#262 - Chapter 262: Cup of Water Release Management Rights

“Although the spread of mosquitoes can be controlled, there are also zombies, and those ants across the river. Any one of them attacking the settlement would be a catastrophe. Mayor Xu, have you forgotten why we initially dispersed the population into multiple settlements?” Team Leader Fan was slightly agitated.

“Old Fan, I’m just discussing this with you. Don’t get so worked up!” Mayor Xu soothed.

“What about Donghu and Goukou?” Team Leader Fan asked.

Donghu Settlement and Goukou Settlement are also under the jurisdiction of Jingmen City, located on the west and southwest sides of Jingmen City, both on the north bank of the Yangtze River.

“Donghu and Goukou are too far away. We’re in the east, they’re in the west, with the entire Jingmen City in between. The conditions aren’t right yet, so we won’t make adjustments for now,” Mayor Xu said.

Jingmen City is a megacity, so its span is very large.

Team Leader Fan fell silent.

“Old Fan, I believe that after the Huatong Chamber of Commerce settles in Baisha, those problems you're worried about simply won't happen. You went to the Huatong Chamber of Commerce headquarters last time, and their strength was obvious to us all. Now the economy in the settlements has also begun to recover gradually. I think it's time to start rebuilding homes for the people,” Mayor Xu coaxed.

“I'm afraid rebuilding homes for the people is a lie, and wanting to consolidate his own power is the truth,” Team Leader Fan thought to himself.

Seeing that Team Leader Fan was still silent, Mayor Xu began to try a different strategy.

“Old Fan, the workload will definitely increase a lot after the settlements merge. How about you follow me then and be my deputy? I highly recognize your ability. Otherwise, I wouldn't have entrusted you with full responsibility for the Changjing Settlement,” Mayor Xu said.

“Mayor Xu, I…” Team Leader Fan really wanted to refuse, but he just couldn't bring himself to say it.

“I understand your thoughts. Old Fan, we're on the same side, so I might as well be frank with you. You say the virus is about to be controlled, so why aren't we returning to the city center?” Mayor Xu asked.

“This…” Team Leader Fan had also thought about this question.

His answer was that the ants on the south bank of the river would become a new threat. But he always felt that this reason was untenable.

It was impossible for the council not to realize this. Zombies were no longer a threat, but the council was not only not calling on everyone to rebuild the city, but also encouraging the various settlements to continuously strengthen their defenses. This didn't make sense.

Ants threatening a settlement was possible, but for the entire China, this was not a difficult problem at all.

Therefore, behind not returning to the city, there was probably something he didn't know.

“Changjing Settlement has tall city walls for defense, but it doesn't have the ability to resist the giant toothed ants. The result was evacuating before even fighting. What's the reason behind this? Have you thought about it?” Mayor Xu continued to ask.

Team Leader Fan didn't speak.

“You might say that this was my order, and you were just following orders. But I believe that even without my order, you would still have evacuated. Because it's difficult for a single settlement to cope. By the same token, we will encounter more crises and challenges in the future. How will we respond? Where else can we retreat to?”

Mayor Xu said, watching his expression.

Team Leader Fan was speechless.

He wanted to retain the power in his hands, but as Mayor Xu said, did he have the strength to do so?

Obviously not.

“So, Old Fan, listen to me, don't hesitate, come to Baisha Settlement. We will have more opportunities if we develop together,” Mayor Xu said.

Having said that, Mayor Xu's ideological work was done. Next, it was up to Team Leader Fan's choice.

If Team Leader Fan chose to merge, then everyone would be happy. If he didn't agree to merge, then Mayor Xu would take drastic measures.

Mayor Xu appeared to be discussing, but in reality, he was using the discussion to convey an unquestionable decision.

Team Leader Fan also knew that this was Mayor Xu's final ultimatum. If he still didn't agree, then they would probably fall out next.

“Mayor Xu, I… agree to merge,” Team Leader Fan gritted his teeth and admitted defeat at the last moment.

“Hey! That's right! Old Fan, don't worry, when you come to Baisha Settlement, you'll be second-in-command. We'll work together to build this place well!” Mayor Xu said, patting him on the shoulder.

“Okay!” Team Leader Fan replied.

Now that he had made a decision, he no longer hesitated.

“Okay, then go back and announce this good news to everyone. I will arrange a living area for you as soon as possible. Also, the loans you previously took out from the Huatong Chamber of Commerce will also be borne by Baisha. I will negotiate with the Chamber of Commerce on this point, so you don't have to worry,” Mayor Xu said.

“Then I'll have to trouble Mayor Xu,” Team Leader Fan said.

“We're all family, so what's with the politeness! After you go back, tell everyone that after coming here, they will be issued interest-free credit loans, and their lives will get better soon,” Mayor Xu instructed.

“Okay!” Team Leader Fan nodded and left.

After he left, Mayor Xu narrowed his eyes, clenched his fists, and gnashed his teeth.

He really didn't expect that merging two settlements would be more difficult than he imagined.

…

Northeast Military Region, Jichun Province, Yuanjiang City, urban area.

August 15th, evening.

“Mr. Putian, the arrangements have been made!” Yong Chengshou reported.

“Very good, begin the operation after sunset,” Putian XiaoyezI said.

“Yes!” Yong Chengshou accepted the order.