"Oh? Then what do you think would be a suitable project?" Secretary Kong was somewhat displeased, as denying Da Heng Group was tantamount to denying his own judgment.

Mei Ru Xue said, "I think we must consider Weishan Island's unique geographic features, preserving local characteristics to the greatest extent, and development should be based on green and environmental standards."

"A theme park isn't a factory, how is it not green and environmentally friendly? Comrade Ru Xue, do you have some other ideas?"

Mei Ru Xue smiled and said, "My thoughts are the same as Secretary Kong's, to serve the people of Hu Shan Town well."

Mei Ru Xue returned to her office, feeling a bit depressed. Kong Xiangsheng's first consideration was not the long-term development of Weishan Island; he was thinking about attracting investment, about how to quickly accumulate political achievements in a short time.

Such an idea is one-sided, even irresponsible. She tried to explain the correct ideas and principles, but it felt like playing the lute to a cow; Kong Xiangsheng is stubborn and short-sighted.

The head of the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office, Huang Yong, made a special trip to ask her what to do next. The eviction notices have been posted. If those merchants refuse to move, should they really adopt forced demolition measures?

Mei Ru Xue told him to go back first. Kong Xiangsheng had already mentioned it twice. If she continued to insist on forced demolition, it would be equivalent to openly tearing faces with Kong Xiangsheng, which would be very detrimental to Hu Shan Town's future work. This matter must be handled carefully.

Xu Chunliang, oh Xu Chunliang, you really know how to trouble me.

At that time, Xu Chunliang came to see her, limping as he entered. Mei Ru Xue glanced at his foot in surprise, wondering how it got so serious when she felt she held back that day.

Mei Ru Xue overestimated her strength; Xu Chunliang was pretending, trying to make her feel guilty.

Xu Chunliang first handed the plan to Mei Ru Xue, which was the development plan for the Weishan Island Branch that Zhao Feiyang had just sent him that morning. It was hastily put together by experts at Zhao Feiyang's request, and he had already taken this plan to the city to lobby.

In addition to the plan, there was a USB drive containing a PPT file.

After reading the plan and browsing the PPT, Mei Ru Xue had to admit that Changxing had put effort into this, and the plan was very well done.

While Mei Ru Xue was reviewing the documents, Xu Chunliang sat on the sofa drinking tea.

Patiently waiting for Mei Ru Xue to finish, Xu Chunliang said, "How do you feel about it?"

"What were you doing earlier? This plan should have been submitted to us earlier. Now, Da Heng Group has already gotten ahead of you, and the county is very supportive of them."

Xu Chunliang chuckled, "What good is the county's support for them? The county also has to listen to the city."

Mei Ru Xue caught his underlying meaning, "Have you contacted the city leaders?"

Xu Chunliang nodded and said, "I won't hide it from you; our director has already sent this plan to the city, and several leaders appreciate our plan."

"Appreciation doesn't necessarily mean support."

Xu Chunliang said, "That's true, but a local official is inferior to the current manager. As long as you support this, it will be fine."

"Xu Chunliang, stop trying to make me your ally."

"Don't get me wrong. I'm discussing official business with you, truly with no ulterior motives."

Mei Ru Xue was both amused and annoyed, "Do you want to discuss it or not? If not, get out!"

"That depends on what you want to discuss. Official business is fine; other matters are off the table."

Mei Ru Xue got up and walked towards him. Xu Chunliang looked at Mei Ru Xue's high heels and preemptively pulled his feet back: "Discuss! Discuss anything you want!"

Mei Ru Xue said, "Xu Chunliang, do you think I don't know your tricks? On one hand, you want me to ask the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office to notify those tenants, while on the other hand, you notify tenants to pay their overdue rent, claiming to solve their problems. Deceiving both sides, quite the tactic."

Xu Chunliang said, "I don't like hearing that. Isn't that the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office's duty? It is only natural for me to ask those tenants to pay their overdue rent. Besides, haven't we cooperated well?"

"With you? I wouldn't dare. Who knows when you might betray me." If Mei Ru Xue had known he was using her to collect rent, she wouldn't have helped him get involved at all.

Xu Chunliang said, "That's because you don't understand me. I would rather betray myself than betray you. Town Mayor Mei, I came to you because I'm afraid you'll face difficulties; the demolition matter can be put on hold." His goal had been achieved, so he wasn't in a rush to evict those tenants. Of course, if the Comprehensive Law Enforcement Office insisted on demolition, he wouldn't interfere.

Mei Ru Xue understood, "Looks like you've received the rent."

Xu Chunliang happily nodded, "Most of it has been paid. There are a few stubborn ones still resisting, but they're like grasshoppers in autumn; they won't last long."

"You've really given your all for Changxing!"

"It shows I'm dedicated, right? But it's not all for Changxing. Our director promised that 10% of the collected rent will be my reward."

Mei Ru Xue was almost angered to the point of fainting by his shameless honesty. This guy is truly rotten, using me and then shamelessly admitting it, where's the face?

