Tie Nan left the restaurant in a huff without eating a single bite, and the grievances in my heart gradually accumulated after he left, suddenly bursting out. I grabbed the beer bottle that I had only drunk half a bottle of and threw it hard at a pile of rocks outside the window.
Amidst the deafening explosion, everyone in the restaurant turned their attention to me. Despite feeling immense pain, I covered my face with my hands, then picked up another beer bottle that hadn't been knocked away and downed it in one gulp.
After calming down, I started to think again about what had made Tie Nan and me so tense. This tension wasn't about our relationship, but about our attitudes toward life. It was as if we would become anxious and violent if we didn't do something at this stage. So, we both insisted that what we wanted to do was right, and if we didn't get the other's approval, we would say hurtful things and even disregard our previous friendship.
Is it really because Dali, this seemingly peaceful fifth-tier city, has caused us to lose our ability to control our rationality?
Here, we have not truly gained freedom. We are still living in a state of self-suppression in order to make a living and to prove ourselves.
If that's really the case, then Dali is just another "Little Shanghai," and we who escaped here still can't escape our destiny... However, the cherry blossom trees under Cangshan Mountain and the motorcycles by Erhai Lake are desperately showing their free spirit, as if to tell everyone who wants to get close to this place that this is a unique land.
I was completely lost... and then I searched for answers in alcohol, but all I got that night was a life of drunken stupor.
...
The next morning, I rode the little ninja bike that Yang Sisi had left behind to "Majiuyi" and found the guesthouse that Tie Nan had mentioned was for sale. To be fair, the location of this guesthouse was indeed good, with several rooms offering sea views, making it a prime beachfront property. However, the problem lay precisely there: because it was too close to Erhai Lake, which needs protection, it had become a disaster area, and it might be ruined by new policies at any time, leaving me with nothing.
I stood on the coastal road and called Sun Jiwei, hoping to get some inside information from him about this matter. Although Tie Nan's words yesterday were very harsh, I still didn't want him to do this risky thing, because he no longer had the capital to lose again.
Sun Jiwei answered my call a moment later. I cut to the chase and said to him, "Brother, I want to ask you about something. It's about Ma Jiuyi... A friend of mine has his eye on a seaside inn here. The location is pretty good, but I think there's a risk involved. So I wanted to ask what the higher-ups' attitude is here... I mean, is it possible that they'll do something like Longkan, planning to bring in some big projects and then carry out another massive demolition?"
"As for large projects... we probably won't bring them in... After all, the current policy is all about protecting Erhai Lake. Since there's already a large project in Longkan, if we bring one in here as well, it would raise suspicions of overdevelopment. High-level leaders also want to achieve political achievements, so if they value their political standing, they will weigh the pros and cons."
"That's good."
Before I could fully relax, Sun Jiwei continued, "But policy risks always exist... I suggest your friend be more cautious. I've heard that relevant departments have been discussing how many meters away a building is considered an illegal structure. Some people prefer within 100 meters, while others prefer within 200 meters. Now we're just waiting for the results."
What does this mean?
"For example, if your guesthouse is less than 100 or 200 meters from Erhai Lake, it will be classified as an illegal building... The consequence will definitely be that it will be demolished without hesitation."
"Such a policy exists?!"
"Yes... Many people think that protecting Erhai Lake is just a slogan, and that the policy will only become more and more relaxed in the future. But the higher-ups are serious. Now many buildings in sensitive areas have stopped construction. Even some large residential areas, because they were built too close to Erhai Lake, have residents who still can't get their property certificates... So, I still advise your friend not to touch the seaside inns in Majiuyi."
"Okay, I understand. I will pass on your suggestion to him."
"Yes, this matter must be handled with care... By the way, how are the preparations going for your meeting with Cao Jinbo to discuss the shop?"
"The hotel and everything are booked."
"That's fine. If I have time at noon today, I'll also go to the ancient city. I'm a little worried about you dealing with Cao Jinbo by yourself."
"It would be even better if you could come."
"Your problem is my problem, and I will do my best to help you with it."
"Brother, what you said is really heartwarming!"
Sun Jiwei smiled, gave me a few more instructions, and then ended the call.
...
I stood by Erhai Lake and smoked a cigarette. Then I was about to call Tie Nan to tell him the news I had just gotten from Sun Jiwei, but he didn't answer. I didn't know if he was sleeping or if he simply didn't want to answer my call.
I was planning to take a trip to the mountains and rivers when Taozi called me. She asked where I was and said she was coming to find me right away. I sent her my location via WeChat, and after about twenty minutes, she arrived by taxi.
I stubbed out my cigarette and asked her, "You're here because of Tie Nan taking over the inn, right?"
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