10144 New Urban Farmers Chapter 189 Someone Offers a Pillow When You're Sleepy (5,000 words)
※A loud voice came from behind the door after Xun knocked: “Speak!”
As Liu Neng pushed open the door, Lin Zhong laughed and stepped out from behind his desk. He extended his hand: "Mr. Liu, you've been in Qingmu Township for over half a month, have you found any suitable investment projects?"
"Please have a seat! Xiao Chu, serve some tea."
Xiao Chu, a clerk in the Party and Government Office, quickly poured tea for Liu Neng and Lin Zhong, then left and closed the door behind her. While the tea wasn't the finest, it was still quite good. It was usually served to guests, of course. Better tea was also available, but that was for higher-ranking officials.
Liu Neng entered with an angry expression: "Secretary Lin, I've come to demand an explanation!"
Lin Zhong feigned surprise and asked, "What happened?"
Liu Neng said with dissatisfaction, "Secretary Lin, some leaders in this police station are really going too far! You know, I really have plans to invest a lot. I wouldn't say I have millions on hand all the time, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed here for so long. But some of your comrades in the police station are making things very difficult for me. Take, for example, I bought some cigarettes and alcohol for my own consumption. But I was detained by the joint defense officers of the police station, and I was even locked in a small dark room. They said I was selling counterfeit cigarettes. With my status, do I need to sell several cartons of counterfeit cigarettes? There are only six or seven cartons! If Chief Yan hadn't arrived quickly, I'm afraid I would have been skinned alive!"
"What? How did these people do this? I have to ask Yan Weimin!" Lin Zhong said, feigning surprise and shock. "Don't worry, Mr. Liu, Qingmu Township welcomes investors and will clear all obstacles for them! Anyone who dares to disrupt or damage our township's investment environment will be held accountable!"
Liu Neng's expression softened slightly, but he secretly sneered. "Pretend it is."
“Secretary Lin, thankfully Director Yan arrived in time. I heard that these people were instructed by Deputy Director Zhong of the police station. Of course, I'm not sure yet!” Liu Neng said.
"Zhong Ben?" Lin Zhongcai, who was about to get up, sat down again, his brows furrowed.
He was just putting on an act, but Zhong Ben was Zheng Haifu's man, which made him very wary.
However, Lin Zhong was also conflicted.
Although Liu Neng claims to be an investor, he hasn't shown any real interest in investing so far. This limits his ability to provide support.
Lin Zhong thought it over again. Although Liu Neng didn't have any investments at the moment, he would still offer any help he could as long as there was a glimmer of hope. Zhong Sheng was Zheng Haifu's man, and he wanted to undermine him, but to remove the deputy director of the police station, he had to communicate with the county public security bureau first. The township-level police stations in Qingyang County weren't entirely decided by the township party committee and government. It was necessary to maintain a good relationship with the county bureau. Of course, it was also possible to force it through; otherwise, it would strain relations with the county public security bureau.
Furthermore, even if the township party committee holds a meeting to discuss the matter, it requires the support of four out of the seven party committee members for the resolution to be passed.
This was Lin Zhong's sore spot. Not a single member of the Party Committee supported him as the top leader! This was a very awkward situation.
Apart from him, the township party secretary, and the township head, Zheng Haifu.
There are also Bi Zhang, deputy secretary of the township party committee and secretary of the discipline inspection commission; Bi Yuan, secretary of the political and legal affairs commission; Liu Zhaolin, secretary of the political and legal affairs commission; and Liu Shan, the first deputy township head. Lao Yumin, the deputy township head in charge of family planning and construction; and Yan Weimin, the police station chief. Having two members from the same political and legal affairs committee is a unique feature of Qingmu Township, illustrating that without considerable ability, one cannot enter the party committee.
Don't let Qingmu Township's small size fool you; its internal affairs are complex. Deputy Secretary and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhang Biyuan isn't one of their own. Everyone knows he's from the county's Discipline Inspection Commission. When Zhang Biyuan first took office, the deputy secretary of the county party committee and the secretary of the county discipline inspection commission were so close to him, patting each other on the shoulder—it was enviable. This all says it all; he doesn't need to curry favor with anyone. Maintaining the independence of the discipline inspection system is crucial.
Although the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission didn't head the police station, he ultimately received the title of Party Committee Member. This was a reward for his contributions to Qingmu Township over the past twenty years, and he is an indispensable figure. However, compared to Yan Weimin, his actual power is considerably less.
In the rankings, Yan Weimin was "last in line," but he actually managed to stand in fifth place. Ahead of him were Lin Zhong, Zheng Haifu, Zhang Biyuan, and Liu Shan, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. He was "last in line," but sometimes the power of a single vote is the decisive factor.
