Super Soldier in the City
Chapter 911 - 952 Troubles of Relocation

Chapter 911: Chapter 952 Troubles of Relocation

"What now?" Ye Yunzhu, Ning Xin’er, and Xu Shanshan asked Li Yifei in unison.

Li Yifei gave a bitter smile and said, "I don’t know either."

Ye Yunzhu squinted and said, "Then let’s do what Yingying suggested."

Ning Xin’er panicked instantly and said anxiously, "Will that work? If Yingying isn’t serious and gets mad about this later, then I... I really won’t be able to stay here anymore."

It was normal for Ning Xin’er to be so flustered, after all, this involved her lifelong happiness.

Xu Shanshan widened her eyes and said, "What are you afraid of? The words came from my sister. You might not know my sister, but I do. She’s someone who cares deeply about face; she wouldn’t say anything unless she meant it, and even if it were difficult, she would do it. She isn’t someone to engage in mind games or schemes, especially not with her relatives and friends—especially Yifei’s mom. This time, she’s real."

Everyone looked at Xu Shanshan in a daze. Xu Shanshan widened her eyes again and said, "Why are you all looking at me like that? I’m telling you, if this is fake, then my sister is just too despicable. I’d cut ties with her if that’s the case. You can’t do things like that, even if you disagree. You have to be upfront; otherwise, what kind of person would she be?"

Ye Yunzhu sighed and said, "We’ve been overthinking things, assuming all sorts of possibilities when there are problems. But we overlooked Yingying’s character, not realizing how good a person she is."

Li Yifei nodded and said, "Yeah, I was overthinking, too. Yingying is inherently a forgiving person; she doesn’t enjoy petty scheming. If she were like that, she could’ve easily shut you all out before."

Seeing the two speak like this, Xu Shanshan got a bit smug and said, "Look at you all, acting like you’re so smart, weren’t you just outsmarted by your own cleverness?"

Ye Yunzhu smiled and said, "Yes, Shanshan is indeed the smartest."

Everyone liked Xu Shanshan very much now. Normally, if the brother-in-law had so many women around him, the sister-in-law would have been upset and caused trouble. But Xu Shanshan only acted up a few times in the beginning, and after being with Li Yifei, she became friends with the others.

Ning Xin’er hesitantly asked, "So what should I do now?"

Seeing Ning Xin’er still confused and at a loss, Ye Yunzhu and Xu Shanshan exclaimed in unison, "Cold mixed vegetables!" Then they exchanged a glance and burst into hearty laughter.

Li Yifei smiled, pulled Ning Xin’er into his arms, and said, "Our spring is about to come, Xin’er, open your heart."

Ning Xin’er still felt a bit anxious inside, but seeing how relaxed everyone was, she forced a smile and said, "Okay, I’ll take the plunge. If something goes wrong, don’t you dare abandon me."

Li Yifei laughed heartily and said, "How could I bear that? You’re my Little Xin’er."

"Disgusting!" Ye Yunzhu rolled her eyes at Li Yifei and then smiled happily. With Xu Yingying having such an attitude, everyone’s future days were bound to be filled with anticipation.

Having dealt with Xiao Ling’er and Zheng Yuling’s matters last week, Li Yifei had no time to handle the demolition issues. Now that it’s temporarily settled over there, the affairs at home were going well, prompting Li Yifei to hurry and begin developing that piece of land.

The next day, Li Yifei arrived at the plot where demolition was ongoing. The surrounding ordinary residences had received adequate compensation and moved away, leaving the steel plant as the lone holdout. After several negotiations, they still refused to relocate.

Li Yifei knew clearly that they weren’t unwilling to relocate; they just wanted a higher price.

In issues of demolition, there are always two sides of the story. Some label holdouts as stubborn while others see them as stubbornly clinging to interests. Everyone seeks the greatest benefit, which is human nature.

