Chapter 45 Chapter Forty-Four

Zhao Guozhong has always had lingering fears about the mineral auction of the Land Bureau. Since the year before last, he has participated in two fierce competitions for mine auctions, each of which failed because of only one reason: he did not understand that behind the fierce competition, there are unexpectedly "hidden rules" that are beyond everyone's expectations. He recalled the first time: The first time was the winter of the year before last, when the Land and Resources Bureau auctioned off the ownership of a mine in Xishan. Competition for mines is equal to competition for money, and all the big money inside and outside the coal city signed up for the competition.A coal mine with a target price of only 60 million yuan was finally raised to 300 million yuan.

In the end, everyone else failed the auction, and there was a guy who didn't know what to do, who was always trying to make trouble with himself, and kept raising signs.Zhao Guozhong originally planned his upper limit to be 200 million, but now that it has reached this point, he should give up.However, Assistant Xiao next to him reminded: The right to operate the coal mine is 30 years, even if it is called for 400 million, it will only be three years for nothing, and there are still 27 years of rolling bonuses, and we must not let it go.Besides, you are one of the top coal bosses in the coal city. If you lose the battle, you will not be able to hold your head up in the shopping malls and officialdom in the future.

Zhao Guozhong then had the confidence to fight to the death, and continued to raise cards one after another, and his opponent was also determined to win, and he clung to it. Half an hour later, the auctioneer called out a sky-high price of 400 million yuan. Just as Zhao Guozhong was about to make a move, two strangers suddenly approached and pulled Zhao Guozhong's hand holding the sign. Just as Zhao Guozhong was about to ask for clarification, one of the two strangers blocked their view, and the other suddenly pulled off his clothes: bombs were tied inside! The thug said in a low voice: Hold up the sign again, your arm is gone, and we all die together!

Zhao Guozhong was petrified, and immediately threw away the number plate.Assistant Xiao had never seen such a brutal scene, and was so frightened that he fell to the ground on the spot. The most incredible thing is that everyone present saw this amazing scene, but everyone turned a blind eye to it. Within minutes of Zhao Guozhong throwing away the sign, the auctioneer nonchalantly announced: So-and-so finally won the bid at a price of 400 million yuan! Afterwards, Zhao Guozhong reported in front of Duan Tiansheng, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee: Unscrupulous businessmen colluded with cadres of the Land Bureau and used the underworld to manipulate the mine auction.

What he didn't expect at all was that Duan Tiansheng laughed loudly: Brother, you are satisfied.They have an extra 200 million, you are still safe and sound, why?It's because of my old face as the secretary of the municipal party committee.For my sake, I should be grateful for letting you go. Zhao Guozhong asked in surprise: The person who frequently raises the placard is a gunman at first glance.Who is the real mine owner behind it? Duan Tiansheng quietly replied: Logically speaking, I shouldn't tell you.But we are brothers, let you remember: Tian Dayong, director of the Green Forest Mining Bureau.Who is Lao Tian?As the catchphrase says, the sky goes up, the ground goes down, and the air goes in between.

Zhao Guozhong was even more surprised: Isn't he the boss of a large state-owned mine?How to participate in the mine competition as a private enterprise? Duan Tiansheng waved his finger at him: You idiot, didn't Lao Tian use this opportunity of the mine competition to launder money! Zhao Guozhong took a step back: My god!Four hundred million, so greedy! Duan Tiansheng took a leisurely stroll and told the truth: there was nothing to make a fuss about.A few days ago, the procuratorate investigated and dealt with three middle-level cadres in the Green Forest Mining Bureau, each of whom was under tens of millions.As their superiors, and their top leaders, who control the power of decision-making, their income will definitely not be less than theirs!

Zhao Guozhong wakes up like a dream: It seems that the biggest coal bosses in Shanxi are not self-employed individuals like us who fought hard, but those big money from high-ranking officials. Duan Tiansheng inadvertently revealed a truth: you guys are nothing more than foils, vases, and rich men on the surface.The real big bosses are very low-key, very secretive, and even hide "inside the coal seam". Zhao Guozhong broke out in a cold sweat. Duan Tiansheng finally confessed to him: What I told you is nonsense, don't take it to heart, let alone publicize it outside.Because, in that case, if something happens again, I won't be able to protect you.

Of course Zhao Guozhong knew the pros and cons: Don't worry, secretary.I understand: life is more important than Mount Tai.In the future, if there is a competition for mines again, you can help me find out the details of the opponent first. If there are conditions, we will join, and if there are no conditions, we will give up.Don't make trouble for others, and don't make trouble for yourself.Why bother, fighting back and forth, let people have an extra 200 million. Duan Tiansheng nodded in agreement... Zhao Guozhong recalled the second unforgettable auction: The second time I participated in the auction was half a year later.

