Chapter 196: Corruption Known to All (Part 1)

The next morning, Jiang Ningyue took two boxes of tea to visit the county party secretary Wang Haishan and the county magistrate Lin Nan. She explained to them her desire to create a variety show in the beautiful countryside of the county.

Both of them were very supportive, especially Wang Haishan, who said that once Jiang Ningyue chose her target, he would fully support Jiang Ningyue's work.

Two days later, He Zhi from the Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, Film and Television found Jiang Ningyue again.

"Leader, I personally led people to run through it these past few days and selected three locations."

As he spoke, He Zhi took out the laptop he carried with him, and when he opened it, there was an exquisite PPT.

It's obvious at first glance that He Zhi didn't do it.

He Zhi introduced, "Leader, this is the first location, Zhoujia Village, near the Tao River. Nestled between mountains and water, it offers beautiful scenery. Last year, our county planted a ten-mile peach forest here to attract tourists. In spring, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, a breathtaking sight. Here's a photo."

In the photo, the peach blossoms and the river water are set against each other, which is really beautiful.

"The second spot is another scenic spot in our county, a national forest park. As city people say... a natural oxygen bar. There's also a small brook flowing here where you can catch fish and shrimp. It's quite relaxing too."

Jiang Ningyue nodded.

"The third location is Xiacheng Village in the south of our county. There are mountains and water here too, but they're not very prominent. The only advantage is that it's close to the county seat and has convenient transportation."

Jiang Ningyue nodded, "Okay, just these three points. I'll go with you to take a look at the scene."

He Zhi was stunned for a few seconds, then nodded quickly, "Shall we go now?"

"Yes, let's go now."

Jiang Ningyue and several people from the Culture and Tourism Bureau arrived at the scene to take a look. It was indeed as He Zhi had said. If these places were in the eastern coastal cities, there would be no need for publicity. During holidays, they would definitely be packed with people.

However, in a small, poor and backward county town, these beautiful views need to be given some special elements so that people will be willing to come here to appreciate and watch them.

After all, the scenery that Zhaoyang County has, Chenmu County also has. When you come to the Northwest, there are beautiful scenery everywhere, so why come to your county specifically?

In one day, Jiang Ningyue completed the three locations and also visited a scenic spot near the second location.

This scenic spot is also on the mountain. After a two-lane winding mountain road, you will arrive at the entrance of the scenic spot. The inside of the scenic spot is very simple, just forests and mountains, and the scenery is indeed good.

Kang Meijing smiled and said, "Boss, I heard that this scenic spot cost 1.6 billion to build."

"1.6 billion?"

Jiang Ningyue was stunned. "Where does such a poor county get so much money?"

Although Jiang Ningyue had only been here for a short time, she had a basic understanding of Zhaoyang County.

In the first half of 2019, the total output value of Zhaoyang County was 953 million yuan, the per capita disposable income of urban residents was 10,575 yuan, and the per capita disposable income of rural residents was 1,980 yuan.

Where does a county town of this level get 1.6 billion to build a scenic spot?

Besides, is this really a scenic spot? There is only a gate, a few toilets, a visitor center, a fenced mountain road, and a few pavilions.

1.6 billion?

Despite the cold weather and the gusty wind on the mountain, He Zhi still broke out in sweat. "Leader, this is just a rumor. In fact, the 1.6 billion yuan is the poverty alleviation funds allocated by the entire county in recent years. There is not that much investment in this scenic spot."

"If there aren't that many, then how many are there?" Jiang Ningyue asked.

He Zhi smiled awkwardly and said, "I don't know the details..."

"You're the director of the Culture, Tourism, Radio, Film and Television Bureau. If you don't know, who knows?" Jiang Ningyue said calmly, "Tell me the truth. I'm not from the Discipline Inspection Commission, and I won't arrest you."

He Zhi hesitated for a moment, then waved at Kang Meijing, who tactfully left.

Seeing that there was no one else around, He Zhi said, "This cultural tourism development company is related to a senior provincial leader. Therefore, our county has allocated 700 million yuan to this company to allow them to operate our cultural tourism projects throughout the county."

Although she had no idea whether He Zhi was telling the truth, Jiang Ningyue still didn't want to believe it. "Wouldn't it be better to use this money to improve people's livelihood?"

"Developing cultural and tourism projects is also to help promote the economic development of the entire county," He Zhi said with a wry smile. "Also, we've been constantly improving people's livelihoods. As you can see, the roads in the county town have been constantly being repaired. Now, almost every village has access to roads, and every household has access to water and electricity."

Jiang Ningyue asked again: "Tell me, how much did you take?"

"No, really not."

He Zhi was so frightened that he quickly shook his head, "They said they were watching me, how could I dare to reach out!"

"Really? I don't believe it."

Jiang Ningyue looked disdainful. "I already said I don't blame you. What's the matter? My words don't count? You won't even give me a little face?"

After using two 'skills' in a row, He Zhicai said embarrassedly, "I only got one million. You know, although I am the director of the Culture and Tourism Bureau, this matter is really not something I can influence."

"Wang Haishan did it?"

"right."

He Zhi nodded and added: "But he is not the big boss either. The big boss is in the province."

"Who in the province?"

When He Zhi heard Jiang Ningyue's question, he hesitated for a while before slowly saying, "He Minxu, who was just promoted to vice governor this year, and Governor He."

"That grandson..."

Jiang Ningyue almost cursed out loud, but she managed to hold it back. "Why is Wang Haishan still related to He Minxu?"

He Zhi smiled and said, "You may not know this, but Secretary Wang was transferred to Zhaoyang County because of his connections with Governor He. He was previously the county magistrate, and after five years in office, he was promoted to the position of county party secretary. So, although Secretary Wang is an outsider who was parachuted in, he still has the final say in the entire Zhaoyang County."

"How did they get together?"

"That... I don't know."

He Zhi shook his head and said, "How could I possibly know about the affairs of such a high-ranking official? When Governor He was not yet governor, he came to our Zhaoyang County for research. That's when I learned about his relationship with Secretary Wang."

"Um."

Jiang Ningyue nodded after hearing this and didn't ask any more questions.

On the way back, He Zhi suddenly came to his senses and wondered why he kept saying so much.

It's not that leaky normally!

Telling everyone how much money you have accepted in bribes, isn't that just handing your own secrets to the other party?

He Zhi was so frightened that his face turned pale, but because the driver and Kang Meijing were still in the car, He Zhi remained calm and said, "Leader, I was just talking nonsense, don't take it seriously!"

Jiang Ningyue tilted her head slightly and glanced at him, "Are you sure?"

He Zhi showed a smile that was uglier than crying, "I... I'm not sure. Leader, you have to save me!"

"Saving you is easy."

Jiang Ningyue said calmly, "Come with me to the city tomorrow and meet Secretary Gao."

"...Is it okay not to go?"

He Zhi was almost scared to death. He even thought about giving the one million to Jiang Ningyue.

But if you think about it carefully, Jiang Ningyue probably doesn't care about her one million.

What a pity, I have only been the director for two years!

Maybe he'll be taken down.

Thinking of this, He Zhi felt hopeless.

Jiang Ningyue said calmly: "He Zhi, I'm saving you."

After hearing Jiang Ningyue's words, especially the subtext in her words, He Zhi seemed to understand something.

After returning home, He Zhi locked himself in the small room and smoked one cigarette after another.

Should I fight to the end or confess voluntarily?

He Zhi, I can’t figure it out.