Chapter 2899: There is No Silver Three Hundred Taels Here

When the news spread that the Bureau of Land and Resources had applied to the court for compulsory enforcement, those mine owners were in a state of panic. They hadn't expected that the city was playing for real this time, actually going to the court to apply for compulsory enforcement.

In the past, there had been crackdowns on mines, but they were all just going through the motions—either issuing a symbolic fine or letting it fade away once the wind blew over. Who would have thought that this time they would issue such heavy fines and even apply for compulsory enforcement to auction off the mine assets?

For a time, these mine owners were looking for connections everywhere, wanting to smooth this matter over. As long as there was no compulsory enforcement or auctioning of their assets, they were willing to pay money. Of course, this money wasn't for the fines—that was too much, and it pained them to pay it. They wanted to give this money to the leaders instead.

Giving money to the leaders was at least less than the fines, and it could build a good relationship with the leaders, which would be beneficial for their future operations. If they paid the fines, it would truly be money down the drain.

These past few days, the homes of the main leaders in Baozhou City were truly bustling with visitors. Those who came were either the mine owners themselves or their relatives, as some mine owners still didn't dare to return.

This evening, a guest came to Miao Leshan's home. It was Zhang Dacheng, the father of Zhang Heping and the chairman of Dacheng Mining Co., Ltd.

For some time, Zhang Dacheng had been in a city in the south. For one, he was avoiding the limelight, and for another, the winter was warm there. During the New Year, he had brought his whole family there to spend the holiday.

Zhang Dacheng and Miao Leshan were, of course, very familiar with each other. In fact, Miao Leshan also held a stake in his Dacheng Mining—a "dry share" (a share without capital contribution), the kind where one sits back and collects money every year.

Zhang Dacheng was a very savvy person. Dacheng Mining not only had Miao Leshan's shares but also those of the Municipal Party Secretary, Shi Fengnian. Both were gifts from him. Every year, the dividends he gave them were hundreds of thousands or even millions, but the benefits he received were also considerable. His mine veins were the best in Baozhou, and the ore grade was the highest, so his annual profits were very substantial.

Coming to Miao Leshan's home today, Zhang Dacheng naturally didn't come empty-handed. He brought two cases of Moutai liquor, a case of Zhonghua cigarettes, a Rolex watch, and the latest Motorola mobile phone. A rough calculation of the value of these items was already several tens of thousands.

Watching Zhang Dacheng's driver move those things into his storage room, Miao Leshan made a rough calculation and was quite satisfied with the items Zhang Dacheng had brought. Zhang Dacheng sent the dividends on time every year without delay, and he never came to his home empty-handed; the items he brought were never worth less than ten thousand.

Miao Leshan smiled and said to Zhang Dacheng, "Dacheng, you're much darker than before."

Zhang Dacheng said, "Mayor Miao, you don't know. I spent the winter by the sea. The weather there was too hot. On the day of the New Year, the temperature was thirty degrees. You tell me, how could I not get tanned?"

Miao Leshan said, "That place is good. I just like warm places. Our Baozhou winter is too cold."

Zhang Dacheng said, "Mayor Miao, let's not talk about this year; spring has already begun. Let's talk about next winter. I'll invite you to the south to play. You can stay as long as you want."

Miao Leshan said, "Fine, we'll talk about it then."

Zhang Dacheng then unpacked the mobile phone and introduced its usage to Miao Leshan—how to make calls, how to send text messages, how to play games. This made Miao Leshan very interested.

This latest model of mobile phone was beautiful and easy to use. Miao Leshan learned it in a moment; after all, he had always used the latest models. Of course, he never had to buy his own phones.

Zhang Dacheng said, "Feel free to use this phone. I'll pay the phone bill for you on time every month, so you don't have to worry about it."

In fact, the municipal government also reimbursed Miao Leshan's phone bills, but Zhang Dacheng was savvy; what he did made Miao Leshan feel comfortable. Miao Leshan chuckled and said, "Fine, Dacheng, then thank you."

Zhang Dacheng said, "Mayor Miao, why are you being so polite? Isn't this what I should do? If it weren't for you, where would I be today? This can also be considered a late New Year's greeting to you."

In Baozhou customs, as long as the first lunar month hasn't passed, one can still offer New Year's greetings.

Miao Leshan nodded and asked again, "Dacheng, do you have something you need me for today?"

Miao Leshan knew that since the gifts Zhang Dacheng brought today were so generous, he must have something he needed his help with, so he took the initiative to ask.

Zhang Dacheng said, "Can't I come to see you if I don't have anything?"

Miao Leshan smiled slightly and said, "Of course you can come to see me. I welcome you anytime. However, if you have anything, feel free to tell me. I will definitely help you if I can."

Only then did Zhang Dacheng say, "I do have a little matter, about the mines. Three months ago, didn't the Land Bureau issue a twenty-million-yuan fine to the mines? Now the Land Bureau has gone to the court to apply for compulsory enforcement, and the court is preparing to auction off our mine assets to pay the fine."

Miao Leshan nodded slightly again. Zhang Dacheng's purpose did not exceed his expectations; he had indeed come because of the court's compulsory enforcement.

When he heard this news, Miao Leshan himself felt it was very tricky, let alone Zhang Dacheng. Although Zhang Dacheng had money and could usually ignore authority, when authority got serious, even the wealthiest person couldn't fight it.

Miao Leshan said, "Dacheng, what do you plan to do?"

Zhang Dacheng said with a bitter face, "This fine amount is too high; I can't afford to pay it."

Miao Leshan said, "If you don't pay it, what will you do about the court's compulsory enforcement?"

Zhang Dacheng said, "Isn't it because I don't want the court to enforce it that I came to you for help? You are the Executive Vice Mayor; you must have a way." ===== CHAPTER 2901 =====