Binjiang Police Affairs

Chapter 1405: Chapter 207: "Vice Mayor’s Assistant"!

At 4:30 PM, Han Yu eagerly drove his light motorcycle to the Changzhou Municipal Government.

He was the only head of the Water Anti-Smuggling Department, managing himself with no opportunities to set an example, so he had flexible working hours and could go wherever he wanted.

The security guard asked about his purpose for visiting and couldn’t believe he was actually Mayor Han’s partner, so he quickly called the government office.

The office director personally came out to greet him and explained with a smile while accompanying Han Yu upstairs, "Director Han, Mayor Han went to the Changxin Railway Project Command Center for research. She might return later."

"Isn’t she responsible for the Yangtze River Bridge construction? Why does she need to research the railway construction unit?"

"Mayor Han is not only in charge of the Yangtze River Bridge construction, but she also oversees transportation and water resources, liaising with the Binjiang ’Bridge Office’, the Coastal Highway Project Command Center, the Changxin Railway Project Command Center, Binjiang Airport, and the bus station."

It sounded like he was describing someone else, not his own wife.

Han Yu gathered his thoughts and curiously asked, "Director Zhang, are we really going to build a railway in Binjiang, really let trains pass through?"

Director Zhang had someone fetch the keys and opened the Vice Mayor’s office, inviting Han Yu inside to sit while smilingly confirming, "It’s not that we are going to build a railway; it actually started last year. It’s just that our Binjiang section hasn’t made much progress yet and is still in the land acquisition and demolition phase."

The railway construction layout in Jiangnan Province is extremely unreasonable.

Several municipalities on the South Bank of the Yangtze River have trains, but Binjiang, Yangzhou, and several North Bank municipalities don’t have a single kilometer of railway. Just like the Yangtze River Bridge construction, the Binjiang People have been yearning for it for decades, almost reaching despair, but unexpectedly, construction actually started.

Han Yu anxiously asked, "When roughly might it be completed, and how many years might it take to open?"

"Expected by the end of 2002, but with such a big project, no one can say for sure if it can be completed on time and begin operation. However, it should definitely be in operation by 2004 at the latest."

"That’s great." Han Yu pondered and then smiled to ask, "Once it’s operating, can it go to East Sea?"

Director Zhang was stumped, pausing before subtly shaking his head, "To take a train to East Sea, we need a railway bridge. But what’s being designed is a highway bridge—unless a train ferry is arranged, achieving the dream of taking a train to East Sea could be difficult anytime soon."

Han Yu inquired, "If it doesn’t reach East Sea, what’s the point of this railway?"

The people of Changzhou, much like those from Linghai, love going to East Sea.

Director Zhang poured tea for Han Yu while chuckling, "It’ll reach Jiangcheng, allowing trains to the Capital. Director Han, you are well aware of the transportation conditions in Binjiang. The pressing issue is whether we have railways and whether trains are operational."

"Indeed." Han Yu casually leafed through the transport planning map on his senior sister’s office desk and curiously asked, "Has coastal highway construction started too?"

"It’s been approved and is under survey; our Binjiang section is expected to break ground in 2003."

"The railway will only be operational by 2004, the highway won’t break ground until 2003, and the bridge construction probably won’t speed up either, so it seems we still need to wait for more convenient and faster access to East Sea."

"At least there’s hope now, unlike before when we could only take a passenger ferry."

"Indeed."

Mayor Han’s partner has arrived, and it’s necessary to quickly report to Mayor Hou. freewebnøvel.coɱ

Mayor Hou is inspecting work in towns and villages and, considering that the ’Binjiang Water Army Commander’ should be familiar with the Armed Forces Department, personally called Minister Huang to request that he assist in receiving Han Yu.

After sitting for a while in Mayor Han’s office, the Changzhou Armed Forces Department hurried to the city government, smiling broadly as they walked to the Vice Mayor’s office and knocked on the door.

"Minister Huang, what brings you here, looking for my family’s Mayor Han?"

"Why should I look for your family’s Mayor Han? I came to find you!"

"How did you know I was here?"

