Chapter 1081: Backup Plan

Wang Jiancheng nodded, estimating that Ren Tianye didn’t spend much to acquire Qi Shuang’s shares.

Ren Tianye continued, “Jiancheng, I know you also want to transfer your shares. Actually, I could acquire them completely, but after getting to know you, I realized that you are a very good collaborator.”

Wang Jiancheng secretly thought that this person was exceedingly astute, only establishing this relationship due to his background and connections. However, he had to admit that having a collaborator like Ren Tianye was a good thing—far more reliable than Qiao Rulong, who abandoned him without a word.

Wang Jiancheng was not afraid of Ren Tianye; his cousin was Dongzhou’s head honcho. Ren Tianye wouldn’t be foolish enough to play mind games with him.

Hua Zhuyue’s arrival was warmly welcomed by the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, with the newly appointed Director Lu Ming accompanying her for the inspection.

In fact, Hua Zhuyue wasn’t a stranger to Dongzhou. The formerly well-known nightclub SEVEN STAR in Dongzhou belonged to Blue Star’s property portfolio. However, recently, they successfully transitioned with their core business shifting to the hotel and film industry.

Xu Chunliang did not participate in this inspection; one of the reasons was to avoid suspicion.

Hua Zhuyue’s objective was the hot spring town left behind by Da Heng. The promised investment by Mingde Group hadn’t arrived, and the Weishan Lake business unit of Da Heng was practically nonexistent. Due to the debt crisis, Da Heng was unable to complete the project. Now, over half of the theme park was built, making it a prime time to swoop in and capitalize.

The city assigned Xu Chunliang to lead the construction command for the Weishan Lake National Resort District, but he wasn’t given an actual position. Officially, Qin Zhengyang had unified leadership, extracting the command center from the culture and tourism bureau. However, in practice, the command center couldn’t operate without the bureau, which couldn’t ignore the Weishan Lake National Resort District. Coordination was essential.

Qin Zhengyang’s secretary was overwhelmed with work and couldn’t handle tourism district affairs. He privately told Xu Chunliang to simply cooperate with Lu Ming; Lu Ming would handle things openly, while Xu Chunliang would work discreetly, providing support and discreetly nudging Secretary Wang for policy at key moments.

When Hua Zhuyue visited Weishan Island accompanied by the bureau leaders, Xu Chunliang was leisurely swimming in the pool at Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort.

Resort President Zhang Hengyang sat by the pool, waiting for him, while a graceful beauty knelt beside them making tea.

Zhang Hengyang called out, “Director Xu, come for some tea.”

Xu Chunliang, slicing through the waves, heard the invitation, swam another lap, and then came ashore.

Zhang Hengyang gazed admiringly at Xu Chunliang’s muscular physique. The tea-pouring beauty also admired him, becoming so distracted that she accidentally burned her hand, exclaiming in pain.

Zhang Hengyang glanced at her with slight displeasure, signaling her to leave. The beauty blushed with embarrassment and departed.

Xu Chunliang covered himself with a towel, sat in the chair next to Zhang Hengyang and said, “President Zhang, enjoying life like a celestial being.”

Zhang Hengyang laughed and said, “Don’t forget those who dug the well when you drink the water. Director Xu, please!”

Xu Chunliang took a sip of tea, and Zhang Hengyang refilled his cup.

Xu Chunliang hadn’t contacted him for a while; today’s visit wasn’t merely for swimming. He got straight to the point, saying, “President Zhang, are you aware of the Da Heng Weishan Island project’s situation?”

Zhang Hengyang replied, “I’ve resigned; you know that.”

Xu Chunliang remarked, “You were the one who initiated the project.”

Realizing that Xu Chunliang was here about the hot spring town, Zhang Hengyang quietly asked, “What ideas do you have, feel free to speak.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Everything, including the amusement park, has halted, and Mingde Group’s promised investment hasn’t materialized. The city is quite upset over it.”

Zhang Hengyang commented, “I’ve heard a bit about Mingde Group; it seems that Lexus vetoed their investment plan. The funds Mingde had pledged were fundamentally from Lexus Group. If Lexus refuses to invest, Mingde must find another way.”

Xu Chunliang asked, “So, does that mean Mingde’s investment can’t be realized?”

Zhang Hengyang stated, “Da Heng is more anxious than anyone else; they’re heavily in debt and lack the drive for construction. Nearly every project they could transfer is under consideration for transfer. However, there’s little interest in the Weishan Lake project. Firstly, it’s extensive, and initially choosing Weishan Island was due to the anticipated National Tourism Resort District. But Secretary Zhou is gone, and Secretary Wang is newly appointed with a shift in development priorities. Who would take over this uncertain mess? I guess Mingde Group’s investment not coming through might also be related to policy changes.”

Xu Chunliang asked, “If my friend takes over, how much do you estimate it could be acquired for?”

Zhang Hengyang looked at Xu Chunliang and asked, “What connection?”

Xu Chunliang replied, “An insider. If you’re interested, you can also participate.”

At this point, Zhang Hengyang fully understood. He thought for a moment and said, “There’s no minimum, only lower. Taking over is easy; constructing the entire project requires considerable strength.”

