Fengqi Hotel.
In a luxurious private room on the third floor, Yang Jian was hosting five staff members from the New Bridge Town Land Management Office, including Director Zheng Qian, Deputy Director Mao Liang, and land management specialists He Zhiqiang, Li Renliang, and Zhao Xiaodong, who were responsible for Yangli Village, Wujia Village, and five other villages.
Yang Huailin, the village head of Yangli Village, was also invited by Yang Jian. He was Yang Jian's paternal uncle, as Yang Jian's grandfather and Yang Huailin's father were brothers, making them relatively close relatives.
Jing Yongli and Liu Chao were accompanying them. Jing Yongli was responsible for paying the bill, while Liu Chao was there to keep them company with drinks, as Yang Jian had to drive and could not consume alcohol.
Being able to dine at such a high-class establishment showed Yang Jian's sincerity.
"Director Zheng, Director Mao, and distinguished specialists, this is my nephew, Yang Jian. He's treating today and has specially invited everyone to try this hotel's signature dishes. Please, don't be shy, order whatever you like."
Yang Huailin, in his early forties, was of medium build and appeared very capable. However, it was his first time in such a place, and he seemed a bit reserved. Nevertheless, as a village head, he handled the social niceties with ease, introducing everyone before they even sat down.
Zheng Qian, also in his forties, was fair-skinned and well-maintained. He shook hands with Yang Jian with a smile, "We've all heard of Mr. Yang's great reputation. To be honest, according to regulations, we shouldn't accept invitations from the public. Hearing it was you, Director Mao and I decided to come, just to get acquainted with you. Indeed, you are a man of distinguished appearance."
Was he that well-known in official circles? Yang Jian was a little surprised. "Director Zheng is too kind. It's my honor to be able to invite you. This is my first time dining with leaders. If I say anything wrong, please don't mind."
Mao Liang chuckled and shook his hand as well. "Mr. Yang, you're too modest. In Chengguan, and even throughout Xinhe, you're considered a legend. You single-handedly brought down the Pan Wenbin criminal organization. Many people look up to you as a hero; to put it mildly, some victims even worship you like a Bodhisattva."
"That's an exaggeration. Bringing down Pan Wenbin was due to the police's strong crackdown on crime. He committed so many evils that his downfall was inevitable; it has little to do with me."
Yang Jian dared not admit to crippling Liu Ming in public. Illegal trespassing and assault were serious crimes, and if they were ever investigated, he would be in deep trouble.
Afterward, in his conversations with the three land management specialists, this topic was no longer mentioned.
After a few rounds of drinks, Yang Huailin finally got to the main point. "Director Zheng, what about my nephew's factory?"
Before Yang Huailin could finish, Zheng Qian waved his hand. "This is a minor matter. We fully support Mr. Yang in setting up his factory. You can start building the factory first, and we'll handle the procedures. However, I suggest Mr. Yang register a company and then file it with us. We'll help you change the land classification. The benefit of this is that your factory will be a legal structure. Even if land policies change in the future and the factory needs to be demolished, you can receive normal compensation and won't face forced demolition."
Mao Liang added, "Another benefit is that many processing plants around New Bridge are operating without licenses, and the licensed ones are owned by out-of-town bosses. Once the industry and commerce or tax authorities conduct inspections, these factories, even if not shut down, will face hefty fines. Therefore, obtaining a license is beneficial in every way."
It was evident that the two directors were moved by Yang Jian's sincerity. They not only agreed to his factory but also gave him excellent advice.
Just as Yang Jian was about to raise his glass to express his gratitude, the private room door was pushed open, and Yu Feng walked in.
"Er Jian, why didn't you tell me you were coming to eat here beforehand? I just saw your car parked outside."
Yu Feng entered smiling and chided Yang Jian.
"Sister, you're a busy person, I wouldn't dare disturb you. These are the leaders from our New Bridge Land Management Office."
As Yang Jian was about to introduce them, Yu Feng walked up to Zheng Qian. "Director Zheng, long time no see. So you've been transferred to New Bridge. I heard at the end of last year that you were up for deputy director, why is it still a lateral transfer?"
Judging by her tone, they already knew each other, which saved Yang Jian the trouble of introducing them one by one.
Zheng Qian appeared a bit embarrassed. "Ms. Yu, please don't tease me. I haven't been promoted because my work hasn't been up to par, and I still need to work harder. Are you very familiar with Mr. Yang?"
This question was clearly intentional. The rumors about Yu Feng and Yang Jian having an affair had spread throughout Chengguan. Zheng Qian had only recently been transferred from Chengguan to New Bridge, so how could he not know they were close?
"Yang Jian is like my younger brother, of course, we're close. By the way, what are you all doing here?"
"Mr. Yang is planning to set up a wood processing plant on his family's land and has invited us to guide him through the process."
"Oh, I see. In that case, this meal is on me. You must give my brother a green light, and from now on, you'll receive a 20% discount on all your consumption here."
"Rest assured, Ms. Yu, we will handle Mr. Yang's matters perfectly."
Zheng Qian was not surprised by Yu Feng's generosity. Knowing that Yang Jian had invited them to dine here, even for Yu Feng's sake, they would ensure Yang Jian's matters were handled well.
Yang Jian, however, felt a bit embarrassed. "Sister Feng, let's follow the rules. I'll pay. Otherwise, I won't dare to invite anyone for dinner next time."
"What are you talking about? I'm your sister. Do you need to pay when you eat at my place? No matter how many times you come to eat in the future, I'll waive the bill. I have something to do now. After dinner, come to my office; I have something to discuss with you."
Yu Feng toasted everyone and then left.
Seeing Yang Jian's slight embarrassment, Jing Yongli said, "Brother, since Sister Feng has spoken, let's go with her wishes. You've helped her quite a bit, so a few meals are nothing."
Mao Liang chuckled, "It's alright, Mr. Yang. We can't even get such a good opportunity. I'd say you should stay and develop in your hometown. With your reputation and Sister Feng's support, you'd make more money than doing engineering work outside."
Yang Jian looked at him in confusion. "Director Mao, you know I do engineering work?"
"As a resident of New Bridge, how could I not know? Your cousin lost several million in Xichuan, and you took on all his debts. Everyone in New Bridge Town knows about it, and they say you're righteous. Director Zheng and I are precisely valuing your character that's why we came to this dinner."
"Then what can I do in my hometown? Setting up a small factory isn't enough to pay off my debts."
"There are many things you can do in your hometown. The country is currently strengthening rural infrastructure construction, including roads, water supply, electricity upgrades, land leveling, and water conservancy projects. Which of these projects isn't profitable? As long as you get involved, I dare say no one in the entire New Bridge Town will dare to compete with you. You can easily earn hundreds of thousands a year."
Yang Jian looked at Yang Huailin. "Uncle, does our village have these projects? But our village roads haven't been repaired yet."
Yang Huailin gave a wry smile. "There are these projects, and the quota for village road construction has been approved. However, there are many people competing for it. If you have good opportunities elsewhere, it's better not to get involved here."
"Why? 'Golden bridges and silver roads,' road construction is very profitable."
Yang Jian didn't understand his uncle's attitude towards him.