"I've done some tests, and they show it's not related to the herbs. But I also tested soil samples and found nothing different. I'm completely baffled." Li Ming looked puzzled, as if he was particularly troubled. "I'm a graduate student in this field, but I just can't figure it out."

"Forget it if you don't understand." Tang Xiaobao coughed and said, "As long as it grows well, that's fine."

Li Mingdao: "I think so too. Now I have made some adjustments and planted some medicinal herbs with high demand over there."

Tang Xiaobao nodded: "Okay, that's right. By the way, let me ask, are the medicinal herbs available here recently?"

"It's just that the supply is a bit insufficient. A few days ago, I went to the city and talked to Mr. Shen about this matter. I hope that the company can set up another medicinal herb planting base in Luoping Village across the river. Mr. Shen agreed and is currently negotiating the equity issue with the village committee there." Li Ming hesitated to speak.

Tang Xiaobao was stunned: "Who is in charge of talking to them?"

"Someone from the town government."

Tang Xiaobao said "oh".

"Mr. Tang."

Li Ming seemed to want to say something.

"Just tell me straight, there's no outsider here." Tang Xiaobao said with a smile, "Just call me Xiaobao."

"I'd better call you Mr. Tang. Is that so? I've actually been wanting to say something."

"Go ahead."

“Why should we give them shares?”

Tang Xiaobao turned around and said with a smile, "What do you mean? Explain it clearly."

"When our village gave everyone shares, it was firstly to gain their trust and secondly to increase their enthusiasm. After all, it was the first time, and no one believed you. Although they sold you the mountain, they certainly had no confidence in whether growing medicinal herbs would make money. In addition, they were paid wages, so they wouldn't really care about the company. Or maybe I guess you gave them shares because we are all neighbors and relatives, and when people talk about us in Hancheng, we are also a big family. But the situation is different now. Everyone knows that the company is now in its heyday. Many villages and communities want to cooperate with us to build bases. There is no need to give them shares. The villagers will be satisfied and there will be no resistance. That's right, Luoping Village has been insisting on shares, but we don't need to pay any attention to them. If they say no, we can change to Xianba Village, which is closer to the town and more convenient for transportation. In a word, we now have many partners to choose from, and we should take the initiative. Since we are running a company, we must see the benefits. Giving them shares for no reason, and they keep asking for more shares, I don't think it's necessary to negotiate with them anymore."

Tang Xiaobao nodded with a worried look on his face. "You're absolutely right. Why should we give them shares? Oh, are they still negotiating?"

"Yes." Li Ming whispered, "Also, I heard a rumor."

"What rumor?" Tang Xiaobao seemed to understand a little.

Li Mingdao: "I heard that the reason the negotiations have been stalled is because there's something fishy going on between a deputy mayor and village cadres."

Tang Xiaobao laughed: "I know what's going on. I just didn't know what to do. Now it's good."

Standing up, Tang Xiaobao said, "Okay, just do your job well. I'll leave all the work here to you."

"I'll do my best."

Li Ming also knew that this job was not easy to come by. If he did well, his future would be bright. But if he failed to seize this opportunity, it would be hard to say what would happen in the future. If he disappointed Tang Xiaobao, everything Zhu Lai had would undoubtedly no longer belong to him. However, he was still very honest and did not dare to speak too confidently.

Deep down, he is still a relatively stable person. He will never say anything unless he is absolutely sure. However, his tone reveals a sense of determination and confidence.

When Tang Xiaobao returned home, he saw that it was only two o'clock in the afternoon. Since he had nothing to do, he decided to go to town.

While driving, Tang Xiaobao called Chen Mengyao again.

"Sister Shen, I want to ask you something."

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

"I heard from Li Ming that he contacted you about expanding the medicinal material base."

"That's true. I've been very busy lately and haven't asked about the progress. How's it going? Any results?"

Tang Xiaobao repeated Li Ming's words.

Chen Mengyao said, "It seems this Li Ming is quite smart. The company was short-staffed at the time, and your town's leaders came with him, so I handed the matter over to the government. After all, it would be easier to negotiate with them. I didn't expect this to be the result. What do you think now?"

"I'm going to town now. Anyway, I came back this time to learn how to do things from you. You see, you often say that I'm a hands-off boss. So, let me handle this matter."

"Okay, actually, regarding the villagers holding shares, I was originally against it, but I thought you might consider them as people from your hometown, so I didn't mention it. In that case, go ahead and do it."

"Okay, I'll hang up then."

"Wait a minute, what time will you arrive tomorrow?"

"What's wrong? I haven't made a decision yet, but I will definitely come tomorrow."

"Okay, it's okay." Chen Mengyao said on the phone.

Tang Xiaobao was a little curious: "Are you okay?"

"No, let's talk about it tomorrow. There's no rush now. Bye."

"goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Xiaobao became curious.

It seems that Chen Mengyao really has something going on, but it’s not convenient to talk about it?

The car drove into the town and stopped downstairs of the government building. Tang Xiaobao went straight into the building. Luckily, he met Mayor Zhang as soon as he entered the building.

Zhang Jian, town mayor.

I have met Tang Xiaobao several times and we are considered acquaintances. He is in charge of the daily work of the town.

"Mr. Tang?"

Zhang Jian was stunned. He shook hands with Tang Xiaobao and said, "Why am I here? Is there something wrong?"

Tang Xiaobao smiled and said, "It's a small matter."

"Come on, come on, let's talk in my office."

"Are you not busy?"

"No matter how busy you are, you have to receive Mr. Tang. Come on."

Zhang Jian warmly welcomed Tang Xiaobao, took him to his office, made him tea, handed him a cigarette, and the two sat down.

"Boss Tang, is there something wrong?"

Tang Xiaobao nodded and asked directly, "Last time, when Li Ming went to Bazhong to report to the company about setting up a medicinal herb planting base in Luoping Village, did you accompany him?"

"Yes, that's right. What's the matter?" Zhang Jian nodded.

Tang Xiaobao said "oh" and asked, "Are you also discussing this with the Luoping Village Committee?"

"That's not the case. I'm busy as I happened to go to the county town for a meeting, so I handed the matter over to Deputy Mayor Luo. By the way, I don't know how the progress is now. I just came back yesterday." Zhang Jian seemed to notice that Tang Xiaobao was a little unhappy, and his heart was suddenly shocked.