Chapter 699 : The Literary Official
Chapter 699: The Literary Official
In his previous life, Chen Fan had encountered many officials. In his view, officials could generally be divided into four categories.
The first type was the money-grubbing type, and the second was the womanizing type.
These two types of officials would either engage in massive embezzlement, corruption, and bribery during their terms, or they would indulge in women, playing with all sorts of females.
The third type was the do-nothing type.
For them, as long as nothing went wrong during their term, it was considered a success. They just wanted to coast along until retirement.
The fourth type was the truly dedicated, wholeheartedly serving the people.
Now, Chen Fan suddenly realized that he had encountered a fifth type of official.
That was the literary official.
In Chen Fan's view, Tong Haoran was a typical literary official.
He wasn't greedy for money or women, nor was he eager for quick success. What he was doing now had completely transcended ordinary livelihood issues and had risen to a perspective of future overall planning.
What Tong Haoran was doing was fighting for a ticket for the future urban development of the entire Yunhai city.
If his plan succeeded, Yunhai would not only avoid falling behind in future urban competition but would even gain more policy tilt.
One could imagine how much benefit the future citizens of Yunhai would gain.
This was truly establishing a heart for heaven and earth, and establishing a life for the people.
Chen Fan admired such people.
But he knew that in his previous life, Tong Haoran's plan had failed.
He had underestimated the difficulties faced in developing the western region, and some of his policy methods were too eager for quick success, which gave his opponents opportunities to attack.
When his term ended, Tong Haoran left Yunhai dejectedly, and his official career never recovered.
Such an official shouldn't have ended up like that.
Chen Fan fell silent, thinking that perhaps he could do something for him.
And he had already guessed Tong Haoran's purpose in meeting him today.
Sure enough, Tong Haoran across from him picked up the teapot and poured a cup for Chen Fan.
Chen Fan looked down at the teacup, his eyes complex.
He knew this cup of tea wouldn't be easy to drink. If he really drank it, his responsibility would be great.
In anyone's view, developing the western district of Yunhai was a plum job.
This wasn't just a project of a few billion, but a project of tens or hundreds of billions of yuan.
But the biggest problem in the western district was the shantytown, which involved not just one village, but the relocation of tens of thousands of people.
If not handled well, it would be a big problem.
Chen Fan was silent for two seconds, but finally picked up the teacup and drank it all.
Putting down the teacup, Chen Fan looked up at Tong Haoran.
"Mayor Tong, what do you need me to do?"
It's easy to talk to smart people.
A smile appeared on Tong Haoran's face.
"If... I hand over the main work of demolition and reconstruction in the western district to your Qifan Construction, can you do it well?"
Chen Fan didn't hesitate and said directly: "Qifan Construction is still too small at present. The western district is not a small project, I'm afraid it would be... difficult for us alone."
Tong Haoran shook his head.
"Of course, it's not possible to let you take on such a big project alone. Other companies will be brought in as well, but I hope you can take on the most important shantytown project."
Chen Fan didn't agree directly, but asked: "May I ask why you chose me?"
Tong Haoran said calmly: "Because of the suggestion you gave me last time."
"I think we at least have consistent ideas in some aspects."
Chen Fan spoke: "The shantytown... is a big problem."
Tong Haoran's face was expressionless: "If it wasn't a big problem, I wouldn't have come to you. Anyone can build houses, any real estate company could do it."
Chen Fan smiled bitterly: "As far as I know, some real estate companies have tried to demolish the shantytown before, but the people in the shantytown have been poor for too long, and they all opened their mouths like lions, asking for exorbitant relocation fees."
Tong Haoran nodded: "That's right. The problem with the shantytown is huge. But I hope you can find a way to solve this problem."
Chen Fan smiled wryly: "What support can you give me?"
Tong Haoran smiled: "Nothing at the moment. But I personally promise that I can give you all the support except for policy."
Old fox.
Chen Fan muttered in his heart.
After thinking for a few seconds, Chen Fan looked up and said.
"I have one condition."
"Go ahead."
"The bank funds needed for the project must be in place immediately, without delay."
Tong Haoran didn't hesitate: "That can be arranged. Any other questions?"
Chen Fan shook his head: "No more."
"Really no more?" Tong Haoran was a bit surprised.
Chen Fan shook his head. "Really no more."
"Then I also have a request."
Chen Fan looked over curiously.
Tong Haoran stared at Chen Fan and said calmly: "The relocation must be legal and compliant, no violent means are allowed."
"Think it through. Once the project starts, there's no turning back."
Chen Fan nodded: "Alright."
Tong Haoran looked at Chen Fan deeply for two seconds, then picked up the teapot again and poured Chen Fan a cup of tea.
"Let this tea be wine, I toast you on behalf of the 4 million citizens of Yunhai!"
Chen Fan glanced at the teacup, picked it up and drank it all.
"Mayor Tong, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. There will probably be a lot to do in the coming days."
Tong Haoran nodded: "Remember my personal phone number later, next time you don't need to go through Yaoyao to find me."
Chen Fan understood, this was a promise from the other party. If there really was a big problem, he wouldn't ignore it.
"Farewell."
As he got up and walked out of the wooden house, the secretary outside came over and handed Chen Fan a business card.
There was only one phone number on it.
Chen Fan put away the business card, nodded to the secretary, and then left.
On the way back, Chen Fan was still thinking.
The redevelopment of the western district was a big project.
The demolition and reconstruction of the shantytown was undoubtedly the biggest piece of this cake, but it was also the most difficult one.
Tong Haoran had given this piece of cake to him.
If done well, Qifan Construction could leap up several levels.
If not done well, the outcome would probably be bankruptcy.
However, Chen Fan still planned to take on this task.
Not just for the huge profits involved, but also because he felt Tong Haoran was doing the right thing.
Such an official shouldn't have his career stop here.
A good wind relies on strength to send me up to the blue sky.
Chen Fan didn't mind giving him a hand.
Just as he drove out of the farmhouse, Chen Fan received a call from Fang Ling.
"I've talked to my family, my dad said he's free anytime, it's up to you to arrange."
Chen Fan thought for a moment, "Then let's do it now. We can have a meal with your dad."
"Huh?" Fang Ling was obviously stunned for a moment, "Now?"
"You... wait a moment, let me ask my dad."
After a while, Fang Ling called back and told Chen Fan the name of a hotel.
"This is our Fang family's hotel, is this okay?"
"That's fine. I'll be there right away."
Twenty minutes later, Chen Fan arrived at the hotel.
What surprised him was that not only was Fang Ling standing at the door, but next to her was a middle-aged man in a suit.
It looked like it should be Fang Ling's father.
Sure enough, as soon as Chen Fan got out of the car, the man came up with a smile on his face.
"Mr. Chen, I've heard so much about you. Now that we meet, you indeed have an extraordinary bearing. A young hero indeed."
Chen Fan shook hands with him, neither haughty nor humble.
"Mr. Fang."
He looked towards Fang Ling standing to the side and nodded in greeting.
Fang Ling's face was red, somewhat bashful.
"You, you're here."