“Secretary, Director Yan is such a good leader! I heard that Deputy Director Zhong has powerful connections. Director Yan offended Deputy Director Zhong this time to save me. You must uphold justice!” Liu Neng said, his eyes gleaming.
"Oh? Comrade Yan Weimin is indeed quite good." Lin Zhong said, his eyes lighting up with delight.
It seems Liu Neng and Yan Weimin's relationship has become closer. Did Liu Neng come to test his intentions? If so, he naturally needs to show some kind of response, even if it's just verbal.
Considering the overall situation, this means Yan Weimin has to make a choice.
"Boss Liu, I'll give you an explanation for this matter, don't worry!" Lin Zhong coughed and continued.
"Thank you, Secretary Lin! I heard you like tea; I brought some Longjing tea with me. It's not much, but it's a small token of my appreciation!" Seeing that Lin Zhong intended to see him off, Liu Neng immediately took out a small tin of tea and put it down.
Having received initial support from Lin Zhong, Liu Neng secretly slipped an envelope containing 1,000 yuan to the clerk, Xiao Chu, after leaving the secretary's office: "Please put in a good word for me!"
Xiao Chu pinched his cheek, somewhat surprised. His position as a clerk was equivalent to that of the township party secretary's secretary. Township-level secretaries and township heads were not entitled to secretaries, but in reality, the party and government office clerks and township head clerks were just different titles, and all did secretarial work.
Liu Neng usually only accepts small amounts of money, but it's rare for him to give away a thousand at once.
"Take care, Mr. Liu." Bu Chu warmly shook hands, subtly slipping the envelope into his file to deal with back in his office.
"Xiao Chu, is Secretary Lin here?" A moment later, Yan Weimin came in person to "report on the work."
"Yes, Director Yan. Please wait a moment." Bu Chu became even more enthusiastic upon seeing that it was Director Yan. He immediately reported to Lin Zhong, who actually came to the door to greet him personally.
Lin Zhenliang was pleased.
The police station is an important unit! Yan Weimin, bearing the title of township committee member, is even more important in this matter. This time, Yan Weimin's "reporting on work" was just a gesture.
Yan Weimin was naturally very happy to have sided with Lin Zhong.
Of course, the news of this statement spread like wildfire.
This made Zheng Haifu very unhappy, and it also made Liu Shan, the first deputy township head, have a gloomy face.
Zheng Haifu knew that Yan Weimin would have reservations after accepting Zhong Ben's defection; everyone knew the two were at odds. But it was also true that he was infatuated with Yao Hong. He knew that sacrificing political interests for a woman was a terrible mistake, but he had already done it.
Zhong Ben has been cuckolded, and now he can't regret it.
"But this will increase Lin Zhong's influence in the Party Committee!" Zheng Haifu thought to himself. He was somewhat worried. Although the deputy township head and Party Committee member Lao Yumin were his own people, he didn't have control over the others. And Liu Shan was quite close to the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission; now only the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission remained neutral.
"Xiao Zhao, come with me to the county!" Zheng Haifu sensed the threat and decided to take precautions. Yan Weimin's defection to Lin Zhong might very well lead to him weakening Zhong Ben, which Liu Shan would likely be very happy about.
Very dangerous!
At 4:02, Zhong Ben's position is in jeopardy! Losing his official post is like having a ticking time bomb planted in his head. Zhong Sheng must be appeased.
Zheng Haifu left without hesitation. As soon as the car drove off, Deputy Director Yu of the Party and Government Office went into Liu Shan's office.
"Mayor Liu, Mayor Zheng seems to have gone to the county. He looks very anxious," Deputy Director Yu said in a low voice.
"Oh?" Liu Shan understood immediately. "Perhaps Old Yu Zheng, the train conductor, is busy with things at the stone quarry?"
Deputy Director Yu was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled and nodded. Everyone knew perfectly well that Liu Shan was deliberately being vague.
"I'm afraid so. A few days ago, Mayor Zheng accompanied a businessman to inspect the environment of the quarry here. I heard he plans to invest three million!" Deputy Director Yu added.
Liu Shan frowned slightly.
This matter has been widely publicized. A three million investment isn't small, especially considering that Qingmu Township, if it were to make a large investment, would only have a medicinal herb cultivation base, given its environmental advantages. However, that would require too much investment, and the numerous small, diverse investors would make it difficult to integrate. Besides that, there's the stone.
There are no more minerals here.
“I heard that the three million was not paid all at once, but in installments over three years, and the township government guaranteed a loan of two million from the bank. It seems that the boss and the son of Township Head Zheng have some dealings,” Deputy Director Yu said in a low voice.
