Having achieved financial freedom, I reorganized my workplace.

Chapter 46 The Ubiquitous Clash

After some "emergency treatment," Zeng Huihuang finally recovered from his "serious injury."

His face was still a little pale, but his undeniable authority had completely returned.

All I can say is that a leader is a leader—capricious and unpredictable.

He was surrounded by people, and the atmosphere was even more solemn than when he arrived, as if the leader had not just tripped and fallen, but had experienced a life-or-death ordeal.

Seeing that General Zeng was out of danger, Tan Huasheng immediately put on a stern face and turned his attention to Ma Boyang, the station manager of Wushan Water Station, speaking in a sharp tone:

How do you usually perform maintenance?

"Have safety measures been implemented effectively?"

"Don't you clean up the water stains on the floor promptly?"

"The railings are so badly corroded inside, why wasn't there a preventative plan in place?"

He wasn't doing this to insult Zeng Huihuang, but to make a statement in front of him. Anyone could see that. It has to be said that Tan Huasheng really treats Zeng Huihuang like an ancestor.

Ma Boyang could only nod repeatedly in apology, his back bent so low it was almost bent into the dust.

He felt really frustrated.

Even the routine maintenance staff try to avoid that spot. Who knows what crazy thing you did that made you cross the yellow line and spout nonsense there? With water splashing everywhere all year round, how could the ground possibly be completely dry and without water stains?

That's simply unrealistic.

As for the internal corrosion of the railings, there was no way he could have known beforehand—who would break open iron railings to play with them? But he could only repeatedly agree, "Yes, yes, we'll review it and rectify it immediately!"

If your boss says you're wrong, then you're definitely wrong.

"Immediately organize a team to conduct a thorough safety inspection of all the railings at the entire station. Check each one individually, don't miss a single spot, understand?" Tan Huasheng gave the order with a fierce, clenched voice.

Ma Boyang answered Xiao Ji quickly and decisively, "Understood. I'll go back and implement it immediately, conduct a comprehensive investigation, and make sure no blind spots are overlooked."

After reprimanding Ma Boyang, Tan Huasheng bowed and approached Zeng Huihuang, his face full of guilt: "Old leader, it was my dereliction of duty, a serious dereliction of duty! The security check was inadequate, and I'm sorry you had to go through this."

Those lackeys are really good at licking.

Zeng Huihuang waved his hand, his tone seemingly calm but carrying a stern warning: "Alright, stop making a fuss. But this is a lesson. For us in water conservancy projects, safety is paramount. A small railing, though seemingly insignificant, can reflect a big problem. It shows that you have a weak sense of safety and a serious failure to fulfill your safety responsibilities. If this 'railing' of your mind rusts, it's more dangerous than this iron railing."

These words were spoken in a grand and dignified manner, yet they were also very insightful. Lin Chen, who was standing beside him, learned a great deal and planned to write a novel in the future, specifically about his quotes.

"Yes, yes, yes, the leader is right to teach us a lesson. We will definitely reflect deeply, learn from the lessons, find the root of the problem in our thinking, and find the answer in practice." Tan Huasheng quickly chimed in, rattling off a string of sentences like a sow.

Finally, I realized that Zeng Huihuang didn't seem to care much, so I relaxed a bit.

An unexpected event clearly disrupted the original schedule, and the tour was hastily concluded. Zeng Huihuang lost interest in giving instructions and decided to take a group photo with all the employees of the water plant before heading to the pre-booked hotel.

Just as the car reached a bend at the foot of the mountain, they found a rock blocking the road. As the group was about to get out and move the rock, one of them rushed out, holding up a sign and shouting, "Zeng Huihuang, pay me back! Give me justice!" "Zeng Huihuang, you have no words, you have no humanity, you're withholding my wages!"

"Wu Daqiang?" Tan Huasheng recognized the old acquaintance who had been petitioning at a glance. His brows furrowed instantly, and he glared at Lin Chen with displeasure: "What exactly happened? Didn't I tell you to have someone keep an eye on him?"

Wu Daqiang, it was Wu Daqiang! Lin Chen was shocked and instantly realized the seriousness of the matter. If this was not handled properly, he, the security dispute specialist, would be punished.

Although I don't care about the position of specialist, it's embarrassing.

Tan Huasheng did tell him to have someone from the water supply station keep an eye on him, but Lin Chen didn't bother. He was just a lowly specialist; who could he possibly contact, and who would listen to him? Besides, people have the right to restrict someone's personal freedom. What right does a water supply company have to do this?

Undeniably, Lin Chen did underestimate the matter.

However, in the end, Tan Huasheng, by making such a big fuss about this leadership inspection, as if you're afraid others won't know, isn't it just a clear invitation for people to "stop you"?

But Lin Chen had seen too many scenes like this before, so he remained calm and composed, replying, "I'll handle it right away."

"Hurry!"

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Chen had already opened the car door, his movements swift and decisive.

Lin Chen called two company security personnel and they quickly stepped forward. Instead of driving them away roughly, they immediately stood between Wu Daqiang and the convoy, forming a human wall.

