Chapter 418: New Farmers

After a few cups of wine, Xiong Ruisong said, "Comrade Su, what industries do you think would be suitable for us to invest in at Meng Hu Ling?"

Although he was hesitant about switching industries, Xiong Ruisong still couldn't bear to let go of this chance to connect with Su Xinghui—Su Xinghui's background was too profound; at such a young age, he'd already become vice-village chief, with connections and achievements to spare, his future limitless!

If he could leverage this opportunity to build a relationship with Su Xinghui, it would be a worthwhile investment, so he spoke up again.

Su Xinghui smiled faintly and said, "There are plenty of projects worth investing in—for example, setting up a beverage factory, a food processing plant, a pharmaceutical factory, a winery. Also, Meng Hu Ling has beautiful scenery, so investing in tourism is a good idea. Plus, growing ornamental or landscaping saplings is also quite promising—aren't these all worthwhile investments?"

Xiong Ruisong and Qiao Dashu exchanged another glance—these industries were all unfamiliar to them; if they entered these fields, could they even make money?

Su Xinghui said, "If you truly want to invest in Meng Hu Ling, I'll do everything I can to help you. China's overall economic situation is strong right now—so long as you don't act recklessly, you shouldn't lose money. You can go visit the two companies already building factories in Meng Hu Ling and ask them for advice."

Both nodded thoughtfully. Xiong Ruisong said, "Comrade Su, please give us some time to think this over."

Su Xinghui knew this was a major decision for them—they couldn't possibly decide so quickly. It was perfectly normal. And for Su Xinghui, having these two investments was good, but even without them, he could find others.

Su Xinghui raised his cup again and said, "Alright, let's drink one more cup. Whether or not you invest here, you're now guests of Meng Hu Ling—we must drink well."

Both quickly raised their cups and drank with Su Xinghui.

After finishing the meal, Xiong Ruisong and Qiao Dashu said they'd explore more of Meng Hu Ling on their own and didn't need Su Xinghui to accompany them—Su Xinghui let them go.

That day, Su Xinghui returned to the county to attend the Xianlikai Society meeting. Afterward, he visited Zhang Kaishan's office.

Zhang Kaishan said, "Star Hui, I've kept a tight lid on that matter you mentioned—these past few days, County Magistrate Jia has been complaining."

Su Xinghui nodded and said, "I know, Uncle Zhang. The two investors came to Meng Hu Ling again the other day."

Zhang Kaishan asked curiously, "Why did they come back to you?"

Su Xinghui replied, "They're still trying to persuade me to let them build factories here."

Zhang Kaishan's expression turned serious: "Star Hui, your future is limitless. You must be extremely cautious on economic matters—don't sacrifice the big picture for small gains."

Su Xinghui nodded and smiled: "Uncle Zhang, rest assured—I can handle this."

Zhang Kaishan's expression relaxed. Su Xinghui's steadiness still earned his trust. He asked, "So how did you answer them?"

Su Xinghui said, "Of course I wouldn't let them build paper or cement factories here. But I suggested they switch industries—invest in pollution-free projects instead."

Zhang Kaishan chuckled: "That's interesting. If they follow your advice and switch, you'll gain tens of millions in investment. But if they stay, County Magistrate Jia won't look good."

Su Xinghui said, "Getting them to switch won't be easy—it's too big a decision. They'll weigh all options carefully. I suspect they're more likely to return to their old businesses elsewhere. As for Magistrate Jia—if the investors stay, let him take the credit. If he still holds a grudge, there's nothing I can do."

Zhang Kaishan nodded: "You're right. Focus on doing your job well—don't overthink your superiors' moods."

Su Xinghui said, "Uncle Zhang, while I was back, I heard the county plans to build a new farmers' market?"

Zhang Kaishan said, "Yes. The old farmers' market is overcrowded and reeks of stench. Residents on both sides have complained. So we plan to build a larger market on the vacant land beside San Jiao Tang."

The old farmers' market in Shangjun County was on a street less than three hundred meters south of the hospital. Originally, the county had no planning—so the market was too small. Later, government units built dormitories on both sides, leaving no room for expansion.

Now, with the town's growth, more people come to buy vegetables. Every market day, the small market becomes utterly packed, causing many problems.

First, there are many pickpockets. It's easy to understand: during morning shopping hours, the crowds are so thick, it's prime time for thieves. Trying to catch them is nearly impossible—the police there can't even outrun the thieves.

Second, the market's sides are lined with unit dormitories. The smell from the selling area is terrible. Every day, sewage flows across the street and garbage litters the ground. Residents on both sides are filled with complaints.

San Jiao Tang is a pond several hundred meters northeast of the current market. Beside it lies a large vacant lot, now used by nearby residents as a natural dump—they throw all their trash there.

Now, the pond and its surrounding land are piled high with garbage, reeking of stench. But since residents live far away, it hasn't yet affected their daily lives—though it's an eyesore.

These are all the county government's failures. Their urban planning lacked foresight, and their management lacked competence and responsibility. Such chaotic planning and management exist in many county towns—future leadership must correct them one by one.

Building this new farmers' market is a win-win: it solves all the old market's problems, clears the garbage dump at San Jiao Tang, and constructs a new market several times larger—surely sufficient for the next twenty years.

As the urban area expands, we can build additional markets elsewhere in the county to disperse the shopping crowds.

Of course, managing the new market properly is essential—otherwise, in no time, it too will be flooded with sewage.

Su Xinghui said, "This is a great thing."

Zhang Kaishan nodded: "Of course it's a great thing—it's the county's top priority. But there's still much to do. The flood season is coming soon. Though we reinforced the levees these past months, we don't know if they'll hold. We hope to get through safely, then rebuild them fully in the second half of the year."

It was already June—the flood season was indeed imminent. As county chief, Zhang Kaishan's concern was entirely normal.

But Su Xinghui knew that in recent years, the flood peaks had been mild. In his past life, Shangjun County's levees held firm through those years. Now that Magistrate Jia had been replaced by Zhang Kaishan, there was even less reason they'd fail.

Su Xinghui smiled: "Uncle Zhang, this year should be fine—it's been relatively calm and well-watered."

Zhang Kaishan said, "I hope so."

Su Xinghui asked, "By the way, Uncle Zhang, now that the old farmers' market won't be used, what do you plan to do with it?"

Zhang Kaishan said, "We haven't decided yet. We'll clean it up and leave it vacant for now. Do you have any good ideas?"

Su Xinghui said, "I do have an idea—after tearing down the market, build two rows of storefronts along both sides of the street and turn it into a commercial street."