Chapter 622 - 578: Losing Face is One’s Own Doing (Supplementary 1550 Added)_1

Xiao Yali’s words were sharp, declaring that it was none of their business whether the Wal-Mart Group’s investment in Wanghai New Port was a waste or not. The message was clear: the matter concerned no one but them, given that it was their money at stake.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Speaking so bluntly to the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee in public and in the presence of many officials demonstrated Xiao Yali’s unapologetic candour.

She was not afraid. On one hand, she intended to ensure the construction of the Wanghai New Port; on the other, she was rallying energy around her. Given that Tian Xujian was pushing his luck, she wasn’t about to hold back.

On the side, Yi Chang was amused and trying his best not to laugh. On other side, the bureau chief, Wei Dongsheng, breathed a sigh of relief. As the department dealing directly with the Wal-Mart group, he understood their background and privilege. He was also, at the moment, revelling in Tian Xujian’s awkward situation.

Things were tense. The Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee had been cornered by a businesswoman. Tian Xujian’s face was far from happy; everyone was waiting to see him make a fool of himself. If he had nothing to say, his reputation would stink, and authority would suffer a significant blow if this incident spread.

The dilemma with the Wanghai New Port: Tian Xujian indeed had a deep understanding of the proposition that the Wal-Mart Group led all construction. But if the investors were all willing to do so, wasn’t all this stir unnecessary?

He had no reason to speak, but if he remained silent, his authority would be damaged. It was a lose-lose situation. After a moment of silence, Tian Xujian gave a dry laugh. He said, “General Xiao, you are flush with cash. Wal-Mart’s business network spans major and middle-sized cities nationwide. Naturally, you won’t care about the small amount of money at stake. However, the people of Wanghai City can’t afford such meddling. The public can’t bear this disruption.”

Taking a pause, Tian Xujian then continued righteously, “Such large-scale projects involve every detail. The need for a significant number of acquisitions will undoubtedly affect many fishermen’s future lives and survival. You can’t solve these issues by merely stating that you have enough money to spare. I think, General Xiao, your thinking is flawed. A company must have a conscience and should not only consider its own interests. You also need to think about the local public’s livelihood when a project is not going well. How can you only care about yourself?”

Tian Xujian cunningly avoided the sensitive topic and turned his focus on people’s livelihoods. However, whenever such acquisitions and relocations occur nationwide, farmers and fishermen who lose their land lose their fundamental means of survival. Consequently, the relocated households’ subsequent living conditions are often grim. Tian Xujian did have a point here.

However, Tian Xujian overlooked one thing: who was planning this project and Nie Zhenbang’s work style. These issues were non-issues for Nie Zhenbang.

On the side, Yi Chang and others looked at Tian Xujian as if he were an idiot. At this moment, Xiao Yali sneered internally; this loss of face was his own doing.

Immediately after, Xiao Yali said gravely, “Secretary Tian, one should not speak without investigating first. What do you mean by those accusations? Do you want the Wal-Mart Group to withdraw its investment? Sure, that’s doable. According to the agreement we signed with the Wanghai City Party Committee and City Government—if Wanghai City breaches the agreement—you should bear the consequences. You need to compensate us for the 9 billion we invested, plus additional compensation, for a total of 18 billion. After that, we’ll leave immediately.”

On the side, although Yi Chang was forced to explain, he persisted, “Secretary Tian, according to the agreement signed by the Municipal Party Committee, City Government, and Wal-Mart Group regarding the households affected by the new port’s development in Wanghai, one adult laborer from each household will join the Wanghai New Port’s workforce. It ensures that the relocated households’ interests are protected to the greatest extent.”

Tian Xujian was quite embarrassed after that comment, glaring resentfully at Yi Chang. Yi Chang felt it was injustice. How was he to blame? After Tian Xujian put himself in this awkward situation, he expected him to clean up the mess?!

At this point, Tian Xujiang had to leave; it was too embarrassing to stay. He glanced at his watch and said to Yi Chang, “Secretary-General Yi, that’s enough for today. I have some matters to handle at the Municipal Party Committee.”

Obviously, it was just an excuse. Tian Xujian just got here and was nowhere near familiar with all the work. What business could he possibly need to handle?

However, Yi Chang wouldn’t expose Tian Xujian’s lie. He already had a hard time; why would he intentionally worsen his situation by embarrassing Tian Xujian?

…

Bang!

The door was slammed shut, startling Yi Chang and the floor attendant, Jiang.

