For the next month, Chen Feng had to drive Qin Yan to the construction site of the fourth phase of the industrial zone.
Chen Feng was sincerely impressed by Qin Yan.
Chen Feng was a woman who could endure hardship, and not only that, she was also very decisive.
Any issues discovered at the construction site were dealt with on the same day, and problems were never left to linger.
This caused the fourth phase of the Mingshan Town Industrial Zone project to advance at a visibly rapid pace.
“Deputy Mayor Qin, the construction period might be delayed from here on out.”
One afternoon, as Qin Yan was reviewing various site documents in a temporary work shed, the newly appointed site supervisor walked in, looking anxious and saying,
“What? The construction period might be delayed? Lin, are you joking with me? I made it very clear earlier that the fourth phase of the industrial zone must be completed before May Day. It’s a meaningful gift for May Day and won’t hinder investment attraction.”
Qin Yan said sternly.
“Deputy Mayor Qin, I understand what you’re saying. However, we’ve encountered a very tricky problem today.”
Supervisor Lin said with a troubled expression.
To be honest, Qin Yan’s appreciation for him, which elevated him from a small contractor on the site to a supervisor, made him determined to work hard to repay her.
However, the Mingshan Town Industrial Zone was like a piece of desirable meat, with many people eyeing it.
The more people who coveted it, the more unexpected troubles would arise.
As it happened, several households that had agreed to compensation a few days ago suddenly came forward, claiming the compensation was too low and refusing to move.
“Lin, the fourth phase of the Mingshan Town Industrial Zone project is a key project supervised by the town government. This is common knowledge. Who would dare to obstruct it?”
Qin Yan immediately became alert.
The fourth phase of the Mingshan Town Industrial Zone project had been proceeding smoothly for a month. Why was there suddenly resistance? It was out of the ordinary.
“Deputy Mayor Qin, to be honest, I don’t know what’s going on. Several households that were compensated a few days ago have suddenly gone back on their word and refuse to move…”
Supervisor Lin replied with a look of guilt.
He had initially thought these households were being difficult because they felt the compensation was insufficient, and he believed that increasing the compensation slightly would solve the problem, saving Qin Yan the worry. Who would have thought that these households were unmoved by money? Even though the compensation standard was the highest in Mingshan Town's history, they remained resolute.
Now, actions were expected to be civilized, not like in the past where force was used. Therefore, facing these stubborn compensated households, he, a mere site supervisor, was truly helpless.
“Has the compensation been delivered properly?”
Qin Yan asked tentatively.
“Compensation has been paid at a rate of over fifty percent above the highest standard.”
“That’s strange. This standard is already very high, a standard that’s hard to refuse…”
Qin Yan said thoughtfully.
“…”
Supervisor Lin was speechless.
He had exhausted all methods but still couldn’t find any breakthrough to solve the problem.
In layman’s terms, problems that can be solved with money are not problems. Conversely, problems that cannot be solved with money are the most棘手 ones.
“How about this, Chen Feng, you’ve been with me for over a month. Handle this matter.”
Qin Yan glanced at Chen Feng, a sudden flash of light appearing in her eyes.
How could she help this young man gradually grow into her capable assistant? Mere lectures were not enough.
Teaching people through instruction is difficult.
Teaching people through experience, intelligent people learn with just one lesson.
“Deputy Mayor Qin, I’m just a driver. Such a big matter involving compensated households, I’m afraid…”
Chen Feng said with excitement.
His mood was conflicted.
On one hand, he really wanted to make a good impression on Qin Yan.
However, on the other hand, even an experienced hand like Supervisor Lin, who worked on construction sites regularly, couldn’t handle the compensated households. Could he, a driver?
“There’s nothing to be afraid of. You are my dedicated driver. When I’m busy, you can handle some small matters for me.”
Qin Yan replied calmly.
After the words "small matters" were spoken by Qin Yan, Chen Feng no longer hesitated and directly took on the task.
