Chapter 1084: Proactively Avoiding

Pan Junfeng returned to Dongzhou and immediately heard that Xu Chunliang had voluntarily resigned from his position as the director of the hospital construction office, which meant that Xu Chunliang was stepping down from the construction project of the new hospital. This made him a bit anxious, and he expressed his opinion at the leadership meeting.

“Having Xiaoxu take charge of the construction project of the new hospital was my idea. Before consenting to his resignation, shouldn’t the leadership at least consult my opinion?”

Yan Huaiyi noticed his agitation and smiled, saying, “Xiao… Xiaopan, I thought you already knew…”

Pan Junfeng said, “I met Xu Chunliang in the Capital City. He indeed had some disagreements with the investors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he should be ousted. We should also listen to the different opinions from all sides.”

Vice President Li Chunyan said, “Dean Pan, I actually think Xiaoxu’s resignation from the director position of the construction office is a good thing. The investment negotiations are currently at a crucial stage. If his bias against President Zhai leads to the failure of a fifty billion investment, then our new hospital construction plan may be ruined. We can’t take such a risk for such a major decision.”

Pan Junfeng said, “I believe Xu Chunliang’s point was correct; we can’t just focus on the fifty billion investment. We must understand what Kangjian’s intentions are and investigate the source of their funds.”

Secretary Sun Weimin laughed, “Comrade Junfeng, there’s no need to worry about that. Kangjian’s investment is certainly clean; otherwise, the city leaders wouldn’t be mediating. Actually, we also didn’t want Xu Chunliang to resign. He requested it voluntarily, and the bureau also placed considerable pressure on us. Kangjian directly filed a complaint with the city. The bureau has asked us to resolve this quickly, so there’s nothing we can do.”

Pan Junfeng looked towards Yan Huaiyi, thinking Xu Chunliang is your man; shouldn’t you try to stop him?

Yan Huaiyi understood his thoughts and stammered, “He… his attitude is really resolute…”

Seeing that it had already become a fact, Pan Junfeng knew any further discussion was futile. Although Xu Chunliang voluntarily resigned from the position, he must be unwilling deep down. He was familiar with this guy’s temper, but this time, Xu Chunliang didn’t outrageously resign; instead, he showed unprecedented rationality.

After the meeting, Pan Junfeng went to Xu Chunliang’s office. Xu Chunliang was on the phone with Wang Jinwu, inquiring about the recent situation on Weishan Island.

Pan Junfeng sat on the sofa by himself and picked up his cup to get hot water.

Xu Chunliang handed him a box of tea leaves.

Pan Junfeng unscrewed the lid, dumped the tea leaves in it, rinsed the cup, and brewed the tea Xu Chunliang gave him.

After brewing the tea, Xu Chunliang finished his call and smiled, “This is some new tea from a friend; please give it a try.”

Pan Junfeng said, “Not bad,” and glanced at the packaging of the tea leaves, “Isn’t it cheap?”

Xu Chunliang said, “This stuff is highly profitable; its actual cost isn’t much at all.”

Not holding back, Pan Junfeng accepted the box of tea leaves, “Are you really planning to throw in the towel? Leaving me to fight alone? We promised to build the new hospital together.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I haven’t left yet, have I? I resigned from the construction office because I don’t want to be used as an excuse by certain people. If President Zhai changes his mind and decides not to invest, he might blame me, which would be unfair.”

Pan Junfeng said, “From my observation, he is very much eager to invest in the new hospital, and his connections in the medical field are truly formidable.” He suddenly lowered his voice, “His connections in civil administration are even more impactful.”

Xu Chunliang figured after he left, Zhai Pingqing managed to persuade Pan Junfeng somehow. Despite being a leader of decent stature, when in the Capital City, he was insignificant, never having encountered major figures in the system.

Xu Chunliang reminded him, “Even if this works out, you’ll need to negotiate his demands for constructing the new hospital carefully. Handing all authority over to him could lead to problems; you might regret it if he builds as he pleases.”

Pan Junfeng chuckled, “There’s no need to worry about that. The contract should be detailed, with clear penalty clauses. Plus, we need to supervise; can’t let them do as they please.”

Xu Chunliang nodded, having said his piece. If they fell into Zhai Pingqing’s trap later, it wouldn’t be his concern.

Pan Junfeng took a sip of tea, “This tea is good.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Drink as much as you want.”

Pan Junfeng said, “One box is enough. By the way, I heard from Dean Yan that he wanted to give you the procurement office to manage, but you declined. You know many envy that position.”

Xu Chunliang said, “The more people envy it, the more trouble it brings. Having two honorary positions as director of the office and group secretary is enough for me.”

“Xiaoxu, that’s not right. There are no honorary positions, it’s about who works there. I believe even if you’re a security guard, you’d do an outstanding job.”

Xu Chunliang smiled, “Dean Pan, are you really planning to transfer me to be a security guard?”

Pan Junfeng laughed as well, saying it was just a joke.

Xu Chunliang could take a joke, so he said, “We went through some trials to secure that piece of land. There are many people from the old mining district employed at the construction site; these people can’t be displaced.”

Pan Junfeng nodded, fully aware of those individuals’ significance, such as Yang Qingyuan who runs the canteen on-site, and Zhou Meng the head of security. These were influential figures in the old mining district.

