Chapter 12

At the beginning of September, the North City Sports Park project was about to go to tender. Every construction company was like a cat smelling fish, swarming over; the profit margin for this kind of project was quite substantial.

Hengjin Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. was a renowned enterprise in the county and naturally wanted to eat this piece of cake. President Wu poured all his energy into public relations, leaving early and returning late every day. It was either hosting dinners, playing mahjong, getting foot massages, or going to KTVs. He spent money like water, which taught Lu Fan about throwing money around and paving the way—what it meant to have to pay before getting a return!

Near the end of the workday, Lu Fan received a call from President Wu, telling him to prepare 300,000 in cash, pack it into a briefcase, and then go to the Ningyang Hotel to book a private room and order dishes according to the highest standard.

Following President Wu's instructions, Lu Fan opened the safe, got everything ready, then carried a case of Maozi and took a carton of Huzi, heading straight for the Ningyang Hotel.

After booking the private room, Lu Fan began to order dishes, but after looking back and forth, he couldn't make a decision and felt a massive headache. One had to know that ordering dishes was also a science, and he didn't even know how many guests there would be.

Consequently, he found the manager and asked him to prepare the dishes according to an 8-person standard; the level would certainly be higher than his own.

At 6:10, Lu Fan heard President Wu's voice and hurried out to welcome him, while simultaneously instructing the waiter to serve the dishes.

The guest was actually Deputy County Chief Han Xuyang. Lu Fan hurriedly and politely said, "Hello, County Chief Han!"

Han Xuyang was a bit stunned, feeling that this person looked somewhat familiar, so he asked, "Have we met somewhere before?"

Lu Fan thought of Uncle Yang, the look of sorrow passing in an instant, and said with a smile, "My name is Lu Fan. A while ago, I worked at the Municipal Human Resources Bureau and came to Ningyang with Director Yang Ye. I had the honor of meeting County Chief Han."

Han Xuyang suddenly realized and said, "I remember now, that's right! Sigh, old Yang was a good man, what a pity! Let's not talk about that, let's eat."

After taking their seats, there were only three of them. Lu Fan began to hand out cigarettes and pour wine, and the cold dishes were immediately served.

Lu Fan toasted three glasses of wine and then found an excuse to leave the private room, letting the boss and County Chief Han discuss business.

"Old Wu, this young man Lu Fan looks quite decent. I suppose he only came back because Yang Ye is gone?"

"County Chief Han, I didn't even know about that. Lu Fan hasn't told me anything; he's working as an accountant for me now."

"Hmm, he keeps his mouth shut. You didn't use the wrong person. Has Liu Ting left?"

"County Chief Han, please rest assured. Lu Fan is just taking over Liu Ting's position; she has no relationship with the company anymore."

"Hmm, that's good."

Han Xuyang was in charge of urban construction. Liu Ting's husband had been promoted to Deputy Director of the Urban Construction Bureau, and Liu Ting was the accountant for Hengjin Construction Engineering Co., Ltd., while Hengjin was a company supported by Han Xuyang. Many things were not to be spoken of to outsiders.

"County Chief Han, the square project is going to tender in a few days. Hengjin has already signed up. How should we proceed next?"

Han Xuyang tapped the tabletop incessantly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "There are still some issues. The two main leaders haven't given instructions, but County Chief Liu wants to take it. Other people are easy to talk to, but you know Liu Changwei—he is the Executive Deputy. Ordinary people can't compare to him. Even if I am in charge, the project still has to pass the Executive Meeting and the Standing Committee. I'll talk to him tomorrow. If it doesn't work, we'll have to bleed a little. Be careful these few days; don't let people get a handle on you. Some people are very wicked and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals!"

"You can rest assured when I handle things! I'll have Lu Fan send the stuff to your room later."

"Hmm, Lu Fan should be a connection of Yang Ye's. Now that he's alone and helpless, use him if you can. Old Yang did a few things for me; he was a very good man. Sigh! Let's not talk about it, let's drink a few glasses!"

Seeing the text message sent by President Wu, Lu Fan returned to the private room and began to act as a "waiter."

Drinking with three people wasn't very interesting. After one bottle was finished, Han Xuyang suggested calling it a night, saying he wanted to sleep well as he was tired from playing mahjong last night. He had a long-term suite at the Ningyang Hotel, so he didn't need Lu Fan to check him in.

President Wu looked at Lu Fan and pointed at the briefcase, signaling him to take it to Han Xuyang's room.

Lu Fan understood immediately and followed Han Xuyang out. The private room was on the second floor, and the suite was on the third.

"Lu Fan, there are 360 trades, and every trade has its master. You are still young; learn more and accumulate more. You'll be able to use it in the future."

"Thank you for your instruction, leader. I will work hard."

"I think you're a good kid. I also came from the countryside. Work hard. The thing people fear most is having no ambition. If you have any trouble, you can come find me."

Lu Fan knew this was just polite talk from a leader and didn't take it to heart.

Upon reaching the third floor, Han Xuyang opened the door. Lu Fan followed him in, set down the briefcase, and said, "County Chief Han, this is what President Wu instructed. I'll leave it here for you."

