Chapter 680: with translation of chapter title

Don't worry, Jianqiang, since we believe you, we will definitely support you. If you have any difficulties, tell us what we need to do, just tell Secretary Wu. I still have things to do, I'll go first." Zhuang Shi said, then stood up.

Li Jia and I stood up to see Zhuang Shi out.

After Zhuang Shi left,

Li Jia let out a sigh,

"This guy is really an old fox; we originally wanted him to help us,"

"but ended up having us stay to help him."

I smiled,

"That's fine too. Actually, Zhuang Shi had already decided this long ago, and even Tian Shi thinks the same."

"Tian Shi also thinks that way, why?" Li Jia still didn't understand.

"Li Jia, what can resist risk?"

"I don't know." Li Jia shook her head.

"It's experience; for our envisioned development of Xue County, there is great risk. Tian Shi also has no confidence,"

he had us go to Huaihai City to drill.

"Only by becoming proficient in this matter, and being able to make Huaihai City's Ancient City profitable, would it show we are capable."

Tian Shi and Zhuang Shi will then trust us.

"and will let us handle it." I explained to Li Jia.

Li Jia suddenly understood.

At that moment, Secretary Wu pushed the door and entered.

Since we had already given Secretary Wu money, our relationship instantly grew closer.

I quickly had Secretary Wu sit down, and had Li Jia pour water for Secretary Wu.

Secretary Wu said: "Just now Zhuang Shi arranged for me to come over to hear what difficulties you have, and whether you need our help."

I looked at Secretary Wu and said: "Secretary Wu, originally we came to ask Zhuang Shi for help, but unexpectedly it turned into us helping Zhuang Shi."

"Speaking of difficulties, there are too many; think about it, even you locals of Huaihai can't manage the Ancient City well, can we two manage it?"

"But any matter must be undertaken, must be striven for; if we don't strive, no one knows what the result will be."

"Mr. Zhao, that's right, some things still need effort."

"Trust Zhuang Shi's vision; Mr. Zhao is a person who accomplishes great things." Secretary Wu looked at me and said.

I said: "Secretary Wu, big or small matters are all done by people. Since you've come today, it's a good chance; I want to ask about the past and present of this Ancient City."

"Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle,' right?"

"Mr. Zhao, Director Li, this Ancient City is being developed under Zhuang Shi's leadership."

"Actually, Huaihai Ancient City, due to historical reasons, only a section of Gucheng Qiang in the north remains."

"Around the city wall there are many original residents."

"Zhuang Shi has always believed that Huaihai City lacks a decent park for residents' leisure and recreation."

"He wanted to develop that northern section, building an imitation ancient city,"

"first, to develop the northern area; second, to build a beautiful park for Huaihai City."

"Following this idea, we have gone through planning and design."

"We began developing the Ancient City in the northern area."

"Mr. Zhao saw that only the first phase was done; according to the original plan, there should be second and third phases."

"Due to land scarcity in Huaihai City, the relocation work for the original residents encountered difficulties; namely, the original residents are unwilling to move to the residential areas built outside the city."

"Since relocation couldn't proceed, the Ancient City construction stopped after only the first phase."

"Now, part of the buildings in that northern section are genuine Ming-Qing remnants; you can also see that the bluestone road bears historical traces."

"Actually, Huaihai City can be developed with very high value,"

"the original residents here have always been difficult to manage, there's no way."

"Even the best things, when obstructed by them, will turn bad."

After listening to Secretary Wu finish speaking, I nodded,

"So saying, the development of Huaihai Ancient City is half-baked work; I say, when we tour the Ancient City we only see that one main road."

"Other places have nothing worth seeing."

"Yes, that's true. Sigh, the relocation work is one aspect; know that the first-phase project required huge investment but has yet to yield returns."

"The newly built imitation ancient city basically has no tenants renting shops."

"Ticket income is also shockingly low, far from enough to support the staff."

"Zhuang Shi is very angry about the management of the Ancient City."

"Mr. Zhao, you also understand the situation inside, so I won't say more."

"If the Ancient City's problems are not resolved, the impact will be great, and then there will be trouble." Secretary Wu said worriedly.

As soon as I heard Secretary Wu say that, I realized there is something going on here.

"Is someone giving Zhuang Shi a bad report?"

"Mr. Zhao, how do you know that?" Secretary Wu asked.

"Secretary Wu, don't ask me how I know. I believe Zhuang Shi now is like sitting on a volcano's mouth; if the Ancient City's affairs aren't settled, it will truly affect him."

"At this point it involves people's livelihood issues, as well as relocation problems."

"There are also governance problems."

"Actually, Secretary Wu, you don't need to explain in detail; I can roughly guess."

"Right now the most important thing is to make the Ancient City profitable, to get it turning."

Then Zhuang Shi's words can be forceful.

Only then would it be persuasive; otherwise, past problems could turn into major issues.

Secretary Wu nodded after I finished speaking.

"Indeed, just as Mr. Zhao said, the city has a group of people; they target Zhuang Shi, keep a constant eye on Zhuang Shi, and if Zhuang Shi makes even a small mistake, they will immediately latch on and never let go."

This time, the development of the Ancient City is led by Zhuang Shi.

Moreover, it was Zhuang Shi's promise that the Ancient City would become profitable, but after operating for so many days, it is about to close.

One can imagine how passive it is.

"Only by turning passivity into initiative will Zhuang Shi be safe. Secretary Wu, we will definitely assume these responsibilities, to share the burden that rests on Zhuang Shi."

"We need your full support." I looked at Secretary Wu and said sincerely.

"Tell me what you need me to do. As long as I can do it, I will fully support you. Once the Ancient City becomes profitable, Zhuang Shi's burden will lighten, and my own pressure will be much less," Secretary Wu said.

"Alright, first thing, you need to help me curb the taxi drivers' price‑gouging."

You must know that the first contact outsiders have when entering Huaihai is the taxi driver.

Their refusal to pick up, detours, and extra charges all damage Huaihai City's image.

When people come to Huaihai, not to mention sightseeing, they get ripped off as soon as they get into a taxi,

It's hard for them to have a good impression of Huaihai City. Since this involves the transportation department, we have no say; this needs Secretary Wu to coordinate and resolve.

Secretary Wu said, "That's easy, leave it to me. In a week, taxis across the city will undergo major changes."

Hearing Secretary Wu's promise, I was very pleased,

"Alright, Secretary Wu, then let's say it like this: after a week, I will conduct a covert inspection of taxis to see if price‑gouging still occurs."

"After a week, you may conduct covert inspections at any time; this also serves as supervision of our work," Secretary Wu said.

"Tomorrow we return to Huaihai. Secretary Wu, you must take us to talk with Director Guo."

We will formally take over the Ancient City.

Of course, this takeover of the Ancient City is on a lease basis and does not affect Director Guo's work. Don't let Director Guo misunderstand.

As for the lease, it's merely a formality between us.

We guarantee that after one month the Ancient City will be profitable.

If it is not profitable, Li Jia and I guarantee we will never come to Huaihai to see Zhuang Shi again.

"One month to become profitable— is that too fast? Can you achieve it?" Secretary Wu asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Secretary Wu, if you don't believe us, we can draft a written commitment; if that still doesn't work, we will give you a deposit," I said with a smile.