"Don't say that. I don't believe in any welcoming ceremony, nor do I really want to lease the villagers' land. I was just about to discuss this with you."

"I'll go return the leased land right away, and say there's a policy in the village that doesn't allow Xi Shan Manor to lease villagers' land. If they don't believe it, I'll let them come ask you."

Ling Zhenfei didn't intend to let them off so easily. Guo Ju was the ringleader of this group, and they had deliberated for many days, just to give Ling Zhenfei a hard time on his first day. Unexpectedly, Ling Zhenfei didn't fall for it.

"Let's discuss this. We can work something out." The committee members felt their heads ache after hearing Ling Zhenfei's words. If Zhenfei really did that, the villagers might wreck their homes in anger.

"How can there be anything to discuss? I can't afford to lease the village's land and then turn around and be seen as the bad guy. The Ling Family has always been known for our integrity, and I won't be the one to tarnish that name."

Ling Zhenfei took the initiative, not giving these people any room to maneuver. Otherwise, they would surely cause more trouble in the future.

"Zhenfei, what you're saying isn't fair. We're here to discuss with you. If you have difficulties, just voice them, and we'll look for a solution together."

"Exactly. We're here to talk about this matter, not to make a decision immediately. We're seeking your opinion."

Hearing Ling Zhenfei's words, the committee members' attitudes began to change. They were no longer as aggressive and started treating Zhenfei with respect.

"Since that's the case, let's have a good conversation. Xi Shan Manor is in a tough spot. The land is practically useless. It needs leveling and reasonable planning. It's hard to make a profit within a year."

"On top of that, the workers fill up the yard of Xi Shan Manor, and the daily expenses are huge. It's all outflows with no income. We're losing money, so I don't want to lease land anymore. If anyone thinks they can make a profit, they can lease it."

Ling Zhenfei began to pour out his grievances to Guo Ju and the others, speaking with great sadness.

With a smile, Guo Ju said, "Zhenfei, you can't do that. As the village party secretary, you should do some good for the village. You can't give up halfway."

Ling Zhenfei pretended to be surprised: "Am I doing a good thing?"

"Of course, it's a good thing! You're doing a great service for the villagers and Qinghe Village. You're doing a huge favor for us." The committee members gave Ling Zhenfei a thumbs up and praised him.

"Not making money off the villagers?"

"How could it be making money off the villagers? You're letting the villagers benefit while bearing the hardships yourself. We were wrong earlier. If you have so many difficulties, you should discuss them with us. We, the village committee, should provide more support."

At this point, the committee members had gradually changed their stance, beginning to side with Ling Zhenfei.

"What do you think the village committee can do to help Xi Shan Manor? If these issues can be addressed, we'll continue to lease the villagers' land." Ling Zhenfei knew it was time to extort the village committee.

The committee members discussed among themselves and finally asked Zhenfei, "What do you think is the biggest difficulty in leasing those lands now?"

Zhenfei thought for a moment and said, "The lands we leased are scattered, with large gaps between them. Some are wild paths, others are hilly areas, making it impossible to manage them as a whole."

Ling Zhenfei knew that discussing impractical matters wouldn't solve anything. It was better to bring up things the village could realistically handle.

"That's easy to solve. The gaps between those lands are all village property. If the village leases them to Xi Shan Manor, it can be managed as one large piece."

Ling Zhenfei was secretly delighted. This was exactly what he wanted. Although the villagers' lands were leased to Xi Shan Manor, they were not contiguous, making it difficult to plan and manage.

He had discussed this with Li Ermeng, and the best solution was to consolidate the lands. The gaps were all village-owned and didn't belong to any villagers.

Now that the committee members had suggested it themselves, it was perfectly aligned with his intentions.

"That won't do. Xi Shan Manor has no money to lease land anymore, can't afford it," Zhenfei said, feigning reluctance despite his inner joy.

"What rent? A token amount will suffice."

"Exactly. Given your contributions to the village, it's only right to support Xi Shan Manor."

As the committee members were eager to lease the village's unused land to Xi Shan Manor at a reduced rate, Guo Ju, who had remained silent, coughed twice and spoke.

"I say, everyone, all those lands belong to the village. Now, Ling Zhenfei is our village head. If we give those lands to Xi Shan Manor for free, I believe Zhenfei would disagree."

"Ling Zhenfei values his reputation. If the land were given for free, what would the villagers say? What would higher authorities say during investigations? Wouldn't they think Zhenfei is embezzling public assets using his position?"

Guo Ju's words shocked everyone. His logic was indeed sound. Ling Zhenfei also didn't intend to use the village's land for free.

If he used the village's land for free, it would create many future problems, and he didn't want to deal with those hassles.

"So, vice head, what is your opinion? You've been silent. Share your thoughts," the committee members asked Guo Ju.

"I think Xi Shan Manor should still pay some money, even a small amount, as a sign of respect. That way, the villagers wouldn't have anything to say," Guo Ju said, patting Ling Zhenfei's shoulder, acting very friendly.

His eyes seemed to say they were thinking of Xi Shan Manor's best interest, with no personal agenda.

But even a fool could see they had called Ling Zhenfei to this meeting to ask for money under the guise of discussing village matters.

Initially, they openly demanded money. Now, they used the village's idle land to ask for money, achieving the same goal through different means.

Ling Zhenfei laughed, "It's right to pay the village for using its land. But those lands are just barren patches between villagers' fields, not really usable land, and you all know that. So, what do you think is a fair price?"

Ling Zhenfei looked at Guo Ju and the committee members, "If it's affordable, I can pay and continue to lease villagers' land. If it's too expensive, I can't afford it, not even the villagers' land."

Zhenfei was using the villagers to pressure Guo Ju and the others, hoping they wouldn't demand too much. He couldn't afford to really return the villagers' land.

All the committee members looked at Guo Ju, waiting for his response.

After thinking for a while, Guo Ju said, "The rental price for Xi Shan Manor's land is well known. I think those barren lands should be leased to Xi Shan Manor at half the normal price."

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