Free Web NovelChapter 703: Chapter 673: Paparazzi
Xu Chunliang was well aware that everything Lu Yunqi said was a reality, which is why he approached it from a temporary perspective. Temporary workers were one issue, but temporary routes were another. The route could even be opened unilaterally from Weishan Island; all Lu Yunqi had to do was convince the Jizhou side to agree.
As the two discussed their work, Lu Yunqi felt much more at ease. He was sure that Xu Chunliang wouldn’t use his relationship with Liang Xin as a bargaining chip against him in the short term. To his surprise, he found that this kid was actually someone who got things done. Lu Yunqi respected those who took their work seriously, not to mention that Xu was someone he couldn’t afford to offend. He immediately expressed that he would do his best to support Xu Chunliang’s proposals.
The dinner that night was overall quite enjoyable. They drank two bottles of wine in total. While admiring Xu Chunliang’s drinking capacity, Lu Yunqi also gained a deeper understanding of this kid’s work abilities.
That evening, Xu Chunliang stayed at Cuihu Yashan, with everything arranged by Lu Yunqi.
After his bath, with time still early, Xu Chunliang called Qin Zhengyang to report on the progress of his work in Jizhou.
Qin Zhengyang, hearing about his two proposals, couldn’t help but pour cold water on him. The joint water security patrol had a chance, but opening the route seemed hopeless. The Hu Shan Town Government had thought about it in the past. Opening a route from Weishan Island to Jizhou, shortening the sailing distance, would ostensibly benefit both sides in terms of communication, but the real beneficiary would be Weishan Island. This would open up access to the Jizhou tourist market, making it easier for Jizhou’s tourists to visit the island.
As for the consumer base from Weishan Island to Jizhou, it was virtually negligible. Firstly, Weishan Island had a small population and underdeveloped economy. Secondly, the islanders generally chose the more economically prosperous Dongzhou for shopping and tourism.
Jizhou’s reluctance to open a route to Weishan Island was because they saw no benefit in it, being a one-sided concession.
Only a fool would engage in such thankless tasks, so Qin Zhengyang’s lack of hope was in line with most people’s thinking.
However, Xu Chunliang believed that everything depended on human effort. The so-called one-sided concession was just a superficial phenomenon; without implementation, it was impossible to predict future developments. The word "temporary" in itself contained elements of trial and error. If both these tasks succeeded, it would be a significant step forward in their work.
Despite not being optimistic about Xu Chunliang’s two proposals, Qin Zhengyang nevertheless gave him full recognition for his work achievements this time. Without Xu Chunliang stepping in, it wouldn’t have been so easy to get the detained personnel and vessels released. Although Li Chengbo’s work capability was also not bad, resolving such complex inter-regional conflicts required Xu Chunliang, which was why Qin Zhengyang advised Li Chengbo.
Xu Chunliang knew well that this trouble was handed to him by Qin Zhengyang, but since he had already dealt with it, there was no need to point it out.
The two talked for over ten minutes, essentially deciding that the future Weishan Lake National Holiday Resort’s joint water security management team would be organized by the Culture and Tourism Bureau. This effectively meant Qin Zhengyang tacitly agreed to transfer part of the water patrol’s authority from the police station to the Culture and Tourism Bureau. This decision did not hinge on his will; if Jizhou agreed to Xu Chunliang’s proposal, the partner for the water patrol could only be the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, being an equivalent entity, rather than the Hu Shan Town Government.
The task of opening the temporary route would have Qin Zhengyang submit reports to higher departments and coordinate various relationships.
While they were talking, another call came in. Xu Chunliang only returned the call after finishing his talk with Qin Zhengyang, but when he called back, the other party’s phone was off. Shortly after, an unfamiliar number called, and upon answering, he found it was Liu Haiyu. Liu admitted that the earlier call was also from him and asked Xu how things were going.
Xu Chunliang expressed gratitude for Lao Liu’s righteous help and mentioned the incident where Zhou Yi Wu sought out Cui Shiwang to ambush him today.
Liu Haiyu couldn’t help but laugh over the phone upon hearing about it.
Xu Chunliang complained, "Old Liu, have a heart. I got ambushed, and you’re gloating?"
Liu Haiyu said, "Others might not know you well, but I do. You’re not someone who suffers losses. The ones ending up in trouble will definitely be them."
Xu Chunliang said, "This Zhou Yi Wu is a bit overbearing."
Liu Haiyu replied, "This guy is all brawn and no brain. No need to worry. Want to get back at him?"
Xu Chunliang chuckled, "That’s why we’re good brothers."
Liu Haiyu said, "Come to the Jizhou Ancient City; I’ll be waiting for you at Meowei Pot Stew House."
Xu Chunliang was a bit startled, "You’re in Jizhou?"
"Of course, Jizhou is my base. Where else would I be?"
Having nothing better to do, Xu Chunliang dressed and took a cab directly to the Jizhou Ancient City. He arrived at the pot stew house where Liu Haiyu had arranged to meet him but didn’t see Liu Haiyu. The pot stew house was small, with only a thin guy having his meal inside.
Xu Chunliang had met this thin guy before. He was the one responsible for picking them up when he and Liu Haiyu went to the Taibai Ghost Market. This thin guy was part of Liu Haiyu’s group.
