Official Career Storm

Chapter 1703: Chapter 1703:

Song Guanchao specially changed his clothes, put on a mask and hat to avoid recognition, Lin Wanqiu also disguised herself in the same way.

The High-tech Zone is located in the north of Jiangzhou, mainly situated between Jiangzhou City District and the park, about ten kilometers straight-line distance from the park.

The park is part of the High-tech Zone, yet remains considerably distant.

Jiangzhou’s development over the years has mostly concentrated in the southern districts, with hardly any significant development towards the north, except for wider roads and added subway lines.

But the number of small and medium-sized enterprises has hardly increased over these years.

Besides the chemical park, there are many factories in this area.

In terms of area size, the High-tech Zone ranks in the top three of the entire Jiangzhou.

But economically, it is at the bottom.

The main reason is the existence of the chemical park and the geographical location of the High-tech Zone.

As long as the park exists, this area is doomed to not prosper.

They drove to the north of the park, where there are scattered villages and vast, orderly farmlands; further ahead is a river.

This river is called Datong River, flowing north-south, eventually joining Lingjiang.

Datong River has many branches and tributaries, some located near the park, where sewage is discharged.

The nearby farmland is irrigated with water from Datong River, and since the park is upstream, sewage discharge directly impacts these farmers.

Probably due to recent work stoppages, the river water is relatively clear, and the air does not smell acrid.

Song Guanchao parked the car nearby, got out with Lin Wanqiu to gather information.

Lin Wanqiu directly revealed her identity as a journalist; the farmers showed no reaction, having been interviewed by many journalists over the years without a ripple, yet they cooperatively answered.

After an afternoon of visits and investigations, Song Guanchao’s suspicion was indeed confirmed.

The number of residents affected by sewage discharge is very large.

From those interviewed, almost no one received compensation from the enterprises.

...

It’s evening.

Sun Jiajun came to the restaurant as agreed, bringing his secretary with him.

As soon as he entered the private room, he saw a black hard-shell briefcase next to Chairman Qian’s sofa.

He knew what was inside.

"Mayor Sun." Chairman Qian approached and shook his hand firmly, his crow’s feet deepening with his smile: "Have a seat."

Sun Jiajun accepted the tea, engaging in casual conversation without addressing the real matter.

That’s just how dinner meetings are.

Hours of drinking and chatting, possibly touching the topic for just the last few minutes.

Ma Hongyuan sat quietly, sipping tea.

He was observant, occasionally refilling tea and water for Chairman Qian and Sun Jiajun.

As dishes were served, they turned their attention to the table.

"Open the Baijiu," Chairman Qian said.

While the waiter opened the alcohol, he specifically observed Sun Jiajun. Seeing no refusal, he knew tonight’s matter was almost settled.

With wine poured, Chairman Qian raised his glass: "Mayor Sun, cheers to you."

Sun Jiajun smiled and raised his Baijiu, clinking it lightly.

Three rounds of drinks later, Sun Jiajun said: "Xiao Ma, you should also toast Chairman Qian."

Ma Hongyuan was taken aback, having only followed Sun Jiajun for two months, and attending such a dinner for the first time, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Called upon suddenly, he hurriedly stood up: "Chairman Qian, I toast to you."

"Secretary Ma, you can drink while seated." Chairman Qian, after all, is a big boss, familiar with dealing with numerous people, often associating with officials, immediately recognizing Ma Hongyuan’s lack of experience.

A mere two ounces in the drink, yet he drank too hastily, choking and coughing, face turning red.

Chairman Qian controlled the pace of conversation, seeing the atmosphere was appropriate, said: "Mayor Sun, about the resumption of work..."

Ma Hongyuan promptly put down his chopsticks, remained quiet to avoid impacting Mayor Sun and Chairman Qian’s discussion.

"No big problem," Sun Jiajun said.

Chairman Qian’s lips curled: "Mayor Sun, don’t worry, as soon as the pollution control equipment arrives, we’ll replace it immediately."

Sun Jiajun acknowledged, saying: "Normally, during sewage discharge, also pay attention, avoid being seen."

No need for him to instruct, Chairman Qian has experience, but still has to verbally assure.

The dinner ended, they left the restaurant, and Ma Hongyuan went to find a valet to drive.

Chairman Qian also made a call, and soon a man in his thirties walked over.

Chairman Qian handed the briefcase to the man, who walked toward the parking lot.

About two or three minutes later, the man returned, handed a car key to Chairman Qian, and left.

Chairman Qian then gave the car key to Sun Jiajun.

Sun Jiajun feigned ignorance: "What’s this for, Chairman Qian?"

Chairman Qian replied: "Mayor Sun may not know, I’m now living in a place with tight parking, my car here can’t be parked. I heard the City Committee compound is spacious, wanted to trouble Mayor Sun to park it for a while."

For a senior executive of a chemical enterprise, how could parking fees be an issue?

This excuse is rather feeble, but its credibility doesn’t matter; the key is having a plausible reason.

Mayor Sun accepted, saying: "This car is too high-end, parking it at my place might draw gossip. How about I find a spot for it later, whenever you need it, let me know."

"That would be greatly appreciated, Mayor Sun."

The two exchanged glances and shared a tacit smile.

At this point, Ma Hongyuan also arrived by car.

He got out from the passenger seat, standing aside waiting.

"Mayor Sun, I’ll head back first."

"Chairman Qian, take care."

After Chairman Qian left, Ma Hongyuan opened the back seat’s car door, but Sun Jiajun said: "Xiao Ma, you head back first, I’ll return later myself."

"Oh, okay." Ma Hongyuan didn’t ask unnecessary questions, got in the car and let the valet drive.

Watching the official car leave the parking lot, Sun Jiajun stood there, smoked a cigarette, and took out a car key from his pocket.

On the car key was a Mercedes-Benz emblem, feeling quite nice.

He pressed the car key, and the lights of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan at the far end of the parking lot blinked.

Sun Jiajun’s eyes lit up, circling the luxury sedan, feeling tempted.

He then opened the car door and sat in the driver’s seat.

The soft leather seat perfectly enveloped his upper body.

The luxurious and exquisite interior, beautiful ambient lights, all exuding opulence.

Sun Jiajun leaned over, seeing the black briefcase under the glove box of the passenger seat.

He looked around once before picking up the briefcase.

Opening it, he saw neatly arranged dark green US dollars and several gold bars inside.

His throat felt tight, emotions heightened.

These dollars roughly total up to three hundred thousand.

There are five gold bars in total, each weighing 200 grams.

This briefcase is worth millions!

To a leader of Sun Jiajun’s rank, this is actually not much.

But for Sun Jiajun himself, it’s definitely a huge sum.

During his tenure as Vice Mayor in Xuzhou, lacking support, even though he had multiple opportunities to amass wealth, he ultimately let them go after consideration.

Upon arriving in Jiangzhou, he became more open-minded.

Use power while you have it, or it’s wasted!

At worst, just be more cautious.

As long as he’s not caught in the act, no evidence left, there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Moreover, this Chairman Qian knows how to deal with people.

Dining and gifting, leaving no trace, quite adept.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!