If Qin Zhengyang didn’t stop him, Xu Chunliang would have continued to praise himself a bit more.

"Xiaoxu, you’ve worked hard these past few days."

Xu Chunliang said, "It wasn’t too hard, Town Mayor Zhou was basically involved throughout, and he helped me a lot." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Zhou Hongyuan stared at Xu Chunliang in astonishment, damn you! When was I involved throughout? What did I help you with? You’re clearly trying to drag me into this with you! Are you genuinely blind or just pretending not to see? If you handled this matter well and everyone was satisfied, why would Qin Zhengyang be in such a rush to organize this meeting?

Surely, Da Heng and the Huayuan Group weren’t happy. They didn’t confront you directly just because they think you’re not on their level. Which of these publicly listed companies doesn’t have connections upstairs?

Although Qin Zhengyang didn’t say it explicitly, Zhou Hongyuan could infer his dissatisfaction with Xu Chunliang’s handling of the situation. Xu Chunliang dragging him in meant that if there was praise, he couldn’t hope for any, but if there was criticism, he would have to share half of it.

What frustrated Zhou Hongyuan the most was that he couldn’t explain himself. He couldn’t possibly say he ignored the matter while on duty, and besides, it wouldn’t do any good even if he did; Xu Chunliang had insisted that he attend the smaller meetings, and all of that was documented in the meeting records.

Only now did Zhou Hongyuan realize why Xu Chunliang insisted on having him in the meetings; he was waiting for him to fall into this trap. How could a young guy like him be so devious? What have I ever done to you? Why must you set me up like this?

Qin Zhengyang first affirmed Xu Chunliang’s work achievements, which allowed Zhou Hongyuan to breathe a sigh of relief.

Qin Zhengyang said, "Xiaoxu’s ability to handle problems fairly and justly is commendable. I was initially worried he might have some concerns, considering his current position is still with Changxing Hospital. After all, this crackdown on Changxing might have the past leaders and colleagues accusing you of biting the hand that feeds you!"

Qin Zhengyang laughed first when he said this, and everyone else followed suit with laughter.

Xu Chunliang didn’t find it particularly funny. Qin Zhengyang’s words were essentially emphasizing that his position was at Changxing, eating Changxing’s food while smashing Changxing’s pot. Even though his actions stood on moral ground, they seemed somewhat ruthless.

Xu Chunliang said, "I need to correct something. Work is work, and if personal feelings interfere, that’s favoritism. I’m not eating Changxing’s food; like everyone here, we eat from the country’s bowl and work to serve the people. I don’t care about Huayuan or Da Heng. Whoever pushes the people to the edge, I’ll smash their pot!"

The room fell into silence. Xu Chunliang was right, but his following Qin Zhengyang’s remark added an interesting layer, publicly showing his disregard for Secretary Qin.

Qin Zhengyang reacted swiftly, applauding as he praised, "Well said!"

As he started applauding, the others followed suit.

Vice Secretary He Qiweng sighed inwardly, thinking Xu Chunliang was still too young. Although his words were correct, in specific work situations, you must be strategic, especially in leadership meetings. As a newcomer, and a junior at that, it’s crucial to respect the senior leaders. Being low-key is a virtue and a way to navigate the system.

Qin Zhengyang said, "Xiaoxu’s fighting spirit is something we all should learn from, always putting the people’s interests first. Yet, management also requires skill; punishment is not the goal, but guiding them back to the right path is. To illustrate, in the case of Jiang Ailian, both Da Heng and Huayuan bear certain responsibilities. Do we then expel them from Hu Shan Town and Weishan Island for their mistakes?"

Qin Zhengyang paused, his sharp gaze sweeping across the group.

Xu Chunliang didn’t rush to speak; in Qin Zhengyang, he saw Zhao Feiyang’s reflection. Many grassroots leaders are like water bearers, skilled in balancing things and ensuring no drips.

Though younger than Zhao Feiyang, Qin Zhengyang was no less adept in this regard.

Qin Zhengyang’s gaze finally rested on Zhou Hongyuan: "Old Zhou, say a few words."

Zhou Hongyuan didn’t intend to speak, but since Qin Zhengyang called him out, he had to say something: "Allowing these enterprises to act without restraint is unacceptable. They must be punished for their mistakes, but how we go about it needs careful consideration."

Xu Chunliang said, "Town Mayor Zhou, didn’t we agree on how to handle it? Your signature is on the meeting record."

Zhou Hongyuan really wanted to throw his cup of goji tea at this guy’s face. Who did I discuss this with? It was your decision to take action against Huayuan and Da Heng; halting operations for one and closing down the other. Now that higher-ups are stirring trouble, you insist on dragging me down with you. Do you think I’m easy to bully? Don’t you think I won’t speak up?

Zhou Hongyuan said, "Xiaoxu, I only agreed to punish them, but I had reservations about your approach."

