Chapter 2724: The Gloomy Zhang Zhenghua

Zhang Zhenghua opened the car door and was about to get out when Yao Jinghuai walked over and waved his hand: "Go to Caishikou. If you have anything to say, say it in the car."

Yao Jinghuai got into the car, and Zhang Zhenghua said to the secretary who had already gotten out: "Xiao Chen, you take the car behind."

"Yes!" Secretary Xiao Chen quickly walked to the minivan parked behind.

Yao Jinghuai's secretary, upon seeing this, could only instruct the driver: "Old Liu, you drive the car and follow behind; I'll ride in the Commission for Discipline Inspection's minivan."

"Okay!" Yao Jinghuai's driver nodded in response.

"Secretary!" Zhang Zhenghua asked: "What exactly happened?"

Yao Jinghuai first took out a cigarette, lit it, then fell silent for a moment before slowly explaining: "The leadership said we must conduct a strict investigation and severe punishment, so you must not cut any corners here.

No matter who speaks or greets, it's not allowed; you must uphold the principle. Otherwise, when the punishment comes, the pain will be yours and mine—those who grease the wheels won't take the blame for us."

Zhang Zhenghua's face immediately turned solemn: "Don't worry, Secretary. I will firmly not make any concessions on this matter."

Zhang Zhenghua is naturally not a fool; this in itself isn't a big deal. As long as the secretary—or even he himself—gives Zhao Chengdong a warning, the matter will be easily resolved.

But now the central leadership has intervened, demanding strict punishment, so how dare he make concessions? Moreover, he sees more clearly than Yao Jinghuai that the central leadership is backing Zhou Andong, and the outcome still depends on whether Zhou Andong is satisfied. If Zhou Andong is dissatisfied, then trouble will be great.

Zhang Zhenghua still doesn't know that Jian Qiu has already met with Yao Jinghuai. If he knew Yao Jinghuai had pushed Jian Qiu away, he would probably be so depressed he'd vomit blood. Originally a simple matter—just a warning to Zhao Chengdong would settle it—but you insist on making such a big fuss.

………………

In his previous life, the renovation of the southern line of Caishikou lasted over ten years, mainly due to lack of funds. Therefore, the entire renovation project could only proceed in stages, step by step.

But in this life, because Zhou Andong did not want to see those historic and culturally rich residences, possessing extremely high artistic value and social significance, destroyed and forever vanished from people's sight, he bore most of the demolition costs and advocated for relocation and reconstruction.

Now, almost all the buildings that needed to be demolished have been torn down, and the entire southern line of Caishikou has become a vast wasteland. The upcoming reconstruction must proceed in full—we can't just leave this huge ruin and slowly rebuild it bit by bit over several years.

However, the funds allocated by the city are only partial, not even enough for the initial foundation work. As the overall commander of the renovation project, Chengshan District Mayor Ying Qingshan remembers his mouth full of bubbles. Thus, these past few days, he has been running to the Municipal Finance Bureau every day, communicating and negotiating with Bureau Chief Liu Guangliang.

Well, at this moment Ying Qingshan is in Liu Guangliang's office, face ashen with anger, shouting: "Liu Guangliang, if you don't allocate this money to me immediately, do you believe I'll go straight to the mayor right now?"

Liu Guangliang gave a helpless, bitter smile: "My Ying District Chief, you think I don't know how important the Caishikou southern line renovation is? Not just the city, even the central leadership attaches great importance to it. If I had the money, would I dare not give it to you?"

Whether the city has money or not, Ying Qingshan knows clearly in his heart: "Liu Guangliang, don't try to fool me—I know roughly whether you have money or not. Anyway, today, no matter what, you must allocate at least part of the funds to me."

"I really do have money, but most of it is earmarked—I dare not give it to you." Liu Guangliang spread his hands: "Why don't you go see the mayor? As long as the mayor approves, I'll give you whatever amount you need, no questions asked."

Ying Qingshan opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing, stood up, and walked away: "Fine, I'm going to the city right now."

Watching Ying Qingshan leave, Liu Guangliang sighed—he truly has no money, or rather, he has money but dares not touch it. Originally, the city allocated part of the funds to Xicheng for the initial foundation work, which was more than sufficient.

But who could have known that Zhou Andong is wealthy and bold, pouring money in without regard to cost? Not only were architectural experts hired, but even archaeologists—twenty or thirty of them—were brought in.

The construction crew works two shifts, 24 hours a day, just like those experts. Originally, the demolition and relocation project would take one and a half years, but Zhou Andong had it completed in half a year, after which the city's renovation funds could no longer keep up.

………………

Caishikou!

Tong Huaiyu has not left at all; instead, he's been discussing something with Zhao Chengdong. Just looking at Zhao Chengdong's pale face and sweat continuously rolling down tells you that Tong Huaiyu is again arranging for Zhao Chengdong to do something bad.

Zhou Andong sat in the car smoking, watching Tong Huaiyu and his group in the distance, a faint, thought-provoking smile on his face.

Just as he finished his cigarette and tossed the butt out the window, a Land Cruiser pulled up and stopped beside his car.

Then Jian Qiu opened the car door and stepped out. Seeing Zhou Andong leaning against the car window looking at her, she gave a charming smile.

"What are you looking at?"

"Looking at you!" Zhou Andong's eyes were full of love, nearly overflowing.

Jian Qiu wore jeans and a denim jacket, her hair casually tied in a ponytail, looking energetic and capable. Most importantly, she had just given birth, her figure hadn't changed but had become fuller, making her look even more sexy than before.

Especially those jeans—she bought them when attending the Yangcheng Entrepreneurs Forum last year. Originally a bit loose, now they tightly wrap her long legs, and Zhou Andong can't get enough of looking.

Jian Qiu gave Zhou Andong a sideways glance: "You look every day and still can't get enough?"

"Can't get enough!" Zhou Andong pushed open the car door, stepped out, and leaned against the door, saying: "I'll never get enough—never in this lifetime."

Jian Qiu's lips curled into a beautiful arc, but her expression was full of disdain: "Don't try to sweet-talk me—you men are all just mouths, picking only what sounds good to fool us women."

"Other men rely on sweet talk to win women, but I'm different." Zhou Andong said proudly: "I rely on charm—otherwise, why would you insist on marrying no one but me?"

"Shameless." Jian Qiu laughed and scolded: "How thick-skinned you've become."

"Qiuqiu, long time no see!"

Jian Qiu and Zhou Andong were flirting and teasing each other when Tong Huaiyu's voice suddenly rang out, harsh and unpleasant.

Jian Qiu turned around and saw Tong Huaiyu walking over with a bright, cheerful smile.

"Mr. Tong!" Jian Qiu frowned: "We're not that close—please call me Jian Qiu."

Tong Huaiyu's smile froze on his face, but quickly returned to normal as he forced a laugh: "Qiuqiu, even if we can't be husband and wife, we can still be friends—after all, we grew up together since childhood."

"Friends?" Jian Qiu said coldly: "When you're scheming against my man, trying to destroy the Jiangzhou Brewery, that childhood affection of ours has long since vanished."