What is meant by a troublesome commoner!

"What more benefits do you want?" Li Mingjiang's emotions suddenly became agitated. He was afraid—afraid that if Chen Ling truly resolved these issues, he would lose even the last scrap of value he held in front of Gero.

But before Chen Ling could speak, Gero turned his head sharply, his gaze as piercing as a blade, and spoke sternly, "What are you shouting for? Sit down!"

Li Mingjiang's eyes widened, clearly choked with anger he couldn't swallow, but under the sharpness of Gero's gaze, he finally sat back down in defeat, lowering his head in dejection.

Only then did Gero turn to face Chen Ling. "President Chen, please, state your terms. Name any condition you wish."

"In fact, it isn't complicated," Chen Ling replied with a smile. "President Li's approach isn't wrong, either." He paused, then continued, "But I have a question for you, President Li. How long has it been since you last returned to Lianjia Village?"

"Ah..." Li Mingjiang looked up at Chen Ling, answering, "I have a house in the city. Unless there's something urgent, I rarely go back. Aside from returning a few days ago for my appointment, the last time was over two months ago."

He hurried to add, "But I always have Yuanqiang keeping an eye on things in the village for me."

Chen Ling shook his head slightly. "He's a son-in-law who married into the family, just like you. His position in the household is even lower than yours. If you ask him to watch over things, who would listen to him?"

"This..." Li Mingjiang was left speechless.

Chen Ling went on, "The reason the villagers listen to Lian Zongxu and not to you is simple. Whether it’s their familiarity with you, your prestige, or your understanding of the villagers, in every respect, Lian Zongxu far surpasses you."

"So what should we do now?" Gero pressed.

Chen Ling pursed his lips, a sly smile appearing. "I'm not greedy. When the time is right, I want to take charge of Lianjia Village's fundraising project. President Li, you’ll be responsible for assisting. As for the profits, we split them sixty-forty. I take sixty, you get forty."

"No way! The best I can do is fifty-fifty!" Li Mingjiang blurted out, anxious.

"Heh." Chen Ling looked at him. "In that case... seventy-thirty."

Li Mingjiang was dumbfounded.

He was being cut off without a chance to survive!

His eyes reddened as he gritted his teeth. "President Chen! Even an executioner stops at one blow. Don’t go too far!"

Chen Ling burst into laughter, as though he’d heard the most amusing thing in the world. Then he looked at Li Mingjiang, mocking, "President Li, don’t forget how you became director of the Development Office. If I could get you that position, naturally I can get you removed. I’m sure Lian Zongxu would be delighted to take your place."

"Guess how much he’d be willing to offer me?"

Li Mingjiang froze, his mouth opening and closing without words, finally collapsing like a deflated balloon.

Because what Chen Ling said was the truth.

If he couldn’t even keep this position, wouldn’t he be completely pushed out of the game?

"Having a clear and accurate understanding of yourself is extremely important," Chen Ling said with a grin. "So, seventy-thirty. Do you have any objections?"

Li Mingjiang didn’t respond immediately, but glanced at Gero first.

But Gero’s reaction disappointed him greatly...

He didn’t even spare him a glance, his full attention fixed eagerly on Chen Ling.

From his gaze, it was clear—this was esteem and trust of the highest order.

"No... no objections," Li Mingjiang replied gloomily.

Chen Ling nodded. "Very good."

He lit a cigarette, took a drag, and under Gero's eager gaze and Li Mingjiang’s curious scrutiny, he spoke slowly, "Ordinary people are, in fact, the easiest group to win over."

"In ancient times, only when the emperor was muddle-headed, taxes oppressive, and people destitute, did the common folk rise up and overthrow an incapable ruler."

"But at the same time, there were many eras of prosperity in the past... In reality, as long as those in power made even a small effort, as long as people were fed and clothed, even if life was a bit bitter, who would be willing to risk their head for rebellion?"

"So it’s the same now. Ordinary people have never changed. They may be greedy, ignorant, or stubborn, but..."

"Tangible benefits are the best way to earn their trust and support!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present fell into thoughtful silence.

"Empty promises are meaningless..."

"I’ve looked into Lianjia Village’s details. There are two pieces of collectively owned land, with a total of 235 related property holders."

"Take out a sum of money, find a suitable pretext, and distribute it directly to these people."

"Then, let’s see what happens next..."

"After all, painting a cake is no substitute for giving a real one!"

Following Chen Ling’s advice, that very night Gero had his staff work overtime, referencing data from the surrounding areas to produce an evaluation report.

The next day, Gero brought not one but two full cases of cash, and together with Li Mingjiang, headed once more to Lianjia Village, accompanied by Chen Ling and Zhang Peng.

The large pit dug on the road had, at some point, been filled in again—perhaps Lian Zongxu and his son decided the problem would trouble them enough as it was, and besides, other vehicles in the village needed to pass.

Two cars entered the village one after another, heading straight for the Development Management Office.

But as soon as the cars entered, someone had already notified Lian Zongxu...

After all, he was a native-born village chief who had reigned for many years; he kept a tight grasp on every movement, every bit of gossip in the village.

So just as Chen Ling and his companions settled into the office, Lian Zongxu arrived with his son in tow.

A man of just over fifty, he was not particularly old, but slightly stooped, with a good deal of white hair. He entered the office with his hands behind his back, surveying the room. His gaze lingered a moment on Chen Ling and Zhang Peng, before he strolled to the desk bearing the "Director" nameplate and dropped himself into the chair without ceremony.

"President Gero~" he looked up at Gero. "Have you eaten?"

Gero: "..."

"Village Chief Lian, is there something you need?" Gero countered.

"No, nothing, just wandering around. By the way, how’s your project coming along? I hear it’s not going smoothly," Lian Zongxu said cheerfully. "I told you long ago, this is the countryside—many tasks are best handled by those familiar with the situation."

Gero’s expression darkened. "Let’s speak plainly, Village Chief Lian. I’ve talked with you many times before, but did any of those discussions yield results? It’s not that I’m unwilling, but your demands are simply too much."

"Heh." Lian Zongxu scoffed, pointing at Li Mingjiang. "So you found this son-in-law to cooperate with? How’s that working out?"

"Isn’t the answer obvious?"

"Just as I thought!" Lian Zongxu pulled out a cigarette and lit it, tossing one to Gero, who ignored it, letting it fall to the floor.

"That’s the problem with you big corporate types," Lian Zongxu continued smugly, "You think too highly of yourselves—always convinced you’re invincible, that there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Thirty years ago, this would have been called capitalist speculation and profiteering—it would’ve been stamped out!"

Just as he was basking in his own satisfaction, an incongruous voice interrupted, "In 1978, thirty years ago, the country had already begun its reform and opening up!"

"You’re still harping on about ancient history. No wonder, even with Lianjia Village so close to Linjiang City and such good conditions, all your people can do is suffer under your rule..."

"You never think of leading your villagers to prosperity—only of grabbing meat for your own bowl."

"Village chief? Ha! More like village tyrant!"

Lian Zongxu stared in disbelief at the speaker, his eyes wide, his dark face flushing the color of pig’s liver in rage.

Not only him—the others present were also shocked, turning to look.

Chen Ling shrugged, utterly unconcerned. "What’s wrong? Neglecting your duties and failing to govern—you deserve every word of criticism!"

"Fine, fine indeed!"

Lian Zongxu waved a hand at his son, sneering, "Let me show you what a real troublemaker looks like!"