Binjiang Police Affairs-Chapter 1157 - 34: Second Venture

During the flood relief efforts, Linghai received the highest honors.

In economic development, especially in attracting investment, Linghai is ahead of several districts and counties in Binjiang. With the current trend, it's only a matter of time before the Linghai Economic and Technological Development Zone catches up or even surpasses the Binjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone.

Secretary Ye and Mayor Qian, full of joy, were all smiles as they got into the sedan to return to the urban district after attending the reception following the Hailuo Cement foundation ceremony.

Entrusted by others, one must remain loyal to their duties.

Deputy Mayor Shen hurried up, holding the car door and said, "Secretary Ye, Mayor Qian, there's something I need to report to you."

"Xiao Liu, you get out of the car first."

"Yes."

"Mayor Shen, talk inside the car."

Deputy Mayor Shen didn't rush to get in, gestured for Secretary Liu to sit in his car, then squeezed into the co-pilot seat of car number one, looked back with a wry smile, and said, "Secretary Ye, Mayor Qian, Salted Fish wants to resign from his position as the Linghai Reserve Camp Commander."

"What a joke, he can't just resign as he pleases; besides, holding this commander position doesn't affect his work!"

As soon as Secretary Ye finished speaking, Mayor Qian agreed and said, "Reserves are still part of the military, haven't heard of soldiers resigning; if one wishes to quit, the only way is to be a deserter."

Secretary Ye laughed, "Being a deserter would land one in a military court!"

"Secretary Ye, Salted Fish doesn't want to be a deserter."

"Then why does he want to resign?"

"He said it's inappropriate to simultaneously hold two Reserve Camp Commander positions, and he doesn't have the energy to manage both Reserve Camps."

It turns out to be because of the Navy Reserve Camp buildup.

Secretary Ye realized and looked at Deputy Mayor Shen with a smile, "Is building the Navy Reserve Camp difficult?"

"Not just difficult, extremely difficult."

"How extremely difficult?"

"The reason the superior pointed him out for the commander role is they hope he achieves something. But the Navy Reserve Camp is unlike the Army Reserve Camp; achieving results is easier said than done."

Deputy Mayor Shen sighed lightly, expressing sympathy, "When building the Linghai Reserve Camp, it was a call-to-action—a ready supply of money and manpower. Similar to starting a business and investing in a company, the Linghai Reserve Camp, this old company is thriving and the previous investments have returned, promising returns for many years. The original shareholders are uninterested in investing in a new company."

"Hahaha, I knew it would be like this!"

"Shen Fan, Secretary Lu and Mayor Wang wanted Salted Fish to help them start anew; you could let Salted Fish go to Secretary Lu and Mayor Wang."

"The issue is Secretary Lu and Mayor Wang are only interested in the Binjiang Reserve Group and our Linghai Reserve Camp, hoping Salted Fish can achieve results without spending city money as before."

"Wishful thinking!"

"Can't entirely blame Secretary Lu and Mayor Wang; I asked Mayor Qin, who said the Navy and Air Force haven't had Reserve Forces till now because it's hard to build—unable to provide ships for Navy Reserves or planes for Air Force Reserves. The city couldn't equip Reserves with ships; achieving results is very challenging, extremely so."

Seems Salted Fish is undertaking a hot potato.

Secretary Ye, realizing the situation, couldn't help but laugh, "If it's building an Air Force Reserve Camp, it's easier, could establish an air defense type Reserve Camp, find a few anti-aircraft guns for target practice annually, somewhat relates to the Air Force, but indeed the Navy is tough to deal with."

Mayor Qian said, "Starting a high artillery battalion is easier, but hard to achieve results; there are too many Army Reserve high artillery units, can Salted Fish ensure their guns shoot more accurately than others?"

"Salted Fish isn't merely troubled by how to achieve uniqueness; funding has also become an issue."

"No units willing to sponsor?"

"The Customs want to sponsor, but the Customs system is under restructuring, and fund usage is strictly managed. Units within the Changhang System want to help him, but the only truly wealthy one is the Port Supervision Bureau, and its funds have long been squeezed dry by Huang Yuanchang, now powerless despite having the will."

Shen Fan paused and added, "Other units aren't interested, saying that having our Linghai Reserve Camp as a joint construction unit is enough."

Who wants to invest in a unit with no prospects?

Moreover, in terms of fostering military-civilian harmony, it's already achieved, only able to support Salted Fish spiritually now.

Secretary Ye chuckled, pursued, "What about the Navy Retirement Home?"

"The Navy Retirement Home had money before but now is banned from conducting business, can only rent a few rooms and collect some rent, and even how that rent is used is tightly watched by retired comrades, unable to support Salted Fish financially, can only offer him the Navy's radar station camp area that they manage for use."

"Those retired old cadres keeping an eye on the Retirement Home's funds?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Some old cadres become school counselors, eloquently teaching revolutionary history, but when it comes to housing or a bit of utility bills, they are unrelenting. People, they have a strong dual nature."

"No funds, still wanting to achieve uniqueness; this isn't just roasting Salted Fish on a fire?"

"That's why Salted Fish is under a lot of pressure now."

Deputy Mayor Shen sympathizes with Han Yu's situation, thought again and said, "His intention to resign from our side is well-thought, he said he doesn't drink, dislikes attending meetings or events, not adept at welcoming superior leaders, and typically Reserve Camp Commander should be an active-duty officer, him continuing as commander doesn't suit."