Qin Yan had already categorized this as a minor issue. If he couldn't even help resolve a minor issue, then his existence as a driver would be almost meaningless.
Being a leader’s driver is not just about driving. Frankly speaking, there are countless drivers who can drive well. However, there are not many who can drive well and also discreetly help their leaders solve troublesome issues.
To some extent, a leader’s driver is an invisible extension of the leader.
For minor matters, or things that are inconvenient for the leader to do, the driver must step in.
“Driver Chen, you shouldn’t have taken this on. You heard it too, these compensated households are not making a fuss because of money…”
As Chen Feng and Supervisor Lin exited the work shed, Supervisor Lin said anxiously and with a troubled expression.
“I know.”
“You know and yet…?”
“Supervisor Lin, do you think I have a choice? The fourth phase of the Mingshan Town Industrial Zone project must be completed before May Day. Deputy Mayor Qin works as if she wants to squeeze two days out of one. Do you think she can spare time to deal with the compensated households?”
Chen Feng explained with a meaningful look.
“That’s true. Driver Chen, how about this, since money can’t solve the problem, let’s resort to underhanded tactics…”
“No! It’s not the past anymore. Using underhanded tactics changes the nature of the matter. Once it’s exposed, a group of people will go to prison. The general environment doesn’t allow for taking risks.”
Chen Feng said with a serious expression.
“Then what should we do?”
Supervisor Lin was bewildered.
Money won't work, and underhanded tactics won't work either. Are the compensated household issues unsolvable?
“Don’t worry for now, let me think. How about this, put the dispute with the compensated households aside for now, continue with the construction, and think of a solution while working. Deputy Mayor Qin’s intention is very clear: even if it rains knives from the sky, the work cannot stop and affect the construction period.”
Chen Feng said calmly.
Since he had been pushed into this situation, he could only force himself to remain calm.
“Yes, that’s also a way.”
Supervisor Lin’s brow unfurrowed a bit. Although this driver-turned-assistant hadn't figured out a solution yet, there was at least one aspect worth praising: his composure!
As long as he remained composed, he would eventually find a solution.
Chen Feng spent a whole day investigating the compensated household issue, and the ins and outs were quickly understood.
It turned out that these compensated households had accepted benefits from Deputy Mayor Xiao and were deliberately delaying their move.
In plain terms, Deputy Mayor Xiao wanted to use the issue of compensated households to force Qin Yan out of Mingshan Town.
Chen Feng couldn’t help but sigh at how shocking the power struggles in officialdom were.
On the surface, Deputy Mayor Xiao was a very approachable person, smiling at Qin Yan all day long. However, behind her back, he wished Qin Yan dead.
To be honest, if it weren't for this secret investigation, he would have believed that Deputy Mayor Xiao and Qin Yan were on the same side.
It turned out they were like sworn enemies.
It was a close call. Deputy Mayor Xiao had tried to pry information from him several times, and he had almost revealed things he shouldn't have.
It seemed that to get by in this circle, one had to be extremely careful. One could be undermined and killed without even realizing it.
“Deputy Mayor Qin, I’ve thought of a way to deal with the compensated households.”
Chen Feng said to Qin Yan with confidence.
“So quickly?”
Qin Yan looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
“It can be resolved, but you’ll have to issue an order…”
“What order?”
Qin Yan asked curiously.
“Just say that, in view of the needs of the fourth phase expansion project of the industrial zone, Deputy Mayor Xiao is specially invited to serve as the deputy commander! To prevent Deputy Mayor Xiao from refusing this position, you can go to the Mayor and say that if Deputy Mayor Xiao doesn’t come to help, the completion before May Day cannot be guaranteed.”
Chen Feng explained earnestly.
Although he wasn’t very familiar with the Mayor, he was very clear about one thing:
The Mayor, for the sake of profit, would do anything.
“Brilliant! Since the problem itself is difficult to solve, then solve the person who created the problem!”
Qin Yan said with admiration.