CHAPTER 395: CHAPTER 395: I CAN’T WASTE MY MONEY FOR NOTHING!

Two days later, the Dagu City Committee received a call from the Yanxi Provincial Sports Bureau.

They mentioned that relevant leaders and experts would visit Dagu City for an on-site inspection.

Duan Baijian took this matter very seriously.

He also understood that whether Dagu City could bid for the Winter Games was closely tied to this inspection.

So when the people from the Sports Bureau arrived, Duan Baijian used the highest standards of hospitality.

Not only did he personally accompany them throughout, but he also ensured excellent food and drink every day.

At the end of the inspection, he even prepared a special gift for each individual.

After completing this process, the Yanxi Provincial Committee not only agreed to allow Dagu City to bid for the Winter Games but also allocated 500 million yuan in special funds for infrastructure construction.

When Duan Baijian shared this news with Chen Bin and Hao Wenjing, they were ecstatic.

Immediately afterward, the Dagu City Committee began planning venue construction.

As for building a ski resort in Beihuang County, that decision was finalized as well.

At the County Standing Committee meeting, Hao Wenjing looked around at everyone and said seriously,

"The city’s plan to bid for the next Winter Games must be well known by now, right? For us in Beihuang County, this is an excellent opportunity, and everyone must seize it."

With these words spoken, everyone appeared perplexed, unable to understand what she meant.

Gu Konglian was the first to question, "Isn’t Beihuang County just planning to build a ski resort? What’s so exciting about that?"

Hao Wenjing replied, "I’m planning to build two ski resorts, one specifically for competitions and the other for tourists to use."

Gu Konglian sneered with disdain.

"Winter only lasts a few months. Even if people come, how much money could we make?"

"That’s why we can also develop grasslands tourism to offer visitors something fresh. With Imperial Capital now more accessible, as long as we build a reputation, we’re bound to make money."

Seeing how confidently Hao Wenjing spoke, Gu Konglian grew even more displeased.

He loudly declared, "Bidding for the Winter Games is the city’s business—it has absolutely nothing to do with Beihuang County. If we spend a fortune developing tourism and fail to make money, whose responsibility will that be?"

Hao Wenjing answered firmly, "Mine!"

"Yours? If we end up in debt, you’ll just resign and leave—then what will the local residents do?"

"As far as I know, the initiative to heavily invest in animal husbandry in the county was led by you. Now that it’s losing money, haven’t you also not resigned?"

This retort left Gu Konglian speechless, though his gaze toward Hao Wenjing burned with greater fury.

"We’re discussing whether developing tourism is viable. Don’t dredge up irrelevant old matters! Either way, I’ll make it clear right here—Beihuang County cannot develop tourism!"

With this declaration, others immediately chimed in.

"Exactly, we don’t support developing tourism!"

Though Hao Wenjing was well aware that these people were colluding against her, facing so much opposition still left her furious.

She abruptly stood up and sternly rebuked,

"I’ve already reported the matter of tourism development to the city committee, and Secretary Duan supports it. If you’re really against it, go talk to Secretary Duan directly!"

After saying this, she turned and left.

Gu Konglian, however, sneered in disdain.

"Trying to use Secretary Duan against me? How ridiculous!"

In truth, Gu Konglian didn’t genuinely oppose the tourism development plan.

His firm objection was solely aimed at discrediting Hao Wenjing.

If he could force her out, his own path to becoming secretary of the County Committee would be clear.

After the meeting ended, Gu Konglian headed to the city committee specifically to crush Hao Wenjing’s hopes.

Upon entering Duan Baijian’s office, he immediately confronted him.

"You support developing tourism in Beihuang County?"

The confrontational tone displeased Duan Baijian, but considering the favors he had accepted, he chose not to argue.

"Yes, I think it’s a good direction for your county to pursue."

"I don’t agree! If tourism really takes off, Hao Wenjing won’t leave. What about me then?!"

Duan Baijian’s expression darkened as he asked sternly,

"You’re the County Magistrate—can’t you have some sense of duty? Hao Wenjing is working for Beihuang County’s development, while you’re trying to sabotage her just to drive her out—do you think that’s appropriate?"

"I don’t care whether it’s appropriate or not. My only goal is to become the secretary of the County Committee!"

Bang!

Duan Baijian slammed his hand on the table, his face full of severity as he rebuked loudly,

"If you perform well moving forward, I might consider transferring you to another county to act as the top leader for a few years. But if you insist on making trouble, don’t blame me for being harsh!"

Hearing this, Gu Konglian furiously shouted back.

"You took my money—you owe me support! Now you’re pulling this stunt, just trying to take advantage of me, aren’t you?!"

Duan Baijian, with years in office, had accepted numerous gifts.

But the unspoken rule was that the word "money" was never explicitly mentioned.

Gu Konglian’s directness nearly startled him out of his chair.

Duan Baijian stared intently at Gu Konglian and said coldly,

"Looking for money, are you? Fine—go to my house now and take it!"

Still agitated, Gu Konglian retorted,

"I will—I’m not letting my money go to waste!"

Taking a deep breath, Duan Baijian picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Open the safe in my study and take out all the foreign currency. Someone will pick it up shortly."

Without further words, Gu Konglian stormed out.

Arriving at Duan Baijian’s home, he retrieved the money and drove back to Beihuang County, cursing all the way.

However, once back in his office, after calming down, he began to regret his actions.

Duan Baijian, as the City Committee Secretary, wielded significant power. Offending him might mean never becoming the secretary of the County Committee in his lifetime.

Realizing this, Gu Konglian hastily called Duan Baijian to apologize.

But no matter how many times he dialed, the line was unreachable.

Now fully grasping the gravity of his situation, Gu Konglian panicked.

After work in the evening, he even skipped dinner and drove back to Duan Baijian’s house.

This time, not only did he return the foreign currency, but he also added several gold bars.

Unfortunately, when Duan Baijian realized it was him, he didn’t even open the door.

Left without options, Gu Konglian resorted to speaking through the gap in the door.

"Secretary Duan, if you don’t open the door tonight, I won’t leave!"

Just as Gu Konglian thought he had the situation under control, two police officers suddenly arrived outside, forcibly escorting him out of the residential compound.

They remained outside, preventing him from re-entering.

Realizing he’d caused a huge scandal, Gu Konglian went home and spent a sleepless night.

The next morning, he returned to the city committee again.

Upon entering Duan Baijian’s office, he quickly tried to apologize.

"Secretary Duan, I was wrong..."

Before he could finish, Duan Baijian yelled angrily,

"Who gave you permission to come in? Get out of here immediately!"