Xie Zhongxin instructed Wei Hongquan not to come back for now and to keep a close watch on Yan Fangming. Regardless of the origins of the issue, it must stop here. Under unclear circumstances, no further trouble can be stirred. He knows his brother-in-law well; Yan Fangming is impulsive and easily swayed.

He Xingjian brought more than twenty people with him this time, not for a gang fight. He clearly understands that it is a society governed by law now and violence cannot solve problems, but bringing more people along is always beneficial, and it’s also his habit; he enjoys grand occasions.

Before coming here, he had already communicated with the Weishan County side, complaining that the Hu Shan Town side had treated their Ecological Environment Construction Investment Group unfairly, and that the exploration personnel they sent had been subjected to violent law enforcement.

Secretary Lin comforted He Xingjian with a few words, having already understood the situation. This matter arose from a misunderstanding, with communication problems likely existing between the two parties. Out of respect for He Xingjian’s father-in-law, Secretary Lin was fairly courteous to him.

He Xingjian has been quite successful in Dongzhou Culture and Tourism development, facing almost no competition in this area, and had never suffered such a setback before. Both He Xingjian and Ding Si had made their fortunes in the same social circles, but the biggest difference between them is that He Xingjian is cultured and, after marriage, transformed himself into a Confucian merchant with some background, allowing his business to thrive over the years.

He Xingjian never expected this time to capsize in a ditch; not only did the people he sent to Weishan Island suffer a setback, but they were also detained as suspects of cultural relic excavation. Until now, all exploration tools had not been returned to them.

He Xingjian believes they did nothing wrong this time. They acted according to the rules from beginning to end, with the problem lying in Hu Shan Town, where local protectionism was at play, deliberately targeting their group.

Yan Fangming recounted the events once more. Upon hearing he got beaten, He Xingjian was furious. He and Ding Si were once competitors, but now there is a significant difference in their developments. He Xingjian no longer views Ding Si as a threat, considering him a mere contractor, while he has become the leading figure in Dongzhou Culture and Tourism. They no longer operate on the same level.

With Ding Si also involved in beating Yan Fangming, it was unbearable. As the saying goes, one must look at the owner before hitting a dog. Even if others did not know, Ding Si should have known that Yan Fangming was his man; hitting him was a slap in He Xingjian’s face.

He Xingjian promised Yan Fangming that he would make sure he got justice.

He Xingjian went straight to Hu Shan Town to demand an explanation from Secretary Qin Zhengyang.

Since he was waving Secretary Lin’s banner, Qin Zhengyang could not simply shut him out, and besides, He Xingjian was a well-known figure in Dongzhou’s business circles.

He Xingjian, accompanied by Yan Fangming, approached Qin Zhengyang. After exchanging greetings, He Xingjian immediately assumed an accusatory stance: "Secretary Qin, I want to ask which local regulation our group’s exploration violated? On what basis did you issue a suspension notice to us?"

Qin Zhengyang was mentally prepared for the potential impact of this matter; "President He, the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office issued a suspension notice to your exploration team because they received a report that your project team was causing noise disturbances during exploration."

He Xingjian said, "Even if that were true, you shouldn’t have confiscated our exploration equipment. Those pieces of equipment are extremely valuable. If they are damaged, who will bear the responsibility?"

Qin Zhengyang wasn’t fond of He Xingjian’s condescending attitude either: "President He, as far as I know, your procedures are incomplete, and before conducting exploration, you didn’t apply and report to us at the Hu Shan Town Government."

He Xingjian said, "Our exploration was approved by the Natural Resources Administration Bureau, and we have not violated any regulations."

"It was precisely because your side did not communicate adequately with us that such a misunderstanding occurred."

Qin Zhengyang’s words were already explicit enough. It’s a basic business principle to pay respects where they’re due; you shouldn’t think that just because you have permission from the Natural Resources Administration Bureau, having secured the exclusive development rights to the hot spring, you can act recklessly within Dongzhou territory. After all, this is Weishan Island, land under the jurisdiction of Hu Shan Town. My lack of control over you doesn’t mean I cannot manage you.

He Xingjian said, "I have been involved in cultural and tourism development in Dongzhou for so many years, and this is the first time I’ve encountered such a situation."

Qin Zhengyang smiled and said, "President He is truly young and promising." This sentence was already laced with sarcasm—because you are too young, you are unaware of the heights of the heavens and the depths of the earth.

He Xingjian detected Qin Zhengyang’s displeasure, and he wasn’t an ordinary figure. He sighed softly and said, "I admit there are some shortcomings in our work, but according to my understanding, before we conducted exploration, our group’s Vice President Yan Fangming specifically came to the town government and met with your Vice Mayor Xu Chunliang."

Yan Fangming hardly spoke in front of He Xingjian, only nodding to indicate he could attest to this.

Qin Zhengyang said, "I am not aware of this matter."

