Chapter 282: The Conflict (Part 2)

Hou Weidong, accompanied by Deputy County Party Secretary Yang Senlin and several bosses from the Shazhou Construction Association, took a comprehensive tour of the New Administrative Committee. Afterward, he presented the development plan in the committee’s office.

Through subtle observation, Hou Weidong noticed that half of the attendees were distracted. However, six or seven of the CEOs were quite serious, asking numerous questions and proactively handing over their business cards. Bu Gao, in particular, showed significant interest in the New Administrative Committee. He asked the most questions and offered suggestions from a developer’s perspective.

Once the presentation concluded, the group departed the New Administrative Committee in an Iveco van.

Looking at Bu Gao’s business card, Hou Weidong recalled the previous demonstration in Shazhou. He thought to himself, “Bu Gao graduated from a prestigious university and built this empire. Although he had his father’s help, his success stems mainly from strict management and forward-thinking concepts. His friendly gesture today suggests he is genuinely interested in the New Administrative Committee.”

He called Xiaojia to tell her about the day’s events. Xiaojia said, “In terms of execution, Bu Gao is indeed a capable hand. He is the most outstanding among the Construction Association members. Just look at the Xinyue Building; he is a trustworthy partner.”

“Hearts are hidden behind skin; I still need to observe him.”

Xiaojia laughed, “Are you jealous? Bu Gao is certainly excellent, but I am already a member of the Hou-Zhang family.” Hou Weidong, of course, denied being jealous. “I am the victor. History is written by the victors.”

The two bantered on the phone for a while, leaving Hou Weidong in high spirits.

He shuffled through the other six business cards he had received. These six CEOs likely represented enterprises with stronger investment intentions. He studied the cards, trying to recall the owners’ faces. Just then, Office Director Yang Liu walked in carrying a clipboard.

“This is the membership list of the Shazhou Construction Association, along with basic information on each company.” Since the Yiyang Construction Commission was also a member of the association, Yang Liu had specifically gone to the commission’s office to obtain the list.

Hou Weidong praised her, “Director Yang, you are truly thoughtful.” He suddenly remembered a phrase he had seen on the wall at Zhazidong in Chongqing during a visit: “What the superior has not thought of, we have.” He couldn’t recall the exact wording, but the meaning was clear.

Yang Liu noticed the smile on Hou Weidong’s lips. She glanced down at herself, finding nothing unusual, yet felt awkward asking what he was smiling about.

Hou Weidong laughed, “I was thinking of something funny, not laughing at you.” In his good mood, he added, “I thought you were teasing me for wearing the wrong clothes.”

“Is there only one old camera in the office?”

“Yes, only one. It was brought over by Director Yi from the County Government Office.”

“Go into the city and buy a better camera. We need to record all important activities of the New Administrative Committee. The office must develop a sense of news awareness. Once you buy the camera, go to Shazhou with the Investment Promotion Section. Use the list to find the residential projects developed by these bosses and photograph them all. Any projects with unfinished buildings, quality issues, or numerous resident complaints will be added to our investment blacklist.”

“I will handle it immediately.”

Hou Weidong continued, “The New Administrative Committee is the banner of Yiyang’s reform and opening up. Its facilities and equipment should be the best. Most of the committee members live in Yiyang County town, and the commute is long. With no public buses, I want to buy a bus to shuttle everyone to and from work.”

Yang Liu lived in the north of the city. Her daily commute to the New Administrative Committee required crossing the city and then traveling along a suburban road, taking about forty minutes. On rainy days, it was troublesome; she had often taken shelter under street eaves and considered transferring to another unit. However, the New Administrative Committee offered better benefits than average units, so she was reluctant to leave.

Since there were no outsiders in the office, Yang Liu spoke more casually. She clapped her hands happily, “Wow, buying a shuttle bus! Director Hou, you are too kind.”

Seeing Yang Liu revert to the demeanor she had during her days at the Party School, rather than her usual subordinate expression, Hou Weidong felt at ease. “However, getting the finance department to approve this might be difficult. We need to find a good channel to solve this.”

Yang Liu was perceptive. She had an idea but did not rush to speak.

The New Administrative Committee’s small treasury held about two million yuan, which was enough to buy a bus. Hou Weidong said, “Notify Directors Zhang Jin and Zhang Xiangyu to the small conference room. I will brief them on this matter.”

Yang Liu was delighted by Hou Weidong’s decisive action. As she reached the door, she remembered another matter. “Director Hou, I just received a notice from the County Government Office. There is a meeting at the County Government Executive Conference Room at five o’clock tonight.”

“Meetings all day long. Do they want to prevent us from doing any real work?” Hou Weidong treated Yang Liu as a confidante, so he spoke without reservation.

Zhang Jin and Zhang Xiangyu received the notice and returned to the conference room shortly.

Hou Weidong recounted the afternoon’s inspection led by Yang Senlin. “Secretary Yang has a keen eye. Once the highway opens, Yiyang’s value will be realized. ‘Yiyang New City, Shazhou Garden’—these eight words define the positioning of the New Administrative Committee.”

