Chapter 486: Bai Yutang

"Hold on, hold on, hold on, Director Su, I'm here on business."

"The weather's been hot these days, hasn't it? There's indeed nothing important to do in the township, so I'd like to invite Director Su to cool off in Xiushui Mountain, and I've also prepared some local specialties."

"Of course, it's not just an invitation to a meal; I also want you to see the natural scenery of our Xiushui Xiang."

"Xiushui Mountain was mentioned before by leaders as a natural scenic area, but because of funding, not even Lancheng City can afford to build it, let alone our Xiushui Xiang."

"I heard Director Su has connections at both the county and city levels; perhaps you can push this project, seek policy support from the city and province, and ideally get the project approved so we can develop it gradually."

"Putting other things aside, once the project is approved we can start charging. Even now, many city dwellers come here each year to cool off, some even sneak into the mountain to hunt wild game. We could charge admission per head and set up a mountain‑goods stall—guaranteed profit."

Bai Yutang, seeing Su Yang trying to brush him off, bluntly stated his purpose.

Su Yang gave Bai Yutang a once‑over; everyone knew that Xiushui Mountain could be developed, yet no one had taken any action. Why was he suddenly so kind to raise the issue?

Thinking of that, he said, "Since you have the idea, let's go take a look. As for how to develop it, whether to charge, or when it can be approved, we'll discuss those later."

As he spoke, he took out his phone and called Director of Paichusuo Xiang Donglai: "Donglai, let's go to the mountain."

To be honest, whenever he goes into Xiushui Mountain lately, Su Yang likes to bring Xiang Donglai along. On one hand, Donglai is sturdy and burly, agile in action, so if any emergency arises he can ensure everyone's safety;

Another crucial reason is that the current Director of Paichusuo is armed; not only the director but also the officers carry firearms, and they could even take guns up the mountain to hunt. If they don't experience that now, they may never get the chance.

Xiang Donglai was delighted to receive Su Yang's call. The last time, because of Su Yang's matter, he chose to fire urgently; he feared county punishment, but instead he received a Commendation.

Although it was an internal Commendation from the Public Security Bureau, for him it was the greatest reward he'd received in his many years of policing.

According to Bureau Chief Lan, if his actions were strictly investigated he might have been punished, but because the shooting was to help Su Yang in a potentially dangerous situation, county leaders gave special instructions, so the Public Security Bureau awarded a Commendation.

This made him increasingly aware of Su Yang's formidable strength; now his body is at the Paichusuo, but his mind is with the township government. Especially after hearing rumors that Su Yang will become Township Party Committee Secretary, the whole Xiushui Xiang is most excited about him.

If he were only the Poverty Alleviation Office Director, he might finish the poverty work and leave; then trying to cling to Su Yang would be pure networking, which pressures him.

After all, he has conducted an in‑depth investigation on Su Yang; Su Yang's hometown is Huatian Town, and if he wants to join he must have definite contributions. Moreover, Su Yang already has a reliable contact on the Public Security System, the Director of Huatian Town Police Station Sun Chengjun.

But if Su Yang stays here as Township Party Committee Secretary, his opportunities increase; for example, this time Bai Yutang's group wants to move against Su Yang, giving him a chance to act. Honestly, he hopes someone short‑sighted continues to trouble Su Yang, so he can openly protect and assist him.

"Alright, Director Su, I'm on my way. Should I bring a couple more guns today?"

Su Yang thought to himself, Donglai really gets me. He pretended to be embarrassed and said, "Is this convenient? Don't let this violate your internal management regulations."

Xiang Donglai replied, "What management rules are there? We all carry guns to and from work now. Fine, I won't keep you any longer; I'm coming right away."

When Bai Yutang heard that Xiang Donglai was coming, his face turned a little uneasy, but he smiled and said, "Had I known Director Su liked hunting in the mountains, I'd have had two double‑barreled shotguns brought over. They aren't as accurate as pistols, but they shoot farther and have greater lethality; if they hit, they'll definitely bring the target down."

Su Yang replied, "No need, no need; those makeshift guns could backfire. Besides, we're not going up the mountain just to hunt—we'll just circle around, walk the various spots, and get a thorough feel for Xiushui Mountain."

"Exactly, as you said, even if we aim to develop it, we need to describe our situation clearly to the higher‑up leaders. We can't just say 'scenic, pleasant climate, good for outings and cooling,' we must comprehensively present Xiushui Mountain's advantages. Otherwise the leaders won't have time to read our report; it must be concise and highlight the key points."

Bai Yutang chuckled, "Oh, Director Su really thought it through. I've been spoiled by the villagers here, thinking those double‑barreled shotguns were safe."

"Of course, as you said, our main purpose in entering the mountain isn't hunting but to comprehensively understand Xiushui Mountain, document its features, and promptly report them to the higher‑up leaders."

"Our Xiushui Xiang has been impoverished for far too long; we need to quickly find an industry to lift everyone out of poverty—that's essentially why Director Su came to work here."

"As a native cadre of Xiushui Xiang, this is my lifelong dream. We'll fully cooperate with township work; as long as we can shed the poverty label and lead the villagers to prosperity, all the cadres are willing to work sleeplessly and overtime."

Bai Yutang's attitude genuinely surprised Su Yang. He had originally thought Bai Yutang was merely frightened by Gao Haisheng's matter, which made him so compliant; now he wonders if Bai Yutang has other plans—perhaps he also wants to become the Township Party Committee Secretary, or is seeking someone behind the scenes?

That's why he's so eager to submit the project and get it approved as early as possible—once Bai Yutang assumes office, he can reap the fruits, and the huge credit will be his.

Even without actual development, merely getting the project approved and building a gatehouse at the mountain entrance to charge fees counts as a major achievement. Though this so‑called achievement brings little benefit to the Common People, it does raise some fiscal revenue for the township and lets them skim off a decent amount of profit.

Thinking of this, he smiled, "Alright, if you have that idea, let's start working on what we can over the next two days, do what's within our power, at least so the higher‑up leaders see our proactive attitude."