262: Chapter 262: Cup of Water Release Management Rights

“While the spread of insects can be controlled, there are still zombies and those Antss across the river. If any of them invade the Settlement, it will be a disaster. Mayor Xu, have you forgotten why we dispersed the population into multiple Settlements in the first place?” Team Leader Fan was slightly agitated.

“Old Fan, I’m just discussing with you now, don’t get so agitated!” Mayor Xu comforted him.

“What about Donghu and Goukou?” Team Leader Fan asked.

Donghu Settlement and Goukou Settlement are also Settlements under the jurisdiction of Jingmen City, located to the west and southwest of Jingmen City, both on the north bank of the Yangtze River.

“Donghu and Goukou are too far. We are in the east, they are in the west, and the entire Jingmen City is between us. The conditions are not ripe yet, so no adjustments will be made for now.” Mayor Xu said.

Jingmen City is an extra-large city, so its span is very wide.

Team Leader Fan stopped talking.

“Old Fan, I believe that after Huatong Chamber of Commerce settles in Baisha, the problems you are worried about will not happen at all. You also went to the Huatong Chamber of Commerce headquarters last time, and their strength is obvious to all. Now the economy in the Settlement has also begun to recover gradually, and I think it’s time to start rebuilding homes for the common people.” Mayor Xu patiently persuaded him.

“I’m afraid rebuilding homes for the common people is false, and consolidating his own power is true.” Team Leader Fan thought to himself.

Seeing that Team Leader Fan was still not speaking, Mayor Xu began to try a different strategy.

“Old Fan, after the Settlements are merged, the workload will definitely increase a lot. How about you follow me then and be my deputy? I highly recognize your ability, otherwise I wouldn’t have fully entrusted you with Changjing Settlement at that time.” Mayor Xu said.

“Mayor Xu, I…” Team Leader Fan really wanted to refuse, but he just couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“I understand your thoughts. Old Fan, we are our own people, so I might as well be more frank with you. You said that this virus is about to be brought under control, so why don’t we return to the city?” Mayor Xu asked.

“This…” Team Leader Fan had also thought about this question.

His answer was that those Antss on the south bank of the river would become a new threat. But he always felt that this reason didn’t hold water.

It’s impossible for the council not to have realized this. Zombies are no longer a threat, but the council has not only not called for everyone to rebuild the city, but has instead encouraged various Settlements to continuously strengthen their defenses. This doesn’t make sense.

Antss might threaten one Settlement, but for the entire Huaguo, this is not a difficult problem at all.

So behind not returning to the city, there are probably things he doesn’t know.

“Changjing Settlement has tall city walls for defense, but it has no ability to resist Odontomachus inermis ant. The result was a retreat before the battle even began. What was the reason behind this? Have you ever thought about it?” Mayor Xu continued to ask.

Team Leader Fan did not speak.

“You might say that this was my order, and you were just executing it. But I believe that even without my order, you would still evacuate. Because the strength of a single Settlement is simply not enough to cope. By the same token, we will encounter more crises and challenges in the future, how will we deal with them? Where else can we retreat to?”

Mayor Xu watched his expression as he spoke.

Team Leader Fan was speechless.

He wanted to retain the power in his hands, but just as Mayor Xu said, did he himself have that strength?

Obviously not.

“So, Old Fan, listen to me, don’t hesitate, come to Baisha Shelter. Only by developing together will we have more opportunities.” Mayor Xu said.

At this point, Mayor Xu’s ideological work was done. The next step depended on Team Leader Fan’s choice.

If Team Leader Fan chose to merge, everyone would be happy. If he didn’t agree to merge, then Mayor Xu would resort to drastic measures.

Mayor Xu was ostensibly discussing, but in reality, he was using the discussion to convey an unquestionable decision.

Team Leader Fan also knew that this was Mayor Xu’s ultimatum. If he still didn’t agree, then things would probably turn ugly.

“Mayor Xu, I… I agree to merge.” Team Leader Fan gritted his teeth and conceded at the last moment.

“Ah! That’s right! Old Fan, don’t worry, once you come to Baisha Shelter, you will be the second-in-command. Let’s work together to build this place well!” Mayor Xu said, patting his shoulder.

“Okay!” Team Leader Fan replied.

Since he had made his decision, he no longer dwelled on it.

“Alright, then you should quickly go back and announce this good news to everyone. I will arrange a living area for you as soon as possible. Oh, and your previous loan from Huatong Chamber of Commerce will also be borne by Baisha. I will negotiate with the Chamber of Commerce on this point, you don’t have to worry.” Mayor Xu said.

“Then I’ll trouble Mayor Xu to worry about it.” Team Leader Fan said.

“We are all family, what’s with the politeness! When you go back, tell everyone that after they come here, they will be given interest-free integral loans, and their lives will get better very quickly.” Mayor Xu instructed.

“Okay!” Team Leader Fan nodded, then left.

After he left, Mayor Xu narrowed his eyes, clenched his fists, and gritted his teeth.

He really hadn’t expected that merging two Settlements would be even more difficult than imagined.

…

Northeast Military Region, Jichun Province, Yuanjiang City, urban area.

August 15th, evening.

“Lord Putian, it’s already arranged!” Pinyin: Yong Chengshu reported.

“Very good, begin operations after sunset.” Putian Xiaoyezi said.

“Yes!” Pinyin: Yong Chengshu accepted the order.