19: Chapter 19 Breaking the Loan Impasse

"No problem!"

Director Du Cheng agreed immediately, patting his chest: "You are a newly appointed official; I will definitely give you my full support!"

"If my turnover here is tight, I will scrape it together from elsewhere, even if I have to borrow it. I definitely won't make things difficult for Township Head Li!"

Li Dakang was about to respond, but Director Du Cheng changed the subject: "However, the county cooperative is currently conducting an internal financial audit. For such a large sum, I must report it to the higher-ups."

"Rest assured, since I've promised, I will definitely get this done."

"How about this? You go back first. Once the approval from above comes down, I will handle the procedures immediately and deliver it personally, saving you the trouble of making another trip."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Dakang's eyes darkened; he knew the other party was giving him the runaround.

He tilted his head slightly and gave Zheng Shijun a look.

Zheng Shijun understood, stepped out of the office on tiptoe, and quietly pulled the heavy solid wood door shut.

"Director Du."

Li Dakang moved to the sofa next to Director Du Cheng, their knees almost touching, his voice lowered: "Let's speak plainly. I have just arrived to work in Guantian Township, and I need the support of an experienced comrade like you."

The smile on Director Du Cheng's face stiffened: "Township Head Li, it's not that I don't want to help..."

He sighed: "It's really that..."

"Brother Du."

Li Dakang suddenly changed his form of address, took a sealed pack of Zhonghua cigarettes from his pocket, opened it, and handed him one.

"I know what you are worried about."

He flicked his lighter, the flame dancing between them, and lit the cigarette for Director Du Cheng.

Director Du Cheng took a deep drag, the smoke swirling in front of his deeply wrinkled forehead.

He stared at the "Integrity as the Foundation" banner on the wall for a long time, then suddenly lowered his voice: "Township Head Li, do you know why the Credit Cooperative is so resistant to the Township Government?"

Li Dakang leaned forward, assuming a listening posture.

"It's not that I don't want to lend money; I just can't stand those people in the Township Government!"

Director Du Cheng slammed the coffee table, causing the water in the cup to spill out.

"As soon as they have money, they only know how to eat and drink; it all gets squandered away! The money borrowed by the previous Township Head hasn't been repaid yet. The Credit Cooperative isn't my personal property, Director Du Cheng. You tell me, can I lend this money willingly?"

"Brother Du, since you've opened up to me, I'll be honest with you too."

Li Dakang looked directly at Director Du Cheng: "I, Li Dakang, accept the mess left by my predecessor."

"By the end of the year, even if I have to smash the pots and sell the iron, I will pay you back every cent, principal and interest."

"If the township has no money by then, I will pay it out of my own pocket."

As he spoke, he took a passbook from his jacket and handed it over.

Director Du Cheng opened it and saw the number, his eyelids jumping in shock: "Township Head Li, this is?"

"Given by a relative." Li Dakang closed the passbook.

"But I cannot use private funds to fill public accounts; that is a matter of principle."

"Today's loan is borrowed in the name of the Township Government. If it isn't repaid by the end of the year, I will pay it personally."

This passbook was given to Li Dakang by his aunt, Zhou Qian.

Zhou Qian was the biological sister of Li Dakang's mother, Department Director Zhou Lan, and they had a very deep relationship, so she treated Li Dakang as her own son.

After the reform and opening up, Zhou Qian did business in the south, and relying on family connections, things went smoothly, and her net worth had long exceeded 100 million.

Knowing that Li Dakang was going to the grassroots level, Zhou Qian was afraid he would suffer, so she specially tucked this passbook into his hand; the money inside was enough for an ordinary person to earn in a lifetime.

The reason Li Dakang did not directly use this money to fill the public account was to separate public and private matters.

If someone were to make an issue of it, trouble would be inevitable.

Of course, if he really couldn't borrow money, he would have to use this money as an emergency measure first.

Director Du Cheng slapped his thigh: "Deal! Brother Li, I will have someone transfer the money to the township treasury right now!"

"No need to ask for instructions from the county?" Li Dakang asked half-jokingly.

"With your word, even if they know about it, they will agree."

The two looked at each other and smiled, the previous stalemate dissipating like smoke.

On the way back to the Township Government, Zheng Shijun couldn't help but look at Li Dakang frequently, and finally couldn't hold back: "Township Head, did you really persuade Director Du?"

Li Dakang's mouth curled up slightly: "Shijun, remember, in work, just reasoning is not enough; you must also let people see your sincerity and confidence."

Just as they returned to the Township Government, Director Su Zhiguo trotted up to meet them: "Township Head, Secretary Sun Wei is looking for you; he seems quite urgent."

The door to Secretary Sun Wei's office was ajar. Li Dakang knocked, and hurried footsteps immediately came from inside.

"Township Head Li Dakang, sit down quickly!"

Secretary Sun Wei poured tea himself, the tea leaves floating up and down in the cup.

"I heard that some teachers came to ask for their wages this morning?"

Li Dakang took the teacup and observed his partner calmly: "That is true; they have already been persuaded to go back."

"Sigh, it's all my fault, the Township Party Committee Secretary, for being derelict in my duty."

Secretary Sun Wei spread his hands, looking helpless: "But the conditions in the township are just like this; it's really poor, and I can't conjure up money."

Li Dakang took a sip of tea: "Secretary, I just returned from the Credit Cooperative and borrowed 300,000 from there."

"300,000?" The teacup in Secretary Sun Wei's hand almost slipped.

"That iron rooster Director Du Cheng actually..."

He suddenly realized his loss of composure and laughed drily: "Township Head Li Dakang certainly has a way!"

"Secretary, I was just about to report the intended use of this money."

Li Dakang took out his notebook: "First, resolve the teacher wage arrears, then the canteen debts..."