Chapter 920 - 886: Uncle and Nephew

After Wang Zhengdao sat down, he took the cup of tea handed to him by Wang Jianming and said with a smile, "I originally thought to visit your place, but after some consideration, I thought it best not to disturb your life. Wanying prefers peace."

Wang Jianming smiled, "It’s more convenient at home for family. Wanying has always respected you."

When he first married He Wanying, he faced opposition from the family; it was Uncle Wang Zhengdao who intervened. During that time, he created many obstacles for the couple, even going so far as to ask someone to work on He Wanying’s mindset; she had decided to give up. Luckily, Wang Jianming’s persistence allowed them to make it to today, so He Wanying has always kept some distance from the Wang family, especially disliking this uncle.

Wang Zhengdao noticed the underlying meaning of his nephew’s words; it seemed Wang Jianming was not welcoming his visit.

Taking a sip of tea, Wang Zhengdao said, "I indeed arrived somewhat abruptly this time. Originally, I didn’t intend to stay in Dongzhou, but thinking of you here, as an uncle, wouldn’t it seem cold if I passed by without visiting? Your grandfather would blame me too."

Wang Jianming replied with a smile, "I should have visited you, but I’ve recently taken on work here and really can’t take the time out."

"I’m fine with that. You should take time to visit your grandfather; you are the one he loves most."

Wang Jianming said, "Just a few days ago, Jiancheng and I discussed this; we will visit grandpa frequently in the future."

Wang Zhengdao put down the tea cup and smiled at his nephew. Ever since he fell ill, he hadn’t seen this young man nearly; now he has indeed grown into a dignified city-level leader, speaking carefully and hiding subtle meanings. The old man loves him the most, and I haven’t exaggerated.

Wang Zhengdao still remembers the year when his elder brother passed away, the old man brought Wang Jianming to his home in Capital City. This young man was quiet and withdrawn, and from then on, he showed considerable distance from their family. Wang Zhengdao believed he’d treated him fairly; handling his food, clothing, and school transfers personally, even more attentively than for his own son, yet couldn’t change his fundamental detachment.

"Jianming, I heard that there’s an issue with the China-Korea Industrial Park project."

Wang Jianming replied, "It’s not a big issue—just a hundred acres land ownership matter. Lexus Group has its eyes on a piece of land opposite Qingshan Mine Ruins Park, but that land has already been allocated for the construction of a new Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital. For us leaders, a sudden change is inappropriate."

"But everything has priorities. How much is the investment in China-Korea Industrial Park? How much is the investment in that hospital? As Dongzhou’s top leader, your primary consideration should be how to maximize Dongzhou’s interests and promote its development. I’m only expressing my own opinion; don’t overthink it."

Wang Jianming laughed, "Uncle, it’s not that I haven’t considered it, but there’s a very sensitive issue involved. Lexus Group’s president, Li Bingxing, once lived in Qingshan Mine during the war period. Those who came from the Peninsula helped the Japanese do many bad things. Li Bingxing’s original intention for that piece of land is to build the headquarters for the China-Korea Industrial Park to commemorate his father Li Puyuan, and across from it stands the Seven Heroes Monument."

Wang Zhengdao dismissively said, "I heard some people are intentionally using this matter to incite ethnic hatred and stir up ethnic division. What era are we in? Not to mention these are unfounded rumors—if anything did happen, we should look forward and not let ethnic hatred affect economic development, right?"

Wang Jianming said, "Elder Qiao expressed his concern through Qiao Rulong."

Wang Zhengdao frowned, picked up his cup again, and took a sip of tea, "His old man’s involvement is indeed extensive."

Wang Jianming said, "We must always give face to the elders, otherwise Grandpa’s place would be hard to explain as well."

Wang Zhengdao chuckled, "Do you feel you owe him a favor? Your progress until now has nothing to do with him; he merely took advantage of the situation."

Wang Jianming felt a bit uncomfortable. Some things shouldn’t be mentioned even if they are known.

Wang Zhengdao didn’t notice any change in Wang Jianming’s expression; he knew his words might make his nephew uncomfortable, but he didn’t care. Elder Qiao is no longer the person he was before; Wang Jianming’s position in Dongzhou wasn’t solely because of his help. Even without him, Wang Jianming’s upward trajectory wouldn’t be halted.

"The trouble Qiao Rulong stirred up brought disgrace to the Qiao family. Ye Qingya divorcing him means the two families have made a complete split—not due to emotional rupture, but because the Ye family sees no future in the Qiao family." Wang Zhengdao pointed out the crux of the matter.

Wang Jianming said, "Everyone makes mistakes; Rulong is young and clearly very regretful."

Wang Zhengdao put down the tea cup and glanced at it, which Wang Jianming immediately understood and refilled his water.

"Our three families have been close for generations. Among the older generation, Elder Qiao held the highest position. The reason he could reach his position today is largely thanks to the strong support of Elder Ye and your grandfather. But what did our Wang Family get in return for our loyalty to him? Back then, your grandfather asked him to pull strings for your father’s transfer; how did he respond?"

