"Fine, if you don't agree, then you don't agree," he said. "Today it's not just me who has come, but also officials from various government departments. Since everyone is here, let them take a tour around."

After he spoke, the people who had followed Mayor Wang all began walking around, and Ling Zhenfei knew these people definitely had some sort of scheme; it was just a matter of what that scheme was.

It wasn't long before they all returned, each carrying highly professional folders and documents.

"Ling Zhenfei, we from the Fire Department have found that the fire safety facilities at Xishan Manor are seriously non-compliant. There are no fire extinguishers equipped, presenting a very serious fire hazard. We will penalize your manor and order you to make regular corrections."

"Ling Zhenfei, our Quality Supervision Bureau has found that the construction unit for Xishan Manor does not have the qualifications to construct, posing a very serious safety risk. We will penalize you and order regular corrective actions."

"Ling Zhenfei, our Health Bureau has detected that the environment in your kitchen does not meet the standards, posing a very serious health risk to the workers who dine there. We will penalize your manor and order regular corrections."

"We from the Forestry Bureau have discovered that there has been tree felling on Xi Shan, violating the provisions of the Forest Law. We will penalize you according to the regulations!"

...

Officials from over a dozen departments all issued penalty notices to Ling Zhenfei, totaling fines of several hundred thousand yuan. It was obvious that Mayor Wang had deliberately brought these department officials with the intention of taking over Xishan Manor.

"Mr. Ling Zhenfei, your manor seems to have quite a few issues," Mayor Wang said sternly, though the craftiness in his eyes was not at all concealed. "And this is only the first round of inspections. Such inspections take place every month, and fines will be issued whenever issues are detected. If you fail to pay the fine in any given month, then your Xishan Manor will cease operations for rectification until the fine is fully paid."

Ling Zhenfei seethed with anger. It was clear that they were grasping at straws to accuse him. A mere town mayor was stooping so low for money, demanding payments of hundreds of thousands each month. For a small farm, this was nothing short of robbery.

"You're abusing your power for personal gain. Aren't you afraid that someone higher up will find out?" Ling Zhenfei was furious inside but didn't show it on his face, feeling that it was not worth getting angry over such a petty person.

"How dare you accuse me of abusing power," Mayor Wang retorted, "I could have you arrested right now. All the department staff are here, all enforcing the law impartially. How can you say I'm abusing power?" Mayor Wang seemed very adept at handling such situations, and it was unclear how many people he had extorted using these tactics.

Many people feared Mayor Wang's authority and agreed to turn over their small farms to the town, thus filling Mayor Wang and his associates' pockets. Others who did not agree suffered extortion by Mayor Wang and his people, with the consequence often being to leave the town and seek opportunities elsewhere.

"No wonder the businesses in our town are dwindling and it has become the poorest city in the region. It's all because of vermin like you," Ling Zhenfei thought, getting angry despite his initial intention not to.

"Mind your words, Ling Zhenfei," the crowd said, looking at him. "To insult us to our faces, are you tired of living? Be careful, lest I get irritated and shut down your little farm right away." The group, comprising officials from various town departments, could easily crush a business when they worked together.

"Ling Zhenfei, you really don't understand the situation. Don't you see? Mayor Wang is being kind to you. Think about it, if your enterprise is taken over by the town, you will still be the boss, and the town will surely offer you very favorable policies. Everything will go smoothly for you, and you'll easily make big money."

At that moment, Wang Changhe was still explaining to Ling Zhenfei on the side, pretending to have the manor's best interests at heart. Seeing how involved he was, it seemed this young man might also stand to gain, otherwise why would he be so eager?

Wang Changhe shared the surname Wang with the Town Mayor. Could this really be just a coincidence? Ling Zhenfei was somewhat incredulous.

"What if I don't agree to the takeover and refuse to pay? What then?" Ling Zhenfei asked Mayor Wang.

At this, Mayor Wang's eyes bulged with anger, "Then I'll close your manor today and have it cease operations for rectification."

"You dare close my manor, just try it!" Ling Zhenfei's brows shot up. He had many ways to blow up this issue.

Mayor Zhang slapped the table and stood up, "Close down this manor, and while you're at it, arrest this culprit for administrative detention."

The people around were ready for this. As soon as Mayor Wang gave the command, they surged forward, trying to seize Ling Zhenfei.

Ling Zhenfei quickly put out his hand to stop them, saying, "You can arrest me, but let me make a phone call first. After I'm done, you can reconsider."

Mayor Wang laughed smugly, "What, you think you've got powerful connections? Let me tell you, no matter who you call, your manor is not up to code, and no one can save you."

Ling Zhenfei smiled faintly, not saying a word, and then he dialed Chu He's number. The last time Chu He's father fell ill, the only people waiting outside the operating room besides Chu He were Zhou Yang. Zhou Yang was the mayor of Binyang, and the fact that he was waiting outside for Chu He's father's surgery indicated a close relationship.

Chu He answered the phone quickly and his laugh came through from the other end, "What's up, brother? Are you so thrilled with the investment that you've gone crazy with joy?"

Ling Zhenfei also laughed, "Big brother, I really can't find any joy right now. There are people who want to shut down our manor and arrest me."

"Who dares!" Chu He immediately flared up upon hearing this. The manor was not just Ling Zhenfei's; Chu He also had shares. If it were to be closed even before they started, wasn't that slapping her in the face?

"Here's the deal," Ling Zhenfei began, "Our respected Town Mayor paid a visit to our manor today and in the end, decided he wants to take over the manor for the town. Could we possibly agree to that?"

"To hell with that! Tell him to piss off. Find something else to play with. What is a town mayor anyway? Does he think we are fools?" Chu He cursed loudly over the phone, clearly very angry.

"Right, you're saying exactly what I'm thinking," Ling Zhenfei replied. "But when I mentioned it, it was like poking a hornet's nest. They were all prepared—officials from the industrial and commercial bureau, from the health bureau, from the environmental protection bureau, fire brigades—a large group of them came. Each pointed out a heap of faults with us. Now they want to close down our manor and arrest me as the main offender. Looks like you'll have to bring me meals in prison."

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