"The long-term benefits are twofold: First, Xiaoyan Street is the most developed street in Hongyan District. If the agreed-upon five million yuan is paid on time, Ming Mountain Town and Xiaoyan Street can deepen their cooperation. The combined wealth of two economically developed towns will be astronomical. Second, if the five million yuan is not paid, Director Fan will spread word throughout the political arena. How will we be able to navigate the political landscape afterwards?"
Chen Feng said with a serious expression.
"Chen Feng, you're becoming more mature and rational in your thinking. I didn't misjudge you. You're suited for a career in politics. By the way, how are we going to collect this five million? Door-to-door?"
Qin Yan asked tentatively.
"Mayor Qin, I did consider collecting it door-to-door before. However, upon reflection, I decided against it. It's too ostentatious and disruptive to the residents. It's not ideal."
Chen Feng sighed.
"If we don't collect it door-to-door, we'll never be able to gather the five million."
Qin Yan replied with concern.
"Mayor Qin, I've thought about it. We can't collect it directly. To be honest, if we collect it directly, our approach would be too low-level, reaching a point where we're openly asking for money. That would be truly pathetic. My intention is to have them deliver the money to us willingly."
Chen Feng said earnestly.
"That's a good idea. If they deliver it willingly, we won't have to beg for money like clowns. But the question is, how do we get them to deliver it willingly?"
Qin Yan asked with curiosity.
It had to be admitted that Chen Feng was truly intelligent.
His thinking process was leaps and bounds ahead, and he delved very deep.
It seemed as though any complex problem could be simplified with a little thought from him.
"Mayor Qin, it's like this: Ming Mountain Town's industrial zone is undergoing its fifth phase of expansion. We can leverage this. We can spread the word that the fifth phase of expansion will offer numerous incentives, but the slots are limited. Once this news gets out, they will naturally come to us with the money."
"That method is quite good, but the fourth phase of expansion in Ming Mountain Town was only recently completed, and the manufacturers who moved in haven't even filled all the available spaces. Are they interested in the fifth phase of expansion?"
Qin Yan asked tentatively.
"There's no need to worry about that. The fifth phase of expansion for the Ming Mountain Town industrial zone will be primarily along the river. The river is very close to Jiangcheng. They aren't fools; they won't fail to notice."
Chen Feng explained.
"That makes sense, but the five million is a considerable sum. How can we collect it without any repercussions?"
Qin Yan continued to inquire.
"Through the public account."
"Through the public account? Can we do that?"
Qin Yan was taken aback.
"Of course, we can. Ultimately, neither you nor I will personally profit from this five million. With a clear conscience, we can certainly use the public account."
Chen Feng explained calmly.
"Then what will be the official designation for the public account?"
"Simple. We'll write it as 'Ming Mountain Town Comprehensive Development Fund.' With this designation, no matter who investigates, we will be safe."
Chen Feng continued to explain calmly.
"Alright, you handle this matter. I have more important things to attend to."
Qin Yan said excitedly.
"Is it about the relocation of the Hongda Hardware Factory?"
Chen Feng retorted.
"That's exactly it. The demolition for the fifth phase expansion of Ming Mountain Town has been proceeding smoothly, except for the Hongda Hardware Factory. They are completely unresponsive, and despite many town leaders personally overseeing the negotiations, it has been to no avail. Therefore, this time, I will personally handle it."
Qin Yan said with a serious expression.
Chen Feng did not press further. For now, he needed to settle the matter of the five million.
As for the Hongda Hardware Factory, the situation was likely more complex than it appeared. It would not be too late to help Qin Yan after the five million matter was resolved.
Thus, Chen Feng spent a week busy with the five million yuan matter.
Once the task was completed, Chen Feng went to find Qin Yan immediately.
"Mayor Qin, how has the matter of the Hongda Hardware Factory been handled?"
Chen Feng asked directly.
"Don't even mention it. I'm almost at my wit's end. Meeting such stubborn people who are completely unresponsive no matter what you say. Such a large factory area is blocking progress, and the fifth phase expansion project is significantly delayed."
Qin Yan said indignantly.
"Did you try a monetary approach?"
Chen Feng inquired tentatively.
"We did, but it was ineffective. The demolition standards for the Hongda Hardware Factory are the highest in the entire fifth phase expansion project, yet they are still not satisfied. As you know, there's a budget for demolition, and we cannot exceed it. If the compensation for the Hongda Hardware Factory is further increased, it will go over budget. It's incredibly frustrating. We've held many board meetings, but none of them yielded a solution."
Qin Yan continued to speak indignantly.
"Mayor Qin, I believe I can handle the Hongda Hardware Factory."
Chen Feng replied calmly.
"You want to try?"
Qin Yan was stunned.
"Yes, I want to try. This is an opportunity. The Deputy Mayor in charge of economic affairs in Ming Mountain Town is about to be transferred elsewhere, and I want to take that position. How do I achieve that? By doing something that will convince everyone, and the Hongda Hardware Factory is undoubtedly a good opportunity."
"The way you put it, it's certainly worth a try. However, I must warn you, the Hongda Hardware Factory matter is not ordinarily difficult. Even I, an experienced hand in politics, couldn't resolve it. Are you sure you can?"
Qin Yan asked tentatively.
"Mayor Qin, young people should face challenges head-on and not be timid just because there are difficulties."
Chen Feng replied calmly.
"Since that's the case, let's go to the board meeting together."
Qin Yan said excitedly.
Shortly thereafter, the board meeting was convened in the Ming Mountain Town conference room.
"Everyone, the matter of the Hongda Hardware Factory is urgent. Many of us, including myself, have tried without any success. Today, we are holding a final board meeting for the Hongda Hardware Factory issue. If anyone still wishes to try, I'll be blunt: whoever resolves the Hongda Hardware Factory issue will be appointed as the Deputy Mayor in charge of economic affairs in Ming Mountain Town."
Qin Yan stated seriously.
As soon as she finished speaking.
The room erupted in discussion.
"Damn, Mayor Qin is really putting all her chips on the table. For such a small matter as the Hongda Hardware Factory, she's actually promising the position of Deputy Mayor in charge of economic affairs."
"You're thinking about this all wrong. Mayor Qin is a shrewd politician; how could she so easily promise the Deputy Mayor position? The Hongda Hardware Factory matter, while seemingly easy to handle, is actually extremely difficult."
"Who cares? No matter how difficult the Hongda Hardware Factory issue is, we have to give it a try. If it succeeds, won't the position of Deputy Mayor in charge of economic affairs be ours?"
...
After the discussions, everyone indicated their willingness to try.
This outcome was somewhat unexpected for Qin Yan. She had assumed that only Chen Feng would volunteer, but to her surprise, so many people had stepped forward.
"Chen Feng, what should we do now? I originally thought only you would volunteer, but look at how many people have signed up."
Qin Yan whispered to Chen Feng.
"More people is a good thing."
Chen Feng smiled calmly.
"More people means more competition. How is that a good thing?"
Qin Yan asked with confusion.