To be precise, I got the news of the auction on the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month of that year.Secretary Duan personally called Zhao Guozhong: After the Chinese New Year, there is an integrated medium-sized coal mine to be auctioned, with a bid of 180 million.So far no big shots have intervened, so hurry up and sign up at the Land Bureau, I've already said hello.As long as there is someone stronger than you, find a way to make the staff do a good job of persuading them to quit... Zhao Guozhong was taking a sauna in Beijing. When he heard the news, he immediately put on his clothes and flew back to Coal City with his beautiful assistant.Because the secretary did the work behind the scenes, the registration procedures were quickly completed.

In the evening, they entertained Duan Tiansheng. During the meeting, Secretary Duan suddenly pointed out: These years, the atmosphere in the coal city has been bad. During the Chinese New Year, some people give money, cards, and gifts, and sharpen their heads to break into the house. In the future, it will spread a bad reputation.The Spring Festival is coming soon, why don't we travel to Japan in a few days and hide from those gift-givers who "can't afford it". Thinking that Secretary Duan was so helpful, he and Assistant Xiao took Secretary Duan to Japan for a whole month without thinking about it. From Hokkaido to Tokyo, Secretary Duan had a great time.

When I came back, it happened to be the seventeenth day of the first lunar month. People were tired of all the new year's novelties and were about to start working hard. In the evening, Zhao Guozhong and Assistant Xiao carried the big and small bags home for Secretary Duan.Just as he was about to drink water, the director of the Land and Resources Bureau of Coal City suddenly ran in in a panic and told himself an earth-shattering news: the coal mine was shot! Before Zhao Guozhong and Assistant Xiao could react, Duan Tiansheng, secretary of the municipal party committee, reprimanded on the spot: Didn't they say that the auction will be held in a good year?How did you become the bureau chief? The director of the Land Bureau cried: Secretary, you don't know, since you went out.A mine owner incited more than 2,000 peasants in a village near the coal mine to make trouble.They proposed that in order to ensure the interests of the farmers and ensure the sunshine operation, they threatened the Land and Resources Bureau to immediately announce that after the Chinese New Year and before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, they must bid for the auction, otherwise... When Zhao Guozhong and Assistant Xiao saw how wronged the Director of the Land Bureau was, their hearts sank. The director of the Land Bureau was helpless: I refused to agree at first, but more than 2,000 farmers surrounded the Land Bureau, and later surrounded the city government, even threatening to go to Beijing to appeal. Secretary Duan became angry: You compromised like this, isn't it fueling the arrogance of unruly people!What did the Public Security Bureau do? Director of the Land Bureau: At that time, I went to the Public Security Bureau. They were busy celebrating the New Year and ignored me at all.Besides, the Public Security Bureau is at the same level as us.You are not here, I can't command others at all. Secretary Duan was furious: Then you shouldn't compromise! The director of the land bureau was about to cry: I have no choice.The peasants finally made a fuss at the top, and the leaders at the top commented: Stability is the overriding overall situation!All destabilizing factors must be unconditionally ruled out.You say I am a small person, what should I do? ! When Duan Tiansheng heard that it was about social stability, he couldn't do anything about it, so he waved his hands: Let's go, let's go! Watching the Director of the Land Bureau walk out of the house, Duan Tiansheng, who had just returned from a trip to Japan, was full of excitement, and his joy disappeared without a trace. Assistant Xiao suddenly felt overworked and almost collapsed on the ground... The mighty Duan Tiansheng apologized for the first time: Brother, I owe you a huge favor, forgive me.As for the government, there are also difficulties for the government. Stability is the overriding overall situation. Under this overall situation, everyone must make concessions, no matter who they are. Zhao Guozhong understands that at this time, the more he can't reveal the look of complaining, otherwise... He replied very generously: "Secretary, it's all right. If the green hills are left, I'm not afraid of running out of firewood." Duan Tiansheng patted him on the shoulder: Let me tell you, there is another "hidden rule" in the auction house.The peasants in the area where the mine is located, especially the village chief, must make things right. The support of the government alone is not enough. Zhao Guozhong came to his senses: Thank you Secretary, you taught me one of the most profound truths today. In this world, no government is omnipotent. Duan Tiansheng said with a gloomy face: It makes sense.In foreign countries, votes come first, and politicians have to speak for the common people because of their votes; in China, people’s livelihood comes first, and whoever doesn’t pay attention to the common people will have their black hat removed from them. ... After two failed bids, Zhao Guozhong finally understood the amazing "hidden rules" behind the auction. There are key figures behind the "hidden rules".As far as the competition for mines is