Chapter 209: Exposing the Shortcomings of the Mayor 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

(Sorry, I’m not in a good state today, slept for over ten hours, yet still yawning constantly, so I could only manage to write one 5K-Chapter.)

When Li Yan took on this matter, he had already considered this aspect. If it really comes to media exposure, for those wealthy developers involved in the Carefree Island project, it’s merely a matter of spending some money on PR to settle it. Handling the local media is relatively easy; even if the reporters and editors have principles and refuse to withdraw, pressuring the advertising department with threats of pulling out all ads or seducing them with increased ad investments will usually do the trick without needing to show up personally. The advertising department will handle everything.

Bringing it to Yu Hong’s attention would be a special case. At this critical moment, his relationship with Yu Hong and Chen Mingying is quite sensitive. But he has always considered Xiao Di, and up till now, has not directly had a falling-out or exposed them, only discussing business matters. In theory, Yu Hong should not mix personal feelings with official duties.

Li Yan is also gambling, betting that Yu Hong will take this matter seriously.

Because, unlike other major rare earth-producing areas, City S is a very economically developed big city. It doesn’t need to rely on selling mineral resources cheaply to drive the economy or increase fiscal revenue. —Of course, there’s nothing to sell in this regard either. Conversely, City S is very lacking in various resources, and industrial consumption relies on imports from other places and abroad. Economically, there is demand, and technically, they can support rare earth mining, refining, separation, and processing, which can drive and develop a series of industries.

Apart from the economic uses, suddenly acquiring an important rare earth mine is also a political achievement for the government. If handled well and packaged well, it would be a commendable task within the province and at the central level of Yun Country.

From the cautious attitude of Ji Yi returning immediately, Li Yan already knew he bet right. Even if Yu Hong doesn’t contact him, he will surely take this matter seriously.

So, when Ji Yi asked him to wait for a call, he was not bothered. He went straight out, to the shopping mall adjacent to the resort, and bought six sets of down jackets and sweaters, packing them in inconspicuous woven bags. As for food, he bought some high-calorie biscuits, chocolates, and instant noodles to quell hunger. He didn’t bother with water; mountain springs and streams shouldn’t be hard to find. To avoid drawing attention from relevant personnel, his help could only go so far, and he couldn’t be too conspicuous.

Li Yan didn’t take the clothes and food back to his room. Instead, he put on a cap to be less noticeable, carrying the items with both hands as he left the resort, walking toward the foot of the mountain. Although it was a bit tougher this way, renting a car would surely make the driver suspicious of his motives.

Carefully avoiding others’ attention, Li Yan spent quite some time delivering the supplies up the mountain, to the area near the large boulder.

It wasn’t dark yet. Old Kang and the others had to take turns watching the foot of the mountain during the day to avoid being discovered by anyone directly or indirectly related to the developers, such as those from the mine or resort. They were quite surprised by Li Yan’s arrival and greeted him warmly at the boulder.

"Didn’t you say... you would deliver them at night?" Old Kang couldn’t hide his excitement.

"Later, I realized that buying so many things at night and bringing them here would attract more attention, so I took care of it first." Li Yan opened the woven bag, taking out the sweaters and down jackets one by one for them to choose.

Holding the clothes, they were both excited and emotional. The brand-new clothes, contrasted with their dirty and tattered ones, gave them a reluctant feeling... This also reminded them of the coworkers who mentally supported them. If they had stayed in the mine shelter, they wouldn’t have to live such precarious and harsh lives, exposed to the elements. But at least today, they were excited, because Li Yan brought them not only clothes and food but also hope!

"Put them on. This bag is food. The instant noodles can fill your stomach, and the biscuits and chocolate can provide more calories to last a bit longer. Treat these vacuum-packed beef jerky, dried fish, and chicken wings as side dishes. It’s all I could carry; plan accordingly among yourselves!"

Seeing them eyeing the food packages with sparkling eyes, Li Yan felt a mix of emotions. Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are man’s basic needs, yet for these people, it was different. They wore single-layered clothes from the mine until now, winter had already left their clothes in tatters; as for food, it was whatever they could find, even scavenging food from the resort’s restaurant garbage bins. They stayed in the forest, beneath trees, or at best, hid in mountain caves; transportation wasn’t any better, lurking on the mountain during the day, avoiding being discovered, unable to escape this isolated island.

"Thank you, thank you!" They all thanked him excitedly, feeling a mix of shame and gratitude for today’s events, thinking they wouldn’t have gained Li Yan’s help otherwise.

"You all be careful; I’ll do my best to get this information out. Whether the government will come to investigate is something I can’t confirm. If..." Li Yan hesitated, then suggested, "If after some time nothing changes, you should return to the mine, admit your mistake. Even if you’re jailed, at least you’re alive."