"Zheng Shuang?" Liu Shan's eyes lit up.
Zheng Shuang is Zheng Haifu's second son. He was expelled from university before graduating and then hung out with a bunch of rich kids in the county, doing nothing productive all day.
Of course. There are quite a few spoiled brats like Zheng Shuang in the county.
The smaller the family, the more prominent the educational problems of the next generation become. Even Liu Shan's son, Liu Xiaoshan, isn't he just as idle and irresponsible?
However, they have a good father who is very influential in the county.
Meanwhile, in Qingyang County, Zheng Haifu and his clerk, Xiao Zhao, checked into a guesthouse to keep a low profile.
"Minister Ji. This is Haifu. Oh, right, I just arrived in the county. I didn't know if Minister Ji was free tonight? Oh, okay, if you're not busy, just have dinner and I'll give you a brief report on my work." Zheng Haifu made a phone call immediately after checking in, and his expression relaxed a moment later.
"Xiao Zhao, the date for the farmhouse bath is 7 PM!"
"Okay, Mayor!" Xiao Zhao didn't ask how many people were there before closing the door and heading out.
"Oh, right. I'm going out for a bit, you don't need to come with me. Pick me up here at six!" Zheng Haifu added. Xiao Zhao, being Zheng Haifu's confidant, naturally knew that Zheng Haifu had probably gone to see Yao Hong, Zhong Ben's wife.
Sure enough, a little while later Zheng Haifu put on sunglasses, changed his clothes, and came out alone from the reception area.
"It seems Yan Weimin's information was correct; Zheng Haifu does indeed have a lover in the county!" Zhang Guodong suddenly appeared behind him, looking at Zheng Haifu's ordinary-looking back and thinking to himself.
Zhang Guodong decided to take action against Zheng Haifu, and Liu Neng obtained some information from Yan Weimin. However, most of this information lacked evidence, except for one piece of information that Zheng Haifu had cheated on Zhong Ben, which piqued Zhang Guodong's interest.
Officials are most wary of money and women, and many have fallen because of this.
Zhang Guodong caught up with Zheng Haifu, but the man was cautious, circling around a few times and making a phone call in the process. He then hailed a taxi, stopped at a residential building, looked around, and hurriedly went upstairs.
Zhang Guodong also planned to follow.
"Who are you looking for?" Wang was about to go upstairs when an old man blocked his way. He looked at Zhang Guodong with fear.
The old man poked his head out from what looked like a makeshift office on the first floor.
Zhang Guodong was surprised; it seemed that most of the residential buildings in Qingyang County were standalone structures, not forming a complete residential community.
This building actually has people guarding it?
"Grandpa, I'm looking for Yao Hong!" Zhang Guodong said. Hopefully, that name will come back to haunt him!
"This is private property. If you need to find someone, just call. There's no Yao Hong here!" the other person said bluntly. The wariness in their eyes remained.
Zhang Guodong smiled slightly.
He pulled out a pack of good cigarettes—a Zhonghua soft pack, you could tell. The old man's fingers were stained yellow, clearly indicating he was a long-time smoker.
"Wow, this is good cigarette!" The old man's eyes lit up, and after hesitating for a moment, he took it.
"Looking for Yao Hong? Who are you to him?"
The public relations were a success!
Zhang Guodong blushed and chuckled, "Me, hehe..."
The old man looked suddenly enlightened, then sighed and frowned, saying, "I'm afraid it's inconvenient for her right now."
"What? I'll go up and check!" Zhang Guodong pretended to be anxious.
The old man grabbed him and stopped him from leaving! "Considering the good cigarettes you gave me, I'm advising you. You've got a knife in your heart, so you should leave!"
"Can't afford to offend them? Who was that person who just went up there, sir?" Zhang Guodong asked.
"Why are you so long-winded, young man? Anyway, don't ask me anything. I'm the only one who's looking at this building. It's 1,500 a month with room and board included. If I tell you, I might lose this job," the old man said, sounding annoyed. "These are all rich people living upstairs. That's all I can tell you. Hurry up and go!"
Zhang Guodong was helpless.
It's not nighttime now; if it were nighttime, he could still sneak in, but in broad daylight, he's not fast enough to pass by people unnoticed.
It's too open here and too far away.
Therefore, he had no choice but to give up, otherwise he might alert the enemy.
Zhang Guodong left the building with a sense of helplessness. Walking down the somewhat dilapidated street, he suddenly sensed someone sneaking behind him. It seemed this person had been following him since that building.
