"Uncle Zhang!"

Hearing the voice, Ye Chen turned around and smiled, calling out lightly to Zhang Xingguo.

"What are you doing back here?" Zhang Xingguo raised an eyebrow.

"Dad, I bought you some liquid supplements to help you sleep. Just drink one bottle before bed!"

Holding an elegantly packaged box, Zhang Xingguo smiled as he placed it on the coffee table in the living room.

He then found a seat, curious, "Xiao Ye, were you just talking about Seventh High School? Is there some controversy brewing?"

"Why are you everywhere?" Zhang Weimin scolded, displeased. "Ye was explaining perfectly fine. Why are you butting in?"

Then, turning to Ye Chen, Zhang Weimin said, "Xiao Ye, continue. Ignore him. What were you saying about the 'Three Halls'?"

Ye Chen nodded and resumed his explanation.

"Old Secretary, the 'Three Halls' refer to the library, the archives, and the urban planning exhibition hall. On the surface, these are public welfare projects meant to serve the people, which is a good thing! However, the district government, having received city approval, plans to build them on Seventh High School's grounds, cutting into part of the school's land and taking over its sports field for development."

Hearing this, Zhang Weimin frowned, his expression growing serious.

"Go on," he urged.

"This doesn't make sense anywhere. Seventh High School's sports facilities are already limited, barely meeting the students' needs. If part of it is taken away, how will the students have enough space for physical activities? Additionally, construction on such large projects—from excavation to foundation laying and concrete pouring—isn't quick. Over the long construction period, how do you think this will affect the school's teaching and daily life?" Ye Chen explained.

Hearing this, Yan Huaili's expression also darkened.

Clearly, as the city's top official, he wasn't aware of this situation.

Even though he held significant authority, it was impossible for him to oversee every single matter. Issues like this were typically managed by other officials.

Ye Chen continued, "But with official approval from the city, the school leadership can only grit their teeth and accept it. They've tried to push back, but nothing worked. The school leaders might endure it, but the students and teachers can't. They've already blocked the construction crew three times!"

As Ye Chen finished speaking, Zhang Weimin slammed the table.

"Unbelievable! Who came up with this ridiculous plan? Do they have brains or is their head just decorative? Hiding behind the guise of public welfare while sacrificing the school's rights, disregarding education and normal life—who gave them the nerve?!"

"Old Secretary," Ye Chen said calmly. "In my opinion, placing the 'Three Halls' at Seventh High School not only disrupts the school but also seems unnecessary. The school's location isn't exactly a bustling area. How many people will benefit from a library, archive, and exhibition hall there? I'm not here to dig into the politics behind this. As a former student of Seventh High School, I just want to stand up for my alma mater. Seventh High might not be a prestigious school, but that doesn't mean it should be bullied!"

Ye Chen shook his head bitterly.

Zhang Weimin, filled with righteous anger, slammed his hand down again.

"Nonsense! This is absolute nonsense!"

He turned to Yan Huaili. "Huaili, did you know about this?"

Yan Huaili solemnly shook his head. "I didn't."

"Who's in charge of this area?" Zhang Weimin demanded.

"I'll investigate the situation and report back to you, Old Secretary!" Yan Huaili replied seriously.

"Huaili, let me ask you—do you think building the 'Three Halls' at Seventh High School is appropriate, under the guise of public welfare?" Zhang Weimin pressed.

"If the situation is as Ye described, absolutely not!" Yan Huaili responded without hesitation.

"Can you handle this matter?" Zhang Weimin's gaze sharpened.

"If the school's faculty and students are opposing this project, even if the district's plans are legal and approved, the project must be relocated. That's non-negotiable!" Yan Huaili declared.

"On behalf of all the staff and students at Seventh High, thank you, Secretary Yan!" Ye Chen quickly added before Zhang Weimin could say more.

"No need to thank me. As you said, this was a mistake from the start. The city government likely approved the district's proposal too hastily. Otherwise, this never would've been greenlit," Yan Huaili remarked.

"How could they be so careless? How can they treat a school this way? Even without considering the land issue, the noise from the construction alone will disrupt classes and daily life. Who can overlook that? Sacrificing the school environment in the name of public welfare—does that even qualify as public welfare? I may be retired and have no official say in these matters, but if no one stands up for Seventh High, I certainly will!" Zhang Weimin declared passionately.

The righteous energy cultivated over decades radiated strongly.

Yan Huaili smiled faintly.

He had no doubt that Zhang Weimin would take action.

When it came to the well-being of students and schools, Zhang Weimin would never stay silent.

"Rest assured, Old Secretary. Now that I know, I won't turn a blind eye. I will ensure this matter is resolved properly," Yan Huaili vowed.

"You better not brush this aside! The school's environment is no joke. If this affects the senior students preparing for college entrance exams, who will take responsibility? You might end up facing parents with protest banners!" Zhang Weimin warned.

"Don't worry, Old Secretary. I will handle it properly," Yan Huaili replied earnestly.

"Good. This needs immediate attention!" Zhang Weimin urged.

"I'll intervene immediately!" Yan Huaili promised.

Satisfied, Zhang Weimin nodded.

After listening to their exchange, Ye Chen stayed silent.

Seventh High's issue was essentially resolved, thanks to Zhang Weimin and Yan Huaili.

Reflecting on this, Ye Chen sighed.

If not for his connection with Zhang Weimin and Yan Huaili, Seventh High might have faced the same fate as in his previous life.

The power of connections—this was a lesson life had taught him at thirty.

And yet, standing here now, he couldn't help but lament.

What the school leadership couldn't resolve, and what alumni couldn't influence, was handled in mere minutes through the right connections.

With Zhang Weimin and Yan Huaili's support, the project's relocation was practically guaranteed.

As Ye Chen processed his thoughts, he noticed Zhang Xingguo's dark expression.

Could it be... Zhang Xingguo's company was in charge of the 'Three Halls' project?