Chapter 564: Chapter 535: Beaten Down by All

Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t act so startled, it’s not the first time I’ve tricked you."

Mo Han was so angry she gritted her teeth, but there was nothing she could do about it.

Xu Chunliang invited Mo Han to sit in the workshop, but Mo Han rolled her eyes and told him to go experience it himself. However, after a while, she went over anyway.

The winery workshop had already been cleaned up, and the southeastern corner became a temporary office. Pu Jian improvised by finding a large board, planing it smooth, polishing it, and using blue bricks to create a temporary tea table.

Xu Chunliang brewed some raw pu-erh tea, and just as the tea was ready, Mo Han walked in.

While pouring tea, Xu Chunliang asked, "Was it you who caused the temporary closure and rectification of the Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort?"

Mo Han replied, "If someone else can cause trouble, why can’t I?" She sat down opposite Xu Chunliang and raised her teacup to smell the aroma of the tea.

Xu Chunliang said, "Putting pressure on Dongzhou TV Station was also your doing."

Mo Han’s bright eyes gazed at Xu Chunliang and said, "You’re the one who dragged me into this."

Xu Chunliang laughed, "Your connections are impressive, but as I thought about it, some things can’t be done overnight. You’ve already decided to deal with Ecological Environmental Investments, haven’t you?"

Mo Han took a sip of tea and said, "You think you’re the smartest, don’t you? But no, not that early. After discovering the hot springs, He Xingjian overreached, and his conduct was disgusting. Such a person needs a lesson; otherwise, he won’t give up." As soon as she put down her teacup, Xu Chunliang quickly refilled it, and Mo Han sensed something unusual.

"Why do I feel like you’re being especially attentive today?" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Xu Chunliang said, "What kind of talk is that? It’s called manners."

Mo Han said, "Showing attentiveness for no reason."

Xu Chunliang sighed and said, "Either a thief or a scoundrel, which do you think I am?"

Only then did Mo Han realize she walked into a trap, and her pretty face heated up, "You’re not anything good, anyway."

Xu Chunliang said, "If we weren’t friends, I’d sue you for defaming a national officer."

Mo Han said, "Some people really think highly of themselves. You’re at most a deputy section chief, and that’s considered a national officer?"

"Don’t belittle the small fry; I still earn my keep from the government."

"No wonder you like to joke around. Turns out you earn your keep from the government." Mo Han’s retort was no less sharp.

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily, "Haven’t you noticed that you’ve never lost out by working with me?"

Mo Han said, "You really know how to flatter yourself. Since cooperating with you, I’ve had nothing but trouble."

Xu Chunliang said, "Just minor troubles, nothing compared to the real benefits you’ve gained. If you thought I was taking advantage of you, you wouldn’t be so keen unless you enjoyed it."

"You shut..." Mo Han was actually getting angry.

Xu Chunliang smiled, "I thought you were cold as ice, untouched by worldly ways. It turns out you can curse when you’re angry."

Mo Han quickly regained her composure, realizing this rascal was trying to provoke her. She snorted coldly, "I won’t bother stooping to your shameless level."

Xu Chunliang said, "I’m curious why the esteemed Miss Mo can be so patient with a seemingly insignificant person like me? Usually, women do this for two reasons. One is they like you."

Mo Han glared fiercely at Xu Chunliang, her beautiful eyes filled with fury.

Xu Chunliang said, "Judging by your expression, that’s clearly not the case. The other reason is you need something from me." He lowered his voice, "You want to use me."

Mo Han gritted her teeth, "You’re overestimating yourself."

Xu Chunliang said, "Actually, I don’t mind being used by you. Your greatest strength is your generosity, your broad mind, accommodating." As he spoke, his eyes casually swept over Mo Han’s features.

Mo Han understood his implication, wanting to pluck out his roguish eyes, but it was just a thought.

Xu Chunliang said, "Can you tell me why you need the dragon bone? What’s the secret behind it?"

Mo Han said, "I’ve explained before, President Luan likes to collect dragon bones. As for what he wants to do with them, that’s not my concern. There’s no dragon bone beneath this winery, is there? You’re intentionally leading us into a trap."

Xu Chunliang said, "I don’t know if there’s a dragon bone. There’s a saying, ’Everywhere in Qingshan lies dragon bone,’ discovering it depends on Professor Bai’s ability."

Mo Han looked disdainful. Everywhere in Qingshan lies loyal bones—a shameless concept twist from this rascal.

Xu Chunliang said, "Anyway, I promise you, if I get the dragon bone, I’ll contact you first."

Mo Han, hearing such a promise, felt somewhat relieved.

