Zhang Jingkuan briefly introduced the details of the auction over the phone.
Then he changed the subject and continued.
"I immediately thought of you, didn't I?
I know you're not only skilled at making furniture, but your carving craftsmanship is top-notch too.
So, how about it? Can you contribute an auction item on behalf of Pinghai County?
That would count as making a contribution to Pinghai County, wouldn't it?
Of course, I wouldn't object if you wanted to donate money instead. But it would be best if you donated it to our own county. After all, our county is poor."
Before Ye Yuan could agree, Zhang Jingkuan began crying poverty on the other end of the line.
"Sir, stop crying poor for now. I have a few questions to ask first.
Then I'll decide whether to participate. Is that alright?"
Rather than joking around, Ye Yuan asked in a very serious tone.
Hearing Ye Yuan's tone turn serious, Zhang Jingkuan put away his teasing attitude and said solemnly,
"Go ahead."
"First, if the item I provide gets auctioned off, then according to what you said, the money will be used for Pinghai County's development.
So where exactly do you intend to use it?
Will this money be subject to public oversight?
In other words, will you disclose where the money goes?
Most importantly, will every last cent truly end up in Pinghai?"
Ye Yuan's first question was exceedingly sharp.
However, Zhang Jingkuan, who dealt with him often, did not take it too seriously.
"I can guarantee that every last cent will go into Pinghai's accounts.
And I'll use it for road construction. Blue Island's greatest shortfall right now is funding for road repairs. As the saying goes, if you want to get rich, build roads first.
Blue Island's roads had