concerned, there are two key figures, one has the final say in the government; the other has the final say in the village. For Zhao Guozhong, he does not lack the help of the government, because Duan Tiansheng, the secretary of the municipal party committee, is behind him; the key person he lacks is the village head who represents the interests of farmers.He searched hard for more than half a year, but there was no suitable partner... Later, the Shuiyugou Coal Mine exploded, shaking the entire coal city and even the whole country, with constant crying and tears. However, Zhao Guozhong, a shrewd coal boss, sniffed out "bloody business opportunities" from the explosion. Winning down a small village chief was a piece of cake for Zhao Guozhong, who had a lot of political luck.He invited the village head Hei to have luxurious dinners with the secretary of the municipal party committee three times. The little village head, who had never seen the big world, immediately bowed to him; and gave him another one million in activity funds, and Da Hei sat half his ass in his arms . Later, God-given opportunity, Dahei was kidnapped.Competitor Guo Tianliang happened to make the big mistake he made last time "traveling abroad during the Chinese New Year". He spent several million to redeem the village head black, which was tantamount to giving him a new life. I am not only Dahei's benefactor, but even his reborn parents.If the "son" has not wiped out humanity and conscience, how can he not listen to the "parents"! Despite this, Zhao Guozhong was still worried when he heard the news that the Shuiyugou Mine was going to be auctioned. On the one hand, arrange for Dahei to continue to do a good job in the work of the villagers. On the other hand, Secretary Duan, who was trapped in the beauties' nest, was found again and again, and he was "forced" to call the Director of the Land Bureau, the Director of the Public Security Bureau and other related persons in person. Three days later, Zhao Guozhong and Assistant Xiao appeared at the auction center of the Land Bureau of Coal City to participate in the auction of the Shuiyugou coal mine. The director of Land and Resources Bureau, who had failed last time, was waiting at the door early, and carefully led them through the three lines of defense of peasants, security guards, and public security, and entered the office on the third floor. Tea and cigarettes for VIPs were already prepared inside. "Mr. Zhao, don't worry, the secretary has made special arrangements, and the village supports you. This time, nothing will happen." The director said courteously. "Entering your door is harder than entering the office of the secretary of the municipal party committee. You have to go through three lines of defense." Assistant Xiao looked out the window and sighed. "Isn't this all to help you!" The director invited the two of them to the window, looked at the scenery outside, and said politely, "If you don't do this, how can your interests be guaranteed!" "Dahei is very interesting." Zhao Guozhong looked out of the window, and in the first line of defense, there was a familiar figure among a large group of farmers. That was villager Dahei, who was a small coal boss. People, there are still five or six banners. Take a look: Protect the interests of farmers and maintain legal competition; Huihai Group, farmers’ friends; 3,000 people in Hougou Village eagerly welcome Huihai Group to invest in Shuiyugou..." "What are the farmers doing? Engaging in political campaigns?" Assistant Xiao had never seen such a scene. The director said happily: "Farmers put up such a banner to express to the society that among all competitors, they support and welcome Huihai Group the most. The implication is that if others want to make trouble with Huihai Group, they will fight with Sanqian Many villagers can't get through." The director is very relaxed: "As long as any gentleman with brains and wisdom sees such a situation, he can feel that he wants to be the overlord. Even if he gets it, it will be a hot potato, which is delicious and hard to digest. It is better to simply retreat .” "This kind of battle can only scare off those gentlemen with brains and wisdom. And most rich people, whoever participates in the competition, are unscrupulous villains. What should we do to deal with them?" Assistant Xiao was very worried. "It's my second line of defense that works." The director said leisurely. "Those security guards?" Assistant Xiao's eyes widened. "The security is on the surface, it's just a cover, and the real means are behind it." The director seemed unfathomable, "This time, during the registration stage, we have done a lot of work for Mr. Zhao." "How do you work?" Assistant Xiao was the most worried. The director proudly said: "Those villains who are as powerful as Mr. Zhao and use unscrupulous methods, if they are state-owned units, we entrust the political and legal agencies to persuade them to quit; if they are private enterprises, we entrust the tax authorities to persuade them to quit; For the unit, we entrust the supervision department to dissuade them. The rest is not enough to pose a threat to Mr. Zhao..." "It turns out that those security guards are indeed just decorations. The real powerful enemy was eliminated by the director in advance." Assistant Xiao understood. "Brother, I will thank you specially afterwards." Zhao Guozhong said sincerely. "No, no need." The director waved his hand, "As long as the secretary is satisfied." "What if there is an underworld deliberately making trouble?" Assistant Xiao