The Invincible Son-in-law

Chapter 705: Split into 2

After lunch, everyone set off together to conduct an on-site inspection of the upper reaches of the Wuding River.

Lin Hao was also visiting the upper reaches of the Wuding River for the first time. Unexpectedly, the upstream had a significant drop, and the river was very rapid, which indeed seemed suitable for a rafting project.

Of course, the source of the rafting is in Dushan County, but the endpoint is within the boundaries of Wucheng County, so this rafting project involves two counties.

Lin Hao felt that the economic value of this project was far less than the value of river and environmental management.

Because as long as the upper reaches of the river are managed well, the flood control pressure on the downstream Wucheng County would be much reduced.

The rain last night caused the river levels to rise, making it intuitively feel very suitable for a rafting project now.

The group walked along the riverbank all the way down, and Lin Hao suggested having dinner in Wucheng County's town, but Zhang Bo opposed it.

"Younger Brother Lin, you've come all the way here, if I don't fulfill my duty as host, how can I call you brother? Besides, Secretary Tian has already asked me to arrange a dinner." Zhang Bo said with a smile.

Secretary Tian also smiled in agreement: "Indeed, County Magistrate Lin, since you helped us solve such a big problem last time, I've been wanting to invite you to a meal."

"Secretary Tian, you're too kind. About the indices borrowed last time, I'll have them transferred to you within a month." Lin Hao mentioned the state-owned construction land indices borrowed last time.

"Our county still has a little remaining construction land, so there's no rush." Secretary Tian replied with a smile.

Zhang Bo patted his shoulder, pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Lin Hao and Secretary Tian. After the three lit their cigarettes, they chatted while watching Director Zhang and Chairman Zheng examining the water flow in the valley below in the distance.

This Chunqiu Cultural Tourism Group indeed has some influence in Wuning City, but it's a private enterprise, and its main goal is still to make money.

Clearly, Chairman Zheng isn't very keen on river management and only agreed to do it to save face with the government, yet he's trying to play tai chi with them, claiming that there isn't enough funding to improve river management.

Chairman Zheng implied that he wanted the government to fund the river management while he would provide the labor and might even make a profit from it.

Therefore, Zhang Bo wanted to hear Lin Hao's opinion and said, "Brother, we're all on the same side, so I won't beat around the bush."

"County Magistrate Zhang, feel free to speak." Lin Hao nodded slightly, exhaling a smoke ring.

"Chairman Zheng just mentioned wanting us to fund the river management. What do you think?" Zhang Bo asked.

"Managing the river and protecting the environment should be our government's responsibility, according to reason. However, if our management is meant to facilitate a cultural tourism rafting project, then it naturally doesn't count as entirely our responsibility. I think this matter should be viewed from two perspectives." Lin Hao replied with a smile.

Zhang Bo immediately complained, "Truth be told, our county's financial pressure is very high, and arranging this funding might be challenging!"

"Why do we have to fund it? Just apply for funding from above. Isn't Director Zhang your uncle? Let him think of a solution." Lin Hao glanced at Director Zhang in the distance.

"I've also asked Director Zhang about this issue, but it seems the cultural tourism sector doesn't have much available funding either." Zhang Bo said with a bitter face.

"The remaining half should naturally come from Chairman Zheng; why should we fund it ourselves?" Lin Hao said with a calm smile.

"Brother, I understand your point. Let the cultural tourism department provide part, and the rest should be covered by Chairman Zheng. We are only responsible for coordination and support." Zhang Bo immediately understood.

Lin Hao nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Of course, if you want to take shares in the cultural tourism company, that would be another matter."

"We don't want to get involved." Secretary Tian smiled and shook his head.

"In that case, let's negotiate in the afternoon according to this plan. However, initially, you must insist that Chairman Zheng fund the river management himself and protect the ecological environment, then give him a lollipop at the end." Lin Hao shrugged, displaying a relaxed and confident expression.

"Hahaha..." Secretary Tian and Zhang Bo both laughed heartily.

Soon, the group returned to Dushan County Government and held a meeting.

Just as Lin Hao predicted, Chairman Zheng wanted the government to fund it, and the government wanted Chairman Zheng to cover the costs, which led to some disagreements.

It wasn't until Zhang Bo proposed a 50-50 split that Chairman Zheng readily agreed.

Of course, the funding from the government side had already been privately discussed by Zhang Bo with his uncle in the cultural tourism department, effectively sealing the deal for this project.

Secretary Tian and Zhang Bo hosted a banquet to entertain Director Zhang from the cultural tourism department and Chairman Zheng, with Lin Hao acting as a semi-host, ensuring everyone enjoyed the proceedings, thereby finalizing the project.

As for the project's progression, there would certainly be many issues to address, such as land use along the river banks, infrastructure construction, road and transport facility building, and scenic development along the shore.

However, as long as a framework agreement was reached, the next steps would involve specific project coordination and promotion.

After the banquet, seeing Director Zhang and Chairman Zheng about to leave, Lin Hao asked Lu Xiaodan to bring out prepared gifts, giving each of them a gift.

"County Magistrate Lin, with all this eating and receiving, how can we accept this?" Director Zhang laughed heartily.

"Indeed, County Magistrate Lin has thought of everything." Chairman Zheng said while accepting the gift with a smile.

"Director Zhang, Chairman Zheng, no need to be polite. These are just local specialties from our hometown. Please have a taste, and you're welcome to visit Wucheng County in the future. I will surely take care of you as a proper host." Lin Hao said with a smile, inviting them.

Chairman Zheng smiled and said, "County Magistrate Lin, I heard you're hosting a high-quality economic and trade conference. I'd like to join the excitement then."

"You're welcome! How about this, let your assistant exchange contact details with my secretary, and I'll send you an invitation in the name of Wucheng County Government." Lin Hao turned to look at Lu Xiaodan.

Lu Xiaodan immediately understood and quickly stepped up to exchange contact details with Chairman Zheng's assistant.

"Great, then I can visit your ancient city and see if there's any tourism project opportunity." Chairman Zheng readily agreed.

Director Zhang naturally wanted to attend this conference as well, but as a senior leader, he was too bashful to voice it.

However, Lin Hao was quick-witted and turned to Director Zhang, smiling as he said: "Director Zhang, on behalf of Wucheng County Government, I also invite you to attend our high-quality economic and trade conference. Will you honor us with your presence?"

"County Magistrate Lin, when you put it that way, of course, I'll make sure to be there to support you." Director Zhang responded enthusiastically.

"Then it's settled. I'll have the government office send you an invitation then."

Lin Hao shook hands with them one by one and saw them off to their cars.

After they left, Lin Hao also gave a gift to Secretary Tian and County Magistrate Zhang, who, after some polite refusal, eventually accepted it.

Lin Hao was preparing to take his leave, but Zhang Bo stopped him.