Right path to power

Then, the group raised some more questions, such as the mine's recruitment of workers, land compensation, and water pipe repairs.

Lin Xiao answered each question, drawing rounds of applause from the audience.

He turned to Chen Shiwei, who looked worried, and said in a deep voice, "Comrade Chen Shiwei, we hope you will implement the rectification measures based on the feedback from the villagers, and we also hope you will reflect on your own problems."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. He saw that it was Shen Xueying calling, and after thinking for a moment, he hung up.

Soon, the phone rang again.

Lin Xiao frowned slightly, thinking to himself that this woman's information network was truly impressive.

However, Lin Xiao hung up the phone again.

As a result, Shen Xueying sent a text message: "County Chief Lin, you've been promoted and you're not even answering your phone anymore? This is so disheartening for us investors!"

Lin Xiao glanced at it, smiled faintly, and put the phone back in her pocket.

He understood what Shen Xueying was anxious about, but he had already made a comprehensive plan for the development of mineral resources, so he naturally wouldn't be disturbed by others.

At this moment, Mayor Jiang Shishui hurriedly came up to him: "County Chief Lin, I'm sorry, I'm going to the village."

Lin Xiao nodded slightly and said, "It's nothing. I just came to take a look today, but I didn't expect to stumble upon such a good show."

Afterwards, Lin Xiao explained the issues raised by the public to Jiang Shishui, without including Chen Shiwei, who was standing to the side, in the conversation.

After everyone had left, he said, "Comrade Shishui, fellow disciple Dejin, you two come with me to Yanghuai Village. Everyone else will be back at their posts."

After saying that, he walked straight toward the car.

Standing frozen in place, Chen Shiwei watched Lin Xiao and the others' retreating figures, his face instantly darkening as a sense of foreboding washed over him.

Lin Xiao only called Jiang Shishui and Su Dejin, and he already knew what that meant.

Moreover, he also knew that County Party Secretary Zhu Lishu and Lin Xiao had a close relationship.

Therefore, the question is not what his fate will be, but when that fate will arrive.

Yanghuai Village is where people used to illegally mine minerals.

This is Lin Xiao's main destination on this trip.

Looking at a road under construction, Jiang Shishui said helplessly, "I initially suggested that the mining company could build this road, as the county's finances are tight and need to be used wisely. However, the town's Party committee made a collective decision, and in the end, the county finance bureau allocated special funds..."

Lin Xiao nodded, understanding what Jiang Shishui wanted to express: "At any time, if there is a reasonable and feasible solution, it should be boldly proposed. This is also the responsibility of a leading cadre."

After a pause, he continued, "Next, the county will implement unified management of all mines in the county. All mining projects without legal and compliant permits will be shut down. The situation in Qionglin Town is quite serious, so I hope you will do a good job in handling all the follow-up work. As for the road construction, please draft a proposal based on your ideas as soon as possible and report it to the county in a timely manner."

"Yes, County Magistrate." A hint of excitement flashed across Jiang Shishui's face.

As soon as he finished speaking, a minivan stopped on the roadside not far ahead, and several people got out of the car and hurried over.

"County Magistrate Lin, you've made it so hard for me to catch up with you."

Shen Xueying, who was walking at the front, spoke breathlessly, her high heels occasionally sinking into the mud, and her white trouser legs were quickly covered in mud.

It must be said that her exquisite makeup made her resemble a flower in the mountains.

Lin Xiao felt a sense of helplessness as he watched Shen Xueying approach gracefully.

It seems she's determined to acquire the mineral resources here.

He had previously learned about Fengdu Industry, which on the surface appeared to be a very strong comprehensive enterprise with businesses spanning multiple sectors.

In reality, it was just a shell company that relied on her father Shen Guokun's influence to engage in buying and selling, and made a considerable profit from the difference.

For example, in real estate development, Fengdu Industrial is responsible for acquiring land and then establishing a joint venture with others. All expenses are borne by the joint venture company, while Fengdu Industrial only contributes the increased value of the land as equity, thus reaping the benefits without lifting a finger.

To put it bluntly, it was practically getting something for nothing.

The company's other business operations follow basically the same pattern.

Especially during the period when Shen Guokun was the top leader of the provincial party committee, Fengdu Industry made a fortune. However, as Shen Guokun stepped down and left Quanning, Fengdu Industry's business became less profitable.

That's why Shen Xueying tried every means to change her career path.

