Chapter 63: Transportation Bureau

Sitting in the office, one group after another of staff members who had come to report on their work had just left, and it was finally quiet. Zhao Yanyan called again. Looking at the vibrating phone on the desk and the displayed phone number, Wang Jian held his head with both hands and leaned back in his chair, unsure whether to answer. Last time, when he called her from Jie Lianbing's place, no one answered. What could she want this time?

After hesitating for a moment, Wang Jian sat in front of the desk and picked up the phone. "What's the matter, Chairman Zhao?" he asked in a calm voice, leaning back in his chair.

"What's wrong, Township Chief Wang? Are you not feeling well? You sound so listless!" Zhao Yanyan said loudly, not mentioning the things she had done.

Wang Jian straightened up and raised his voice. "What's the matter, Chairman Zhao?"

"The 5000 yuan I promised to sponsor for the poor students has been approved by my unit. When will you come to collect it?" Zhao Yanyan said happily, feeling that she had done a good deed for the poor students.

Wang Jian was surprised. Zhao Yanyan was quite efficient. He perked up and said, "Thank you, Chairman Zhao. Will your unit send someone to hold a ceremony or something?"

"Didn't we do that last time? We won't do it this time. I had to go through a lot of trouble to get our leaders to agree to this. Don't you think you should come to the county to show your appreciation?" Zhao Yanyan's tone changed subtly as she spoke to Wang Jian.

After a pause, Wang Jian chuckled. "Alright, I'll have Secretary Han treat you to a meal to show the gratitude of the Xianhe Township Party Committee and Government!"

"Listen, Wang Jian, this can't be done by someone else. You must come in person!" Zhao Yanyan said bluntly, calling Wang Jian by his name and making a request.

Zhao Yanyan's purpose was clear; she still had designs on him. Wang Jian thought about her beautiful figure and her skin that was white to the bone. He really wanted to run to the county and take advantage of the opportunity to have his way with her, but this kind of woman was aiming to marry him, unlike Han Yuting. It wouldn't be easy to get rid of her later.

"We'll see. I'll always remember your kindness, Chairman Zhao!" Wang Jian's words were ambiguous.

Zhao Yanyan probably thought that Jie Lianbing had told Wang Jian what she said. She smiled. "Wang Jian, did that little Jie teacher say something to you? We were talking about sisterly matters. Let me tell you, she doesn't really like you. She only agreed to date you because you're the township chief and pressured her. Don't let people talk behind your back, saying you use your power to find women in the countryside. We must be careful in all aspects of our work in the government!"

Zhao Yanyan's words were amusing, suggesting that Jie Lianbing was only dating him reluctantly. Wang Jian couldn't believe it and didn't want to discuss it further. "Chairman Zhao, you're exaggerating. I'll definitely come to thank you when I have the chance!"

"That's more like it!" Zhao Yanyan was finally satisfied.

After hanging up, Wang Jian called Yang Juncai, who quickly came over. He looked at Wang Jian respectfully and asked, "Township Chief Wang, what do you need?"

"Has the Youth League County Committee's funds been collected?" Wang Jian asked, looking at Yang Juncai.

Yang Juncai stood in front of the desk. "The County Finance Bureau called, but I haven't had time to collect it yet."

Dai Changyong was indeed efficient, even calling to remind them to collect the money. Wang Jian thought for a moment. "The County Women's Federation also has 5000 yuan in funds. You can collect it together. Just find Vice Chairman Zhao Yanyan."

Another sum of money had been secured, and Yang Juncai couldn't help but admire Wang Jian's ability. He smiled. "Township Chief Wang, you're amazing. Since you became the township chief, the township's finances have been increasing!"

Looking at Yang Juncai's flattering face, Wang Jian felt a bit smug. Who doesn't like being surrounded by people? Power is like a magic wand, changing everyone.

"Alright, Director Yang, go and collect it. Let me know when you're done!" Wang Jian wasn't used to being flattered and hoped to stop it there.

Yang Juncai happily agreed and left.

Finally, it was quiet. Wang Jian leaned back in his chair, needing to consider the big picture for the township. The agricultural structure adjustment was gradually getting on track. More and more farmers in Xinhewan Village were growing greenhouse vegetables, almost forming a contiguous area. However, Lu Mingxiang wasn't a village cadre and lacked the influence. Lu Fang wasn't interested in this. If they wanted to make Xinhewan Village a model for agricultural structure adjustment, they needed to change Lu Fang's mindset or make Lu Mingxiang a village leader, but he wasn't a Party member and couldn't be the secretary. It was a difficult situation!

Although the greenhouse vegetables were thriving, the village roads were muddy, and the main roads in the township were in poor condition. It would be great to get some funding from the county to repair the roads. The report to the County Transportation Bureau had been delayed, and it was time to go and follow up personally!

Thinking of this, he got up and went out.