Zhang Dedong didn't turn around and walked towards a less crowded area. Xing seemed to be taking a leisurely stroll, admiring the scenery.
"What have you been trying to do by following me for so long?" Zhang Guodong suddenly turned around and looked at the other person coldly.
This is a sleazy young man.
"Hehe. Are you looking for the people in that building? I overheard Yue Cai and Old Man Yan's conversation!" The thug leered and whispered. "I have information on Yao Hong, hehe, and some exciting videos of her too. Want some?"
Zhang Guodong was taken aback.
He carefully observed the thug-like guy; his every move exuded a sleazy air. He had initially thought he was just an idle person, but it turned out he was quite the schemer!
"A captivating video?" Zhang Guodong frowned at him, clearly skeptical.
"That's right! I know that guy from earlier too. The exciting video is of Yao Hong and that man, tsk tsk. How about it? Name your price and I can sell it to you! But don't even mention it if it's less!" The thug was very arrogant.
This scoundrel, named Sanmao, was a low-level hoodlum who worked for a decoration company in the county. However, he was lazy and greedy. The meager salary he received from the company each month wasn't even enough to fill a tooth hole, so he started having crooked ideas.
He went all out; this kid actually installed a spying device in one of the renovation projects the company took on. Although the device only lasted for six months, six months was enough time for him to sneak around and secretly film things.
However, the unlimited reception time couldn't be too long, so it took a lot of effort.
His goal was to sell this exciting content at a high price, but after six months, the spying device was running out of power. He hadn't sold a single video.
Most of these are useless videos.
Sanmao was so unwilling to give up that she simply stayed and waited for her money bag to flatten. Just when she was about to give up, she met Zhang Guodong.
"Let me see the item first, then we'll discuss the price. I don't even know if you really have it!" Zhang Guodong said with interest after thinking for a moment. He was about to fall asleep when someone brought him a pillow—Sanmao was quite thoughtful, even installing some spying devices.
It seems like I'll have to be careful when decorating in the future; what if someone puts surveillance devices in my room? Wouldn't that be incredibly frustrating?
He'd heard that some hotels have surveillance cameras, but they're difficult to detect.
"Okay? Come with me!" Sanmao hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
Sanmao lived in a garbage collection station. The rented room was not much better than a pigsty; it was dirty and messy, and you could smell a pungent odor when you went in. Sanmao smiled embarrassedly and said, "Hehe, I live alone in this place. I wouldn't dare to hide those things anywhere else. I showed them to you this time, so I'll have to hide them somewhere else next time!"
This room is rented. The only valuable things in it are a second-hand small color TV and a DVD player.
Sanmao, who made Zhang Guodong frown, hid a disc in a pile of smelly socks. It was indeed a good place to hide things.
"Hehe. Look!" Sanmao carefully took out the disc, turned on the color TV, put it into the DVD player, and pressed...
Zhang Guodong's eyes quickly lit up and focused on a couple in the picture. It was a pity that there was no sound, only an image, and the faces of the man and woman could be barely discerned.
Zheng Haifu and a glamorous woman—this woman must be Yao Hong!
The two began kissing and undressing as soon as they entered the bedroom. Then, Yao Hong began performing oral sex on Zheng Haifu, whose genitals were quite well-endowed. The scene was extremely stimulating!
The two quickly rolled together and started fighting for real.
"How many discs did you copy?" someone suddenly asked, looking at Zhang Guodong.
"What do you mean by copying Mao'er?" Sanmao reacted instinctively, then looked at Xing Guodong with fear.
Zhang Guodong smiled and said, "It's nothing, just asking casually. This disc was quite good, it's a pity there's no sound!"
“But this is real fighting, it’ll definitely work on you!” Sanmao said. “Thirty thousand for a single word. Not a penny less!”
"Five thousand! Not a penny more. This video is of little use to me, but not essential!" Zhang Guodong gave a thumbs up.
Sanmao immediately panicked; if it was only five thousand, all his investment would be wasted!
"If you can provide other videos that I find useful, I'll give you 30,000 yuan without hesitation!" Zhang Guodong's heart stirred.
Sanmao was desperately short of money and wanted more, but Zhang Guodong seemed ready to walk away if they couldn't reach an agreement, so he hesitated. He still had some videos, but could he really afford to buy all of them for just 30,000?
He tried his best to keep these videos secret, and didn't even dare to duplicate the discs. He was afraid that the people cloning the discs would tamper with them and leave behind copies.
"Alright. Thirty thousand it is, just wait!" Sanmao finally couldn't resist the temptation of thirty thousand yuan and gritted his teeth. He decided to take out all those useful and useless CDs.
Comparison: More than 5,000 pages.
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