"Mayor Hou called and told me," Minister Huang was genuinely happy to see Han Yu, warmly shaking his hand and laughing, "Come, let’s visit our department!"

"Is it far from here?"

"Not far."

"Okay!"

...

After finishing their research, Han Xiangning returned to the car, and Secretary Yu quickly reported, "Mayor Han, Director Han came by. Director Zhang said Director Han went to the Armed Forces Department with Minister Huang personally taking him there."

I intended to surprise the junior, but instead gave him a fright.

Han Xiangning clearly knew the junior wasn’t pleased and was quite worried he might cause a scene, feeling somewhat apprehensive yet maintaining a calm demeanor and asking, "What’s he here for?"

"Director Zhang said Director Han came to pick you up after work."

"Why didn’t he call if he came to pick me up?"

"He did call, but at that time you were in a discussion meeting with the engineering command leaders, so I didn’t dare interrupt."

Prior instructions were given to Secretary Yu that no personal calls should be taken during work hours, including calls from home.

Han Xiangning felt a bit unsettled and looked out the window, unsure of how to face the junior shortly.

Secretary Yu, not understanding completely, took out his mobile to contact the Armed Forces Department and confirmed that Mayor Han’s partner was still there, then asked, "Mayor Han, are we returning to the city government, or going directly to the Armed Forces Department?"

"Let’s go to the Armed Forces Department."

"Okay."

Han Xiangning rushed to the Armed Forces Department, and under the guidance of a staff officer, arrived at a small conference room where he saw the junior playing cards with Minister Huang, Political Commissioner Li, and Deputy Minister Liu.

The more people, the better.

With outsiders present, San’er wouldn’t dare act out.

Han Xiangning steadied his nerves and joked half-seriously, "Minister Huang, Political Commissioner Li, playing cards at work doesn’t leave a good impression!"

"Mayor Han, if you’re spot-checking, you should first check the time on your watch. It’s after work now, and besides, we’re entertaining your Secretary Han. Even if Secretary Chu and Mayor Hou knew, they wouldn’t say anything. Not even Commander Wang or Political Commissioner Chen would reprimand us; instead, they’d likely join us in the game."

"Yes, Mayor Han, playing cards with Secretary Han, we fear no one!"

As the former secretary of the Linghai Reserve Camp, Han Xiangning knew these three well for a long time. Seeing the junior laughing silly and seemingly not angry, his heart finally settled. He walked over and asked while patting his shoulder, "Salted Fish, how far have you gotten with Minister Huang?"

"Just reached level 10, Political Commissioner Li and Minister Liu are too skilled, I’m too much of a newbie, holding back Minister Huang."

"Salted Fish, you’re playing pretty well, we are letting them win!"

"If I can’t win, I can’t win, what’s this about letting or not letting."

"Mayor Han, you came just in time, let’s have dinner together tonight." Minister Huang knew that as long as Salted Fish helped, the Changzhou Armed Forces Department could have some highlights in their work, how could he miss such a rare opportunity.

Deputy Minister Liu even put down the playing cards, letting Mayor Han play.

San’er gives me face, I must give San’er face too.

Han Xiangning steadied his mind and looked down at Han Yu.

"Minister Huang, Political Commissioner Li, Minister Liu, we appreciate your kind gesture, but I’ve promised my daughter I’d have dinner with her tonight, let’s gather next time."

"How about this, you’re already here, you can’t leave! Mayor Han, don’t you think so?"

"My Salted Fish calls the shots at home, if Salted Fish wants to go back, I must go back."

"Secretary Han, please give us a little face."

"Minister Huang, no need to be so courteous, besides, I don’t drink, having dinner with me is no fun, let’s gather next time when we have a chance."

The young couple politely declined the goodwill of Armed Forces Department leaders and accompanied by the leaders, arrived at the lobby on the first floor.

Secretary Yu stood in front of the sedan, seemingly hesitant to speak.

Han Xiangning said without hesitation, "Xiao Yu, you all can head back first, I’ll take my spouse’s car back, no need to give me a lift."

"Alright, goodbye Mayor Han, goodbye Director Han."

