Cao Dingjun whispered something in Liu Zhizhong's ear, and Liu Zhizhong furrowed his brow.

Then, Liu Zhizhong had to temporarily halt the reception matters, asking someone to take over as he and Cao Dingjun went into the back lounge.

Liu Zhizhong said, "Director Cao, did Deputy Mayor Zuo really say that?"

Cao Dingjun, with a worried look, nodded, "Yes! She just called, saying we have those two remaining real estate projects, the ones in the foundation stage, someone has reported that the environmental pollution is too severe, and they must halt construction for rectification. Whenever the issues are resolved, then they can resume work."

Liu Zhizhong gave a bitter smile and nodded.

Indeed, Bai Qiuxia and Zuo Xintong had parachuted in from Tiandu, the former as the Mayor overseeing all tasks of Huayang City Government, the latter as the Executive Deputy Mayor in charge of economic affairs, environmental protection, development, and reform.

Coincidentally, Zuo Xintong is Liu Zhizhong's direct superior, and Liu Zhizhong is responsible for economic affairs, environmental protection, and development and reform.

Now, someone reported issues with the real estate's environmental practices, of course Zuo Xintong would hold Liu Zhizhong accountable.

Liu Zhizhong said seriously, "Director Cao, I'm afraid there's more than just environmental issues here, sigh..."

"Huh?" Cao Dingjun was a bit baffled, showing a face of confusion, "Mayor Liu, what's your opinion on this, I don't understand!"

"Those two real estate projects, aren't they among the top private enterprises in the province?"

"Yes! What's the matter?"

"We just conducted a major environmental inspection last week, both of these projects were well above the standard, nearly reaching excellent construction. How could they suddenly fail to meet environmental standards?"

"Oh... this..." Cao Dingjun fell into deep thought and then showed some suspicion, saying, "Are you suggesting someone is doing this intentionally to get at you?"

Liu Zhizhong shook his head, "That's not what I mean. Someone reported it, whether it's aimed at me doesn't matter, it seems like nobody in Daxi City is targeting me, nor anyone in Huayang City either. Mayor Zuo immediately asked me for rectifications upon receiving the report, isn't that unusual?"

"I'll be..."

Cao Dingjun's eyes lightened up, and he couldn't help but curse, "Exactly, she should have first let the City Environmental Protection Bureau come down for investigation and sampling, and then order rectifications! How come she asked for rectifications right after receiving a report today? Hmm, there's quite a story behind this! Mayor Liu, what should we do now?"

Liu Zhizhong took a deep breath and said, "Immediately contact the City Environmental Protection Bureau, submit our inspection results, and also request them to come down for another environmental evaluation. We'll decide after the results are out."

"Alright, I'll do it right away!" Cao Dingjun turned to leave but quickly turned back and said, "Mayor Liu, what about those two real estate projects? Should we halt construction, or... continue?"

"We don't quite understand Mayor Bai and Mayor Zuo's intentions right now, we just have to be flexible, inform the two developers to pause for two days first."

"Alright, sigh..."

Cao Dingjun shook his head and sighed, then left. Damn it, what kind of mess is this? Who's causing trouble anyway?

Liu Zhizhong wasn't so anxious, he was very calm and collected internally, then returned to manage the reception work, and worked until it was dark, finally finishing the reception for the masses.

Mayor Liu's reception genuinely listens to public opinion, truly acts on behalf of the people!

In the public eye, Liu Zhizhong has a genuinely good reputation. This is something that local forces like Xiang Mingdong and Guan Xun really couldn't match.

However, as for officials with good public reputations, most of their futures are not so promising, I wonder if anyone opposes this law?