Looking at the bulging briefcase, Han Xuyang felt the amount wasn't right. He specifically opened it to take a look and discovered there was a book inside, so he asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

Lu Fan said with a straight face, "The Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance!"

Han Xuyang laughed, "Good, The Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance is good. Read more books, read good books, and enjoy reading! Little Fan is good. Call me if you have anything!" Everyone likes a smart person.

"Leader, you rest. I won't disturb you anymore."

After going downstairs, seeing President Wu waiting in the lobby, Lu Fan walked over.

President Wu asked in a low voice, "Did you leave the stuff?"

Lu Fan nodded and said, "It's done."

"Let's go, home!"

On the way, President Wu said, "Little Fan, I trust you not because you are classmates with Wu Heng, but because I think highly of you. Work at your uncle's company for now; if there's a good opportunity in the future, your uncle will help you too. If you want to work in the construction industry, you have to learn and accumulate more; this industry is very deep. Most importantly, you need someone to 'cover' you. Han Xuyang is quite good; his heart isn't black, and he has a good impression of you. Have more contact when you have the chance; perhaps he will be your benefactor."

In the Ningyang construction industry, President Wu had a great reputation and had helped many people working in the field. His philosophy was that more friends meant more paths, and even a small laborer had become the third-ranked construction company in the county with his help.

President Wu was very interested in Lu Fan, feeling that this child could endure hardship, was steady, eager to learn, smart, and spoke little. He would definitely have a bright future, so he wanted to give him a hand—this was also his superior quality.

But he never expected that the rose given to others would leave a fragrance in his own hands; today's unintentional act of kindness would benefit him infinitely in the future!

Today's events broadened Lu Fan's horizons, making him realize that the construction industry was very deep and that a "briefcase" was indispensable. He thought the matter would just pass like this, but he never expected that the world was dangerous, human hearts were not what they used to be, and competition was everywhere!

In the dead of night, after Le Xuezhi finished his fun, he came to Hongyi Construction Co., Ltd., sat on the sofa in a carefree manner, crossed his legs, and said to Li Hongyi, "Did you catch the ghost?"

Li Hongyi threw over a small paper bag and said, "Took a few photos, but old Wu is very crafty. He didn't deliver it himself; he sent a young man. Only managed to photograph a briefcase; it looked like a significant amount."

Le Xuezhi opened the paper bag, and after just one glance, his mouth dropped open. He cursed, "Why is it this little bastard?"

"Who?"

"From our village, named Lu Fan. He has a grudge against me. How did he get mixed up with old Wu? And he's actually delivering money to Han Xuyang? Has this thing become a spirit?"

Li Hongyi was also a bit surprised, but he didn't pay much attention to it and said, "Just a small character. Xuezhi, what did County Chief Le say? Do we have a chance at this project? The profit isn't small. When the time comes, think of a way to extend the project and increase the budget; it'll be enough for us to eat for two years."

"Sigh, Han Xuyang is the Deputy County Chief in charge and also a Standing Committee member. My brother can't exert any influence unless old Wu withdraws voluntarily or some accident happens that makes it impossible for Han Xuyang to intervene."

The two fell into deep thought. Looking at Lu Fan's photo and recalling his murderous gaze, Le Xuezhi's anger rose from his heart, evil intent grew from his courage. He opened his eyes wide and gnashed his teeth, saying, "Hongyi, find someone reliable to make a real-name report to the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission and the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission: the Deputy County Chief in charge is colluding with developers, operating behind closed doors, pre-determining projects, and engaging in corruption and bribery."

Li Hongyi was very shocked and said, "That will become a life-or-death struggle. Xuezhi, we are all just trying to make a living in Ningyang; we see each other all the time. Is it necessary?"

Le Xuezhi said impatiently, "I told you to go, so go. Why so much nonsense? Daring to snatch my path to wealth—I'll kill him! As long as Han Xuyang is implicated, even if we can't get him in, we can still make him stink. Will he still be able to look after this project? If we manage to get him down, my brother can get onto the Standing Committee. It's all benefit and no harm to us. You aren't chickening out, are you? Damn it, I'll find someone else!"

Li Hongyi said helplessly, "Forget it, I'll do it. If it involves you brothers, the loss will outweigh the gain."

Le Xuezhi laughed, "That's what I call a buddy. I'll wait for your good news! Remember, you must implicate Lu Fan."

For some reason, Le Xuezhi felt uncomfortable whenever he thought of Lu Fan. The hatred for his father's death was irreconcilable; being kind to an enemy was being cruel to oneself. He had to make sure Lu Fan could never turn things around.

After going to work the next day, Lu Fan suddenly remembered that this year's adult college entrance exam was coming up soon. He already had over 6,000 in his account, which should be enough for the registration fee. This was a big deal and must not be delayed.

Although it was a distant dream, Lu Fan never gave up.

Lu Fan had already figured it out: correspondence education was also a state-recognized degree and could be used to apply for civil service and career unit positions.

Lu Fan made up his mind: even if he had to shed a layer of skin or lose dozens of pounds, he would gnaw at those reference books and do everything possible to enter the system. That was the bright and broad path!