suddenly remembered that Mr. Zhao once said that there is a shadow of the underworld behind every battle for mines. "I still don't understand, what is the third line of defense for?!" The director was complacent, "Secretary Duan specially ordered the special police team of the Public Security Bureau to come out to maintain order, just to prevent the underworld. You know, what are the underworld most afraid of? Most afraid of guns son." "It seems that we are determined to win this time." Assistant Xiao came down calmly, "Three lines of defense, the first is for farmers to guard against gentlemen; the second is for the Land and Resources Bureau to guard against villains; It's windy." "Competing for coal mines, I missed twice in a row. This time, it's time to hit the big luck." Zhao Guozhong is very confident. "It's not Mr. Zhao's luck, it's Mr. Zhao's luck." The director flattered Zhao Guozhong for only one reason: he is the secretary Duan Tiansheng's celebrity, if he offends him, it is tantamount to offending Duan Tiansheng , "Mr. Zhao, if you win the bid this time, I have a small request." "Just say anything, as long as I can do it." Zhao Guozhong felt an unusual atmosphere from the director's unusual tone. "Can you tell the secretary to withdraw the special case team set up in the Land Bureau?" The director's eyes showed a pleading look. "What's going on?" Assistant Xiao was startled. "You don't know." The director whispered, "Recently, the secretary sent law enforcement agencies such as the Audit Bureau and the Supervision Bureau to form a task force to station in the Land and Resources Bureau, and six of us have been arrested so far. If this continues, all of us will be punished." You've entered the game. Everyone knows that you are the leader's celebrity, and you can't let the land bureau become an empty shell bureau." "Okay, okay, okay." Zhao Guozhong patted his chest, "Don't worry, I will do my best on this matter." "Then I will represent more than a hundred cadres in the agency, and I would like to thank Mr. Zhao." The hidden danger in the director's heart is much less. Assistant Xiao was listening, and couldn't help feeling frightened. I originally thought that Duan Tiansheng only cared about sex and disregarded friendship, but I didn't expect his hands to be so long, so dark, and so poisonous! "Today, how many competitors are left?" Zhao Guozhong was concerned about the next move. "Two, a total of three including you." The director took out the list. "There are two more?" Zhao Guozhong frowned. "Mr. Zhao, don't be surprised. This is a 'legal operation'." The director explained, "Those two are hired by us to serve you. You must know that according to the relevant regulations of our city's mineral auction , must have three or more competitors sign up to participate, the mineral auction results will be real and effective. Otherwise, the auction will be passed and postponed to the next auction.” "So that's how it is." Assistant Xiao opened his eyes. "In addition, we did this to protect ourselves." The director said helplessly, "Every auction, there are many reporters present. We can find ways to block the mine owners, but the reporters can't stop them. Once Let them grab the handle and poke it out, and we will be in more trouble." "Have you ever been blackmailed by reporters?" Assistant Xiao suddenly remembered the "coal mine hush money" incident that had been hyped up in the newspapers some time ago. "Of course, it's not easy for me to sit in this position." The director expressed his final grievances, "You may not have imagined that in addition to reporters making troubles on the spot, there are also people who make troubles afterward. The Bureau of Land and Resources records every auction. For a period of time In the future, the law enforcement and discipline inspection departments will also engage in "looking back" and "accounting after autumn". At some point, they transferred my auction files away, and if they find a small mistake, they can kill us all. For the future To pass safely, I must 'operate legally'." "Understood, understood." Zhao Guozhong responded, "If you do this, you will be responsible to our company. Even if someone makes trouble in the future, our procedures are legal and the auction is legal. Let people with ulterior motives have nothing to say." "How much would it cost to do this?" Assistant Xiao realized that there was a considerable cost behind the "legal operation". "Twenty million." The director confided the plan, "Our bid is five hundred and eighty million, and we will give two 'entrustors' each a chance to raise the price. In the end, the bid is six hundred million. If the two give up, you will finally take over. How about it? No problem, right?" "It's a good deal! Such a large mine with such good resources is only 600 million." Assistant Xiao was very surprised. "We will operate according to the roadmap designed by the director." Zhao Guozhong clapped his hands and cheered. The director seemed a little worried: "Everything I designed will become a reality in two hours. What you promised..." "What I promised will become a reality within two days. Director, you can go to the coal industry to inquire. The most honest coal boss is me, Zhao Guozhong. This is the foundation of my life." Zhao Guozhong gave him the last call A booster. Sure enough, both of them were very honest. Two hours later, Zhao Guozhong obtained the long-awaited Shuiyugou coal mine property rights through a "legal auction". Two days later, all the investigation teams at the Land Bureau were withdrawn...