Sharpening the Blade Against the Red Wall: From Hong Kong to Handong

After the provincial leadership conference concluded, Zhou Jin did not rush back to Yancheng. Instead, following official custom, he paid a visit to each of the provincial party committee's top leaders. Throughout the visit, he maintained a low-key and humble demeanor, his words filled with respect and obedience to the provincial leaders, showing no sign of arrogance despite his promotion.

Zhou Jin arrived ten minutes early and waited outside the office of Provincial Party Secretary Qin Zhenbang. When his secretary led him inside, Qin Zhenbang was putting down the documents in his hand and looking up at him. Zhou Jin quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Secretary Qin, I'm sorry to disturb your work."

"Zhou Jin is here, please have a seat." Qin Zhenbang gestured to the sofa opposite him, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Your status is different now; you're a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee. But you must not lose this spirit of being rooted in the old revolutionary base areas and working diligently."

"Secretary Qin, rest assured, I will always remember that I am a servant of the people of Yanshi. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility, and I will only be more strict with myself." Zhou Jin leaned forward slightly as she sat down, her posture respectful. "Yanshi's achievements today are inseparable from the strong leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the support of the whole province. In the future, I will resolutely obey the arrangements of the Provincial Party Committee and take the lead in being a pioneer in the province's development."

Qin Zhenbang nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject: "You are now not only a leader of Yancheng, but also a member of the provincial party committee leadership team. Yancheng's total economic output has reached the top in the province, but we can't just focus on our own little corner. Going forward, you need to consider the overall situation of the province, carefully analyze Yancheng's development experience, offer more suggestions for the province's economic transformation, and drive other cities to progress together."

"Yes, I have already asked the Development and Reform Commission to take the lead in compiling the relevant experiences of Yancheng in industrial upgrading and technological empowerment, and will submit them to the Provincial Party Committee next week for reference throughout the province." Zhou Jin immediately responded, "In the future, I will also take the initiative to connect with cities in Guanzhong and southern Shaanxi to share my experience in investment promotion strategies and industrial chain construction, and I will never engage in 'closed-door development'."

Qin Zhenbang nodded, then posed a crucial question: "What are your thoughts on the successor to the mayor of Yan City? The Provincial Party Committee is considering having you recommend a suitable candidate, since you are most familiar with the situation and cadre team in Yan City."

Zhou Jin was prepared. After a moment's thought, she said earnestly, "Secretary Qin, I recommend Executive Vice Mayor Wang Hao. Comrade Wang Hao is 51 years old this year and has worked in Yancheng for more than 20 years. He has been experienced in various positions, from districts and counties to municipal departments. He is familiar with the local situation and the demands of the people, and has a solid reputation among cadres and the masses. He is mature and prudent, and does things steadily and surely, while I am younger and have a relatively radical approach. The two of us complement each other perfectly and can ensure a smooth transition and continuous progress in all aspects of Yancheng's work, without delaying the pace of development due to personnel adjustments."

"Wang Hao?" Qin Zhenbang nodded thoughtfully. "I remember him. He's definitely a hard-working ox who's rooted in the grassroots, with a very solid work style. Your considerations are very thorough, taking into account both ability and the complementarity of the team composition. The Provincial Committee will seriously study your suggestion."

Before leaving, Qin Zhenbang patted Zhou Jin on the shoulder: "Work hard, the Provincial Party Committee has high hopes for you. Remember, being a member of the Standing Committee is not only an honor, but also a responsibility. You must do more to plan for the overall development of the province and come up with practical solutions."

"Please rest assured, Secretary Qin, I will keep your instructions in mind and never let down the Provincial Party Committee's trust." Zhou Jin solemnly promised, bowed, and left the office.

After leaving Qin Zhenbang's office, Zhou Jin went straight to the provincial government to meet with Governor Wang Jianjun. Wang Jianjun was reviewing the province's economic report when he saw Zhou Jin enter. He smiled and rose to greet him, saying, "Comrade Zhou Jin, congratulations! You have made invaluable contributions to Yancheng's development over the past few years."

"Governor Wang, you flatter me. This is all thanks to the correct leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, as well as the joint efforts of all cadres and the masses in the city. I was just doing my duty." Zhou Jin quickly waved his hand, speaking humbly. "I came here today for two reasons: first, to report to you on Yancheng's next work plan; and second, to express my commitment to resolutely obey the Provincial Government's work arrangements and fully cooperate with the overall development of the province."