Xu Chunliang said, "But you didn’t say that during the meeting."

Qin Zhengyang laughed, "It’s not too late to say it now. Old Zhou, share your thoughts with everyone."

Zhou Hongyuan said, "I mean you can hit, but not too hard; if these businesses are driven away, a good thing will become bad."

Xu Chunliang chuckled, "Old Zhou, do you think these companies are children? So easily chased away?"

Zhou Hongyuan was irked in his heart, ’Who do you think you are? Calling me Old Zhou? It’s fine in private, but doing it publicly clearly means you don’t respect me as Vice Mayor.’

Liang Yifeng said, "Xiaoxu, don’t rush, let Old Zhou finish." He called him Old Zhou because Zhou Hongyuan is a Vice Mayor, and Qin Zhengyang now handles both party and government; it’s inappropriate to call Zhou Hongyuan Town Mayor in front of him, and emphasizing the ’Vice’ too much also seems wrong.

People often have double standards, and Zhou Hongyuan is no different. He can accept being called Old Zhou by Liang Yifeng and Qin Zhengyang, but not by Xu Chunliang, mainly because he considers his status higher and finds it disrespectful.

Zhou Hongyuan said, "Sometimes these entrepreneurs are like kids. If you hit them lightly, they don’t learn; hit too hard, and they might really leave."

Xu Chunliang said, "You’re misjudging them. Kids aren’t as thick-skinned or cold-hearted. You’ve underestimated their lower limits and haven’t grasped their investment motives."

Zhou Hongyuan’s face turned livid with anger, ’Why is this brat always opposing me? Whenever I say east, he says west. I’ve never offended you before, have I?’

Vice Secretary He Qiweng saw Zhou Hongyuan’s foul mood and promptly helped ease the situation, "Xiaoxu, why don’t you share what you think their investment motives are?"

Xu Chunliang said, "To make money, obviously. No capitalist truly wants to do charity. Only two possibilities would make them leave: one, they think the project will lose money, so they won’t undertake a loss-making deal; two, they’ve run out of money, can’t continue the project, and have no choice but to abandon it. Don’t worry; these so-called entrepreneurs are tough. As long as there’s money to be made, they’ll withstand whatever pain."

Liang Yifeng said, "You can’t talk like that. Our Hu Shan Town put considerable effort into attracting investment. There are plenty of projects nationwide, and many places offer better policies than us. Why would they specifically invest here? We’ve promised certain policies and a business environment, and now they’re referencing our past contracts; we can’t go back on our word."

Xu Chunliang said, "It depends on the contract. If it’s a humiliating one, we can go back on it without guilt."

Liang Yifeng was left speechless; this lad treats credibility as nothing.

Qin Zhengyang said, "Principles must be adhered to, but methods need to be flexible. We must achieve punitive effects while ensuring the other party accepts them, which tests our wisdom."

Xu Chunliang said, "I just arrived in Hu Shan Town, and I don’t have much management experience. Secretary Qin entrusted such an important matter to me; I’m somewhat uneasy, fearing I won’t do well and let him down, or worse, disappoint the people. Regarding this, I specially consulted Dongzhou’s Secretary Zhou."

Everyone showed solemn respect while secretly cursing in their hearts for shamelessness. The respect was for Secretary Zhou, and the shamelessness was directed at Xu Chunliang for openly flaunting his connection with Secretary Zhou. If Secretary Zhou knew he was being leveraged for support, he probably wouldn’t be happy.

But everyone understood that given their current status, they couldn’t reach Secretary Zhou’s level. They were doubtful about Xu Chunliang’s relationship with Secretary Zhou, suspecting he might be bragging; yet, no one dared not believe it. It’s strange if Xu Chunliang has no connections, not to mention his girlfriend is the former Town Mayor Mei Ru Xue.

Xu Chunliang paused, raised his thermos, and took a sip of tea, afraid others wouldn’t notice his suspense.

Some attendees wanted to rush up and slap him; his public showing-off was quite infuriating!

Xu Chunliang said, "Secretary Zhou told me that while management can be challenging, it can also be simple..." He took another sip of tea.

Qin Zhengyang didn’t interrupt him because he was quoting Secretary Zhou’s speech, and interrupting might seem like interrupting Secretary Zhou.

Xu Chunliang accidentally got a tea leaf in his mouth, turned, and spat towards the wastebasket.

Liang Yifeng thought to himself, "This kid exaggerates; it’s just a tea leaf. If it were me, I’d spit it back into the cup; it’s my own thing, not dirty."

Xu Chunliang paused for over twenty seconds before continuing, "Where did I leave off?"

He Qiweng kindly reminded him, "You were saying Secretary Zhou talked about management."

Xu Chunliang smiled at him, realizing He Qiweng seemed friendly toward him, nodded, and said, "Thank you. Secretary Zhou said management is simple; you must remember three words at any time: don’t suffer losses."

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