Xu Chunliang said, "I'll give everyone another piece of news. The Hu Shan Town Government is currently negotiating with Da Heng Group, intending to sell the Weishan Island Hospital site to Da Heng Group. If this happens, the hospital will be demolished, and this place will become an amusement park and tourism real estate, putting you at risk of re-employment."

"Why? On what grounds can they sell our hospital?"

"Why are they demolishing our hospital? We don't agree."

"I've also heard about Da Heng Group's inspection. I didn't expect they had their eyes on our hospital."

...

Mei Ruoxue was impressed by Xu Chunliang's ability to stir things up. She corrected, "Everyone, don't listen to these baseless rumors. It's impossible for the island to be without a hospital, and the town government hasn't formally signed with Da Heng Group. What Director Xu said is purely unfounded and not factual!"

One was busy spreading rumors, the other dispelling them.

The four representatives were confused. Were these two playing a double act?

Xu Chunliang said, "Town Mayor Mei, at this point, you shouldn't hide anything from everyone. Isn't Secretary Kong accompanying Da Heng Group to meet the county leaders?"

The gynecology director, Luo Chunmei, shouted, "I am the first to disagree with tearing down our hospital. We are the Changxing Branch, and dismantling our hospital requires the approval of the Dongzhou City leaders. How can Hu Shan Town decide?"

"Exactly! Without our consent, how can you sell our hospital?"

Mei Ruoxue raised her foot and stomped heavily on Xu Chunliang's foot with her heel. She was really angry at him. I was kindly helping you put out the fire, yet you turn the attention onto me – an ungrateful wretch.

Xu Chunliang endured the pain, "Please, don't act rashly. According to Dean Zhao's instructions, the property rights must be clarified quickly. Once the property rights issue is resolved, your salary issues will be addressed, and you will enjoy the same benefits as employees at Changxing Headquarters, rectifying the long-standing inequality."

Xu Chunliang took a deep breath, and Mei Ruoxue still hadn't lifted her foot. The heel bore mercilessly into his foot, making it clear that Town Mayor Mei was genuinely angry.

Xu Chunliang wasn't afraid of her anger, "Of course, if the Hu Shan Town Government can provide a better option for Weishan Island Hospital, ensuring the interests of all healthcare staff, we at Changxing can withdraw immediately. If not, I hope Town Mayor Mei can help us handle the property rights transfer soon, clarifying the ownership of Weishan Island Hospital and reassuring all staff."

Zhao Hongda said, "What's the trouble? We are originally Changxing employees. Weishan Island Hospital is a Changxing branch, and contracts were signed back then. Changes shouldn't be made abruptly, right?"

Mei Ruoxue smiled, "Directors, no need to panic. We will resolve this matter. For now, why not stop here for today?"

"No way, the salary issue is still unresolved."

"Yes, if we don't get a clear answer, we're not leaving."

Xu Chunliang stood up and went out, saying he needed to make a phone call. Outside, he called Zhao Feiyang. The fire had been stoked enough today; Changxing needed to show some gesture, or the employees wouldn't agree, and the healthcare staff were innocent – they were mere pawns in the power play between Changxing Hospital and Hu Shan Town Government.

Xu Chunliang suggested Zhao Feiyang advance one month's salary to appease the healthcare staff and show goodwill to the Hu Shan Town Government.

Zhao Feiyang agreed to make arrangements immediately, showing decisiveness in trusting people without doubt.

After Xu Chunliang returned to the meeting room, he announced the result of the coordination with the hospital, "I have good news for everyone: before the end of today, Changxing's finance department will credit last month's salary to everyone's account."

"What about this month? This month is almost over!"

Xu Chunliang understood the greed in human nature very well; most people are never satisfied. He laughed, "I haven't finished speaking yet."

Zhao Hongda said, "Everyone, quiet down, listen to what Director Xu has to say."

Xu Chunliang lifted his teacup and took a sip, deliberately creating suspense as everyone watched him. Xu Chunliang said, "The double festival is upon us, and Dean Zhao has decided to treat the branch equally, giving everyone a 600 yuan shopping card." In the past, when Gu Houyi was in charge, the branch never enjoyed the same benefits as the headquarters.