Wang Jianjun invited him to sit down and personally handed him a cup of hot tea: "Yancheng's 'Red Tourism + Modern Agriculture + Digital Technology' model has now become a benchmark for the entire province. Next, the provincial government plans to promote your experience in the northern Shaanxi region to create an industrial synergy development belt. You need to be prepared to take the lead."

"No problem!" Zhou Jin immediately responded. "We have already formed a special guidance team, drawing on key personnel from the fields of industry, culture and tourism, and technology. They are ready to conduct research and guidance in Yulin, Tongchuan, and other places at any time, sharing Yancheng's investment resources and experience in building industrial chains without reservation, to help promote the high-quality development of the province's economy."

Wang Jianjun nodded and then added, "Yan City is a pilot city for building a strong country in science and technology. The province will continue to give it preferential treatment in terms of policies and funds. However, you must also pay attention to balancing development and risks, especially in the new energy and digital industries. You must proceed steadily and not be impatient for quick results to avoid blindly launching projects."

"I understand, Governor Wang. We have already established a risk assessment mechanism for major projects. Every project will undergo multiple rounds of review by industry experts, financial experts, and legal experts to ensure it is safe and controllable," Zhou Jin replied earnestly. "From now on, I will promptly report all major decisions made by Yancheng City to the provincial government and resolutely obey the unified command of the entire province."

The two chatted for another half hour, discussing everything from the province-wide branding strategy for the apple industry to the inter-provincial collaborative development of red tourism. Zhou Jin proactively suggested that they could take the lead in establishing the "Northern Shaanxi Economic Cooperation Zone" to integrate resources from Yancheng, Yulin, and other areas, forming an industrial cluster advantage. Wang Jianjun strongly agreed and immediately stated that he would have the Provincial Development and Reform Commission take the lead in coordinating and come up with a plan as soon as possible.

After meeting with the governor, Zhou Jin rushed to the office of Zhang Ping, the deputy secretary of the provincial party committee. Zhang Ping was mainly in charge of party building and people's livelihood. When he met Zhou Jin, he got straight to the point and said earnestly, "Comrade Zhou Jin, you are young and promising, with outstanding achievements. This promotion is well-deserved. However, as a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, party building is your primary responsibility. You must keep a firm grip on it and not slacken in the slightest."

"Secretary Zhang is right. I have already made Party building the top priority in Yancheng's annual tasks," Zhou Jin quickly responded sincerely. "Next, we will focus on strengthening grassroots Party organizations, establishing Party branches along the industrial chain and on project construction sites, so that Party members and cadres can play a leading and exemplary role in industrial upgrading and people's livelihood. Yancheng is an old revolutionary base area, and red Party building is our advantage. I will deeply integrate red resources with Party building work to create a Party building brand with Yancheng characteristics."

Zhang Ping nodded in satisfaction, then turned his attention to people's livelihood: "People's livelihood is of utmost importance. Farmers' income in Yancheng has grown rapidly, but there is still considerable room for improvement in public services such as education and healthcare. As the Party Secretary of the city, you must go to the grassroots more often, listen to the people's concerns, and do a good job in addressing practical issues related to people's livelihood, so that the people in the old revolutionary base areas can have a greater sense of gain."

"I understand." Zhou Jin solemnly promised, "We have already launched the 'Three-Year Action Plan for Improving People's Livelihoods,' which plans to build five new compulsory education schools and three branch hospitals of top-tier hospitals, while also promoting the full coverage of rural elderly care service centers to solve the problems of difficulty in accessing medical care, long distances to school, and worries about elderly care. In the future, I will spend at least one week each month conducting research at the grassroots level to promptly address the urgent needs and concerns of the people."

Zhang Ping looked at him and softened his tone: "You have a very good reputation in Yancheng. Cadres and the masses all recognize your pragmatic work style. In the future, you should speak more and make more suggestions at the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meetings, especially in terms of people's livelihood and Party building. You should leverage your grassroots experience to contribute more to the development of people's livelihood in the province."

"Please rest assured, Secretary Zhang, I will definitely study and think more, and actively offer suggestions at the Standing Committee meetings. I will never let down the organization's trust," Zhou Jin replied humbly.

As the meeting concluded, dusk was approaching. Zhou Jin walked out of the provincial party committee compound, the evening breeze carrying the crispness of autumn caressing his face. He took a deep breath, his heart filled with a heavy sense of responsibility. From this day forward, he would not only manage Yancheng City well, but also plan his work from the perspective of the entire province. He looked up in the direction of Yancheng City and walked steadily towards the parking lot—a new journey had fully begun.