Chapter 606
These words made Su Miao's heart skip a beat. Is this land going to be expropriated for development?
Jiang Xu said with a puzzled look:
"Rip it out? How can you flatten it? Even if you want to repair it, you have to follow the original ruins, repair the preserved parts and rebuild the rest."
The man sneered, "Professor Zhou, you haven't agreed yet? Look at this shabby place, is there any need to keep it?"
Our company has already made detailed plans for the higher-ups. Once this land is developed into a shopping mall, it will not only boost the surrounding economy but also revitalize the area."
Professor Zhou was so angry that he was shaking all over. "Manager Zhang! All you care about is money! This is Jia Yi's former residence, an important symbol of Hunan culture, and a witness to history! If you dare to demolish it, you will be a sinner in history!"
Manager Zhang said sarcastically, "History? Can history be eaten? Nowadays, everyone is pursuing development. Who cares about these broken bricks and tiles?"
Look, how many people still come here? Keeping it here is a waste of resources.
Now even the leaders have said that we need to revitalize business and invigorate the economy. Only when the economy is developed can everyone have money in their pockets and live a good life.
"Old Zhou! Don't let these feudal remnants hold the country back!"
Professor Zhou's hands trembled slightly, but his voice was extremely firm:
"This isn't some feudal relic; it's a provincial-level cultural relic protection site! Even if you get approval from the city, you have no right to demolish it!"
"Cultural relics protection?"
Manager Zhang suddenly burst into laughter, turned to his subordinates behind him and said, "Did you hear that? Professor Zhou is talking to us about cultural relic protection!"
Then the laughter stopped abruptly, and his face suddenly darkened:
"Old Zhou, don't be so shameless. What era is this? Everything has to give way to development. Whoever's land it's on has control. If the city wants to develop, do you think the provincial government will really protect these few pieces of charcoal?
Don't think that if you buy that office first and make it private, we will have no way to deal with it. The worst that can happen is that we will demolish it and pay more compensation.
If you don't move out, we won't be responsible if any of your documents are missing when we start construction. We've already arranged for you to work in a larger and better environment. I advise you to quit while you're ahead."
Su Miao couldn't help but interrupt, "But Manager Zhang, history and culture are the soul of a city! Moreover, the demolition of provincial cultural relics must be approved by the provincial government. Do you have the provincial approval?"
Director Zhang then looked Su Miao and the other two in the eye and said, "Who are these people..."
Professor Zhou quickly said, "My students came to see me on behalf of their alma mater and left immediately."
Manager Zhang lit a cigarette, blew smoke rings and said:
"Young man, do you know how much Xingcheng's industrial output value increased last year? Do you know how big the gap in our commercial outlets is? What's the point of keeping a dilapidated house that burned down fifty years ago?
It would be better to demolish it and free up space for economic development. Furthermore, we're not targeting just this area; the entire area is included in the plan. Most residents agree to relocate and undergo renovations, and this is what the people want."
Jiang Xu suddenly took two steps forward and said:
"Director Zhang, I'm a reporter for the magazine. I believe that following rules and regulations is the only way to avoid chaos. Does this demolition comply with the National Cultural Relics Protection Law? Did the city seek expert opinions? If not, is there any suspected violation of laws or regulations?"
Manager Zhang's expression changed, but then he put on a smile again: "Young comrade, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want."
Then he walked towards Professor Zhou and lowered his voice:
"Old Zhou, keep your people under control. This matter was handled personally by Deputy Mayor Wang. If it gets out of hand, it won't benefit anyone."
I'll give you another month to move out. As long as you don't join forces with other experts to oppose this development project, you won't lose any money. Just take the money and move to the new office. Everything else has nothing to do with you!"
After saying that, he grinned at Su Miao and the other two, then left with his subordinates.
Su Yuanzheng said with some concern: "Professor Zhou, if this development project is approved by the city, then it will be a bit troublesome. As the saying goes, the people should not fight with the officials..."
Professor Zhou sighed heavily and leaned against the remaining wall: "Fire can't destroy the soul of culture, but this economic wave..."
He looked towards the direction of Jia Yi's former residence, his eyes full of worry. Everyone was silent, not knowing what to say.
Su Yuanzheng suddenly sniffed and asked in shock, "Xiao Lin, did you put out the brazier when you came out just now?"
"No, because we'll need it when we get back, but I've already moved it outside the house and locked the office door."
"As a cook, I have a keen nose. I always smell something burning."
Several people looked stern and ran to the office in a hurry.
"Oh no! Why is the door open? It's on fire!"
As soon as I arrived at the office door, I found that the door was wide open. The brazier was placed by the window and had already set the curtains on fire.
Professor Zhou and Xiao Lin quickly took off their clothes and rushed over to open the curtains. Su Yuanzheng noticed an iron bucket under the porch at the door. Half a bucket of water in it should be the rain water from the past few days.
He went in to join in the fire-fighting, while Su Miao and Jiang Xu moved some documents near the window to a farther place to prevent the fire from getting out of control and damaging the documents.
Fortunately, they came back quickly and there were many people, so the fire was put out quickly, burning only half of the curtain.
Xiao Lin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "How strange! I clearly put the brazier outside. Who put it in here? It's too dangerous."
Professor Zhou gritted his teeth and said, "Who else could it be! It's the same people who want to drive us away!"
Xiao Lin suggested, "Teacher, should we move the information somewhere else first? Otherwise, they'll set fire to it when no one is around at night. Otherwise, I might as well stay here and keep watch."
Professor Zhou patted his shoulder with a look of relief and said:
"Good boy, in such a dangerous moment, you didn't consider your own safety first, but were worried about these materials. I didn't misjudge you! Before, they only verbally pressured me, but now they have escalated to arson. It seems that they are really anxious.
But they were still quite polite. They just burned the curtains as a warning. We'll pack up the materials tonight and temporarily store them with my former colleague. After that, you can go home."
Professor Zhou looked at Su Miao and the other two and said, "I didn't expect you to be involved. This matter is very complicated. While I still have no connection with you, you should get out of it as soon as possible and go somewhere else."
Xiao Lin said anxiously, "How can I go home at this critical moment? Teacher! If there's anything I need to run around for, just let me do it!"
Professor Zhou shook his head: "The sect has always preserved the flame. The future inheritance of culture will rely on your generation to promote it. These things can only be done by me, an old man!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