"Wu Daqiang, any problems can be reported through proper channels. Stopping the car like this won't solve anything and is very dangerous. Besides, Zeng Huihuang isn't even in this car. You're just wasting your time."

Lin Chen's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable calmness as he tried to control the situation. This was all based on his experience at the grassroots level. He was not to let him come into contact with the leaders, because if he did, these people would go crazy.

But Wu Daqiang simply didn't believe it. He became extremely agitated and collapsed to the ground, throwing a tantrum and shouting in grief and anger, "Legitimate channels? I've searched countless times, it's no use. Zeng Huihuang is a fraud. Anyway, you have to give us an explanation today, pay us back our hard-earned money!"

What grievance did this guy have that made him cry out so pitifully? Although Lin Chen really wanted to know, today was clearly not the time. He had to calm him down first.

Inside the car, Zeng Huihuang, in the passenger seat, had a sullen face, as if he hadn't heard or seen anything. He just impatiently tapped the armrest of the seat with his fingers while letting out a cold snort.

Hearing this, Tan Huasheng felt a little scared and leaned out again, urgently shouting, "Lin Chen, drag him away first, don't let him block the way!"

"Idiot." Lin Chen was annoyed and retorted to Tan Huasheng. What he was most afraid of now was angering Wu Daqiang, which would make things even more difficult.

However, Tan Huasheng, who was in the car, didn't hear it and thought Lin Chen had replied "okay".

At this moment, Tang Xin also got out of the car and walked to Lin Chen's side cautiously, asking, "What's going on? Can you fix it? If not, let's call the police."

She has encountered this situation many times, and there's basically nothing she can do about it.

"It shouldn't be necessary." Seeing Tang Xin's anxious eyes, Lin Chen bent down, looked directly at Wu Daqiang, took out an ID card and handed it to him, his tone serious and earnest.

"Wu Daqiang, this is my ID card. You can take it first. I am the dispute specialist assigned by the company, specifically responsible for handling the issues you raised. When you come to me, it's the same as coming to the leader. I assure you, I will take full responsibility for your matter. But now, don't cause trouble here. You heard us call the police. But if you wait for the police to arrive, you will only get yourself into trouble and will not benefit at all. So listen to me now and step aside, okay?"

Lin Chen's words were resolute, firm yet gentle, carrying a strange credibility. Wu Daqiang's struggling movements paused slightly, and a hint of hesitation flashed in his cloudy eyes.

Nobody gives out their ID card right away.

He was truly stunned.

Moreover, despite his numerous petitions, no one has ever given him such a big promise; everyone has just passed the buck, tossing his problems around.

They disappeared without a trace.

Taking advantage of the moment of hesitation, Lin Chen gave a wink to the people around him, and the group stepped forward in unison, half-persuading and half-helping Wu Daqiang away from the middle of the road. Their actions were swift but measured, avoiding a more intense conflict.

The convoy was able to slowly start, bypass the scene, and head towards the luxurious Lijiang Hotel.

Tang Xin looked at Lin Chen, her skirt swaying slightly.

The Lijiang Hotel was brightly lit and comfortably air-conditioned, a world apart from the hustle and bustle outside. A sumptuous lunch had already been prepared, with a dazzling array of delicacies.

Tang Xin and Chen Ya had been waiting for a long time; this was all arranged.

Mr. Zeng likes to be accompanied by beautiful women when he dine out.

Surrounded by the crowd, Zeng Huihuang entered the private room, his face once again displaying a reserved and dignified smile, as if the previous incident had never happened.

This person once had a glorious past and has a very ambitious mind.

Or perhaps in his eyes, these people were utterly insignificant, mere ants.

Now that everyone was present, Tan Huasheng raised his glass, beaming, and said, "Come, let's raise a glass together to calm President Zeng's nerves! And to thank President Zeng for his great guidance and care for our work!"

"Yes, yes, thank you, Mr. Zeng."

"Cheers!"

The wine glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound. Lin Chen drank half of it and spat the other half into his teacup.

If people knew he was wasting such a top-quality Moutai, they would definitely criticize him severely.

Halfway through the meal, Song Jiehui actually came back.

However, there was no seat reserved for him at the scene, which was quite awkward. Tan Huasheng, who was sitting next to Zeng Huihuang, immediately stood up to give Song Jiehui his seat: "Director Song, come, come, sit here and have a good chat with President Zeng."

It is perfectly reasonable for the top leader to sit next to Zeng Huihuang.

But Song Jiehui waved his hand and said, "No, no, Director Tan, please sit down. I'll just sit here. You keep President Zeng company and have a good time. I can't hold my liquor, so I don't want to spoil President Zeng's fun."

Is this an attempt to draw a clear line?

"Director Song, please sit here." Tang Xin was very considerate and immediately stood up to make room for him. Lin Chen also immediately stood up to make room for her, but no one offered him a seat.

That bastard Wang Yang is right behind me.

Tan Huasheng was a little embarrassed, unsure whether to sit or stand.

Song Jiehui ignored Tan Huasheng, took a jug of wine and drank it all in one go to Zeng Huihuang: "President Zeng, I was delayed by some personal matters, so I apologize to you and will punish myself with three drinks."