As Secretary Yu was about to open the car door, Han Yu took out the key and went over to start the light motorcycle, Han Xiangning skillfully opened the small luggage box, took out the helmet and put it on, then waved goodbye to Minister Huang and the others.

Carrying her, Han Yu left the Armed Forces Department, teasingly said, "Mayor Han, hold on tight, I’m going to speed up."

Han Xiangning habitually hugged his waist, leaned on his shoulder and asked, "What made you think of picking me up today?"

"Isn’t that pointless to say, when you were at the Maritime Department, didn’t I pick you up every day."

"So you’re not mad at me anymore?"

"When have I ever been mad at you?"

"You’re such a little grudge holder, sulking for more than a week, don’t think I didn’t notice!"

"Mainly, I don’t like you showing your face, don’t like you attending those chaotic social engagements, don’t like those old men looking at you lecherously."

"I hardly attend social engagements, let alone chaotic ones." Han Xiangning mumbled, then sneered and asked, "San’er, you just don’t like others liking me, you’re not upset that I took a temporary duty in Changzhou?"

"No, a temporary duty as Vice Mayor is still Vice Mayor, I’m very happy, very proud, very proud you’ve become Vice Mayor!"

"Really?"

"Why would I lie to you, though I think you’ve been duped."

"Duped how?" Han Xiangning instinctively asked.

Han Yu held onto the handlebars, smiling, "I saw the division of labor document for the City Government leadership team in your office, it says you’re responsible for transportation, water resources, and the economic and social development along the Yangtze River. Supervising the Transportation Bureau, Water Resources Bureau, and liaising with the Binjiang ’Bridge Office’, Coastal Highway Company, Changxin Railway Office, and Dongxing Airport.

The City Transportation Bureau has some money and some real power. What does the district and county transportation bureau have, the Water Resources Bureau is even less mentioned. As for the units you liaise with, each one has a bigger profile than the last, your role as Vice Mayor is only to cooperate with them."

Han Xiangning was surprised the junior would say these things, she couldn’t help but laugh, "I’m also the party secretary for the Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park."

"That so-called Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park is even more absurd."

"How absurd?"

"I’ve seen the planning map in your office, the so-called industrial park is right next to the planned Yangtze River Bridge, who knows how many years it would take before the bridge can be completed, everything is on paper, there’s nothing substantive, the investors aren’t fools, attracting investment isn’t that easy."

"San’er, didn’t see it coming, you’ve got quite an eye!"

"You noticed long ago?"

"If you can see it, how could I not."

Han Xiangning hugged him tighter, muttering, "Secretary Chu and Mayor Hou talk like they trust me so much, actually it’s not like that. They know Secretary Lu, Mayor Wang, and Mayor Qin value me, worried that not utilizing me would be hard to explain to the superiors, so they drew a small circle on the riverbank, named it phase one project, and let me go at it.

If something can be achieved, they’d be glad to see it. If nothing can be accomplished, the city wouldn’t lose anything anyway. After all, phase one project’s area isn’t big, it will be caught up in land acquisition and demolition sooner or later."

Han Yu laughed, "Seems you haven’t been dazzled by victory?"

"No, I’m clear about my abilities, people arrange things that way for a reason, after all, I’m too young."

"So what’s your plan?"

"Since they’ve appointed me as this party secretary, I’ll do my best to do well. Regarding going to the units I liaise with for research, it’s purely for appearances. Going doesn’t make any difference, but not going is impossible either."

Han Xiangning pondered and laughed again, "As for the Transportation Bureau and Water Resources Bureau that I’m supervising, I wouldn’t really manage them. Uncle Ge’s right, those two directors only listen to Secretary Chu and Mayor Hou, they wouldn’t listen to my supervision as Vice Mayor, my only role might be to take the fall if something goes wrong."

Han Yu blurted out, "Don’t talk nonsense, we’re here for temporary duties, not to take the fall for them!"

"San’er, you just said ’we’?"

"Yes, you taking temporary duties is just like me taking temporary duties, from now on, I’m the assistant to Vice Mayor, no need for the Organization Department appointment!"