Shen Xueying has a pretty keen business sense.

But in Lin Xiao’s view, having vision is not the same as having ability, and at least Fengdu Industry does not have the kind of strength he wants.

"County Magistrate Lin, you are truly heartless!"

As Shen Xueying approached, she pouted slightly, looking aggrieved.

Lin Xiao said coldly, "President Shen, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. I didn't do anything to you."

"You don't answer the phone, you don't reply to text messages, and you still say you're not heartless?"

Upon hearing this, someone who didn't know the situation might have thought the two were a former couple who had just broken up.

"I have a job."

"Well, I do have something important to discuss with you."

"Really? Then tell me more about it."

For a fleeting moment, Lin Xiao felt a touch of admiration for Shen Xueying's persistence.

"It's about investing in mining. We've already reached an agreement with the town, and the county has agreed. We've also signed a letter of intent for cooperation, and our company has assembled a team. I just want to finalize the follow-up matters as soon as possible, start construction, and put it into production as soon as possible, so that I can contribute to the development of Fuchuan County."

Shen Xueying glanced at Lin Xiao, then changed the subject, saying with a hint of coldness, "As an investor, I took the initiative to call you to communicate, and you hung up on me twice. Isn't that a bit unreasonable? The city and county governments keep talking about building a service-oriented government, but why do I feel like they're a bit distracted?"

These words were clearly meant to warn Lin Xiao, which made Jiang Shishui and the others standing nearby furious.

However, Lin Xiao remained calm and composed. He smiled and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Shen, I've just taken over as acting county head, and I'm still getting used to many of the tasks. First of all, the county welcomes Mr. Shen to invest in Fuchuan. As long as it's a legal and compliant business, we will strongly support it."

Secondly, the county has decided to implement unified management of the county's mining industry. We will issue relevant investment promotion announcements and provide sufficient preferential policies. We welcome Mr. Shen to participate actively.

Finally, regarding your question about service, Mr. Shen, you can rest assured that I always keep my word. Of course, please forgive any shortcomings.

Shen Xueying frowned slightly. Lin Xiao's "one-size-fits-all" approach was exactly what she was worried about, because it would inevitably ruin her plans.

The mountains near Yanghuai Village are rich in iron, lead, zinc and manganese ore, and mining is not difficult and the profits are sure to be considerable. However, if a unified open bidding process is conducted, Fengdu Industry will definitely not be able to compete with those large mining companies.

As a shrewd businesswoman, Shen Xueying was naturally unwilling to give up the lucrative opportunity she had in her grasp.

"County Magistrate Lin, I certainly support the county's work. However, since we have already reached an agreement on cooperation, let's expedite the process and strive to see benefits as soon as possible. There's no time like the present; I'd like to invite County Magistrate Lin to dinner tonight so we can discuss the details of our future cooperation."

Lin Xiao said calmly, "President Shen, there's really no need for a meal. I'm busy with rural research these past few days, let's talk about it later."

To be honest, Lin Xiao felt quite helpless. These words had already been made clear when the two met last time. He had also politely declined the dinner invitation last time, but Shen Xueying was still persistent, like a piece of chewing gum that he couldn't shake off.

Lin Xiao said no more and continued to inspect the site with Jiang Shishui and the others, and arranged the next steps.

Shen Xueying followed behind without saying a word, her anger written all over her face.

Faced with Lin Xiao's resolute decision, she was indeed somewhat at a loss.

Her assistant, unable to bear it any longer, stepped forward and whispered a rebuke: "President Shen, he's gone too far! You've gone this far, and he still won't budge. He's just a small county magistrate! You should find someone..."

It seems that this female assistant is still immersed in the old days when Shen Xueying was "the only one who matters".

Little did they know that with the passage of time and the changing of the years, everything had changed.

"A mere acting county magistrate?" Shen Xueying sneered. "Someone who arrested and sentenced my brother, brought down Mayor Li Cheng, is the executive vice governor's teacher, has the highest regard for him as the provincial party secretary, and whose girlfriend is from the Song family of Beicheng... Tell me, who can handle such a lowly acting county magistrate?"

The female assistant blushed immediately: "But...but we're here to invest, to boost the local economy!"

At this moment, Lin Xiao, who had come to the car, waved in this direction, then got into the car, and the group headed to their next destination.

Shen Xueying stood there, her face filled with helplessness, embarrassment, and anger.

After a moment, she sighed, "It seems we still need to think of other methods..."