PCJ – Chapter 707 Another Uproar

Ever since Ji Jiaxin told the reporter from Southern Times that Meishan Group would soon release major news, the company once again became the focus of public attention.

Everyone was curious about what kind of explosive announcement Meishan Group would bring this time. Many people frequently checked the official Meishan Group website, but no matter how often they looked, no news was ever published.

“Looks like Meishan Group just fired off a ‘big satellite’ this time.” Lin Ke’s colleague, Qian Zhitao, laughed.

Lin Ke shook her head. “I don’t think so. From President Ji’s reaction that day, she seemed very confident. Clearly, she has great faith in Meishan Group’s research. Besides, with such massive investment and such a huge auto industrial park under construction, how could this be just a joke?”

Qian Zhitao shook his head. “This Meishan Group is mysterious in itself. It’s like they popped up out of nowhere. If it weren’t for their two major projects—the cancer cure and specialty steel—I’d think this was just a money-grab scheme. But now, maybe they are using this as a pretext to raise money. Hard to say. Haven’t we seen this kind of thing plenty of times before?”

Lin Ke immediately countered with reason: “Meishan Group is completely different from what you’re describing. The cancer drug isn’t fake, the specialty steel isn’t fake, and their heavy equipment is already competing with imported brands. With that kind of foundation, do you really think they need to resort to tricks?”

Qian Zhitao pointed at a forum post on the computer screen. “I think this guy ‘Clear Breeze’ makes a good point. Maybe Meishan Group isn’t after funding, but after land. Lin Ke, have you noticed how fast property prices have been rising lately? Do you know how huge the gap is between industrial land and commercial land prices? I heard Meishan Group has some unclear relationship with Bijiang’s mayor, Zhang Jiaohua. This is no secret in the province. During Zhang’s rise, capital has always been behind him. Maybe now it’s time for the investors to cash out.”

“That’s a conspiracy theory. Qian, we’re journalists—what we say has to be based on facts. Words that can’t be verified shouldn’t be casually spoken, let alone published. Otherwise, you’ll have to take responsibility.” Lin Ke warned him.

“I notice you’re awfully protective of Meishan Group… and of that Mayor Zhang. They say Bijiang’s mayor, Zhang Jiaohua, is young and capable, with dual PhDs from Qingda University, and despite his youth, he’s already a mayor. Sure, there’s still that ‘acting’ prefix, but for Zhang, losing that word should be no problem.” Qian Zhitao’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

“Xiao Qian, that’s not how you should be talking. Xiao Lin was just sticking to the facts. And besides, even though Zhang Jiaohua is only the acting mayor of a prefecture-level city, he’s not someone Southern Times should casually provoke. He’s capable, well-connected, and best avoided if possible. And from what we can see right now, there’s no fault to find in his conduct. Think about it—what was Bijiang like before, and what is it now? Back then, the city land was basically being given away for free, yet no investors wanted it. And now you claim Meishan Group will convert industrial land to commercial? Where’s the evidence? Has there been any indication at all?” Editor-in-chief He Rongshan criticized Qian Zhitao.

Still, the negative online commentary had already created unfavorable impacts on both Meishan Group and Zhang Jiaohua.

Worried, Wang Zongxian quickly sought out Zhang Jiaohua: “Mayor Zhang, you may need to step in regarding Meishan Group. I know you and they wouldn’t do something like this. But the problem is, online rumors are spreading, and I’m afraid some people with ulterior motives will take advantage. I’ve already submitted a report recommending that your ‘acting’ title be removed. Your achievements here in Bijiang speak for themselves—no one can erase them. But there are always those who lack ability, can’t achieve anything themselves, and yet are jealous of others’ success. Instead of working, they want to harvest what others have sown. I’ve heard some are already lobbying hard at the provincial level, hoping to swoop in and pick the peaches.”

Wang Zongxian was furious and deeply worried. Bijiang was his hometown, and he held strong feelings for it. No one wanted to see it prosper more than he did. In his youth, he had worked hard to change things here, but he had learned how impossibly difficult it was to bring even the smallest change. Over time, his ambitions had been worn down, and like most people, he set aside his ideals to pursue his career.

But when he saw what Zhang Jiaohua had done in Yingpan Village, Wang Zongxian regained hope for Bijiang’s revival. That was why he had thrown all his support behind Zhang’s appointments as acting county magistrate and later deputy mayor of Bijiang. And facts proved it was the best decision of his career. Bijiang was already marching toward a brighter future.

Now, however, troubling news was filtering in from the province. Many were restless, eyeing Bijiang at just the right moment—on the verge of transformation, but not yet fully transformed. To step in now as mayor would be to reap the harvest of Bijiang’s coming prosperity. And all it would take was the right excuse.

Provincial officials were already asking Wang Zongxian questions about Zhang Jiaohua. Just based on rumors and hearsay, some were already eager to brand Zhang with the word “problem.” Everyone knew what such a move meant: obvious political maneuvering. Wang was genuinely angry—he had even clashed head-on with a provincial leader over it.

“Secretary Wang, did you hear some bad news?” Zhang Jiaohua asked with a smile.

“You, Zhang Mayor—you’re still too young. Doing real work alone isn’t enough. Sometimes you have to go report to the provincial leadership. Look at these documents. Don’t misunderstand—this isn’t me gathering dirt on you. These are materials others are preparing to use against you, to get you removed as acting mayor.” Wang handed Zhang a stack of papers.

“Secretary Wang, isn’t it against organizational principles for you to show me this?” Zhang asked after glancing at the documents, then returning them.

“Some people treat organizational principles like a joke. What do I care? I’m protecting a good comrade!” Wang shoved the documents back into Zhang’s hands. “Comrade Jiaohua, you should talk to Meishan Group. Have them hold a press conference and release some information publicly. That will ease much of the pressure on you.”

Zhang smiled. “Actually, their suspicions aren’t entirely wrong. I do have many ties with Meishan Group. For example, with the cancer drug—I really did take part in developing it. Its core technology is my work. And with Meishan Group’s new energy vehicle project, I’m one of the developers too. You could say I’m part of the group. But Meishan Group has never benefited from my political power. Still, given the current circumstances, I admit this situation doesn’t fully align with organizational principles. If it comes to it, I’m prepared to step down from this post and focus on my research instead.”