Chapter Ten: Ten Million

Qian Youwang was summoned by Zhang Xiu’e, along with the town’s accountant. Despite being called in, Old Qian showed no sign of anger or dissatisfaction—only curiosity and surprise.

He had seen Liu Meijia earlier that morning. She was a fiery woman, but also exceptionally arrogant. If she needed something from you, she would treat you like a revered ancestor, smiling and flattering; but when you were no longer of use, she would turn cold and ruthless.

“Leader, this is Ms. Liu Meijia, General Manager of Qiangyuan Company,” Zhang Xiu’e introduced Qian Youwang to Liu Meijia with a smile, since she was the one who had called him over.

“We’ve met!” Qian Youwang squinted and smiled, asking in bewilderment, “What’s this about?”

On the phone, Zhang Xiu’e had said Qiangyuan Company wanted to sign a leasing contract with Yutou Village. When she arrived, she was still sighing. The newly appointed county officials placed great importance on rural issues, and it was rumored they were highly dissatisfied with Qiangyuan’s previous domineering ways. Regarding the ‘Liangou Depression’ incident, a dedicated investigation team had already been established.

If Yutou Village and Qiangyuan Company reconciled now, the newly formed investigation team would lose its purpose.

But Qian Youwang himself wasn’t in a position to comment on these matters. Standing from Donghe Town’s perspective, he naturally didn’t want the conflict between Yutou Village and Qiangyuan Company to escalate. Qiangyuan Company was not only a major taxpayer in Taoyuan County, but it also contributed a substantial portion of Donghe Town’s taxes.

Seeing Tang Long had no intention of speaking, Zhang Xiu’e smiled and explained, “Leader, it’s like this: Qiangyuan Company has recognized its mistakes. General Manager Liu is here to reconcile with Yutou Village. Regarding the previous incidents where their employees assaulted and oppressed our villagers, they wish to express their apologies and are willing to provide five million as a special compensation fund for our villagers’ physical and psychological recovery and follow-up treatment.”

Qian Youwang was stunned, deeply surprised. Five million in compensation? For the villagers of Yutou Village?

Liu Meijia’s gaze was icy, and she sat without a word. Her purpose today was to quell the dispute with Yutou Village—to push the matter down for now.

Zhang Xiu’e understood why Qian Youwang was surprised. Given Qiangyuan Company’s usual style, they would never have acted like this before. She herself was puzzled; by rights, Liu Meijia wouldn’t let matters go so easily. Why had she so simply agreed to the village’s terms today?

“Furthermore, Qiangyuan Company forcibly occupied Yutou Village’s ‘Liangou Depression’ for four and a half years. For the economic losses incurred during that time, they are willing to compensate the village committee with another five million.

And, if Qiangyuan Company provides this compensation, Yutou Village promises not to pursue responsibility for the company’s forcible occupation of ‘Liangou Depression,’ thus reaching a settlement.”

Ten million?

Qian Youwang’s eyes widened, his mouth opening in disbelief as he looked toward Liu Meijia. “General Manager Liu, is what Secretary Xiu’e said all agreed by you?”

Liu Meijia looked at the two of them. She hadn’t expected that Zhang Xiu’e and Tang Long, despite their youth, handled matters so skillfully, leaving no loopholes.

They even called over Qian Youwang from Donghe Town.

At this point, to renege would be the lesser course.

Liu Meijia’s smile blossomed, her tone gentle, “Xiu’e is right. A total of ten million. Once the contract is signed, the money will be transferred to Yutou Village’s committee account within days!”

“There’s no day like today; the money must be in the account by this afternoon!” Tang Long, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke with a smile. “We’re not quite ready to trust Qiangyuan Company’s reputation.”

Scoundrel!

Liu Meijia cursed inwardly, her gaze icy but her smile unwavering. “Since you’ve invited Town Leader Qian, I will respect his presence. Once the contract is signed, I’ll transfer the funds immediately.”