"What about our salary for this month?" Luo Chunmei asked cautiously.

Xu Chunliang said, "By the end of the month, it will be issued along with your benefits. I guarantee that I will have this issue resolved before I leave here and return to Dongzhou. If I can't do it, you can throw me into the lake."

Zhao Hongda said, "Director Xu, it's not that we don't trust you, but because you keeps making promises and breaking them, it's heartbreaking."

Xu Chunliang said, "Town Mayor Mei can vouch for me. If your August salary isn't in your account today, go to Town Mayor Mei."

In her mind, Mei Ruoxue imagined putting this scoundrel in a sandbag and giving him a good beating, but even that wouldn't be satisfying enough.

Mei Ruoxue restrained her anger, saying, "Don't worry, everyone. I will fully supervise the Changxing side, ensuring they keep their promise. A man without trust is not worthy to be called human, and I trust Director Xu won't do this. If he truly can't fulfill it, throw him into the lake to feed the turtles!"

Xu Chunliang glanced at her; that last statement was definitely not something he said.

"Well said, Town Mayor Mei. Everyone, rest assured, the August salary will be in your account today. If there's nothing else, hurry back to work. Everything is for the patients, addressing their urgent needs is always Changxing's principle."

The four representatives didn't fail their mission. Although they didn't retrieve all the back wages, at least half will be received today. With Xu Chunliang's promises made in front of Town Mayor Mei Ruoxue, they likely won't be lies.

After seeing off the four representatives, Xu Chunliang was about to leave when Mei Ruoxue asked him to stay a while longer.

The head of the complaints office, Li Yuliang, tactfully left the small meeting room.

In front of Mei Ruoxue, Xu Chunliang took off his shoes and socks, revealing a clear indentation on the top of his right foot.

"Town Mayor Mei, you're vicious."

"Why didn't I crush your foot?"

Xu Chunliang said, "As a town mayor, how can you be so ignorant of the law?"

"It's better to be ignorant than a rogue."

"Don't defame me." Xu Chunliang put on his shoes and socks.

Mei Ruoxue said, "I hope today is the last time. If there's another, Changxing might have to consider leaving."

"Threats won't solve problems, Town Mayor Mei. This issue didn't start with Changxing. Can you declare in my presence that Hu Shan Town bears no responsibility? You offered various incentives to woo us Changxing to take over the mess that was Weishan Island Hospital. Now, with the grand development of Weishan Island, you want to kick us out. This is abandonment and betrayal."

Mei Ruoxue said, "I've told you repeatedly, this matter is very complicated, not something that can be quickly resolved."

"I didn't ask you to resolve it now, but you need to have a clear stance, right? Are you on the side of justice?"

Seeing Xu Chunliang's righteousness, Mei Ruoxue almost laughed. It was as if they represented justice, which she didn't think so. Firstly, Changxing's wage arrears were wrong, and using this to pressure the Hu Shan Town Government was another mistake.

Mei Ruoxue said, "The key to solving the problem doesn't lie with us."

Mei Ruoxue's beautiful eyes widened, her worldview shattered. What kind of mind game was he playing, and what did he make of himself?

"Don't look at me like that. I know what you're thinking. You don't need to intervene. I have a small plan that will make him leave; you just focus on being the secretary."

"Xu Chunliang, I'm not as despicable as you think."

"That's pretentious. A soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier. Which deputy doesn't hope for their superior to make a mistake? I understand!"

Mei Ruoxue thought, "You understand a damn thing." Continuing to talk to him was pointless; his worldview was problematic, and discussing further tainted her pure thoughts.

"Are you done?" Mei Ruoxue issued an eviction notice.

"No, I have a legitimate matter. Around our hospital, there are ten to twenty business premises, all illegal constructions long occupying our resources and invading our territory. Are you going to handle it?"

Mei Ruoxue told him that this matter falls under the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office's jurisdiction.

Xu Chunliang asked her for a small favor, to have the law enforcement give notices for the removal of illegal constructions to those shops.

Mei Ruoxue had seen people report others but never witnessed someone reporting themselves. She didn't know what he was scheming, but this was a reasonable request. Mei Ruoxue said she would have someone investigate and, if his report proved true, arrange for the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office to handle the matter.

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