Wang Jianming remained silent. His uncle had mentioned more than once that if his father hadn’t been commanding on the front lines, he might not have sacrificed himself in the Zhe Yin Mountain battle. Yet, his grandfather never brought up the transfer issue.

Wang Jianming had pondered this issue. If he were in his father’s position, he would never accept being pulled from the front lines—that would imply deserting. He trusted his father’s choice and was proud of him. He didn’t like his uncle’s hypothetical about his father’s transfer, believing his grandfather wouldn’t do that either. He even felt his uncle’s words were a form of desecration to his father.

"If your father were still alive..."

"Uncle, the world doesn’t have so many ’ifs’," Wang Jianming interrupted him without hesitation.

Wang Zhengdao laughed somewhat awkwardly, "Yes, there aren’t so many ’ifs.’ Actually, your grandfather should have been the most accomplished among the three, but someone stabbed him in the back at a critical moment."

Wang Jianming knew his uncle was again subtly criticizing Elder Qiao. He was quite puzzled; he didn’t understand why his uncle held such deep resentment against Elder Qiao when even his grandfather didn’t mind. Wang Jianming believed that at his grandfather’s level, every decision was made for the public good, without personal agenda mixed in. The reason Elder Qiao voted against back then was definitely not like what his uncle said about stepping on his grandfather’s shoulders to climb higher.

Wang Jianming said, "Let’s not bring up past matters."

Wang Zhengdao scrutinized his nephew. This kid had indeed grown and matured. In him, the air of the old man’s demeanor could be seen, no wonder the old man liked him so much.

"Is there no room for negotiation on the China-Korea Industrial Park?"

Wang Jianming nodded and said, "It seems there isn’t."

With this statement, Wang Zhengdao’s hopes were completely dashed.

Wang Zhengdao actually held no obsession over that piece of land. Upon hearing Elder Qiao express concern, he realized this matter was basically dead. Even though he claimed Boss Qiao wasn’t as capable as before, a tiger remains fierce. Elder Qiao has many followers, his influence shouldn’t be underestimated; despite such a big incident with Qiao Rulong, he still retained his position at Hua Tou.

Wang Zhengdao heard that his own father had also spoken up to help, but crucially, the Ye Family kept silent. Ye Qingya and Qiao Rulong’s marriage was quietly dissolved, the Ye Family swallowed their pride instead of making a scene, preserving the Qiao Family’s dignity.

Wang Zhengdao reminded Wang Jianming, "The investment in the China-Korea Industrial Park is significant. I can help coordinate on the Lexus side, but I hope you all can demonstrate more sincerity in terms of policy."

Wang Jianming understood his uncle’s implication. It seems the China-Korea Industrial Park is ultimately set to settle in Dongzhou. Although his last meeting with Li Changhe didn’t go well, it didn’t impact the final cooperation. The Lexus Group chose Dongzhou after thorough and comprehensive consideration; they wouldn’t alter their investment plan hastily over a mere hundred mu of land. Wang Jianming also knew this involved his uncle’s interests, hence the more cautious he must be.

The China-Korea Industrial Park, with its 15 billion US Dollar investment, was indeed tempting. However, larger projects pose bigger risks. Due to the protest by the Qingshan Mine locals over this, Wang Jianming’s stance towards the China-Korea Industrial Park project has become more cautious. According to Han Fang’s blueprint, the total planned area for the industrial park is fifty square kilometers, with a spatial layout consisting of a core area for industry-city integration and a port-supporting industrial zone.

The core area for industry-city integration relies on the old mining area, planned at forty square kilometers. The port-supporting industrial zone depends on the canal inland port terminal, planned at ten square kilometers. The focus is on developing the automobile industry, new energy equipment, and the electronic information sector, while actively cultivating port-related industries and modern services.

This equates to building a new industrial city in Dongzhou. If this matter is successfully completed, it would undoubtedly become Wang Jianming’s most outstanding political achievement since taking office.

Wang Jianming acknowledges the allure of political achievements, yet he always remembers what his grandfather told him: to persist long-term in the system, one must not be short-sighted and fixated solely on achievements. A public official who only has achievements in mind could never be a good one. True achievements should be rated by the people, not by one’s own career climb but by how much one can do for the people.

Wang Jianming said, "I’ve reviewed their plans. The explanation of the investment composition isn’t detailed enough. I’ll have the relevant departments re-evaluate the risks of the China-Korea Industrial Park."

Wang Zhengdao looked at his nephew somewhat surprised. Clearly, his words were meant for himself. Is there a mistake? I’m offering you such a substantial political achievement, and you’re putting on airs—what does this mean? Facing a 15 billion US Dollar investment, are you still being picky?

Wang Jianming said, "Uncle, if you don’t mind me asking, how much is Zhengdao Group planning to invest?"

Wang Zhengdao smiled broadly, "I’m also conducting a risk assessment."