Chapter 56: A momentous decision
When Zeng Qu anming decided to award the Xinghai Square construction project to Engineering Division Four, it caused an uproar.
Xiahai's newspapers carried heated discussions and commentary. One article, titled "Progress or regression: an ungrateful wolf leaves, only for a mangy dog to arrive?" fiercely attacked Zeng Qu anming's decision.
The commentary claimed that Xiahai Engineering Division Four was now barely clinging to life, and that the relevant city leaders should conduct a more thorough assessment. They should not betray the public's trust by favoring an established enterprise and clinging to outdated traditions, but should give greater consideration to construction companies with a strong desire to build and bring prosperity to Xiahai City.
Hong Xiaotian weighed the newspaper in his hand, sensing the shadow of a hired writer behind it, then sighed several times at Zeng Qu anming. "Old Zeng, should we perhaps put this on hold?"
In this contest for power, Hong Xiaotian had secured many votes through Zeng Qu anming, and they already held the advantage. Now that Zeng Qu anming wanted to make this move, Hong Xiaotian thought he was trying to look after his relatives, which was a little too aggressive. Hong Xiaotian feared that Liu Lan and Wang Jinrong would fight back when pushed to the limit. After all, even if their influence had waned, a serious rift with the top leader would do no good.
Zeng Qu anming glanced at Hong Xiaotian and paused, seemingly grasping what he was thinking, before sighing. "Mayor Hong, this isn't me throwing my weight around as an old hand. If the Xinghai Square project is to meet the infrastructure requirements for approval as a tourist city, there isn't a single company in Xiahai City capable of handling it, or of finishing it in