When Yang Senlin inspected the New Administrative Committee, Zhang Jin had been attending a meeting at the Propaganda Department. In the past, when he was in charge of daily operations, he personally arranged all reception work. Now, as a deputy, he had fewer opportunities to interact with leaders. Since Hou Weidong was the principal leader, it was only natural for him to handle this. Zhang Jin could not complain, but he felt a slight discomfort, like a small lump in his chest.

Zhang Xiangyu was younger and less guarded. Seeing Zhang Jin remain silent, he spoke up proactively. “This positioning is excellent. I visited Guangdong and saw how surrounding satellite cities utilized their late-mover advantage to build beautiful urban areas. When I studied at Xiannong two years ago, I stayed in Beibei for several months and gained some insights. Beibei is Chongqing’s backyard, over an hour’s drive from the main city. The buildings in Beibei are not particularly outstanding, but the city is shaded by lush trees, which instantly elevates its class. Our New Administrative Committee must build the city to high standards. The ‘Shazhou Garden’ positioning is very good.”

Hou Weidong added, “Secretary Yang agreed with this positioning. We must finalize the city’s master plan as soon as possible and ensure this positioning is integrated into it.”

After concluding this topic, Hou Weidong brought up the matter of the bus.

Zhang Jin said, “Neither the County Party Committee nor the County Government operates a shuttle bus. Is it appropriate for us to do so?”

“We will use our own funds to buy it. Externally, we will say it is supported by Xiuyun Pharmaceutical Factory. As the New Administrative Committee, we must lead the way among all Yiyang agencies. Comrade Deng Xiaoping said we must dare to be the first in the world.”

Through their recent interactions, Zhang Jin had come to understand Hou Weidong’s character. “Hou Weidong appears unassuming on the surface, but he is actually a strong-willed person who will push things through.” He muttered inwardly, “The decision is already made. What’s the point of discussing it?”

The matter of buying the bus was settled.

At 4:55 PM, Hou Weidong arrived punctually at the County Government Executive Office. On the stairs, he encountered Zhang Yajun, Director of the Construction Commission.

“Director Hou, it’s five o’clock. What meeting are they calling us for?”

“I don’t know,” Hou Weidong replied. “A meeting at this hour probably means dinner is provided.”

After chatting briefly, Zhang Yajun said softly, “Weidong, when you have time, let’s visit Secretary Zhu at the Provincial Party School.”

“Alright. I’ll call Secretary Zhu first to see when he is free.”

Upon entering the conference room, Hou Weidong saw that the Party Secretary and Mayor of Chengguan Town, the head of the State Housing Bureau, and the head of the Development Zone were already present. They exchanged greetings and made small talk while waiting for the meeting to begin.

At five o’clock, Liu Kun walked in carrying a briefcase and a tea cup. He placed them on the main seat. As always, his hair was neatly styled, and he wore a dark tie with his shirt, looking energetic and capable.

He said cheerfully, “Leaders, County Mayor Ma has a slight delay. Please wait a moment.” Bao Shuji, the Party Secretary of Chengguan Town, said, “Director Liu, everyone will toast you tonight. Don’t refuse.”

Liu Kun laughed, “Secretary Bao, you know my drinking capacity. Three cups and I’m confused.” He opened a pack of cigarettes and began distributing them.

Qin Feiyue and Hou Weidong exchanged a glance inadvertently.

County Government leaders Ma Youcai and Zeng Zhaoqiang, along with a fat man in a suit, entered the conference room. “This is Mr. Yao Qiang, General Manager of Lingxi Construction Group, who has come to Yiyang for inspection. Let’s welcome him.”

After the applause, Ma Youcai introduced the attendees to each other.

“Lingxi Construction Group is the largest construction enterprise in Lingxi, with national first-class qualifications and strong technical capabilities. Lingxi’s best five-star hotel, the Jinxing Hotel, and other landmark buildings are masterpieces of the Lingxi Group. This time, Lingxi Construction Group is preparing to enter third-tier cities. This is their first venture into a county-level city. Choosing Yiyang is a full affirmation of our county.”

Hou Weidong thought to himself, “If Lingxi Construction Group wants to develop, they will certainly choose the New Administrative Committee. Yang Senlin and Ma Youcai are singing different tunes. If there is a conflict, how should I handle it?” He pondered for a moment, then thought, “Thinking about it now is useless. When the time comes, I will deal with it as it arises.”

Yao Qiang then spoke, briefly introducing the basic situation of Lingxi Construction Group. He spoke in standard Mandarin, with clear pronunciation and a loud voice, displaying a general’s demeanor.

The meeting was very short, ending at 5:30 PM. Everyone then went downstairs and boarded a Jinbei minibus. They first circled Yiyang County town, then went to the Development Zone, and finally took a small road from the Development Zone to the New Administrative Committee.

At the highway entrance, Ma Youcai said to Hou Weidong, “Director Hou, the land development intensity of the New Administrative Committee is insufficient. You need to step up efforts and prepare more land. The Southeast Asian financial crisis has emerged. If the country restricts development zone construction to avoid economic overheating, we will lose our opportunity.”

Yao Qiang was closely following the financial crisis in Southeast Asia. So far, the impact on China was not obvious, but he could not foresee what aftereffects it might bring. In the board meeting, he had been the first to propose entering county-level cities. After seeing the Yiyang site today, he felt some hesitation.