Xu Chunliang said, "I calculated that I could get around forty thousand. Once the money is in, we split it fifty-fifty. What do you say? Fair enough, right?"

Mei Ru Xue was speechless, suddenly feeling like they were splitting spoils behind the scenes. Her sense of fairness and integrity was being stained by this guy. Even though what Xu Chunliang did wasn't illegal, it was still very disgraceful. Mei Ru Xue pointed to the door, signaling him to leave quickly.

Xu Chunliang stood up and said, "Don't be mad. I owe you a favor for this. Rest assured..."

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed, shaking the entire office building. The office windows shattered, and the shockwave sent glass scattering indoors.

Mei Ru Xue instinctively closed her eyes, with only one thought in mind: My face...

At the critical moment, a figure threw itself onto her, knocking her to the ground. Xu Chunliang's burly body became a solid wall over Mei Ru Xue. Despite his quick reaction, numerous glass shards still struck him, cutting his skin.

Mei Ru Xue nestled in Xu Chunliang's broad, warm embrace, like a small boat entering a safe harbor. Her inexplicable fear vanished instantly.

The tremor from the explosion had just subsided when the office secretary, Yang Xu Guang, burst through the door: "Town Mayor Mei, are you alright...?"

Seeing Mei Ru Xue on the floor under Xu Chunliang, Yang Xu Guang's mouth hung open for a long time, struggling to understand whether this scene had occurred before or after the explosion.

Xu Chunliang got up from Mei Ru Xue first. She wasn't injured. She sat up with a flushed face and saw the blood on Xu Chunliang: "You're hurt?"

Xu Chunliang said he was fine, just some minor injuries.

Yang Xu Guang collected himself and reported to Mei Ru Xue. The explosion happened at the Yu Shuqing Restaurant next to the town government building. The situation at the scene was unclear, but judging by the explosion's power just now, the damage should be significant.

Mei Ru Xue instructed Yang Xu Guang to notify the relevant departments to rush to the scene as she would go over immediately.

After Yang Xu Guang left, Mei Ru Xue asked Xu Chunliang to turn around, noticing that his shirt was torn in several places, with some wounds still bleeding.

"I'll take you to the hospital."

Xu Chunliang shook his head, telling her to hurry to the scene. He was fine and could go to the hospital to treat his wounds by himself.

Mei Ru Xue nodded; the situation was urgent, and she indeed couldn't care for him. It was necessary to hurry to the scene to direct the rescue.

Zhang Haitao was still waiting for Xu Chunliang in the parking lot. Seeing the blood all over Xu Chunliang, knowing he'd been injured, he eagerly offered to take him to the hospital immediately.

Xu Chunliang called Jin Yonghao, informing him something was happening here and asking him to organize medical personnel to come over as there might be casualties needing emergency care.

Xu Chunliang's injuries were not serious, with multiple lacerations on his back, but they weren't deep. He decided to go check the scene first.

Zhang Haitao went with him. Although his reaction was slow, he wasn't truly dumb. After being disciplined by Xu Chunliang, he saw how Xu managed to make those tenants obediently pay their overdue rent and witnessed his close relationship with Town Mayor Mei Ru Xue. Unknowingly, Zhang had already sided with Xu Chunliang.

The explosion occurred at the Yu Shuqing Restaurant next to the town government building. The preliminary cause was determined to be a gas cylinder explosion, resulting in the collapse of the restaurant building. It was still unclear if there were any casualties.

Mei Ru Xue had already arrived at the scene to direct the rescue operation.

The medical staff from Changxing Hospital arrived on the scene at the first opportunity, led by Vice Director Yan Huaiyi, with surgeon Zhao Hongda and orthopedist Yu Xiaofeng in the rescue team.

Hearing that Xu Chunliang was injured, Yu Xiaofeng checked his wounds and found them to be relatively shallow, with no foreign objects left. Xu Chunliang told him not to worry about him and to take care of the other injured people first.

Tang Mingmei came to help him treat his wounds, disinfecting and bandaging them, and brought over a clean work shirt for him to wear.

By this time, hundreds of people had gathered at the site. Eleven people had been rescued from the collapse, most with minor injuries. The restaurant owner was also among them. Yu Xiaofeng was helping him with a head wound, and the owner reported the estimated number of people there today. Since it wasn't dinnertime yet, there were no guests in the restaurant, only chefs and waiters preparing.

After a preliminary check, it was determined there were about twelve people in the restaurant at the time. One chef was still missing, likely due to improper handling that caused the explosion.

Considering he was likely in the kitchen, close to the explosion site, everyone believed the chef's chances of survival were slim.

Secretary Kong Xiangsheng also arrived at the scene, trying to maintain a calm appearance but unable to hide his anxieties. He was most concerned about the casualties as any deaths would classify this as a safety accident. As leaders, they would be held responsible. Hu Shan Town Government was newly established, so how could such a misfortune occur so soon?

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