phase. These add up, and thirty billion likely won't even suffice, so where's the money to invest here? Secretary Tan, can't you see? They want to get something for nothing by giving our land to Da Heng, to alleviate their cash flow pressure."

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