Song Jiehui was quite bold; with a swift stroke, he really downed three cups of baijiu.

Without even blushing or panting.

Is this a bad alcohol tolerance?

That's too modest.

Lin Chen had only drunk half a glass, and his throat was already burning.

Zeng Huihuang chuckled coldly, leaning back in his chair with a mocking expression, like a cat toying with a mouse: "Director Song, if you have something to do, go ahead and do it. Don't let me hold you back. I didn't come here today for anything important, just to see if Suicheng Company had any problems that needed the city company's help. Now I see... there probably isn't."

His eyes held a provocative glint, a hint of confrontation; it seemed Zeng Huihuang was truly unhappy that Song Jiehui wasn't receiving him.

That's incredibly stingy.

Song Jiehui remained polite, poured another glass of wine, held it to his chest, and lowered his posture to the dust: "President Zeng, I think you know the situation in Suicheng better than I do. The water pipes in Sui County are severely aged, the water pressure is seriously insufficient, and the water loss rate has always been high, ranking last in the city. If a special fund could be used for treatment, I believe it would be a blessing for the people of Suicheng."

Song Jiehui, you're quite blunt, asking for money right off the bat. But besides asking for money, there's not much else to say.

Zeng Huihuang chuckled, his tone carrying an ambiguous meaning: "I'm sorry, Director Song. It seems that I, the former director, was incompetent and left you with such a mess. I want to apologize to you."

Song Jiehui quickly waved his hand: "President Zeng's words make me ashamed. The high water loss rate in Suixian County is a historical problem and an inevitable issue that we will have to face in the process of development. We need to work together to solve it in the future."

A glint of light flashed in Zeng Huihuang's eyes. He slammed his hand on the table, the sound not loud, but it instantly silenced the entire room: "Fine, the money isn't lacking, but it must be spent wisely. Director Song, I'll approve five million for you today! You need to reduce the water loss rate by ten percentage points next year. Do you have the confidence?"

In fact, the money had already been allocated by the head of the municipal company before his inspection tour, and it was something that had to be spent.

But Song Jiehui was unaware of this news.

Zeng Huihuang has now turned it into a sword hanging over Song Jiehui's head.

This is really numb.

Song Jiehui was a cunning old fox. He knew that Zeng was trying to trick him, but he still smiled slightly and said, "As long as President Zeng supports us, we are confident." In his mind, getting money was the top priority. Without money, everything else was just empty talk.

Zeng Huihuang leaned back in his chair, his voice carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Fine, if the money isn't in place, that's my problem. But if the water loss rate doesn't come down next year, then it's your responsibility, Director Song. When General Manager Fan blames you at the meeting, I won't be able to plead for you anymore."

Song Jiehui's hand holding the cup paused slightly, his expression froze, and the atmosphere instantly became oppressive. These words really put Song Jiehui on the hot seat. No matter what he said, it would be wrong. Unless he didn't want the money, he would die if he didn't produce results despite having the money.

"Waiter, could you please bring me a chair?"

Just as the stalemate was at its peak, Lin Chen's clear voice rang out. He had been standing since giving up his seat, and it was this voice that broke the deadlock in which Song Jiehui was being suppressed by Zeng Huihuang.

Lin Chen really couldn't stand it anymore. You, Zeng Huihuang, are not to be so bullying. The water loss rate of a region is caused by many factors. To expect it to decrease by 10 percentage points in a year is simply a pipe dream.

"Alright, let's not talk about business anymore. How about we all have a drink together?" Tang Xin understood perfectly and stood up to warm things up: "Let's all raise a glass and toast President Zeng again."

A new round of toasts began, and the atmosphere became lively again.

Under Tang Xin's encouragement, the three leaders seemed to have a burst of energy and secretly started a drinking contest. They drank one cup after another and couldn't stop. Soon, all three of them were red-faced and incoherent, entering a heated phase of mutual boasting.

"Director Song, the wine in our Suicheng is no worse than that in your provincial capital, is it?"

"Our wine is good, and our girls are hot."

"Stop talking, have another one."

"Mr. Zeng, I rushed back from the provincial capital just to have a drink with you."

"Fill it up! Fill it up!"

At this moment, Comrade Wang Yang, who had been observing from a distance, actually took a glass of wine and walked up to Zeng Huihuang, respectfully saying, "Mr. Zeng, may I have a drink with you?"

He had always admired Zeng Huihuang, and it took him a long time to muster the courage to offer a toast.

Zeng Huihuang, perhaps drunk, glanced at Wang Yang and suddenly flew into a rage, overturning his glass: "Who the hell do you think you are? You think you're worthy to drink with me? Get lost!"

The entire private room fell into a deathly silence.

This level of civility is really worrying.

Tang Xin quickly pulled Wang Yang aside and whispered a reprimand: "Those leaders are having a great time drinking, can't you see? You, a mere clerk, suddenly interrupted to offer a toast, aren't you just asking for trouble? You can't even distinguish the most basic occasions."

Wang Yang stood frozen in place, his face turning from red to white, and finally to ashen.

Like a joke frozen in time.