Song Guanchao arrived at the bank.

Entering Zhang Yue's office, he sat down and cut straight to the chase: "The Lingjiang high-speed rail project needs a loan now. How much can you lend?"

"High-speed rail?"

Zhang Yue was a bit stunned: "Isn't it financed by the government?"

Song Guanchao picked up his tea cup, and absentmindedly said, "The money was invested by Zheng Bihui into the old city renovation."

"Ah?"

Zhang Yue was stunned again, taking a moment to grasp the full meaning of Song Guanchao's words.

The high-speed rail funds were blocked by Zheng Bihui.

So...

"The government has no money?"

"Yes."

Zhang Yue remained silent.

For a local government, the most terrifying thing is when the budget runs out.

Zhang Yue suddenly felt a lot of pressure.

Song Guanchao didn't hold back, speaking directly and telling her the issue straightforwardly.

But regardless of whether he told her or not, Song Guanchao needed to get a loan from her.

Zhang Yue asked stammeringly, "How much do you need?"

"How much can you provide?"

"..." Zhang Yue almost cried; who asks like that?

"A hundred million," Zhang Yue replied: "That's the limit of my authority; anything over that requires city-level branch approval."

Song Guanchao frowned: "Only a hundred million?"

"That's the limit of my authority; it's the bank's rule, I can't do anything about it."

Zhang Yue spoke cautiously.

Song Guanchao did not make things difficult for her: "Do you know anyone in other banks?"

Zhang Yue smiled bitterly: "After Li Fuhai fell, all the connections were cut off."

Song Guanchao asked no more, got up, and said: "I'll go ask around."

Leaving the bank, he found the phone number of Du Lingchun, the head of Lingjiang Bank's city-level branch.

This Chairman Du once coveted Zhang Yue's body, but Song Guanchao stepped in and put him in his place.

Strictly speaking, there was animosity between the two.

To ask him for money, the chances are slim.

But he had to try.

"Chairman Du, are you busy?"

"Not busy, not busy, what can I do for you, Secretary Song?"

Although Du Lingchun said he wasn't busy, his tone was somewhat sardonic.

"The city needs a loan to build the high-speed rail. What loan limit can you offer, Chairman Du?"

"Oh, what a coincidence, our branch's quota is almost used up this year. But since Secretary Song is asking, I naturally want to help. How about three hundred million, does that work for you?"

Song Guanchao's mouth twitched slightly, three hundred million, this was obviously to embarrass me?

"A billion, can Chairman Du make that happen?"

"Hiss, Secretary Song must be joking, right?"

Du Lingchun said: "There's definitely no billion, not that much quota. Four hundred million, no more than that."

Song Guanchao pondered for a couple of seconds and said: "Chairman Du, this is a government loan; the bank need not worry about bad debts. By any calculation, the bank stands to gain. If you approve a billion, Secretary Wu will thank you."

Du Lingchun also paused for a few seconds and said: "Secretary Song, it's not that I don't want to approve it, but there's truly not that much quota. How about I introduce you to some other commercial banks, and you can ask there?"

"Haha, no need. If it's not possible, then forget it, Chairman Du, carry on with your work. I'll hang up now."

When the wall falls, everyone pushes.

This time, Zheng Bihui got the upper hand.

He was unsure how Zheng Bihui negotiated with the bank.

For banks, a government that can steadily repay principal and interest is the best client.

Normally, when the government wants a loan, banks would scramble to win the opportunity to lend.

But now, Du Lingchun outright refused.

This time, it seems Zheng Bihui went all out.

He realized there was no hope with the bank.

He didn't continue to approach other banks, it was pointless.

Starting the vehicle, Song Guanchao drove to City Government.

For high-speed rail funding, aside from the government and the National Railway Bureau, bank loans are the first choice.

If a bank loan can't be secured, then seeking private capital investment is the next step.

If you were to find someone influential in Lingjiang's business community, that person would be none other than Zhang Xiaoxian!

Song Guanchao decided to find him.

He hoped that he could help introduce some local businessmen.

But he wasn't sure if Zhang Xiaoxian would assist.

Of course, even if Zhang Xiaoxian refused, he had a backup plan.

The reason for not directly opting for the backup plan is mainly because it's quite complicated, and he couldn't be sure it would definitely work.

So, unless absolutely necessary, Song Guanchao still hoped to resolve things through conventional means first.

Song Guanchao entered City Government and came to the door of Zhang Xiaoxian's office, knocking gently.

"Come in."

Song Guanchao went in; Zhang Xiaoxian seemed a bit surprised that it was him again.

"Secretary Song, what brings you here?"

Zhang Xiaoxian politely received him and offered tea.

Song Guanchao did not hide anything and explained the current predicament to him in detail.

For a person like Zhang Xiaoxian, he couldn't deceive; honesty was needed.

Moreover, someone as shrewd as Zhang Xiaoxian wasn't easily fooled.

Listening to Song Guanchao's account and intentions, Zhang Xiaoxian didn't immediately respond.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip, then asked: "Did Secretary Song contact the banks?"

"I did."

"How much can the banks lend?"

"…A little over a hundred million."

Zhang Xiaoxian's expression didn't change, but he gained a clearer understanding of Lingjiang's current situation.

The budget controlled by Zheng Bihui, the bank not granting loans…

These factors combined point to one thing: Secretary Wu has lost power!

The once sidelined second in command has tightly grasped the actual top leader appointed from the province!

Moreover, what seems like a financial issue is actually a political struggle.

It's a struggle between Secretary Wu and Mayor Zheng.

Not only Mayor Zheng, but there's also Secretary Lu by his side.

This means Secretary Wu is facing both the first and second in command of Lingjiang.

Zhang Xiaoxian's ability to maintain his position securely today is due to his keen sense of timing; he can accurately assess situations, knows when to act, and understands whom to support.

The current situation clearly puts Secretary Wu at a disadvantage.

Most people would side with Zheng Bihui and Secretary Lu.

But Zhang Xiaoxian did not think so.

Secretary Wu has accomplished a lot in the past six months since taking office.

Before the high-speed rail project, she had always been in a favorable position.

This is merely a setback in life's journey.

Helping Wu Qiangwei now is indeed extending a hand when she needs it most.

"Five hundred million," Zhang Xiaoxian said: "I can probably secure five hundred million."

Song Guanchao was slightly stunned; he hadn't dared to hope too much and was prepared for rejection.

Yet, Zhang Xiaoxian gave him a pleasant surprise.

"Thank you."

"Secretary Song, you're welcome."

Zhang Xiaoxian sighed softly: "Compared to the funds needed for the high-speed rail, this five hundred million is just a drop in the bucket. I hope it can help Secretary Wu solve the urgent need."

Song Guanchao wanted to say that even with five hundred million, it's uncertain if the urgent problem can be solved.

But having been rebuffed by the bank, and given that a secretary-general directly promised him five hundred million, he wasn't in a position to ask for more.

Before leaving, Zhang Xiaoxian said: "Secretary Song, I hope you can keep this matter confidential."

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