"This idea is indeed bold and forward-thinking."
Qin Yan looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
"However, if we merge, who will be the town mayor? The mayor of Mingshan Town, or me, the mayor of Lianhua Town?"
Qin Yan added.
"Of course, it will be you. To be honest, the new mayor of Mingshan Town can't compare to you."
Chen Feng said seriously.
"That's true! However, while this new mayor may not be as capable as me, he has connections in higher places."
"That's not a problem either. The new mayor has connections, and you also have connections. Since both sides have connections, it will naturally come down to ability. I've thought about it. If the two towns truly merge, I won't be the deputy mayor in charge of economy; I'll be a deputy mayor in charge of water conservancy."
"Don't worry, if I become the mayor, the position of deputy mayor in charge of the economy will definitely be yours."
"Mayor Qin, thank you for your kindness. However, we cannot do it this way."
Chen Feng explained.
"Tell me why we can't do it this way."
Qin Yan looked at Chen Feng curiously.
"Mayor Qin, think about it. If the position of deputy mayor in charge of the economy is not given to the new mayor, he will definitely not let it go and will definitely oppose you everywhere. This way, your work will not be easy. Conversely, after the two towns merge, giving him the position of deputy mayor in charge of the economy means no change in his power, and naturally, he won't feel unbalanced. If you win him over, your work will naturally proceed smoothly."
Chen Feng continued to explain patiently.
"The logic is there, but then you will be wronged. With your ability, being the deputy mayor in charge of the economy is more than enough."
Qin Yan said dejectedly.
"Mayor Qin, please don't think that way. As long as I work in the newly merged Mingshan Town, I will be your subordinate, and there's no question of being wronged. The immediate priority is to find a way to merge Lianhua Town and Mingshan Town. If the two towns don't merge, to be honest, the three of us can't make much of a stir in Lianhua Town and might end up staying here for a lifetime."
"Don't worry about this. Your plan to merge the two towns can be specially approved and successfully completed within half a year."
Qin Yan said confidently.
"That fast?"
Chen Feng was a little stunned.
"Even faster than imagined, Chen Feng. You are not an outsider, so I won't hide anything from you. Mingshan Town's economic development has been rapid recently, and Jiangcheng has already established a committee for upgrading towns to districts. Mingshan Town merging into Jiangcheng is a matter of one or two years. Now, if Lianhua Town applies to merge into Mingshan Town, Jiangcheng will definitely be happy. Because the merger of the two towns will be more beneficial for the upgrade to a district."
Qin Yan explained word by word.
"Mayor Qin, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten about the upgrade to a district. With this major policy, merging the two towns is indeed not a difficult matter."
Chen Feng said excitedly.
"The merger of the two towns is imperative. However, we still need to stay in Lianhua Town for some time and resolve the most critical issues before the merger of the two towns can proceed smoothly."
"Mayor Qin, what other matters need to be carefully resolved?"
Chen Feng asked opportunistically.
"Although Lianhua Town and Mingshan Town are neighboring towns, the border between the two towns is not large enough. My intention is to take advantage of the fact that the news of the merger has not yet spread and quickly swap land with other towns. This way, the border between Lianhua Town and Mingshan Town will be large enough. The merger will then be very easy."
"Mayor Qin, you are still so thoughtful. How about this, I will go and negotiate the land swap."
Chen Feng volunteered.
"I feel relieved if you go. To be honest, this land swap for Lianhua Town is very crucial and important. I wouldn't feel at ease with just anyone going."
Qin Yan replied with a smile.
"Mayor Qin, don't worry, I know what to do. However, I need to apply for some funds."
Chen Feng said quietly.
"What funds?"
Qin Yan didn't react for a moment.
"Mayor Qin, it's like this. In the area bordering Lianhua Town and Mingshan Town, there are two other towns. If we are to negotiate, many people will be involved. Therefore, my idea is to invite the entire leadership of the two towns for a trip, and discuss the land swap during their travels."
"That's a good idea. I'll approve the funds. By the way, where do you plan to take them for their trip?"
Qin Yan asked curiously.
"Japan."
"Traveling abroad?"
Qin Yan was a little shocked.
"Mayor Qin, it's like this. For small matters, a small trip. For big matters, a big trip is definitely in order."
Chen Feng explained.
"You can't catch a wolf without sacrificing your child. It's acceptable. Feel free to take them to Japan and have a good time. Don't worry about the money; spend it if necessary."
Qin Yan replied seriously.
"Mayor Qin, besides traveling to Japan, there's one more condition you must agree to."
"Speak."
"The industrial zone of Lianhua Town must be included in the exchange."
Chen Feng said directly.
"What? Exchange the industrial zone of Lianhua Town? I'm afraid that won't work. You know that Lianhua Town only has that one industrial zone. If we give it away, what will Lianhua Town have left?"
Qin Yan refused immediately.
"Mayor Qin, I understand what you mean. To be honest, I'm reluctant too. However, no matter how reluctant, we have to do it this way. The leaders of the other two towns are not fools, and they won't agree to swap land just because of a trip. They won't do anything without benefits. We must give them an incentive for them to agree to the land swap. In the current situation, the only incentive Lianhua Town can offer is the industrial zone."
Chen Feng explained seriously.
"To be honest, this is a considerable price."
Qin Yan sighed.
"Mayor Qin, that's how things are in the world. The greater the benefit, the greater the price. The merger of Lianhua Town and Mingshan Town brings immense benefits. While the industrial zone of Lianhua Town is important, it can be sacrificed for the sake of the merger of the two towns. In anything you do, you must give to receive!"
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"Alright, I agree to both conditions. By the way, don't forget to bring Cheng Lu along. I heard her Japanese is good. This is a good opportunity to make Cheng Lu feel less guilty and find peace."
Qin Yan said with deep meaning.
Although she and Chen Feng had been intimate, the age difference between them was significant, and she basically didn't plan to get married in her life, so she would try her best to matchmake him and Cheng Lu.
In fact, even if Qin Yan hadn't mentioned it, Chen Feng would have brought Cheng Lu along.
Having Cheng Lu go with him saved a significant amount of money on translation.
To be honest, hiring a full-time translator in Japan was quite expensive.
"Chen Feng, I can accompany you to Japan and take the leaders of the two towns on a good tour. However, you have to tell me, what if these two town leaders want to visit the geisha entertainment street? Men, after all, are fond of such things."
Cheng Lu asked tentatively with a serious expression.