Watching the tightly closed door and thinking about Tian Xujian with a deadened facial expression, Yi Chang felt elated at this moment. He smiled at Jiang and said, “Jiang, Secretary Tian is not feeling well today. He’s a bit angry. You should be careful when you’re working.”

At this moment, in the suite at Hong Yan Lou, Tian Xujian looked very grim. After pouring himself a glass of cold water, he gulped it down in a few seconds.

Tian Xujian slumped on the sofa, his face dark and seething with anger. Nie Zhenbang was too arrogant, too conceited. How could a businessman dare to lord over him just because he had been brought in by Nie Zhenbang? This matter couldn’t just be let go so easily. Otherwise, once it gets out, it’d be a huge joke that a company dares to lord over the head of the city’s party secretary. By that time, he would have no authority left in the city, and his work would be impossible to carry out.

He must handle it severely. He must make Wal-Mart Group submit. Tian Xujian roared in his heart. Wal-Mart Group, Yang Anbang’s company. But, Yang Anbang was incredibly low-key and tolerant, and the outside world didn’t know about his family background and strength. This made Tian Xujian underestimate him. He just saw it as an ordinary private company. Even though it was nationally famous, so what?

With a decision made in his heart, Tian Xujian picked up the phone and directly dialed the number of Guo Renchang, the head of the construction bureau, according to the phone number listed in the city’s party committee communications directory.

At the head of the construction bureau’s office, Guo Renchang was currently receiving the head of the Wangxia District construction bureau.

“Director Guo, this time, the bureau must lean towards our bureau’s policies in some way.” The head of the Wangxia District construction bureau was also being unreasonable at this moment.

As leaders, such things happen often. Subordinates seek funds and projects. This is normal. Guo Renchang himself often ran to the Minan provincial construction department and the construction ministry.

Just as he was about to respond, the phone on his desk suddenly rang. The caller ID made Guo Renchang tense. This was a call from the Hong Yan Lou. At the moment, only one person was staying in Hong Yan Lou.

Not daring to delay, Guo Renchang waved his hand saying, “We’ll talk about the issues of Wangxia District later.”

As soon as he picked up the phone, the voice of Tian Xujian came over, serious and stern, “Is this Director Guo? This is Tian Xujian.”

“Secretary Tian, hello, hello. Do you have any instructions?” Guo Renchang was a bit puzzled. What does it mean for Tian Xujian to call him?

While he was pondering, the voice of Tian Xujian came again, “Director Guo, the construction bureau’s job is to ensure the orderly development of the city’s economic construction. It should do a good job in construction approval and planning. It cannot ignore national laws because of some leaders. We must abide by the law and approve according to the law. I believe that Director Guo can do a good job in this respect.”

This unexpected remark made Guo Renchang startled. What did Tian Xujian mean by bringing this up? After a moment of silence and recalling the incident where Tian Xujian was humiliated by General Xiao of Wal-Mart Group at Wanghai New Port in the morning, Guo Renchang suddenly understood. It seemed that Tian Xujian was hinting for him to trouble Wal-Mart Group.

Snorting coldly in his heart, Guo Renchang nodded and said, “Yes, Secretary Tian, rest assured, our construction bureau will definitely do a good job in this area of inspection. Recently, I’m also planning to carry out a strict review within the city to ensure that there isn’t any duplication in construction, wastage in planning, and detour in development. We will do our best to do a good job in the construction planning of Wanghai City.”

After hanging up the phone, Guo Renchang felt somewhat worried. When the gods fight, the mortals suffer. In such a murky situation, he became the second victim after Secretary Yi. However, he had to act upon Tian Xujian’s words. Tian Xujian might have no way with Secretary Yi, but dealing with him would certainly not be a problem.

As of now, he could only go through the motions to appease him. After all, all the procedures for Wanghai New Port were complete, and there was no issue of violation. Moreover, if General Xiao dared to say that, she must have some confidence. Afterwards, all he had to do was to tell the truth.

In the afternoon, construction work at Wanghai New Port started anew. But at this time, a van abruptly stopped in front of the office building of Wal-Mart Group’s Wanghai New Port. A group of employees from the construction bureau’s construction law enforcement branch, led by Director Guo Renchang, walked into the office building.

As soon as he entered, Guo Renchang appeared extremely serious as he said, “We’re from the construction law enforcement branch of the construction bureau. Where’s the person in charge here?”

Here, Xiao Yali was about to pack up and return to Jingcheng when her secretary came in and whispered, “General Xiao, people from the construction bureau are here. They said they want to check our construction planning permit.” (