"At first, they were definitely unwilling. But after a period of perseverance, they would become willing. Think about it, as long as we persist for two months, they will find that by staying at their original posts without receiving a single cent of salary and unable to interfere with any work at their units, there's no way they would continue to stall. They would definitely actively seek connections and pursue new avenues. Every little bit counts, and a hundred thousand is better than nothing."
Chen Feng explained patiently.
"This approach is quite good, but there are two issues..."
Qin Yan and Cheng Lu asked Chen Feng with puzzled expressions.
"Ask away."
"One, the finances of the Wuzhou District are already in deficit. Where will the money come from to give everyone a hundred thousand yuan severance package?"
"That's simple, I'll cover the cost."
Chen Feng replied without hesitation.
The reason he had been consistently laying the groundwork for his businesses in Japan and China over the years was precisely this.
To resolve the issues within China's political arena cleanly, having no money in hand would simply not suffice.
Especially when one genuinely cared for the people, mere idealistic notions without financial backing were insufficient.
Fortunately, he was quite lucky.
He had met two women who could help him: one was Home Ye Meizi, and the other was Li Hong Ling.
With these two women, one earning money for him abroad and the other within China, his income grew steadily, allowing his aspirations to transform into reality.
To put it plainly, in an economic society, doing good deeds required a strong financial foundation.
"Chen Feng, we know you have businesses on both domestic and international fronts and have earned a considerable amount in recent years. However, is it worth using this money to subsidize the political arena? After all, most people enter politics to make money. Those who seek connections to enter politics are even more so. Even those who consistently pass civil service exams to enter politics are doing so for financial gain. Why is it that you, on the contrary, are spending money?"
The two women asked earnestly.
"Qin Yan, Xiao Lu, to be honest, when I first started as a dedicated driver for a deputy town mayor and entered the political arena, my mind was indeed filled with thoughts of how to make money. However, since I entered politics from the grassroots, I've witnessed the hardships of the common people. Frankly, I cannot be the kind of beast that even extorts money from ordinary people for their medical insurance. Later, I unintentionally discovered my talent for business and gradually ventured into it, accumulating wealth. With money, I naturally want to do something for the people. Of course, I'm only using a small portion of my funds. The majority will still be used within the political arena. To rise from being a mere dedicated driver to a top figure in China's political landscape requires not only astonishing political talent but also immense financial support. Whether in China or the United States, to mingle in high-level politics, lacking money is simply not an option. Either you have your own wealth, or the business consortium supporting you is wealthy. In fact, I could have borrowed money from business consortiums to advance step by step in China's political arena. But I reconsidered; using money from business consortiums would mean becoming their interest representative. It's better to use my own money so I can represent the interests of the common people."
Chen Feng explained patiently.
"Chen Feng, we fully believe what you've said. The three days we spent in your hometown, where you were willing to labor in the fields, showed that you haven't forgotten your original intentions. Unlike other political elites who would lay out red carpets across an entire paddy field when harvesting rice. That kind of show is sickening."
The two women looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
"Since that's the case, let's proceed according to the plan."
Chen Feng instructed.
"By the way, Chen Feng, there's one more question that needs clarification. This time, you're using the 'boiling frog' method to make many redundant officials in Wuzhou District leave. The problem is, they've only left Wuzhou District, not China's political arena. As long as their connections remain, it won't be long before they continue their parasitic lives elsewhere. What should be done about this?"
Qin Yan asked with a furrowed brow.
"Director Qin, your question is indeed profound, to be frank. Given the current situation, we can only turn a blind eye. I can only ensure that these individuals do not harm the political arena of Wuzhou District. As for them harming the political arenas of other districts, I truly cannot control that. After all, I am currently just a bureau leader in Wuzhou District. How can I overhaul the hidden rules of China's political arena? We can only wait. Once I reach the higher echelons of China's political arena in over a decade, I will definitely implement a sweeping reform."
Chen Feng stated with determination.
"Chen Feng, we believe you."
The two women looked at Chen Feng with admiration.
The man before them possessed a most precious quality.
Regardless of any setbacks or blows in the political arena, even as a minor bureau leader, he had not forgotten his original intentions.
How many people possessed such a quality?
Most individuals started their political careers full of spirit, yet within less than a year, their rough edges were smoothed out by the arena.
"Chen Feng, rest assured, Cheng Lu and I will be your strongest support for life."
The two women comforted Chen Feng.
"Are you two really going to be my strong support?"
Chen Feng asked deliberately.
"Of course, otherwise, why do you think Cheng Lu and I came to this godforsaken place, Wuzhou District, with you?"
The two women stated with conviction.
"I need to find a woman in Wuzhou District to marry. This woman can help us completely develop Wuzhou District. To put it bluntly, it's a political marriage. And, it's a fake political marriage. This woman has a man she loves, and I merely intend to leverage her family's influence to facilitate my work in Wuzhou District."
Chen Feng said word by word.
"Who is this woman?"
The two women asked with jealous curiosity.
"Zhao Wen Tai's daughter, Zhao Hong Yan, the wealthiest person in Wuzhou District."
Chen Feng revealed his thoughts directly without hesitation.
In truth, he hadn't initially intended to use a fake political marriage to help develop Wuzhou District's economy.
However, the matter of dismissing redundant officials in Wuzhou District had made Chen Feng acutely aware of the principle that a strong force from afar cannot overpower a local power.
Without the support of powerful local forces in Wuzhou District, developing the district's economy was akin to a fool's dream.
"But Zhao Hong Yan has a man she loves; this is an open secret in Wuzhou District."
The two women asked with confusion.
"I know, didn't I just say that Zhao Hong Yan and I are entering into a fake marriage? It won't affect her relationship with the man she loves. Political marriages are like that."
"This method seems quite good. But the problem is, will the Zhao family, and Zhao Hong Yan herself, agree?"
The two women continued to ask with confusion.
"The Zhao family doesn't really matter. What's important is, will you two women object?"
Chen Feng asked earnestly.
"You are sacrificing yourself and dedicating yourself to the people of Wuzhou District. How could we possibly object?"
The two women declared their stance immediately.
"Since that's the case, then you handle the Wuzhou District redundant officials matter according to my plan. I will pay a visit to the Zhao family."
Chen Feng said calmly.
Wuzhou District's poverty was largely due to the Zhao family's exploitation of the district's resources for decades. It could be said that the Zhao family was the de facto ruler of Wuzhou District.
Everyone said the Zhao family was difficult to deal with; this time, he was determined to snatch a tiger's teeth!