"Secretary Zheng, let's go to the County Transportation Bureau to discuss the road repairs!" Both the top leaders of the township needed to go to show the importance of the matter. Wang Jian thought it was necessary to bring Zheng Shiguang along.

Zheng Shiguang was sitting in his office, bored. Although he wanted to turn things around, he felt powerless. All the committee members were busy with their own tasks and didn't listen to him. The family planning efforts he had pushed at the Family Planning Office had little effect. Everyone knew that the director, Deng Meina, was his mistress, and the staff there lacked motivation. No one would listen to his idle talk!

Seeing Wang Jian come to ask him to go to the County Transportation Bureau for funding, Zheng Shiguang was secretly pleased. Losing power was worse than losing everything else for a government official.

"Sure, Township Chief Wang, the township's roads do need to be repaired!" Zheng Shiguang stood up, trying to appear very enthusiastic.

"Let's go then!" Wang Jian didn't say much.

Zheng Shiguang obediently locked the door and followed Wang Jian in the same car to the county.

"Secretary Zheng, are you familiar with Director Wang at the County Transportation Bureau?" Wang Jian asked, sitting next to Zheng Shiguang in the back of the car. The director's name was Wang Bensheng.

Zheng Shiguang smiled smugly. "I know Wang Bensheng well. We can get the money without any problem!"

Wang Jian felt relieved. Having connections was crucial when asking for funds. Without them, even justified requests might be denied. He didn't know Wang Bensheng and was worried about getting the money.

The County Transportation Bureau building was impressive, much grander than the two-story building in Xianhe Township. It was a four-story building with a traffic hotel on the ground floor, likely for the bureau's staff. Wang Jian and Zheng Shiguang got out of the car and walked into the compound.

The courtyard was filled with luxury SUVs, as the bureau had many projects and many people came to secure contracts. It wasn't surprising to see so many vehicles.

Seeing this, Wang Jian was glad he had Qiu Jun park the old Santana outside.

Zheng Shiguang's car wasn't much better, and he looked enviously at the luxury vehicles. Being the director of the Transportation Bureau was great, but it required solid connections!

At the bureau's office, Wang Jian asked, "Is Director Wang in?"

"Which Director Wang are you looking for?" There was also a Deputy Director Wang, so the staff member had to ask.

"That's Wang Bensheng, Director Wang!" Zheng Shiguang said.

Seeing the visitor call Wang Bensheng by his name, the staff member looked displeased, likely a loyal subordinate trying to maintain the director's authority.

"Director Wang isn't here," the staff member said, turning back to his desk.

Zheng Shiguang had never been treated this way. Even Wang Bensheng wouldn't treat him like this. He got angry and called Wang Bensheng.

"Old Wang, where are you?" Zheng Shiguang asked directly when the call connected.

"Who is this?" the other end asked.

Damn, Wang Bensheng hadn't saved his number. Zheng Shiguang cursed him in his mind but couldn't say it out loud.

"It's Zheng Shiguang. How come you don't have my number saved?" Zheng Shiguang laughed it off.

Wang Bensheng was silent for a moment. "Oh, it's Old Zheng. I'm busy. What's up?"

"I need to talk to you about something. Where are you now?" Zheng Shiguang asked.

"I'm in the office. Where are you?" Wang Bensheng seemed to be talking to someone else at the same time.

"I'm at your office. Your staff said you weren't here. What's going on?" Zheng Shiguang said loudly, making sure the staff member heard.

Sure enough, after Zheng Shiguang spoke, the staff member looked over, hesitating whether to get up and greet them.

"I just got back," Wang Bensheng said.

Regardless of whether it was true, Zheng Shiguang said, "We'll come up to see you!"

Wang Bensheng didn't say anything more, and Zheng Shiguang hung up. He and Wang Jian went upstairs to find Wang Bensheng.

The bureau's office was on the first floor, and Wang Bensheng's office was on the third floor. As they walked between the second and third floors, they saw Wang Bensheng, with a large belly, and a young man dressed in gold and silver coming down.

They were laughing and talking. When they saw Zheng Shiguang, Wang Bensheng waved to the young man and they parted ways.

"Secretary Zheng, what brings you here? And who is this?" Wang Bensheng extended a fat hand to shake Zheng Shiguang's and looked at Wang Jian.

"This is our township chief, Wang Jian!" Zheng Shiguang introduced him.

Wang Bensheng slapped his forehead and remembered. "Township Chief Wang, my apologies. I've heard a lot about you. It's an honor to finally meet you in person, ha ha!"

Wang Jian's reputation was well-known in the county, and Wang Bensheng had certainly heard of him. Seeing Wang Bensheng's warm welcome, Wang Jian smiled. "Hello, Director Wang!"

"Great, let's go inside and talk!" Wang Bensheng extended his hand and led Wang Jian into his office.