“Straightforward!” Qian Youwang sized up Tang Long, chuckling, “And this gentleman?”

Zhang Xiu’e quickly replied, “Leader, his name is Tang Long, the head of Yutou Village.”

The village chief was elected by the villagers, though Tang Long hadn’t gone through the formal village committee election. Still, no one in Yutou Village would object to him being chief.

“Tang Long?” Qian Youwang memorized the name.

Wang Chengwei returned with a contract, respectfully handing it to Liu Meijia.

Liu Meijia glanced at it, her brows furrowing. This was no ordinary contract; it was more like a settlement agreement for a contract dispute.

Following Zhang Xiu’e and Tang Long’s requirements, the sum was written as compensation for the villagers of Yutou Village.

“Please review this agreement, both of you. Are you satisfied?” Liu Meijia suppressed her anger, smiling sweetly.

Money or contract, these were mere surface matters. As long as no one seized upon the ‘Liangou Depression’ issue, everything could be recovered in time.

Qiangyuan Company’s money was not easily taken!

Tang Long handed the contract to Zhang Xiu’e, who reviewed it, then nodded to Tang Long.

No tricks, and better than expected.

“Leader, please have a look as well.” Zhang Xiu’e met Tang Long’s eyes, then passed the contract to Qian Youwang.

Qian Youwang took the contract. To Qiangyuan Company, this agreement was a pure loss, with total compensation amounting to ten million.

Was Qiangyuan Company really willing to take such a loss to reach an understanding with Yutou Village?

“If there are no objections, let’s sign,” Liu Meijia said with a smile.

“The money,” Tang Long said simply.

Liu Meijia told Wang Chengwei, “Call the company accountant and have them transfer ten million to Yutou Village’s committee account.”

“Yes!”

About three minutes later, a ding sounded and Zhang Xiu’e received a bank notification on her phone. Yutou Village’s committee had no dedicated accountant—the funds were managed by her, and previously, there had been barely a hundred yuan in the account.

Suppressing her pounding heart, she nodded to Tang Long and whispered, “The money is in!”

Tang Long smiled, took the contract, and signed his name, then handed it to Zhang Xiu’e.

After Zhang Xiu’e signed, she gave it to Qian Youwang. “Leader, as a witness, could you sign as well?”

“Of course!” Qian Youwang cheerfully picked up the pen and added his signature.

There were two copies of the contract.

“Now there’s money to repair the road, right?” Tang Long asked Zhang Xiu’e.

Blushing with joy, Zhang Xiu’e replied, “Yes, we’ll discuss it with the villagers as soon as we get back!”

“We’ve had our drinks, taken the money—what are we waiting for?”

Tang Long stood up from his chair, stretched lazily, took a few steps toward the door, then stopped.

Turning to Liu Meijia, he said with a careless air, “I’d ask General Manager Liu to please expedite your company’s withdrawal from ‘Liangou Depression’!”

Liu Meijia frowned, standing up to ask, “Brother Tang Long, what do you mean by that?”

“Nothing much—just informing Qiangyuan Company that we no longer wish to lease out ‘Liangou Depression’ to you.”

Qian Youwang’s eyes lit up at Tang Long’s words. This young man had potential!

“You’ve taken ten million from Qiangyuan Company!” Liu Meijia’s expression darkened, her tone cold.

“It’s not ‘taken’—it’s what you owed. We’re merely collecting a debt,” Tang Long smiled, unconcerned.

He had never intended to reconcile with Qiangyuan Company.

“Town Leader Qian can testify: paying debts is only right and proper. Ten million may be a little, but we can accept it.”

Liu Meijia, ignoring whether Qian Youwang was present or not, threatened coldly, “Don’t be naïve thinking Qiangyuan Company’s money is so easy to take.”

“If you think you’ve got what it takes, bring it on. We’re barefoot—why should we fear someone in shoes? Besides… there’s still plenty left between us to settle!”

Tang Long waved his hand and walked out.