Yan Wenzheng's gaze turned stern; in recent years, the number of people who had drowned in the Weidong River had already surpassed double digits, among whom were his relatives.
He did not wish for tragedy to strike again!
Yan Wenzheng's tone became incredibly stern.
"Cheng Yuan! If you dare produce a shoddy construction project, I will definitely send you to prison!"
Cheng Yuan responded with a wry smile, "Secretary Yan, if I really wanted to create a tofu-dreg project, why would I report to you?"
Yan Wenzheng's tone softened slightly, "Then what do you mean?"
Cheng Yuan looked at Yan Wenzheng with a seeking guidance expression.
"Secretary Yan, you just volunteered to take on the heavy responsibility of constructing the dam and bridge. Do you have a way to ensure that the earmarked funds are used exclusively for their intended purpose?"
Having been in the system for so many years, Yan Wenzheng instantly understood what Cheng Yuan meant.
Someone would tamper with the funds, and Cheng Yuan would not be able to keep watch!
Yan Wenzheng looked at Cheng Yuan with an apologetic expression.
"Xiao Cheng, I misunderstood you earlier. In fact, it's very simple to ensure the funds are used exclusively, as long as the funds allocated by the county's finance department are intercepted and kept within the Ji County Finance Bureau."
Cheng Yuan looked at Yan Wenzheng with astonishment and incredulity.
"Secretary Yan has connections in the Ji County Finance Bureau? I've never heard of that."
"The Director of Ji County Finance Bureau, Geng Rui, is my classmate."
Cheng Yuan was overjoyed, looking at Yan Wenzheng with imploring eyes.
"For the safety of the people of Lingshan Town, for the benefit of the descendants of the residents of Lingshan Town, could Secretary Yan possibly introduce me to Director Geng?"
"Yes, I can arrange a meeting with Old Geng for you."
After a long and anxious wait, the day dragged on endlessly.
Just as office hours were about to end, Cheng Yuan finally received good news.
"Xiao Cheng, I've arranged a meeting with Old Geng. Follow me to the county after work."
"Thank you, Secretary Yan!"
"Don't thank me. If you can fix the dam and bridge, I'll thank you on behalf of the eighty thousand people of Lingshan Town!"
To maintain his public office and to do something substantial for the residents of Lingshan Town, Cheng Yuan made a big sacrifice.
He bought two cartons of Hua cigarettes and two cases of Maotai liquor.
Totaling over ten thousand yuan.
But Cheng Yuan did not regret it, nor did he feel heartache.
Many people can't even manage to give gifts, as a secure introduction is required.
Spending ten thousand yuan to establish a new connection, as long as he maintains a good relationship with Director Geng, he would no longer be a rootless tree.
Ma Guorong would not dare to manipulate him so casually!
At six o'clock in the evening, Cheng Yuan and Yan Wenzheng arrived at the Haoyuan Hotel.
Without announcing his intentions, Yan Wenzheng handed the car keys to Cheng Yuan, to facilitate his operation later on.
Geng Rui was very punctual, not being late intentionally despite his higher rank, which showed his strong relationship with Yan Wenzheng.
"Xiao Cheng, you're here."
Cheng Yuan's eyes lit up. He hurriedly descended the steps and briskly approached, eagerly opening the car door for Geng Rui.
"Director Geng, hello!"
Cheng Yuan had a good image and demeanor, and he was also quite sensible, leaving a good first impression on Geng Rui, who nodded at him slightly.
"Old Yan, you were right; this Xiao Cheng really is a talent. Isn't your little sister still single? Maybe you should consider Xiao Cheng for her?"
Little sister?
Yan Wenzheng's eyes brightened!
His little sister was already 28 this year and had yet to date anyone, which made their parents anxious!
Xiao Cheng was around the same age as his little sister.
"Old Geng, don't matchmake recklessly! What if Xiao Cheng already has someone?"
Cheng Yuan smiled and waved his hand, "Secretary Yan, I currently don't have a partner."
Yan Wenzheng's eyes brightened.
"Xiao Cheng doesn't have a partner? Come to my house for dinner sometime! I'll introduce you to my little sister. Whether you two end up together will depend on fate."
Cheng Yuan rubbed his hands together, a bit embarrassed.
Honestly, he was somewhat moved.
If he married Yan Wenzheng's sister, he would be firmly attached to Director Geng's powerful support.
He just didn't know what Yan Wenzheng's sister looked like.
Seemingly perceiving Cheng Yuan's tentative thoughts, Geng Rui beside them began to chuckle.
"Xinyu is the belle of Ji County's hospital, and there's a whole platoon of men chasing after her. If it weren't for my kid just entering high school, I would never let such a catch slip through the net. Xiao Cheng really is lucky."
Cheng Yuan smiled, too bashful to respond, and turned to Geng Rui's driver.
"Brother, could you please open the trunk?"
The driver, understanding Cheng Yuan's intention instantly, promptly opened the trunk.
Cheng Yuan placed the cigarettes and alcohol he had prepared into it.
Geng Rui's impression of Cheng Yuan improved even more.
The dinner was exceptionally enjoyable.
By the end, Geng Rui, Yan Wenzheng, and Cheng Yuan were calling each other brothers.
"Brother Cheng, don't worry about the matter of the funds. I will establish a special fund for the Weidong River project. Without my signature, no one will be able to take a penny!"
"Thank you, Director Geng! I'll drink to you once more! I'll drink up! You take your time!"
Yan Wenzheng was also feeling tipsy, and the more he drank, the more he saw Cheng Yuan as compatible with his beautiful sister.
While under the influence, Yan Wenzheng dialed Yan Xinyu's phone.
"Xinyu, when are you free? Over here, I have a very outstanding young man I'd like to introduce you to!"
However, Yan Xinyu's tone was very cold.
"Brother, I'm studying for my intermediate nursing qualification, and I'm very busy. I don't plan to date for half a year, so please don't worry about me."