Binjiang Police Affairs-Chapter 859 - 583: Theory Fails to Align with Reality (3)

Han Xiangning asked, "President Zhang, what do they mean?"

"They said that the damaged container ship will be repaired here, and the bulk carrier that lost its anchor and chain is anchored on the opposite shore. Since they’re relatively close to us, they hope our company will negotiate for salvage fees with the shipowners, and then distribute the fees after receiving them."

"Since they trust your company so much, you might as well handle it all."

"The problem is, this money isn’t easy to get!"

Regarding ship salvage, the country has corresponding laws, but in practice it’s really hard to get salvage fees.

When the rescue is happening, the ship’s crew thank you, even more so because you’ve not only saved their ship but also their lives.

But when it comes to money, that’s a whole different story.

Because of salvage fees, who knows how many lawsuits have been fought; it’s no exaggeration to say that hearing salvage disputes is one of the main businesses of maritime courts.

Even those who can go through legal channels to fight lawsuits are considered fortunate. Some shipowners, seeing the high salvage fees, simply pack up and leave, abandoning even their ships.

Han Yu was silent for a moment, then asked softly, "President Zhang, have you estimated roughly how much the salvage fee will be this time?"

Zhang Asheng replied without hesitation, "With so many ships deployed, for such a long time of salvage, towing, pushing, and even transferring, plus the use of divers, I estimate it won’t be less than five million."

"Looks like this money won’t be easy to collect."

"That’s why I’m coming to you."

"What can we do?"

"Chief Han, I know this isn’t your responsibility, but considering that there’s a ninety percent chance we’ll have to go to court in the future, we really can’t afford to delay. Could you talk to your bureau and have them expedite the investigation, and quickly issue a conclusion of the water traffic accident investigation?"

"Sure, I can do that."

"Also, help us make it clear to the shipowners of the two ships that our company is responsible for the salvage as a whole. Otherwise, they won’t sign, nor will they give us a confirmation for the salvage operation."

"The units involved in the salvage should first fully entrust your company."

"Don’t worry, the authorization letter will be delivered by tomorrow morning at the latest."

"Good, as long as everyone entrusts your company, I’ll help you prove it, so the shipowners and captain can sign and confirm swiftly according to the procedure."

"Thank you, then I’ll be off."

"President Zhang, it should be me thanking you, for your support of our Port Supervision work."

"No need for thanks, just... in the future, don’t give me fines so casually."

"I just fined you two thousand, President Zhang, why are you, such a big boss, so petty and grudging?"

"Just joking with you, I accept the fine, last time we were indeed in the wrong." Zhang Asheng laughed heartily, tucked his business pack under his arm, and left.

After seeing Zhang Asheng off into the elevator, Han Xiangning turned back, smiling, "I told you he wouldn’t really be angry, but you didn’t believe me."

Han Yu scratched his neck and smiled, "What about Mayor Shen?"

"Mayor Shen would be even less angry." Feeling that his junior was too naïve, Han Xiangning felt it was necessary to clarify, smiling as he explained, "The reason he pretends to be angry is just to show concern for the enterprises in the development zone."

Han Yu asked, "To show Jack Zhang?"

"Not just to show Jack Zhang, but to show all the enterprises in the development zone. Although it’s just a little trick, it indeed wins people’s hearts. Whenever these bosses mention him, they all say he’s capable and commendable. You really should learn from Mayor Shen in this regard, you could also learn from Director Ge, who’s also adept at winning people’s hearts."

"I can’t learn that, and my mentor never taught me these things."

"San’er, times have changed; your mentor’s ways don’t work now. Although some people speak well of him, more people speak poorly of him."

"I know in my heart whether my mentor is good or not."

"Incurable!"

"Let’s not talk about me, think about yourself. You’re so smart and know everything. Why do you still offend people everywhere, issuing fines left and right?"

Han Xiangning was caught off guard, thought for a long while, then chuckled and said, "You can’t blame me for this, only you and your mentor. You’re affected by those you associate with closely; it’s probably the influence of you both. Some things you know but can’t achieve; careful reflection shows theory and practice are still different."