After Ma Tongcai finished explaining the situation, he also discussed the reactions and thoughts of the local villagers, and Lu Weimin carefully inquired about the villagers' opinions.
To be honest, Lu Weimin could understand the villagers' thoughts on this matter. After all, this irregular piece of land was nearly a thousand acres and was right under their noses. Although it was not clearly defined and no one had thought about ownership before, now it was being taken away, and a large part of it was adjacent to the Dahe Village cemetery. It was no wonder that Shuangfeng Township found it hard to accept this psychologically.
However, he did not dare to express any opinion on this matter. After all, the county committee had already decided that after the completion of the river embankment, the land, which had not been clearly defined by the land department, would be allocated to the industrial development zone for the first phase of construction. The planned Hong Kong-funded Shuanglinji Food Company was also to be built on this land. At this point, anyone who wanted to comment on this issue would likely only get a nose full of ashes.
Therefore, Lu Weimin could only indicate that he would report the situation of Shuangfeng Township to County Magistrate Shen and Deputy County Magistrate Lü, but he could not determine the outcome.
Ma Tongcai understood Lu Weimin's caution very well. It was already quite difficult for the other party to agree to help convey their opinions through appropriate channels. As for this piece of land, Shuangfeng Township had not considered it before, and it was somewhat of a pleasant surprise. If they could gain some benefits, it would be even better.
Lu Weimin originally did not want to attend this meal, but Ma Tongcai was very enthusiastic and repeatedly invited him to sit down with the colleagues from the investment promotion office and the preparatory office. Lu Weimin felt that it was inappropriate to overly reject the other party's good intentions, especially since there would be many interactions with the Shuangfeng Township Party Committee and government during the development zone construction. Establishing a relatively good personal relationship with Ma Tongcai would be more beneficial for future work, so he accepted the invitation.
Songheju was undoubtedly the top choice for a flavor restaurant in Nantang. The smoked beef, flavored cured chicken, and chestnut-braised chicken here were quite famous. Even the county leaders, if the specifications were not too high or the scale too large, would prefer to choose this place for receptions. For private gatherings or small receptions, many people chose this place, although the environment here was a bit cramped.
Ma Tongcai had been observing Lu Weimin and the other two. Lu Weimin and the girl both appeared calm and composed, showing neither arrogance nor humility but with no lack of politeness. The young man surnamed Xu was a bit worse, seeming somewhat restrained.
During the meal with Cao Gang earlier, Cao Gang had also mentioned this university graduate who had been working for a few months. Even Cao Gang said that this young man had considerable talent and lamented that Xu Xiaochun had chosen a good secretary for Shen Zili.
It was not easy to receive such praise from Cao Gang, especially since this person was part of Shen Zili's faction, making it even more impressive. Adding to this, Mao Rong's high regard for this person, this was the main reason why Ma Tongcai wanted to get to know this young man with the title of deputy director.
The meal was quite pleasant. Ma Tongcai was very skilled at livening up the atmosphere, a natural atmosphere creator. He brought up many topics suitable for all ages, especially the humorous comments about the popular TV series "Yearning," vividly criticizing Wang Husheng's despicable behavior. This made Lu Weimin and Su Yanqing look at Ma Tongcai with new respect, not expecting that such a seemingly rough and unrefined person could have such delicate feelings and a rich perspective.
When the group was about to leave, Lu Weimin noticed that Xu Yang was missing. He looked around somewhat angrily. Xu Yang was quite proactive in his work, but he seemed to have a girlfriend who was very clingy. After work, he often spent his time with her. However, this meal was considered official business, and he wondered if Xu Yang had left early.
"Never mind, let's go. Secretary Ma, I will do my best to report your concerns to County Magistrate Shen and Deputy County Magistrate Lü. However, I must be frank; you know the current situation, so don't have too high hopes. If we can secure some benefits, that's good, but if not, don't be disappointed. Once the development zone starts construction, Shuangfeng Township will benefit significantly. The landing of Linjinji Food Company is just the beginning, and more companies will surely follow. At that time, the unclaimed cemetery near the development zone will likely be included in the development plan, and Shuangfeng Township might be incorporated into the overall development of our industrial zone. Who knows, Secretary Ma, you might even end up leading the industrial development zone."
Lu Weimin's slightly flattering words made Ma Tongcai laugh heartily. He shook his head and pointed at Lu Weimin, "Little Lu, your words are truly heartwarming. I, Old Ma, don't dare to think about other things; I just want to handle the current situation well and give the villagers and cadres a satisfactory answer. So, I hope you will truthfully report this matter to the leaders and give us a response."
Lu Weimin nodded in agreement. Seeing Su Yanqing constantly checking her watch, Lu Weimin knew that she was not interested in such social engagements, so he tactfully indicated that they should end the meal for the day, thanking Secretary Ma for his generous hospitality and preparing to leave.
Just as they reached the door, they heard a commotion. One of the voices, lacking confidence, was all too familiar.
"What if I am from the Public Security Bureau? What if I am from the Criminal Investigation Team? I haven't committed any crimes, and dating someone doesn't bother anyone!" Xu Yang's agitated voice came from a group of people surrounding him.
Lu Weimin glanced at Su Yanqing and Ma Tongcai, feeling a wry smile. It was his first time enjoying a "corrupt" banquet after his rebirth, and he encountered such a trivial matter. He wondered if it was a sign of things to come.
Before Lu Weimin could react, the commotion had already started. Several people were pushing Xu Yang and another girl. Two of them were wearing olive-green uniforms, and the others seemed to be trying to mediate or standing by silently.
A man, reeking of alcohol, had grabbed Xu Yang by the collar. The girl beside him was so anxious that her voice was trembling with tears, repeatedly shouting, "Qin Lei, Qin Lei, what are you going to do? Let go of Xu Yang!"
"Let go of him? I'm going to teach him a lesson today! I told him not to come see you, and he dares to come see you right in front of me? He's asking for it! Trying to steal my girlfriend! Do you think I won't put you in the detention center tonight? Do you think I won't get the Construction Committee to fire you tomorrow? You're so stupid, I told you to get out of the Construction Committee, and you still don't understand?" The man, with a flushed face, had his police uniform open, revealing a gold rabbit wool sweater.