At this moment, Pu Jian, covered in dust, entered the workshop, first picking up his large tea cup and gulping down some water. He sighed, "Found two broken bowls, and it’s almost certain the well dates back to the Song Dynasty. Professor Bai doesn’t rule out the possibility of more things beneath the strata."

Xu Chunliang said, "I knew it."

Mo Han watched coldly, highly suspecting this rascal had long known there was something underground, and he wouldn’t have had her take over the winery without reason.

Pu Jian said to Mo Han, "Miss Mo, congratulations, you’ve found a gem this time."

Xu Chunliang asked, "How do you plan to handle the hot spring matter?"

Mo Han countered, "What’s it got to do with you?"

"How is it not related? I’m now in charge of investment promotion for Hu Shan Town."

Mo Han said, "Town Mayor Xu is looking for investment?"

Xu Chunliang smiled and nodded happily.

Mo Han said, "Looking for political achievements?"

Xu Chunliang laughed, "See through it but don’t speak of it."

Pu Jian, holding a large teacup, looked at Xu Chunliang with admiration for his thick skin. He used to think his own skin was thick enough, but in front of Xu Chunliang, he humbly admits defeat.

Mo Han said, "You really know how to dream big."

"Mutually beneficial, and you’re not losing out anyway."

Mo Han said, "Let’s wait for the hot spring water quality report to come out. At Equatorial Capital, we only handle investments. Whether this project is feasible will depend on Mu Tian Group’s final assessment."

Pu Jian asked, "That East Asian Ghosts expert on hot springs?"

Mo Han glanced at him and said, "An internationally top ice spring expert. In terms of hot spring research, Neon’s scientific level surpasses ours."

Pu Jian said, "I know that place, full of volcanoes and big bathhouses everywhere. I think instead of learning from them, we should introduce the Northeast bathing culture."

Mo Han said, "Professional matters should be left to the professionals." She turned to Xu Chunliang and said, "Just now, Secretary Qin called me, suggesting I let things go."

Xu Chunliang asked, "What do you think?"

Mo Han said, "They’ve bullied me to my doorstep. If I don’t respond, where’s the face of Equatorial Capital?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I agree. If you want to fight, you have to defeat him thoroughly, crushing his confidence so he doesn’t dare cause you trouble again."

Mo Han said, "I’ve heard some people have already reconciled with Dongzhou TV Station."

Xu Chunliang said, "Impressive intelligence work, you know even this."

Mo Han said, "Of course, there’s no real secret in this world."

Xu Chunliang said, "I’m not one to make enemies. I always feel having one more friend is better than one more enemy in this world."

"How do you know the other person is willing to be your friend?"

Xu Chunliang dialed Xue Meizhen’s number right in front of Mo Han, choosing the speakerphone mode.

"Director Xue."

"Town Mayor Xu, hello."

Xu Chunliang said, "Nothing major, just wanted to give you a news tip. Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort has been ordered by the provincial tourism bureau to suspend operations for rectification. There’s a problem with the hot spring water quality, allegedly found to have legionella bacteria five hundred times over the normal limit."

Xue Meizhen fell silent, clearly aware of Xu Chunliang’s purpose for the call, wanting her to take a stance. Recalling what Xu Chunliang had said during their previous meeting, he promised to seek her help with publicity, and indeed it came quickly.

Xu Chunliang said, "If Director Xue finds it uninteresting, forget it."

After a brief hesitation, Xue Meizhen quickly made up her mind, "I’ll immediately arrange to follow up on this report. Town Mayor Xu, thank you for the tip."

Xu Chunliang smiled, "Sister Xue, no need to be polite with me, you can just call me Xiaoxu."

Xue Meizhen immediately understood his meaning. If handled well, they would be friends; otherwise, he could settle scores altogether, whether ally or enemy depended on her decision.

Xu Chunliang hung up the phone, giving Mo Han a triumphant look.

Mo Han shook her head, thinking how he truly used any means necessary, fitting well within the system.

A broken drum attracts many beatings; a fallen wall is pushed by everyone.

He Xingjian now had a deep understanding. After his two hot spring resorts were ordered to shut down, Dongzhou TV Station news channel was the first to follow up on the report, and Pinghai TV Station exposed the matter on provincial news.

Dongzhou Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort’s non-compliance with health standards quickly became a hot topic.

At a Dongzhou high-level meeting, Secretary Zhou was furious, as this incident not only affected Han Yuan Hot Spring Resort itself, but also negatively impacted Dongzhou’s tourism image.

After Secretary Zhou took office, a policy was set to prioritize the development of cultural and tourism projects based on local historical advantages. Just as the entire system was united to promote Dongzhou’s comprehensive tourism, this incident broke out, severely impacting Dongzhou’s tourism development and overall image.