Chapter 1476 - 1476: 1476
"Such a simple and straightforward reason! If I win today's gamble, we'll have to take real action against Baoge Group. By then, what will people say about you? Have you thought about it?"
Zuo Xintong frowned, "What will they say?"
"They'll say, Mayor Zuo is someone who truly gets things done, who follows rules and systems, and stands with national strategies! Look, Baoge Group, which she personally introduced, defied the regulations on environmental issues, and she dealt with it without hesitation, with no tolerance or indulgence, firmly holding the line! You tell me, will the people of Huayang give you a thumbs up, or a thumbs up? Just with this move, your reputation in the officialdom might shoot up significantly, don't you think?"
I must say, upon hearing this, Zuo Xintong's eyes lit up, staring straight at Liu Zhizhong, "Does it really have that effect?"
"Of course! I can assure you, big papers and small ones will all have to report about you. This won't have any less impact than an economic achievement! Impartial and incorruptible, judging by national policies, measuring things against the health and wellbeing of the people, with the grand strategy of development as the goal. Isn't this grand narrative? Doesn't it sound, look, and spread well? By then, if the province issues a notice to learn from Huayang City's environmental case, wouldn't that be even better?"
Liu Zhizhong's words almost left Zuo Xintong a bit dizzy.
But Zuo Xintong quickly sipped her tea and said coldly, "You sure know how to boast! My reputation might rise, but Baoge Group will suffer a big loss. You want me to step on my cousin to get ahead, isn't this putting me in an unjust position?"
"Even if your own cousin did something wrong, you didn't indulge or shelter her. Isn't such a mayor a good one? I'll spread the word that Mr. Zhang is your close cousin. By then, as long as Baoge Company is dealt with, you'll see the effect, understand?"
Zuo Xintong pursed her lips, as if making a decision, keeping silent for quite a while. She stabbed at the pastries Liu Zhizhong had pushed over several times with her fork, before saying, "You bastard, you're really a lousy strategist! It sounds somewhat reasonable, but if I deal with Baoge Company and don't stand by my cousin, you'll actually win, right?"
"I don't care about winning or losing. I care about tangible results, environmental compliance that approaches excellency."
"Hmph... sounds nice, full of public spirit! If you win, my cousin will have to leave Daxi. How can she show her face? How will our family relations manage in the future?"
Liu Zhizhong chuckled, "Ah, Mayor Zuo, can you not take this to heart? The matter between Mr. Zhang and me wasn't in the news, not on the standing committee, didn't become an official document, so what is it? At most, those in our circle know about it, but so what? By then, the company dealt with is Baoge Company. We'll use stern wording, the news will portray Mr. Zhang's attitude as particularly sincere, admitting guilt and accepting punishment, showing a willingness to start afresh. Isn't that enough? Moreover, you can arrange a gathering, invite her to Shuangxin Courtyard. I'll host her for a meal, drink and chat joyously. Meanwhile, release her private security personnel, without pursuing legal responsibility, as long as the compensation is in place!"
Zuo Xintong paused for a moment, "You dog, you're really not following through with the gambling matter?"
"What's the point of pursuing that? Leave room for oneself to meet again in the future, isn't that right?"