Chapter 498: Holding the Son Hostage to Command the Lords!

Over the past few days, Tang Ye has been speaking with Zhu Junting on the phone almost daily to discuss the details regarding the implementation of the West City Development Project.

As for the Old City Renovation Project, Tang Ye knows that this project has already been secured by a development company called Anyu.

Nowadays, Suiyuan is divided into two camps because of these projects.

One camp is West City Development.

One camp is Old City Commercial Reform.

This actually represents the power struggle between Tang Ye and Nie Kai.

Rumors are circulating in the outside world that Tang Ye and Nie Kai are using these projects as a wager; whoever ultimately achieves victory will succeed Gao Hong and become a strong contender for County Magistrate.

However, Tang Ye knows that he is at a disadvantage.

Tang Ye is currently a Standing Committee Member of the County Party Committee and a Deputy County Magistrate; although it is possible for him to be promoted directly to County Magistrate by breaking the rules, Nie Kai, as the Executive Deputy County Magistrate, is closer to the position of County Magistrate.

In Tang Ye's view, he still quite hopes for a competitive situation to emerge.

Regardless of whether the Old City Project can succeed, as long as external capital enters Suiyuan, coupled with the funding policy support from the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, it will certainly be able to play a promotional role for Suiyuan.

Zhu Junting is actually also very interested in the Old City project.

"I have conducted a detailed investigation into this company, Anyu; you should be very interested in the background of this company."

Tang Ye actually knows who is controlling Anyu, but he feigns ignorance and asks for guidance: "What kind of background is it that makes you so concerned, Sister-in-law?"

Sister-in-law smiles faintly: "The General Manager of this company is the former Deputy Director of the Municipal Finance Bureau, Feng Kun."

Tang Ye does not feel particularly surprised and sighs: "I didn't expect that after Director Feng left the civil service, he would immediately find a good job. Feng Kun has been mixing in the Hanzhou officialdom for many years; having him be responsible for this company indeed gives it good competitiveness."

Zhu Junting tells Tang Ye the inside story: "Originally, we intended to secure the Old City project and then subcontract most of the company's engineering work. Feng Kun approached me at the time, hoping to secure some of the engineering work. As a result, we eventually gave up on the Old City and turned to the West City instead, which was essentially standing him up. I didn't expect that Feng Kun would manage to raise funds from somewhere and secure this project."

Tang Ye understands that Zhu Junting is implying something: "I have an idea of who is supporting Feng Kun behind the scenes."

Zhu Junting smiles: "Then I can rest easy."

Tang Ye pauses and says earnestly: "Manager Zhu, I know you have withstood quite a bit of pressure for the West City project."

Zhu Junting laughs easily: "That's right, quite a few people have sent me messages hoping that Haihua would not take on the West City project, and some even issued warnings. However, I have always been a bit rebellious; the more people tell me not to do something, the more I want to achieve results. Of course, most importantly, I am optimistic about you! I am investing in you in advance!"

Tang Ye is surprised and laughs out loud: "Investing in me? I cannot promise that I will give you generous returns."

Zhu Junting is stunned and then laughs: "Don't worry, I know your goals are clear and you have great ambitions. Haihua Group will absolutely not hold you back. What I value is not what policy preferences you can give me, but that you have a unique vision. Investing by following your direction will always allow one to clear the clouds and see the mist."

Tang Ye laughs heartily: "Sister-in-law, your evaluation of me is too high. I hope we can make progress together. Additionally, Haihua Group should also cut off those gray industries; in the future society, the rule of law will become increasingly sound, and only by earning clean money can one grow big."

Zhu Junting says softly: "I understand; starting from last year, we have already transferred some of our entertainment venues."

Tang Ye affirms: "You will be glad you made this decision early."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Ye calls Lin Heng in and explains the many details of the West City development to him clearly.

Lin Heng's learning ability is quite good; although he is still far from Tang Ye's requirements, he can already basically keep up with Tang Ye's rhythm.

After finishing the work handover, Tang Ye chats with Lin Heng about personal matters: "By the way, I heard you are getting engaged?"

A bitter smile appears on the corner of Lin Heng's mouth: "Some problems came up, and the engagement has been postponed."

Tang Ye looks at Lin Heng in surprise: "What exactly happened?"

Lin Heng says aggrievedly: "His parents do not agree. My girlfriend has an older brother who is five years older than her and is not yet married. His parents' meaning is to wait until the brother is married before discussing my engagement with her."

Tang Ye realizes: "Are they making demands regarding finances?"

A sense of bitterness wells up in Lin Heng's heart: "Yes, the bride price they want is very high, two hundred thousand. My family cannot come up with that much money all at once. I am planning to save for a few years..."

Tang Ye says earnestly: "Do not give up on your relationship easily, but also do not make meaningless sacrifices."

Lin Heng nods: "My girlfriend has already seen her family for who they are and decided to register our marriage privately with me. However, in my heart, I feel that I shouldn't be that selfish; since I like her, I cannot make things difficult for her."

Tang Ye says softly: "Your mindset is correct. Besides, your girlfriend is quite lucky to have met you."

Lin Heng says: "Thank you for your encouragement!"

After Lin Heng leaves, Tang Ye rubs his chin and falls into thought.

Having been in contact with Lin Heng for a long time, he has discovered that he is full of idealism.

Perhaps because of this point, he accepted Lin Heng and let him become his Liaison Officer.

Although the outside world's assessment of Tang Ye is mixed!

Some call him a cunning silver fox, a kept man who clings to power...

An ambitious person who has "I want to advance too much" carved on his forehead.

But, Tang Ye feels that he is an idealist.

Measuring the land with his own footsteps;

Transforming the world with his own actions;

Setting the rules of the game with his own value system.

The phone rings, and Tang Ye answers it.

Wan Ming's voice comes through.

"According to your request, I checked the background of this girl, Yu Linlin. Just as you judged, this girl's mother is not sick."

Tang Ye is shocked: "Why would she lie to Han Haoyang?"

Wan Ming continues: "She works part-time at a bar in Qiongjin, and the boss behind the scenes of that bar is Xiao Jingyu's son, Xiao Zi'an. It is no surprise that she was acting under Xiao Zi'an's instructions."

Tang Ye realizes:

"You mean, Xiao Zi'an is using Yu Linlin to deceive Han Haoyang. With Xiao Zi'an's financial strength, he would absolutely not set a trap for a mere few tens of thousands."

Wan Ming follows Tang Ye's lead and continues: "It should be that he wants to get Han Haoyang into trouble, using this as leverage to control Secretary Han."

Tang Ye is thoughtful: "The worst result is not to retaliate against Secretary Han. It is to hold the son hostage to command the feudal lords! Using Han Haoyang to continue sucking blood in Suiyuan County."

Wan Ming says in a low voice: "This Xiao Zi'an is truly despicable. What should we do now? Should we tell Secretary Han?"

Tang Ye rubs his chin: "No rush. Telling Secretary Han now has no value and will only alert the enemy. You arrange for people to keep an eye on Han Haoyang, and when a suitable opportunity arises, we will look for a way to break the situation."

"Understood, I will arrange for people right away."

Hanging up the phone with Wan Ming, a grave look appeared in Tang Ye's eyes.

Various clues pointed toward Xiao Zi'an, and were closely related to the attack he had previously encountered.

Xiao Jingyu had already retreated to the provincial level, yet Xiao Zi'an was still attempting to profit from human suffering in Suiyuan; Tang Ye naturally would not let his plan succeed!