Qin Zhengyang said, "Is there such a situation? I’ll have him come and verify it." He was already weary of He Xingjian’s arrogance and suddenly understood, in retrospect, everything Xu Chunliang had done before. Such a developer, who regards everyone and everything beneath him, ought to be disciplined. One shouldn’t think that just because they have connections, they can run rampant on Weishan Island. I don’t need to personally deal with you myself.

He Xingjian noticed Qin Zhengyang’s protection of Xu Chunliang, nodding and saying, "Alright, I wanted to see your Vice Mayor Xu."

Xu Chunliang was actually in his office, arranging a drink with Wang Jinwu for the evening. Tonight’s gathering was organized by Ding Si. Ding Si often organized gatherings, but it was rare for him to host as the main guest.

Upon receiving Qin Zhengyang’s call, Xu Chunliang got up and went to his office, where he immediately saw Yan Fangming glaring menacingly.

Xu Chunliang displayed composure and grace that far exceeded Yan Fangming’s, smiling warmly: "Manager Yan, when did you get out?"

Yan Fangming gritted his teeth, eager to curse but could not speak in He Xingjian’s presence.

Qin Zhengyang said: "Xiaoxu, this is President He from Ecological Environment Construction Investment Group. We’ve asked you to come here to clarify some matters and misunderstandings."

Xu Chunliang glanced at He Xingjian and smiled at him: "President He, I’ve heard a lot about you!" He proactively extended his hand to He Xingjian.

He Xingjian was also a person of stature; he couldn’t lose face at that moment, so he reached out and shook Xu Chunliang’s hand, looking into Xu Chunliang’s eyes, he said: "Vice Mayor Xu, young and promising indeed."

Xu Chunliang said: "Young indeed, but not necessarily promising."

He Xingjian laughed: "I didn’t expect Vice Mayor Xu to be so modest."

Xu Chunliang said: "One must understand their limits, going everywhere thinking they’re the best in the world, it won’t be long before they get knocked down, wouldn’t you agree, Manager Yan?"

He Xingjian released Xu Chunliang’s hand, Yan Fangming’s face turned livid with rage, but he was good at listening to He Xingjian, knowing that with his boss present, he should try not to speak.

He Xingjian said to Qin Zhengyang: "Secretary Qin has taught him well."

Qin Zhengyang said: "Town Mayor Xu and I are colleagues; none of us are teaching the other. Cooperation is for the sake of doing a good job. Everyone, please have a seat!"

Xu Chunliang went to sit beside Yan Fangming, who scooted to the side, expressing his resistance towards Xu Chunliang through his actions.

Qin Zhengyang asked: "Xiaoxu, President He mentioned you led a group to beat Manager Yan? Is that true?"

Xu Chunliang glanced at He Xingjian’s face: "President He? This is the first time we’ve met, when did I hit you?"

Qin Zhengyang nearly laughed, this guy’s pretending to be oblivious is too obvious.

He Xingjian thought to himself, don’t you find your tactics a bit clumsy? Aren’t we all sensible people, what’s the point in playing this game of concept swapping? He Xingjian said: "Vice Mayor Xu, you surely hit Manager Yan, right?"

Xu Chunliang said: "President He, you really care for your subordinates. Manager Yan hasn’t claimed he was hit, where did you hear that?"

He Xingjian felt frustrated, thinking this guy is somewhat of a rascal. Even if you’re not high-ranking, you’re still a government official. What’s with the concept swapping and blatant denial, is it entertaining?

Qin Zhengyang added fuel to the fire: "Right, I also haven’t heard Manager Yan mention being hit."

He Xingjian gave Yan Fangming a look, prompting him to finally speak: "It was you, you led people to confiscate our exploration equipment and falsely accused us of relic theft. You even led the beating, my cheek is still swollen." He pointed to his left cheek.

Xu Chunliang said: "Manager Yan, you have to be responsible for your words. Where’s your evidence?"

Yan Fangming said: "Many people saw it at the time, our exploration team colleagues can testify."

Xu Chunliang laughed: "Of course, your own people would support your claims. Do you have any recorded videos or audio as evidence to prove I led an assault on you?"

Yan Fangming swallowed hard, realizing that he hadn’t installed surveillance on the site yet.

He Xingjian said: "The police should have body cameras, right?"

Xu Chunliang said: "Checked already, they don’t."

He Xingjian stared at Xu Chunliang, who had a cunning smile on his face, cursing internally. This guy is really sly. If no evidence is provided, wouldn’t Yan Fangming’s beating be for nothing?

Xu Chunliang said: "I actually have something for everyone to listen to." He played a recording out loud from his phone.

—

"You bastard, if you have the guts, bring people to screw me over, Xu Chunliang, damn you..."

"Xu Chunliang, you’re breaking the law knowingly, framing innocent people, there’s nothing good in Hu Shan Town from top to bottom."

...