Chapter 75

Chapter 31: Filing a Complaint

"This is the moment of truth!" Fang Mingyuan frowned as he looked at the rectification proposal in his hand. These demands, while not overly stringent in a major city ten years later, were excessively harsh for the current Hai Zhuang Town. He had already learned from Zhu Dajun that this deputy town mayor had a long-standing relationship with Guo Liang. His son was the manager of a nightclub in Pingchuan County, with a substantial annual income. It seemed that the deputy town mayor was helping Guo Liang and Guo Dadi to pressure the Fang family.

"If we really follow these demands, our restaurant will definitely be a money-losing business!" Fang Bin said angrily. Over the past few days, seeing Sun Fat's arrogant demeanor, he had long wished to punch his nose.

"Fang Bin! Calm down!" Fang Lao Ye glared, and Fang Bin immediately swallowed his remaining words and sat down.

The situation was very tricky. It seemed that relying solely on the Fang family's connections in Hai Zhuang Town was not enough to counter this deputy town mayor. In China, the excessive and unregulated power of government officials was a major headache. This was especially true in towns and villages, where mayors and town mayors were often referred to as "local emperors." Moreover, since the promotion of officials was decided by their superiors, ignoring the reactions and voices of the local people was a common occurrence.

"Mingyuan, is it worth it to seek help from Su Aijun for this matter?" Fang Lao Ye put down his pipe and asked softly.

"Not worth it!" Fang Mingyuan answered honestly. For Fang Mingyuan, the Fang family restaurant was more of a reluctant choice due to a lack of investment channels rather than a means to make money. Of course, it was also a way to train his younger uncle, Fang Bin. Troubling Su Aijun and the Su family over this issue felt like using a cannon to swat a fly.

"Then let's just close it and transfer it!" Fang Lao Ye waved his hand. "If we lose some money, so be it; the Fang family can afford it! I'll talk to the Zhao family; I believe Zhao Jianguo will understand our decision." The 40,000 yuan invested by Zhao Jianguo had not been touched, and the Fang family had already recouped the costs of the restaurant through their years of operation.

"Grandpa, I've thought about it too, but have you considered that as long as we live in Pingchuan County and Hai Zhuang Town, we will inevitably be affected by them? Today they target our restaurant, tomorrow they might try to take over our lending library. The result of constant retreat will only make them more rampant." Fang Mingyuan said with frustration. "Although it's not worth it, for the future development of our family, we need to nip this in the bud. Otherwise, everyone will think we are easy prey and try to take a bite."

Fang Mingyuan was very clear that for the Fang family to grow and develop, they needed a stable base. The waters in Fengyuan and the capital were too deep; even the Su family could not navigate them. Moreover, his father, Fang Sheng, and his two aunts were not the type to leave their jobs at the Qinxi Pressing Equipment Factory to start businesses. Relying solely on himself, his second uncle, and his younger uncle to establish a foothold in two places was no easy task. Therefore, developing in Pingchuan County for the time being was a necessary compromise. Only when the Fang family's strength grew to a certain level, the policy environment became clearer, and he could step forward, would it be the best time to expand outward.

"Mingyuan, Liu Yong is here to see you!" At this moment, Bai Ping's voice came from outside the door.

Fang Mingyuan looked at his watch in surprise; it was almost dinner time. Why wasn't Liu Yong eating at home and instead came to see him? He walked out of the house and met Liu Yong in the courtyard.

"Mingyuan, my mom sent me to find you. She wants to talk to you about something," Liu Yong grabbed Fang Mingyuan, "Come with me quickly; I've already explained it to Auntie."

"What does your mom want to talk to me about?" Fang Mingyuan was even more puzzled. Liu Yong's grades hadn't declined recently, and he hadn't caused any trouble in class. Why would she want to see him now?

Liu Yong handed Fang Mingyuan a document and said with a smile, "My mom knew you would be suspicious, so she sent me this."

Fang Mingyuan glanced at it, and his eyes immediately widened. "Zhao Guiying, Deputy Town Mayor? When did your mom become a deputy town mayor?" Before the New Year, when Fang Mingyuan went to Liu Yong's house, his mom was just a section chief in charge of family planning, a position with heavy responsibilities but little power, often subject to mistreatment in the government. After this incident, Fang Mingyuan hadn't even considered asking her for help.

"She was promoted just after the New Year. She's still in charge of family planning, but now she also oversees cultural and educational affairs. My mom said that it seems there was a directive from above to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions, so she was promoted to deputy town mayor." Liu Yong tugged at Fang Mingyuan's arm, "Alright, alright, ask my mom about any questions. We've already prepared dinner and are waiting for you."

This sudden change left Fang Mingyuan somewhat at a loss. He greeted Bai Ping at the door, asking her to explain to his grandfather and younger uncle, and then followed Liu Yong to his house by bike.

Liu Yong's house was familiar to Fang Mingyuan, as he had been there many times. It was not in the family compound of the Qinxi Pressing Equipment Factory but on the outskirts of the town, in a small rural courtyard.

"Mom! Mom! I've brought Mingyuan!" With Liu Yong's voice, his mother came out from the side house.

"Mingyuan, come in quickly. The food is ready, just waiting for you two." Seeing Fang Mingyuan, Zhao Guiying immediately greeted him warmly.

"Auntie, hello!" Fang Mingyuan greeted Zhao Guiying, who looked much better than before the New Year. It seemed that her career success had greatly improved her mood.

The table was set with six or seven dishes, and Liu Yong's grandparents were also present, all of whom Fang Mingyuan knew well.

Of course, it was not appropriate to ask many questions during the meal, so Fang Mingyuan could only focus on eating and occasionally answer Liu Yong's grandparents' questions about his studies.

Finally, everyone finished eating. Fang Mingyuan and Liu Yong helped clear the dishes to the kitchen, and Zhao Guiying then called Fang Mingyuan to the living room.

"Mingyuan, over the past few years, Liu Yong's achievements are largely due to your help." Zhao Guiying saw that Fang Mingyuan seemed to want to be polite and waved her hand, "No need for formalities. What this boy is capable of, I, as his mother, know very well. I know about the incidents at your family's restaurant. Have you blamed Auntie for not helping you?"

"Auntie, I only found out today that you had been promoted to deputy town mayor. I never thought of asking for your help before." Fang Mingyuan answered honestly. He had been too indifferent to the changes in the town's leadership, not even knowing about such a significant event. Liu Yong had also hidden it well, and he hadn't noticed. Now, upon reflection, Fang Mingyuan realized some unusual signs. No wonder Liu Yong had become more popular in class recently, with teachers treating him kindly and students from other classes often seeking his company.

Zhao Guiying laughed, "I didn't let Liu Yong tell anyone about this. A deputy town mayor, a small official! I know about the troubles your family's restaurant has faced, and I've heard of Guo Liang before. You are a smart boy, so I'll be straightforward with you. Even though I am now a deputy town mayor, there are significant differences between deputy town mayors. I am in charge of family planning, cultural and educational affairs, and women's work, and I was just promoted after the New Year. Compared to Cheng Gong, my influence in the government is vastly different. Cheng Gong has connections in the county, so even if I wanted to help you, my words would carry little weight. Deputy Town Mayor Cheng wouldn't listen."