"Thanks for all your hard work!" In the mayor's office, Shan Wenxu personally made another cup of tea for the Public Security Director and spoke with genuine sincerity.
Over the past month, Director Zhou had traveled constantly between downtown Yangcheng City and the surrounding towns and villages, handling matters himself and running himself ragged. He really had worked hard!
"I don't mind the hard work. I just don't know how long the results of this crackdown will last!" Zhou Yi took a sip of tea and shook his head.
The world bustled for profit; the world scrambled for gain.
Those small coal mine owners had been raking in money. Even the smallest mines brought in hundreds of thousands a month. Now that the city had shut them all down in one sweep, how could those people possibly accept it?
They had appeared cooperative for two reasons. First, the overwhelming force of administrative enforcement had left them no choice. Second, they were still planning to lie low until they had a chance to start up again.
Every new ruler brought a new set of officials. The city might be cracking down hard now, but perhaps in six months or a year, Mayor Shan would be promoted elsewhere and Director Zhou transferred to another city. Their replacements might not be as immune to the temptations of wealth as these two. Then the storm would pass, the skies would clear, and they would be back in business.
"At least while I'm in office, they can forget about making a comeback!" Mayor Shan declared forcefully.
Then he hurried to add, "With Director Zhou here, I certainly have nothing to worry about!"
"Don't put me on a pedestal, Mayor. If it's too high, the fall could kill me."
Zhou Yi wasn't buying his sugar-coated flattery.