Xu Chunliang didn’t hide anything, “Blue Star Group is interested in taking over, and their current idea is to first build the theme park. Sold houses can be refunded.”

“What about the retirement project?”

Xu Chunliang replied, “Not doing it anymore; the renovated houses can be repurposed for other uses, serving as tourism amenities. On the original land, a portion could be used for a film production base, which requires minimal investment but yields quick results.”

Zhang Hengyang commented, “But Secretary Wang’s cultural tourism development concept is to establish the Dongzhou Cultural Lineage. Hua Tou is funding it, and the Confucian Temple project has already begun construction.”

Xu Chunliang said, “At most, Hua Tou won’t leave it unfinished, but success isn’t guaranteed. As far as I know, the Hua Tou vice president originally responsible for this project, Qiao Rulong, has already resigned. Who knows when Dongzhou Cultural Lineage can be successfully established.”

“But the Weishan Island National-level Resort is a key project promoted by Secretary Zhou. Logically, Secretary Wang shouldn’t endorse this.” Zhang Hengyang has fought in the business world for many years and has dealt with many government officials, so he knows the ropes very well.

Xu Chunliang said, “Secretary Wang’s vision isn’t that narrow. To be honest, he’s letting me handle the practical aspects of this project now, but he doesn’t want to announce it publicly too soon.”

Zhang Hengyang’s eyes lit up.

Xu Chunliang said, “If you’re interested, I’d be happy to have you join. If you’re not interested, then just pretend I didn’t come today.”

Zhang Hengyang said, “Interested? Of course I’m interested, Director Xu. I still have some friends over at Da Heng, I can secure a price that’ll satisfy you.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I won’t get involved in the business side of things. Talk to President Hua about it later.”

Zhang Hengyang nodded repeatedly, “However, there’s still one variable—Mingde Group. If they suddenly come around and provide the funds, then all the efforts in transfer will be wasted.”

Xu Chunliang said, “They’ve already been given the final ultimatum, and they haven’t even responded. Even if they do, I have ways to disrupt their investment. When did Korea start acting like they owned the place?”

Zhang Hengyang laughed heartily, using tea as a substitute for wine to toast Xu Chunliang.

The two discussed some details. Zhang Hengyang was tasked with investigating the bottom price of Da Heng’s transfer. This matter must remain confidential; any leaks would attract plenty of nosy people.

After leaving the resort, Xu Chunliang drove to Zhonghua Mining University to find He Wanying.

He Wanying thought that Xu Chunliang was visiting again to discuss the hospital listing. She invited Xu Chunliang to sit down, poured him a cup of tea, and asked about the progress of the new hospital construction.

Xu Chunliang replied that he was no longer responsible for the new hospital’s construction.

He Wanying, somewhat surprised, said, “What’s the situation? Wasn’t everything going well all along?”

Xu Chunliang said, “It’s nothing major, I’ve just been too tired from work recently, so I voluntarily stepped down as the director of the preparatory office.”

He Wanying said, “Just resigned like that? You talked to me about the affiliated hospital, and now you’re leaving. Who am I supposed to coordinate with in the future?”

Xu Chunliang smiled, “Sister-in-law, my level isn’t high enough. In the future, let our dean report directly to you.”

He Wanying, slightly annoyed, said, “You deserter.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I’m not a deserter. Mainly because a new investor has come in, and I can’t get along with them. Instead of occupying the position and being an eyesore, it’s better to retreat gracefully.”

He Wanying laughed, “You’re upset?”

Xu Chunliang shook his head, “No, many things have happened recently, and I am truly a bit tired.”

He Wanying knew about his earthquake relief efforts and that his godfather, Ye Changyuan, died in the line of duty. From recent events, Xu Chunliang indeed seemed like a young man of sentiment and loyalty. She nodded and said, “Rest if you’re tired. No one can keep running forward indefinitely; it’s okay to stop when needed. You’ll run better after adjusting.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I mainly came for two things.” He handed over a big package he had brought to He Wanying.

The smile on He Wanying’s face vanished, “Xiaoxu, you can’t be like this. You know Old Wang’s temper.”

Xu Chunliang said, “You’ve misunderstood, these are for you.”

He Wanying said, “I can’t accept them.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Look first before deciding.”

He Wanying opened the cloth bag and glanced inside. It was filled with Chinese medicinal herbs.

Xu Chunliang said, “I noticed you don’t look well, so I prepared some Chinese medicine for you to help maintain your health. The preparation and usage are written down.” He handed the prewritten instructions to He Wanying.

He Wanying said, “You haven’t even checked me. How do you know what medicine I should take?”

Xu Chunliang laughed, “Sister-in-law, would I harm you? The prescription I provided treats illnesses and strengthens those without ailments.”

He Wanying laughed, “You’re acting like a traveling healer. Okay, I’ll take it. Let me know how much it is, and I’ll transfer the money to you.”

“It’s just a week’s supply; try it first. If there’s any improvement, I’ll bring you more, and we can settle the payment for this batch then.”

He Wanying said, “That’s settled then.”

Xu Chunliang said, “By the way, there’s one other thing I wanted to discuss.”

He Wanying immediately became cautious again. This kid indeed had ulterior motives; after all, he’s giving gifts. With the goods in her hand, she felt obliged. If he requested anything, she might have to return the gift.