Chapter 849

Zhou Andong had been observing Hong Xinmin's expression; he had said it in front of Zuo Xingqing today specifically to see how Hong Xinmin would react.

Although Hong Xinmin had only taken office two years ago, did he know about Yuan Hongbiao using his power to seize mineral resources for himself, or about the mining disaster?

Zhou Andong believed he did know, so was he involved in this matter before he was transferred here?

Now, looking at Hong Xinmin's expression, Zhou Andong was certain that he was aware of the situation.

He just didn't know if Hong Xinmin was in league with the vested interests behind the scenes.

"No problem!" Zuo Xingqing agreed immediately, then looked at Hong Xinmin. "What are you thinking about? Just a moment ago you were very afraid that I would let Chairman Zhou go to other counties; why aren't you stating your position now?"

What did Zhou Andong mean? Hong Xinmin was very confused.

What kind of person was Zhou Andong? Although they had only interacted twice, and not for very long.

He had left a deep impression; if you put a tail on his backside, he would be a fox that had become a spirit.

Could it be that Zhou Andong didn't know that the mines in Nagu Town had all been contracted by Yuan Hongbiao?

That was impossible. Since he knew, yet still brought it up with Zuo Xingqing, wanting to invest in the limestone mine in Nagu Town, it was a bit intriguing.

Hong Xinmin's thoughts raced. Although he couldn't fathom Zhou Andong's intentions, he sensed something unusual.

"The limestone mine in Nagu Town has already been contracted out."

Zuo Xingqing frowned and asked, "Contracted to whom?"

"Chairman Zhou, you should know who it is, right?"

Hong Xinmin, holding to the core philosophy that saying more leads to more mistakes and saying less is safer, threw the topic back to Zhou Andong.

Since I don't know your intentions, you had better explain it yourself.

Zhou Andong smiled: "I know, it's the Deputy Mayor of Nagu Town, Yuan Hongbiao. He's even a relative of mine; he was the one who found me and wanted to cooperate with me."

A limestone mine contracted by a Deputy Mayor? Zuo Xingqing gave Hong Xinmin a deep look, but out of respect for Zhou Andong, he said nothing.

The corners of Hong Xinmin's eyes twitched. What exactly was this guy trying to do?

The mine in Nagu Town and Yuan Hongbiao were a huge mess; it was impossible for Zhou Andong not to be clear about that.

If he were to invest in a project without even investigating, just throwing money at it on a whim, there would absolutely be no Yugong Group today, and absolutely no Zhou Andong today.

Even if Zhou Andong trusted his relative Yuan Hongbiao, could the Yuan family members who knew the inside story say nothing at all?

Setting aside the problems with those mines, just the fact that Yuan Hongbiao, as a Deputy Mayor, had contracted the town's mine was a very sensitive issue.

According to common sense, since both sides wanted to cooperate, such a sensitive issue would definitely be suppressed.

Yet Zhou Andong had deliberately used the pretext of investment to place this problem right in front of Zuo Xingqing, and he did it right in front of him.

This little fox, Zhou Andong, had a heart with seven openings; he absolutely did not believe this was an unintentional remark made on a whim; there must be some purpose.

"Dongzi!" Yuan Hongdang shouted: "Dinner is ready, hurry and invite the leaders inside to eat."

"Leaders!" Zhou Andong gestured toward the house: "Come in, come in, let's eat first, we can chat after we finish."

The meal was just simple home cooking, and everyone ate quite happily, but Hong Xinmin ate with his mind elsewhere, and all of this was seen by Zhou Andong.

After chatting for a while, Zuo Xingqing left with his people. After all, as the mayor of a city, how could he have time to stay longer?

Zhou Andong and Jian Qiu led a large group of people to see Zuo Xingqing off at the main gate.

"Chairman Zhou!" Zuo Xingqing shook Zhou Andong's hand: "You can rest easy now; the big and small thugs in Qi City, as well as the members of their criminal gang, have all been caught. Your safety will not be a problem."

This was within Zhou Andong's expectations. With such a big commotion, where even machine guns and mortars were brought out, if they couldn't take it seriously and couldn't even handle a gang leader, he would leave without hesitation. As for the investment, whoever wants to come can come; he was definitely not coming.

Watching Zuo Xingqing and the others get in their cars and leave, Zhou Andong sighed.

Jian Qiu asked curiously: "What are you sighing about?"

"Chairman, have a smoke!"

Comrade Xiao Yin took out cigarettes to light one for Zhou Andong and Man Hongshan, then proceeded to hand them out to Yuan Hongdang and the others.

Zhou Andong took a puff: "Hong Xinmin knows everything; I just don't know if he's been dragged into it."

Jian Qiu pondered for a moment: "Then we'll see if he comes to find you again."

Zhou Andong said softly: "I actually have a pretty good impression of Hong Xinmin; I hope he's clean."

At this moment, footsteps came from behind. The two turned around and saw Yuan Liying carrying Su Su over.

The little girl reached out her chubby little hands toward Zhou Andong. Zhou Andong took the child and kissed her on her little face.

"Call me Daddy!"

The little girl lowered her head, burying her little face in Zhou Andong's arms.

Zhou Andong said helplessly: "She can already call me Mommy, why won't she call me Daddy?"

Yuan Liying said with a smile: "Don't be impatient, some children call Mommy first, some call Daddy first. Wait a little longer and she'll call you."

"Come!" Jian Qiu reached out her hands: "Come to Mommy."

The little girl looked at Jian Qiu, her big eyes blinking, then she turned her head and hugged Zhou Andong's neck.

Jian Qiu gritted her teeth and pinched the girl's little face: "Mommy loves you for nothing."

Zhou Andong laughed out loud and kissed the little girl's face again: "My daughter is Daddy's little padded jacket, of course she's closer to me."

Jian Qiu sneered and insisted on taking the little girl over.

The little girl struggled for a moment, but seeing Jian Qiu's cold face, she suddenly became obedient.

"Mom... Mommy..."

Yuan Liying exclaimed in wonder: "This little thing actually noticed you were angry."

Jian Qiu burst into a laugh and kissed the little girl dotingly: "Why does Mommy love you so much?"

The little girl giggled, as if she could really feel the change in Jian Qiu's mood.

Back in the house, Man Hongshan said: "The contract is signed, and the professional team for the water plant design has been found; they will be here in a few days. President Yin can just stay here; I'm going back tomorrow."

"Alright!" Zhou Andong poured a cup of tea for Man Hongshan: "After you go back, form the management team as soon as possible; this matter cannot be delayed."

Man Hongshan nodded: "When can the geological experts come?"

Zhou Andong picked up his teacup and took a sip: "I forgot to mention this to Zuo Xingqing today, but he should be more anxious than us; I estimate they should be here in these two days."

After dinner that night, just after Man Hongshan had left with his people, Hong Xinmin returned.

Zhou Andong had Yuan Ying bring two stools to the backyard, then she brought a table, boiled a pot of water, and brewed two cups of tea, placing them on the table.

"Chairman Zhou!" It took a while before Hong Xinmin said: "Did you know I would come back?"

Zhou Andong picked up his teacup and took a sip: "I'm not a god, how would I know you'd come back?"