Chapter 641: The Project Was Hijacked

Fan Yu and Zhou Zhengyang went back to hold a meeting; Chen Yang was arranged to rest at the Qingshui County reception house.

He had barely fallen asleep when a sudden argument woke him up.

He immediately got up and went out, discovering his bodyguard facing off with a group of people.

The group's leader, about forty, wore a black suit, stood around 1.7 meters tall, and was somewhat portly. Those behind him were mostly younger, in their twenties, aggressive in demeanor, and looked like troublemakers.

Chen Yang knew from his previous life that public security in Qingshui County was poor, but he hadn't expected it to be this bad. He curiously asked, "Who are you? Dare to cause trouble at the county government's reception house?"

The leader laughed loudly upon hearing this and said, "Director Chen, my older brother is the county magistrate; this reception house is practically my home. As for causing trouble, it should be your subordinates. I just wanted to talk with you, but they refused to let me and even tried to attack my staff."

Chen Yang took a closer look and saw that the man indeed resembled Fan Yu, just a bit larger in build. He asked again, "Since you are the county magistrate's brother, what business do you have with me?"

The man said, "Director Chen, it's not convenient to talk in the hallway; could we speak further inside?"

Chen Yang thought for a moment and replied, "Then let's talk in my room, but only you may come in."

The man seemed unconcerned that Chen Yang could threaten him; he had his underlings wait outside and then walked straight into Chen Yang's guest room.

"Director Chen, I'm Fan Tianbao, chairman of Tianbao Real Estate Company. Pleased to meet you."

Chen Yang politely shook hands with Fan Tianbao, then said, "Director Fan, I still need to meet Magistrate Fan and Secretary Zhang later; if you have something to say, just get straight to the point."

Fan Tianbao directly said, "Director Chen, let's be frank. I want to take over the renovation project of Qingshui County's commercial street. You're a billionaire worth several hundred billion; you probably wouldn't bother with such a small project, right?"

Chen Yang had thought the man was aiming for a commercial-residential complex, but he hadn't expected the target to be the commercial street.

He seriously asked Fan Tianbao, "Director Fan, are you sure you want to take over the commercial street project?"

Fan Tianbao nodded firmly. "Director Chen, if you're willing to give it up, I can offer you five million yuan in compensation."

Chen Yang waved his hand. "Forget the compensation. As long as you can convince Secretary Zhang and Magistrate Fan to hand over the project to you, I'll leave Qingshui County right away."

Fan Tianbao, not even wanting the five hundred thousand compensation, immediately gave a thumbs up. "Director Chen, you're truly generous. If you ever come to invest in Qingshui County again, just mention my name and I'll guarantee smooth sailing."

Chen Yang suppressed his urge to laugh and saw Fan Tianbao out. Then he didn't call Zhang Tianhe or Fan Yu, but directly had the security drive him back to Qingshui City.

Only after leaving Qingshui County's jurisdiction did he send a message to Zhou Zhengyang informing him that Fan Tianbao intended to take over the commercial street project.

"Magistrate Fan, what does your younger brother want?" Secretary Zhang was driven away by Fan Yu's younger brother, and in the standing committee meeting he angrily smashed the cup in his hand.

He clearly understood that Chen Yang brought not only several hundred million in investment but also a prestigious business name. As long as the Old Hundred Financial Investment Company invested in Qingshui County, other out-of-town firms would flock in, thereby revitalizing the entire county's economy.

At that time, he would not only gain political achievements but also be able to profit handsomely.

Now that Chen Yang has been driven away, all those beautiful dreams have gone up in smoke.

"Secretary Zhang, the commercial street project must be handed over to the Old Hundred Financial Investment Company. I will severely criticize my younger brother's side and absolutely not let him sabotage the county's development plan!" As the county magistrate, Fan Yu understood even better the significance of Chen Yang's investment in the county. At this moment, he truly wished to strangle Fan Tianbao.

"Secretary Zhang, you go first and settle the matter of Fan Tianbao. Causing a ruckus in broad daylight at the county party committee reception house is too heinous. If Chen Yang goes back and complains to Secretary Kong and Mayor Lin, neither of us can escape responsibility!" Upon thinking of the two great mountains behind Chen Yang, Secretary Zhang felt his head about to explode. He was already considering whether to immediately cut ties with Fan Yu.

Upon hearing this, Fan Yu's expression changed slightly. He solemnly told Secretary Zhang, "Secretary, my younger brother had no conflict with Director Chen. Isn't your accusation a bit too harsh?"

Seeing Fan Yu still trying to protect his brother at this moment, Zhang Tianhe snorted coldly inside. "Magistrate Fan, if you think this isn't a big deal, then if the higher-ups investigate, you'll have to explain it yourself!"

"Fine! Since it's my brother who caused the trouble, if the higher-ups pursue it, I'll take responsibility." Seeing Zhang Tianhe's ruthless attitude, Fan Yu angrily left the meeting room.

After Fan Yu left, Zhang Tianhe directly announced the meeting's end. Once everyone had departed, he then placed a call to Kong Jie.

"Secretary Kong, regarding Director Chen's visit to Qingshui County today for investment, I'd like to explain..."

Meanwhile, after leaving the meeting room, Fan Yu did not go straight to look for Fan Tianbao; instead, he called Zhou Zhengyang, urging him to persuade Chen Yang to return to Qingshui County for investment. Only after receiving confirmation did he have the driver take him to Tianbao Real Estate Limited Company.

Upon arriving at Fan Tianbao's office, without waiting for him to speak, Fan Yu slapped him straight away.

"Brother, why are you hitting me?"

"Hit you? I damn well want to kill you!"

Fan Yu slapped him, still not satisfied, then kicked Fan Tianbao hard.

Fan Tianbao, never having seen his brother so furious, said aggrievedly, "Brother, I just took over Chen Yang's project. Do you really need to be this angry? Even without Chen Yang, I could still handle this project well."

Seeing that Fan Tianbao still didn't grasp the seriousness, Fan Yu gave him another hard kick and shouted, "Are you blinded by money? You dare to grab any project!"

"Chen Yang is the bodhisattva I invited together with Secretary Zhang to attract investment. You scared him away—what other company would dare to invest in Qingshui County?"

"Moreover, he has Secretary Kong of the municipal committee and Mayor Lin behind him; Secretary Zhang and I have to revere them like ancestors. Who gave you the gall to cause trouble at the county party committee reception house?"

Fan Tianbao immediately defended himself: "Brother, I didn't cause trouble; I merely asked Chen Yang for the commercial street project. He himself agreed. If you don't believe me, ask the reception house staff."

Fan Yu gave Fan Tianbao another slap, saying, "You idiot, I told you to be patient for a while. Once Chen Yang's investment project is settled, you'll definitely get your share. Can't you wait a few days?"

Upon hearing this, Fan Tianbao glared at Fan Yu with displeasure. "Brother, stop fooling me. If Chen Yang takes this project, all the benefits will go to Sunshine Real Estate Company—what's in it for me?"