Chapter 736 Making a Cut
Ji Jingyi's eyes held no emotion, only profound disappointment.
"You were one of the people I trusted the most. Why would you do this?"
Before Xu Chunlin's return, Ji Jingyi never thought he would ask such a question, even if he met Xu Chunlin.
Having governed the Southwest for years, Ji Jingyi considered himself a discerning individual. But today…
At this moment, Xu Chunlin's eyes were also devoid of color.
Facing the question, Xu Chunlin's face contorted in grief, and he choked out, "The Xu family's stronghold is easy to enter but hard to leave. I have failed you."
Ji Jingyi sighed softly and waved his hand, "Take him away."
After everyone had left, Ji Jingyi rubbed his forehead and said, "Pack up. Inform Jiang Luo that I'm coming over now."
Jiang Luo, who was in the courtyard discussing poverty alleviation projects with Chen Yang and others, immediately relayed the message to Chen Yang upon hearing that Ji Jingyi was coming.
Ji Jingyi's personal visit was enough to show how much importance he placed on this matter.
However, Chen Yang casually replied, "He should come and see."
Jiang Luo gave a dry laugh and didn't take the conversation further.
Before evening, Ji Jingyi arrived at the village where Chen Yang was staying.
Chen Yang and Ji Jingyi had never met before. They sized each other up upon meeting. Seeing that Chen Yang had no intention of speaking first, Ji Jingyi could only cupped his hands in resignation, "Ji Jingyi of the Southwest Prefecture, greetings to the Celestial Venerable."
Hearing this, Chen Yang turned and smiled, "You are being too formal. I am handling affairs in the Southwest and have received your assistance to some extent. Just call me Chen Yang."
Only Jiang Luo was by Chen Yang's side; the others had already gone to various villages for on-site inspections.
Once inside the room, Ji Jingyi said, "Chen Yang, I have dealt with Xu Chunlin of the Southwest Prefecture. Regarding your poverty alleviation project, I had intended to offer my full support. I imagine you've already learned about it from Zhu Wenyu?"
Chen Yang nodded. Zhu Wenyu had indeed informed him.
However, for Chen Yang, the reason for escalating the situation so drastically was not just to secure this promise.
"I naturally trust the Southwest Prefecture's promise, but you must also understand my concerns. This will be a long-term project. Yangyangyang Company cannot focus its energy on this indefinitely. No matter how it develops, it will ultimately return to Qingzhou City."
Yangyangyang Company could establish its own branches in the Southwest region, but it was unrealistic to place its primary focus here.
The constant pursuit by the Zhou family alone was enough to keep Yangyangyang Company on high alert.
"I understand what you mean. No one will disrupt this project. To be honest, I am truly grateful that you have come all the way from Qingzhou City to the Southwest."
Ji Jingyi's words were heartfelt, making Chen Yang realize that Ji Jingyi genuinely wanted to see this matter through successfully with him.
Ji Jingyi did not meet with Xiong Xiao or Li Bowen; he directly took them away.
That evening, a press conference led by the Southwest Prefecture and attended by the Southwest Chamber of Commerce ignited a powder keg.
Xu Guodu, the president of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce, was expelled by the board of directors.
Although no reason was given, rumors spread rapidly.
Upon learning of Xu Guodu's past actions, everyone expressed their contempt.
The Southwest Chamber of Commerce did not absolve itself of all responsibility and directly took over all outstanding issues.
The following morning, prominent families, led by the Zhu family, joined the Southwest Chamber of Commerce to help it navigate the transition smoothly.
Of course, Chen Yang did not delve into the specifics of all this. With the Southwest Prefecture's involvement, the project immediately entered its preliminary preparation phase.
The planning of various sites and even issues related to the relocation of some residents flooded Yangyangyang Company like a tidal wave.
This greatly surprised Liu Ran and Su Ya, who had believed Yangyangyang Company was prepared.
"How could it be so fast? We only submitted the proposal yesterday, and the approval is out today. And it's not just one project, several projects were approved simultaneously. This speed is just too incredible!"
Su Ya looked at Chen Yang with a hint of suspicion. Two people from the Southwest Prefecture had visited yesterday, and both had connections with Chen Yang.
Su Ya knew Chen Yang was very capable, but she couldn't help but speculate about who these two people were who could prompt such swift action from the Southwest Prefecture.
"It's good that it's approved. Since it's approved, let's get started!"
Chen Yang didn't elaborate on the matter. Now that he had seen the Southwest Prefecture's actions, he naturally intended to continue the cooperation.
Chen Yang, who had left the village, did not go to the Zhu family but directly headed to the Zhou family's mine.
He sat in a small tavern at the foot of the mine for less than ten minutes before Zhou Zeyao quietly slipped in.
Seeing that he was alone, Chen Yang frowned, "Why are you alone? Didn't He Fengyun say he would come back with you?"
He Fengyun, who had left the tea mountain with Chen Yang, was supposed to return to the village with him.
However, halfway back, He Fengyun was taken away by Zhou Zeyao.
"Ahem, don't rush. Old He's蛊虫 (gu worm) is still quite effective. I'm currently looking for an opportunity to deal with that Grandmaster peak expert."
"But a Grandmaster peak expert is still a Grandmaster peak expert. Old He said it's not easy to administer the蛊虫, so please bear with me for a few more days!"
"Once things are settled, I'll send Old He back immediately."
"By the way, have you discussed things with the Southwest Prefecture? He Fengyun's matter…"
Chen Yang had agreed to let He Fengyun accompany Zhou Zeyao not only to help Zhou Zeyao gain control of the entire mine but also because He Fengyun's identity was very special.
Nan Zhu ignored him because of Chen Yang's influence.
But this matter eventually needed to be resolved. He Fengyun needed a fair and legitimate identity in the future.
Chen Yang's negotiation with the Southwest Prefecture on this matter naturally became of utmost importance.
Zhou Zeyao had been busy dealing with the martial artists at the Zhou family's mine these past few days and was unaware of the outside events.
After listening to Chen Yang's account, he immediately frowned, "This Xu Guodu is truly unforgivable. However, the Southwest Prefecture's ability to resolve this so quickly clearly indicates they've made a significant effort. It will take months to recover from such a blow."
Chen Yang nodded in agreement with Zhou Zeyao.
The Southwest Prefecture had paid a heavy price to sever ties with Xu Guodu, and it had nearly led to the dissolution of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce.
If it weren't for the Zhu family and other powerful factions taking over...