Li Yifei wasn’t too concerned about the money now. As long as their demands weren’t outrageous, Li Yifei didn’t mind. He was there because he felt the progress was too slow. The weather was getting warmer, making it possible to start construction. In just a few months, the place could be built, but without relocation, it couldn’t commence.

Li Yifei had obtained an appraisal of the steel plant. Initially invested at thirty-five million, after factoring in depreciation, it wasn’t worth thirty million anymore. But due to rising land prices, the plant’s final appraisal still stood at thirty million.

That day, Li Yifei drove the Porsche, realizing too late how unsuitable it was for the rough terrain. The bumpy road made it impossible for the low-suspension Porsche to drive on, so he had to park and walk.

"This road needs serious repair, otherwise it will be problematic for future travels. I should get an off-road jeep; otherwise, I really can’t get in here," Li Yifei thought as he trudged along, frustrated. After the rain from last night, the road was not only uneven but also muddy. He hadn’t gotten far before his shoes and pants were splattered with mud, turning his expensive suit into a work uniform.

Still, Li Yifei was satisfied with the terrain. After crossing a small river, there was a spacious area. Though sloped, it wouldn’t hinder construction; instead, it added depth. Redirecting the river into a yard could create a natural stream, ideal for raising fish in flowing water that would surely be extra delicious.

Li Yifei walked and imagined how he’d build the place, caring little for the mud on his shoes.

There were a few vacant houses still standing. Apart from the frames, most other parts were gone. Although they received relocation compensation, these households took everything they could, including windows.

Li Yifei didn’t mind; everything would be leveled anyway. If they could take the structures, all the better.

At last, Li Yifei reached the steel plant entrance, shaking his head. A large steel plant here would pollute the environment. It puzzled him how it had been built initially.

Inside the plant’s yard were three vehicles: a van and two large jeeps. Voices came from a temporary building beside the plant. Li Yifei followed the sound.

"Director Zhao, we’ve been here several times to discuss the relocation. What exactly do you want?"

"I won’t sell. I’m planning to produce here."

"Director Zhao, how could this steel plant still produce? The government is strict on environmental protection. A heavily polluting enterprise like yours won’t get production approval."

"What a joke. Aren’t there still numerous big steel mills producing nationwide? Are you saying our country will stop producing steel?"

"Of course not, but only large, environmentally compliant steel mills may continue. Your scale won’t qualify. I suggest selling it. The compensation will assure you won’t incur losses."

Listening to the negotiations, Li Yifei inferred that one person was the relocation negotiator, speaking reasonably courteously. However, Director Zhao sounded quite arrogant. Yet, Li Yifei didn’t mind. Trying to maximize benefits was natural, a predicament anyone would face.

Li Yifei waited at the window, listening to Director Zhao’s stance.

"Haha, you’re underestimating me. I haven’t produced in the past two years due to poor market conditions, not because I can’t. If I choose to produce, I could open tomorrow. Since I, Zhao Shenggang, set up this plant, I can produce here."

"Director Zhao, I’ve persuaded you enough. If you insist, I can’t help you. Let me give you a hint: this land’s acquisition involved significant backing. Imagine the connections needed for such a major procurement. If you persist, they might use regulations to forcibly demolish your plant. Then you might receive no compensation."

"Wow, trying to scare me? Do you take me for an average citizen? Today, I disagree. Let’s see who can forcibly dismantle my plant."

At this point, Li Yifei opened the door, realizing further talks wouldn’t progress. He didn’t want to waste time bickering.

"Who are you? Get out! Is this a place you can just enter?"

Upon entering, a burly man near the door pushed Li Yifei. Clad in mud, this man didn’t take Li Yifei seriously.

Frowning, Li Yifei discerned that with such behavior from the staff, this plant’s owner wasn’t on the righteous path, likely a gangster. Conducting business with them required subduing them directly, lest they extort you, potentially swallowing you whole.

Li Yifei sidestepped, avoiding the push. The man stumbled forward; Li Yifei tripped him slightly. The man fell hard, hitting the door frame with a thud, nearly knocking himself unconscious.