"Why would I make that money? Drink or don't, it's up to you. My little shop's rule is no hard selling drinks or food. Eat as much as you want."
To his surprise, the proprietress waved her hand dismissively, completely ignoring him.
She seemed indifferent to making money.
"Are you stupid... you won't even make money?"
Fan Chao was exasperated and couldn't help but curse.
He was truly speechless!
This was the first time he'd seen someone run a business without even recommending drinks.
"I'm happy to do it, so what? You disagree?"
The proprietress, hearing Fan Chao's words, looked him over suspiciously and asked, "Who are you? You've been asking about that table's meal ever since you arrived. Who are you?"
"What's your relationship with them? Should I call them out so you can meet them?"
This...
This barrage of questions completely silenced Fan Chao!
He'd seen it for himself; these local hole-in-the-wall restaurants weren't short of money at all. They ran businesses on a whim, ignoring any advice from others.
"Fine, fine, forget I said anything. I'm leaving now."
Fan Chao didn't dare stay any longer. He left those words and ran off quickly.
If he really called Qin Mu and the others out and they met him, wouldn't his official inauguration tomorrow be incredibly awkward?
Investigating the county magistrate's official receptions before even officially taking office—it would be too embarrassing if word got out.
And the other party was the real second-in-command!
Fan Chao didn't want to make his job more difficult!
...
After dinner, Qin Mu saw Chen Xi and the others off to their car.
Before leaving, he said a few more words.
"Mr. Chen, I hope this meal didn't disappoint you."
Qin Mu smiled and said, "We have strict standards for official receptions; each person can't exceed eighty yuan. You've probably eaten at higher-end places before, haven't you?"
Of course, Qin Mu knew that while the standard was eighty yuan, very few people actually adhered to it. Given the current economic situation, eighty yuan was simply not enough in slightly more developed areas.
But Qin Mu had no choice!
He was currently under intense scrutiny, especially after the change of the county discipline inspection commission secretary, which sent a strong signal that he couldn't easily exceed the standards in his work; otherwise, it could lead to danger at any time.
Therefore, this time, he didn't dare exceed the standard and strictly followed the regulations.
"County Chief Qin, you're overthinking it."
Chen Xi smiled slightly and said earnestly, "I came to Huaining to invest in a company, to leverage Huaining's human resource advantages to build a central factory in Jiangnan, not for this meal!"
"What, do you think I'm so shallow in your eyes, County Chief Qin?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Mu felt that his vision had been somewhat limited.
"President Chen, you're right, I was overthinking it."
Qin Mu nodded heavily, "Time will prove your choice was right!"
"Hahaha, good, I just hope that proof comes as soon as possible."
Chen Xi gave Qin Mu a deep look, then got into the car.
Qin Mu and the others watched the Yaoyang Industrial convoy disappear before turning and getting into the county government car, heading towards the county government building.
For Qin Mu, the Yaoyang Industrial project was now completely secured.
The follow-up work would be mainly handled by Xu Lu and Han Ying, so Qin Mu naturally didn't need to keep a close eye on it.
His tasks were mainly twofold: first, to continue attracting investment and bringing in more businesses; and second, to effectively utilize the 35 million yuan in fiscal funds.
Knowing how to make money is important, but knowing how to spend it is equally crucial.
With an extra 35 million yuan in county government funds, the county government was destined to become the focus of attention. If it wasn't spent wisely, the effect would be significantly diminished.
Upon returning to the county government, Qin Mu immediately summoned Song Liangping, the current head of the Finance Bureau.
The previous Finance Bureau Chief, Lu Dong, had been investigated, and there was currently no official chief; Deputy Chief Song Liangping was temporarily in charge.
"County Chief, you wanted to see me!"
Song Liangping entered the county chief's office and said hurriedly.
"The funds for Yaoyang Industrial's land purchase will be deposited into the county finance account soon. Keep an eye on it; no one can touch this money without my permission."
Qin Mu solemnly instructed, "If even a penny is missing, I'll hold you responsible!"
This…
Song Liangping cautiously glanced at the county head and asked, "What about Secretary Liang…?"
Is this something you should be asking?
Qin Mu was speechless. This Song Liangping, no wonder he'd been a deputy director in the finance bureau for so many years—he had absolutely no sense of propriety, asking such a basic question.
"Secretary Liang will definitely go through me first if he needs money, not directly to you."
Qin Mu said calmly, "There's a procedure to using money, understand?"
His words were actually a reminder to Song Liangping that if Liang Guan directly asked the finance bureau for money, the procedure was incorrect, and the allocation could be refused.
However, given Song Liangping's expression, Qin Mu wasn't sure if the other party understood.
If it weren't for the lack of a suitable replacement, Qin Mu would genuinely want to replace the man. Such an important position, vacant for so long, was truly a problem!
...
The next morning, Liu Tian, the Executive Deputy Minister of the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department, arrived in Huaining County again, accompanied by a middle-aged man—Fan Chao.
Yesterday, Fan Chao had arrived in Huaining in a private capacity to meet with Liang Guan; today, he was officially assuming office.
In the conference room, all the members of the County Party Committee Standing Committee were present.
"After deliberation by the Municipal Party Committee, Comrade Fan Chao is appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Huaining County Party Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission."
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
As soon as the appointment letter was read, thunderous applause erupted in the conference room.
Everyone knew that Fan Chao's appearance was aimed at Qin Mu.
Otherwise, no one could explain why Qi Zhenghao, who had only been there for a year and was doing well, was suddenly transferred, and why the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission, who was already overstaffed, was being promoted. It could only mean that this was a last-minute decision.
The atmosphere in the meeting room became somewhat awkward.
"Comrade Fan Chao, on behalf of the Huaining County Party Committee, I welcome you. From now on, we're all comrades in this team. We must work together sincerely. You're in charge of the Discipline Inspection Commission, and all of us will certainly cooperate with you."
County Party Secretary Liang Guan took the lead, welcoming Fan Chao while emphasizing his responsibilities and demanding everyone's cooperation.
"As the County Party Secretary, you also have the power to supervise me. It's peer supervision, so we must set an example."
Liang Guan smiled and added, "Anyone who dares not cooperate with your work can come to me!"
Supervise you?
Everyone present laughed inwardly!
This Liang Guan, talking big, isn't he afraid of biting off more than he can chew?
"Secretary Liang, I'll remember your words. If you have any problems with your work, I won't let you off the hook. I'll definitely investigate you."
Fan Chao played along, jokingly saying.
"No problem. Power should be caged and controlled; no one is exempt."
Liang Guan emphasized solemnly.
Clearly, these words were directed at Qin Mu.
"Secretary Liang is right. As leading cadres, we are all subject to the supervision of the Discipline Inspection Commission. I am the county head, and the same applies. Comrade Fan Chao is welcome to come to me anytime; I will definitely cooperate."
With the top leader having spoken, it wouldn't be right for Qin Mu, as the second-in-command, to remain silent. He immediately took the initiative to speak.
"County Head Qin, I do have some work to discuss with you. I heard that the county government hosted Yaoyang Industrial Glass Company yesterday. Could I make this official reception my first task after taking office as Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission?"
Fan Chao asked casually.
What?
Yesterday's official reception?
Qin Mu frowned. This Fan Chao really wasn't polite at all!
Just took office, and he's already so eager to investigate me?
Liang Guan was also puzzled. Didn't Fan Chao tell him yesterday that there were no problems with official receptions? Why bring it up now?
If there were no problems, why keep investigating? Was he deliberately trying to provoke Qin Mu?