Chapter 655

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gazes toward him in unison.

They were originally just causing trouble for no reason, and they had assumed Su Yang wouldn't answer at all, or at least not give a direct answer, but would instead have the relevant industry, transportation, or education bureau leaders come over to explain.

Anyway, that's how government departments have always operated—whoever is in charge of the work should step forward to solve the problem. And to put it bluntly, those who dare to take the heat and speak up are usually not the top leaders but deputy officials.

Su Yang actually intended to answer these people, which caught Ye Xianggao and Wen Qiren off guard.

Moreover, they lowered their opinion of Su Yang's political acumen a bit more—this kind of person is simply brainless; it's obvious to everyone that Geng Miao came today just to piss you off, yet you actually stepped forward to talk with these people. Can you really solve these problems, or what's going on? Or do you think you have absolute confidence to go head‑to‑head with them?

Just a moment ago, the two of them were even wondering: if Su Yang were to name‑specifically summon the heads of the Transportation Bureau, Education Bureau, Bureau of Industry and Commerce, etc., would they try to stop him or not?

If they tried to stop him, the matter would be fundamentally unsolvable, and if they angered Su Yang, he would still bring in the media.

But if they didn't stop him, they would offend Geng Miao, who had set up the stage and carefully brewed this big show just to make Su Yang face a sea of public opinion and a torrent of anger all by himself.

In the end, all of this would have the bureau chief or even the deputy chief step forward to take the blame—what's the point of that?

However, this doubt and hesitation had just risen in their minds when Su Yang resolved it on the spot, saving them a lot of worry.

Su Yang cleared his throat and said, "Your demand seems simple: you want me to beg Geng Miao to resume work—fat chance."

"Now I'll explain the reasons one by one. First, about your buses and taxis—let's group them together—the reason is that you're responsible for transportation and travel."

"This is fundamentally a basic issue concerning the vital interests of the common people; in any city, at any time, anywhere, striking is a highly irrational act."

"Even if your bus company's operations have problems, even if you're worried about not being able to pay wages, that's the bus company leadership's responsibility—you can't blame it on Shuanggou Daqu."

"Shuanggou Daqu is Shuanggou Daqu, and you are you; even if we said Lieshan County had no Shuanggou Daqu enterprise, whether it's the taxi operating company or the fully public‑benefit bus company, you still have to run."

"So here's what we'll do: all the taxi drivers who came today will register here; if you don't want to drive, that's fine—anyway you're not in the mood now and think the so‑called big environment is bad, so just take a complete break."

"As far as I know, the vehicles between the taxi company and you are under a lease agreement; since you don't want to drive, we can replace you with another batch—there are plenty of people who need this job."

"If locals really don't want to, we can also bring in people from elsewhere."

"The same goes for the bus company—are you afraid of unpaid wages? Afraid of this, afraid of that? These issues are essentially the bus company leadership's responsibility. Right now, I'll have your bus company manager come over immediately to discuss this with you."

"Director Jiao, please contact them right away, notify the comrades responsible for operations related to them, as well as the bus company manager, and have them come here immediately; we'll sort this out in front of your leaders and everyone present, pinpointing whose fault it is and starting the solution from there."

Ye Xianggao and Wen Qiren went numb—what is this? They hadn't followed the expected routine just now, so why did things suddenly change?

Moreover, dragging in the bus company manager makes it even more nauseating than the previous vague handling—passing the buck is now more direct and blunt.

In a flash, Wen Qiren realized a more important issue and said, "Comrade Su Yang, do we really need to involve so many people? Besides, this matter arose hastily and suddenly. Even if we get them to come, it might not achieve the best effect."

But Su Yang replied, "If Magistrate Wen thinks there's a better way, let's follow his approach. If, however, there isn't one, then we really have no choice but to bring those relevant people here."

Wen Qiren's face stiffened as if his own father had died, and he said nothing more.

He didn't want to get himself further involved.

Because in the end things really blew up beyond control, the County Party Secretary Ye Xianggao is the primary responsible person, while he at most is just a deputy.

Moreover, the arm‑wrestling match between Su Yang and Geng Miao is merely an opening act; a bigger showdown is likely still to come. As long as we can stay out of it, we'll stay out—if we can keep silent, we'll keep silent; if we can remove ourselves, we'll remove ourselves.

That's what he thought, and Ye Xianggao beside him felt the same. Because, from Su Yang's handling of the matter just now, he realized his previous bias toward Su Yang—Su Yang is far harder to deal with than he imagined.

Seeing that, Jiao Qiang noted that the two leaders showed no opposition, so he could only call from the scene to ask the Transportation Bureau chief and the bus operation company's leadership to come over.

During this time, Su Yang turned his gaze to the small‑commodities wholesaler: "The reason you gave earlier is actually the same as everyone else's—bottom line, the root lies with Shuanggou Daqu, which, by halting work and production, has affected your so‑called big environment."

"So you don't intend to continue in the wholesale of clothing goods and the supply of grain and oil, right? Starting today you can pull out—there are plenty of people who want to do this business."

"For the past few days, I've been arranging all commodity supplies from the city."

"And before you withdraw, the relevant regulatory departments will still inspect you for any illegal business practices or the sale of expired products."

"In short, Lieshan County's hundreds of thousands of common people will neither starve nor go thirsty if they leave you, the so‑called small‑commodities market boss; perhaps without you they'd be better off."

"The small‑commodities market boss was originally acting under Geng Miao's orders; he now can't really make decisions or be the head of the household, because he's just a beast of burden."

"As soon as Su Yang spoke up, he demanded that the boss withdraw immediately and that the relevant departments conduct a thorough investigation. As for the departments' investigation, he didn't take it to heart."

"Frankly, whether it's the Market Supervision Bureau or the Bureau of Industry and Commerce, etc., they all just nod and bow when they see him. But now Su Yang wants him to prepare to withdraw—would he dare agree? Could he agree?"

"While he was thinking that, Su Yang added, 'For fairness' sake, I won't count the relevant county units; I'll directly apply to transfer personnel from elsewhere…'"