Pan Junfeng said, “You don’t have to necessarily pull out from the new hospital construction. I suggest once the contract is signed, you represent the hospital to oversee construction quality and progress.”

Xu Chunliang chuckled, “Save your breath. If Zhai Pingqing doesn’t jump up to challenge you, it would be strange. I don’t want to get involved. Now we have the land and roughly the investment. I plan to take a break and adjust for a while, helping Secretary Wang with cultural tourism work.”

Pan Junfeng thought Xu Chunliang was returning to the cultural tourism bureau, “Chunliang, you can’t leave.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Never said I was leaving, but I might need more freedom in the future.”

Pan Junfeng said, “No problem, I won’t check on your post anyway.”

Just before getting off work, Lu Qi called, inviting him for a drink. Such a sudden invitation usually meant there was something up.

Lately, they had both been busy and hadn’t had many chances to meet. Xu Chunliang happened to have no engagements that evening, so he arranged with Lu Qi to meet at a local restaurant near his home.

When Xu Chunliang arrived, Lu Qi still hadn’t shown up, so he ordered the dishes first. Just as the cold dishes were served, Lu Qi arrived, apologizing, “Sorry, just finished a meeting.”

Xu Chunliang sniffed and got a whiff of cooking oil on him, “Stop flattering yourself; you probably helped your wife cook dinner before coming over.”

Lu Qi couldn’t hide what he had done and laughed a bit sheepishly, “With your special abilities, it’s a pity you’re not a police dog.”

Xu Chunliang said, “We haven’t seen each other for a while, and right away you’re insulting me. I ordered wild softshell turtle to make sure you bleed some money.”

Lu Qi said, “Order as much as you want. The bill’s on me today.”

Xu Chunliang saw him bring over two bottles of Dream Six, “Are you trying to get me drunk?” Knowing that this guy was avoiding alcohol recently for pregnancy planning.

Lu Qi said, “I’ll drink with you.”

Xu Chunliang was taken aback, “What happened? You’re not planning for pregnancy anymore?”

Lu Qi’s expression was a bit embarrassed.

Xu Chunliang instantly understood, “Is she pregnant?”

Lu Qi said, “Don’t say it; such things shouldn’t be mentioned so early.”

Xu Chunliang nodded, opened one bottle, and poured some for him. Halfway through, he remembered something, “Have you reported it?”

Lu Qi nodded, “I definitely have to follow the rules.”

Xu Chunliang poured a full cup of wine and clinked glasses with him.

Both drank a glass of wine. Lu Qi hadn’t drunk for a while, showed an exaggerated expression, frowning and grimacing, and only after a long while managed to say, “Refreshing!”

Xu Chunliang asked, “How come such a busy man like you has time to invite me for a drink today?”

Lu Qi said, “Pan Weidong’s case is cracked. The people who wanted to kill him belong to a professional hitman organization called the Life-taking Sect.”

Xu Chunliang laughed, “I’ve read about it in wuxia novels.”

Lu Qi ate a piece of beef, “It’s not from a wuxia novel; it’s real. We checked plenty of surveillance footage to find the perpetrator. It’s already in the wanted stage.”

“Are there any photos?”

Lu Qi fiddled with his phone for a while and handed the found photo to Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang took his phone for a quick glance. After all, it had some connection to him, as his grandfather was present, and if not for his grandfather’s intervention, Pan Weidong’s life would have been in danger.

The person in the photo he recognized, it was Fang Cheng, who had teamed up with lifeguard Wang Wenxiang in an attempted assassination against him in Juzhou. But he had taken care of them both, leaving no trace, and it coincided with the Juzhou earthquake.

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, Lu Qi probably wouldn’t be able to catch Fang Cheng in his lifetime; nevertheless, he said, “Justice will prevail, and I’m sure he’ll be caught soon.”

Lu Qi toasted him, “I’ll take your auspicious words, and I share your strong belief.”

After drinking, Xu Chunliang asked, “Is there any progress in the case of the ancient artifact smuggling?”

Lu Qi said, “Duan Yuanhong has confessed. Liang Zhigang was set up by him, but suddenly he retracted his confession, saying Tang Jinglun had nothing to do with it. Tang Jinglun remains tight-lipped. Duan Yuanhong for some reason admitted to everything, saying that he initially implicated Tang Jinglun because he had grievances against the group.”

Xu Chunliang said, “So does that mean Tang Jinglun is fine now?”

Lu Qi said, “Based on the current evidence, it’s not enough to prosecute him.” He’s frustrated by this; knowing that Tang Jinglun cannot escape blame, yet he has no way to act against him.

Xu Chunliang said, “There are a few possibilities for Duan Yuanhong taking the blame. One is that he truly is the mastermind, or two, perhaps he’s under some kind of pressure. Anyway, he’s already trapped, might as well take all the blame.”

Lu Qi said, “Are you suggesting Tang Jinglun found someone to threaten him? I’ve considered this possibility but can’t find any evidence.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Take your time investigating. Seeing Tang Jinglun walk free might not be favorable either, with his older brother missing, and the huge mess with Huayuan Group and Jiayue Department Store waiting for him to deal with.”

Lu Qi said, “The Tang Brothers brought it upon themselves; they don’t deserve sympathy.”