The thin guy grinned at Xu Chunliang, revealing a gold tooth, and beckoned him, "Join me for a bite!"
Xu Chunliang sat opposite him and saw that both pot stew dishes on the table were almost finished, with only some soup left. The thin guy was shoveling rice into his mouth. There were no other bowls or chopsticks on the table, indicating that the thin guy was eating alone. Xu Chunliang said he had already eaten and asked quietly, "Where’s Lao Liu?"
The skinny man said, "He’s not here, let me take you there."
Xu Chunliang cursed inwardly, Liu Haiyu, the old trickster, fooled me again.
The skinny man finished his last mouthful of rice, stood up and said, "Let’s take a stroll."
Xu Chunliang followed the skinny man out of the Shaguo Restaurant. The two of them walked along the old streets of the ancient city. When they passed by Bogu Pavilion, the skinny man stopped and whispered to Xu Chunliang, "Recognize this place?"
Xu Chunliang nodded. Bogu Pavilion was Shi Taiping’s property, but last time he came, it was already closed. From the outside, it still looked the same; the main door was locked with a ’closed’ notice hanging on it.
The skinny man said, "The front door’s closed, but there’s a back door. Shi Taiping’s been staying here recently."
Xu Chunliang asked, "What’s your purpose in bringing me here?"
"Old Hai just told me to bring you here, nothing else. My task is done." The skinny man yawned and was about to leave to sleep. Before leaving, he handed a plastic bag to Xu Chunliang and reminded him, "Don’t forget to take photos."
Xu Chunliang felt that what he said at the end was the key. He didn’t press the skinny man for more answers. After the skinny man left, he opened the plastic bag and found a green hat inside—the same one he wore last time to the Taibai Ghost Market.
Xu Chunliang almost burst into laughter. Liu Haiyu truly had it all figured out. Was he playing a joke on him or reminding him to hide his true identity? There was also a camera inside.
Xu Chunliang looked around, slipped into a narrow alley, and circled to the back door of Bogu Pavilion. There he saw a big-tailed Scirocco parked, but no one inside. Judging by the interior, it seemed to be owned by a woman.
The back door was latched from the inside, and through the gap, he saw lights on in the rooms inside.
Xu Chunliang was pondering whether to climb over the wall for a peek when he heard a flurry of footsteps, so he quickly hid. At that point, he saw a group of people heading his way.
Leading the group was Zhou Yi Wu, followed by a few others, likely his cronies, who appeared righteously indignant.
Zhou Yi Wu glanced at the car, and gritting his teeth, spat out, "Damn it!"
Zhou Yi Wu came up to the door, ready to kick it open but hesitated, fearing it would alert those inside. He signaled for two people to guard the back door while the others followed him over the wall and into Bogu Pavilion.
Xu Chunliang somewhat understood the situation. It looked like a bust-up. Could Shi Taiping have been sleeping with Zhou Yi Wu’s woman? Curiosity burned within Grandmaster Xu. Liu Haiyu, oh Liu Haiyu, you’re truly wicked, bringing me to witness such a scene.
Xu Chunliang quietly retreated and chose to climb the roof of Bogu Pavilion from the other side. Today, he was determined to do some follow-up photography. Who knew what kind of scene would unfold later.
The camera was ready, the green hat was also prepared. Might as well wear it again.
Watching Zhou Yi Wu and his team enter Bogu Pavilion’s backyard and close in on the lit room, Xu Shu took a deep breath and charged forward to kick the door open.
The couple sneaking on the bed was startled by the door being kicked open. The man was Shi Taiping, and the woman was Zhou Yi Wu’s wife.
Upon seeing Zhou Yi Wu suddenly appear in front of him, Shi Taiping was terrified.
Zhou Yi Wu ground his teeth and said, "Shi you bastard! You damn well slept with my woman. I’m going to deal with you today."
Shi Taiping was truly a descendant of Liangshan. He immediately jumped out of bed, and the two Great Han could not catch him. Taking advantage of his familiarity with the surroundings, he dove out of the west window, heading straight for the back door. But with the way blocked, he was cornered. Using a running start, he leaped up and grabbed the roof’s eave. Despite being stark naked, it didn’t hinder his movement at all. He climbed onto the roof.
Zhou Yi Wu and his men gave chase, but Shi Taiping’s skill at vaulting over eaves and walking on walls came into play. He sprinted barefoot along the eaves as if on solid ground. With his inherited skills, he should have no problem losing this group. Yet, after a certain distance, he sensed something was off, feeling like someone was shadowing him.
The hairs on Shi Taiping’s neck stood up. Could one of Zhou Yi Wu’s men be as skilled as he? He turned to look back but saw no one. Concluding he was just too nervous, he buried his head and continued sprinting ahead. Believing he had reached a safe area, he finally climbed down from the rooftop.
Shi Taiping looked around to ensure no one was around, then exhaled deeply. Suddenly, the sound of a camera shutter clicking echoed from behind, with flashlights going off in succession. Startled, Shi Taiping turned around, covering his face with one hand, trying to block the camera lens with the other.
Here comes the second update!
