Chapter 871: Loan Denied

When the word "USB drive" was mentioned, Su Yang already guessed what might be inside, but he showed no extra expression and said lightly, "Even if it exists, you should hand it over to Secretary Hou."

However, Yao Daya did not do as Su Yang said; instead, he took out the USB drive and placed it on Su Yang's desk.

Then he said to Hou Junlai, "Secretary Hou, I want to turn myself in; I have some matters to explain to you. Should I do it here or go to the Discipline Inspection Commission?"

Hou Junlai replied, "It makes more sense to go to the Discipline Inspection Commission for the explanation; let's go."

After speaking, the two walked out, one after the other.

Su Yang sighed, "Had I known it would end up like this, why bother at the start? People are like that; you must see yourself clearly, and wrongdoing always demands a price."

Mo Tai said, "Actually, Old Yao did realize his mistake, just a bit late. He's old, his reputation is at risk. I won't bother you further; I have some matters in the bureau, so I'll head back."

His gaze never once fell on the USB drive, as if he hadn't seen its existence.

After everyone left, Su Yang put the USB drive into a drawer. He was convinced it contained something, though some of it he didn't need.

Of course, he's no saint; it's not that he doesn't want to look at what's inside, just the timing isn't right.

The news that Yao Daya was being investigated by the Discipline Inspection Commission spread, and before people could digest it, they heard Yao Daya had gone straight to turn himself in.

This made the town mayors, secretaries, and bureau chiefs in the county shiver with shock. All county officials knew that Yao Daya's relationship with the newly arrived County Magistrate Zhao was extraordinary.

Normally, having such a connection would basically mean taking off on the spot.

But what Yao Daya got here was a surrender. Yet those with inside information heard about what happened at the Standing Committee, and combined with Yao Daya's attitude when Su Yang previously investigated, they quickly concluded: from now on, no matter who backs you, in front of County Magistrate Su you should behave like a tail‑clinging subordinate.

Of course, many others were thinking how to get close to Su Yang; merely reporting work would certainly not suffice.

But every call to Shi Haoyun to schedule a work report was turned down by Su Yang.

Now it's not the old days; he's no longer the Vice County Magistrate overseeing the whole county. If the county cadres still expect him to run errands, where does that leave County Magistrate Zhao and Jiang Tao's faces?

In the afternoon, however, there was an exception.

Finance Bureau Director Sun Kangyao called to set an appointment, and Su Yang gladly agreed.

"County Magistrate Su, the money in our county's finance accounts is now scarce; it sounds like over a hundred million, but after all expenses there's little left. If we start allocating funds to road‑repair units, it will likely be insufficient."

"For the highway we still need a matching fund of two hundred million, making a total of four hundred million inside and out."

"These alone are one thing, but there's also money needed for subsequent aquaculture and planting. I heard County Magistrate Li mention the scale; it must be at least several tens of millions, maybe over a hundred million."

"The finance department simply can't produce that much money."

"Although investment promotion got a good start, its effects won't be seen in the short term; at best it'll show up next year."

"Therefore the fiscal funds are still very tight; I suggest we see if we can borrow some money from a bank?"

"All projects must continue, livelihood projects need to be guaranteed, and cadres and comrades' salaries and bonuses cannot be cut."

When Sun Kangyao said that, Su Yang suddenly realized, "Alright, if you hadn't mentioned it I wouldn't have thought of it. Indeed, our finance has no money, but we can get a loan from a bank."

"I'll handle that right now."

"Additionally, we must not cut corners on improving our grassroots civil servants' benefits; the bonuses that should be given must be given in full, otherwise we'd betray the comrades' recent efforts."

Sun Kangyao hummed, then, sounding rather angry, said, "County Magistrate Su, there's another matter: yesterday County Magistrate Jiang came again, he discussed work with several Deputy Chiefs, and they finally held a leadership meeting."

"He bluntly said that from now on any disbursement from the Finance Bureau must have his signature, otherwise it will be handled according to internal procedures."

"If it continues like this, all future county project allocations will likely be constrained by him."

Su Yang shook his head and said, "There's nothing we can do; his position is set that way. But when later projects truly need funding, you can tell me; we can't let so‑called procedures delay the real work."

"Procedures are dead, people are alive."

After Sun Kangyao left, Su Yang called Xie Siyang, "How's the medicinal herb planting going? You haven't replied to me yet."

Xie Siyang apologetically said, "I'm really sorry, I completely forgot about this. My father said most of the medicinal herbs basically have no issues."

"He also agrees to build a medicinal herb planting base in our county, but there are slight financial difficulties; after a few months we can also invest in this area."

Su Yang said, "Oh, then that's unnecessary; our county will invest itself, as long as a cooperation agreement can be signed, that's fine."

Xie Siyang said there was no problem; according to his father's words, the actual investment isn't important, nor is making profit—essentially, just not losing money is enough.

In the end, what they were investing in was Su Yang himself.

Su Yang called Shi Haoyun over, "Help me make contact; I'm going to the Industrial and Commercial Bank this afternoon."

Shi Haoyun replied, "Okay, I'll contact them right now."

Although banks aren't directly governed by the government, locally one sometimes still has to give the local officials some face.

Su Yang chose the Industrial and Commercial Bank because its capital strength is greater, making a single‑loan of several hundred million more feasible.

In the afternoon, Su Yang went to the Industrial and Commercial Bank with Shi Haoyun at the agreed time.

But upon arrival, they didn't see the bank president, only their loan officer.

Su Yang couldn't help but furrow his brow, yet he didn't want to flare up, so he smiled and asked, "Is President Su not here? Didn't we arrange to meet this afternoon?"

Loan Department Director Gao said, "We sincerely apologize, County Magistrate Su; the provincial branch has an impromptu meeting, and President Su went to attend it, so I'm apologizing on his behalf."

Su Yang nodded slightly, "Hello, actually my purpose is to obtain a loan for our county's planting and aquaculture industries. I have a small request: since our county isn't wealthy—indeed it's struggling—I hope the interest rate can be given some consideration."

"When our county's finances improve and the Common People's wallets swell, I think everyone will choose Industrial and Commercial Bank for deposits."

Director Gao said, "Oh, I understand County Magistrate Su's point; we indeed have a farmer‑friendly loan that should meet your requirements, with very low interest."

A smile appeared on Su Yang's face. Whether the president was present didn't matter; he's not the type to fuss over face, as long as the loan is secured.

He said, "Great, great, I didn't expect the bank to understand us when our finances are tight. Our preliminary plan needs three hundred million in funding; that shouldn't be a problem for your bank, right?"

Director Gao apologetically said, "The capital is a bit short; after all, we're just a small county branch, and the head office gave us a limit of five million."

When Su Yang heard that, his complexion darkened instantly.