Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

"Do those cadres who climbed the ranks through seniority even understand what negotiation, contracts, or international practices are?"

Upon hearing Ji Lianjun's words, many of the Standing Committee members present seemed to ponder. Indeed, the Beilun Economic Development Zone would rely on Xiaochi Company to drive its development in the future, and more and more foreign-funded enterprises would be settling in. These foreign-funded enterprises were not as easy to deal with as China's own state-owned factories.

"I'm not afraid of you saying I recommended my secretary. Comrade Lai Zhanggao has been with me for the past few years. Putting aside everything else, his experience in dealing with foreign businessmen alone is better than anyone else in our city," Ji Lianjun paused, then emphasized his words.

"Take this opportunity to bring Mr. Chen Zaidong, a man of great talent, from Shanghai to Ningcheng. If it weren't for Comrade Lai Zhanggao's quick thinking and my own initiative, Mr. Chen Zaidong would probably still be negotiating with people in Shanghai right now!"

"Besides, everyone has been young once. We should be willing to give opportunities to our young comrades. With the help of the municipal party committee and the municipal government, and with Comrade Lai Zhanggao being a trustworthy and good comrade, as our instructor once said, we cannot be dogmatic, comrades!"

"Comrade Lianjun, I admit that Comrade Lai Zhanggao does indeed possess the qualities you just mentioned: clear vision, daring to take risks, and high level of education," He Mengsheng said, taking off his glasses to wipe them, then putting them back on. His voice softened a bit, but his attitude remained firm.

"But you also need to know that the position of director of the development zone not only involves dealing with foreign businesses, but also coordinating the work of more than a dozen bureaus and offices, handling specific matters such as land acquisition and demolition, supporting construction and fund allocation. These are not things that can be done well just by reading a few books and speaking a few foreign languages."

He Mengsheng spread his hands and said, "I still maintain that I oppose Comrade Lai Zhanggao serving as the director of this economic development zone. I personally have no issues with Comrade Lai Zhanggao; my opposition stems entirely from my concerns about the development zone project!"

"Comrade Lai Zhanggao is only twenty-five years old this year. From graduating from university until now, it's only been four or five years at most. In the past few years, he has been working as a liaison officer and has never had any experience in handling things independently. Now, he's suddenly being promoted to the position of director of the development zone. I don't think he can do this job well!"

"If Mr. Chen Zaidong finds out that Ningcheng has entrusted such a large undertaking to a young, inexperienced comrade, I'm afraid he'll have to reconsider whether or not to continue cooperating with us!"

"This is serious, Comrade Mengsheng," Mayor Ma Liang stepped in to ease the tension. "Comrade Lianjun's proposal to appoint Comrade Lai Zhanggao as the director of the development zone must have its own special considerations. Comrade Lianjun, has Comrade Lai Zhanggao had any contact with Mr. Chen Zaidong?"

"Yes," Ji Lianjun nodded almost subconsciously. "Whether it was the draft agreement in Shanghai or this current draft contract, it was completed after repeated discussions between Comrade Lai Zhanggao and me. Mr. Chen Zaidong knows Comrade Lai Zhanggao and has praised him highly."

"Let me mention something else: when Mr. Huang from the Ministry of Industry reviewed the agreement drafted by Comrade Lai Zhanggao and me, he repeatedly affirmed the excellent workmanship of the agreement. Mr. Huang also personally encouraged Comrade Lai Zhanggao for his solid work ability, which is why I recommended him."

He Mengsheng, as the Organization Minister, didn't you say that Xiao Lai's qualifications were not convincing? Even the Minister of Industry, Huang Lao, praised him to his face. You say he is incompetent?

Ma Liang glanced at Cai Shengju, who had remained silent, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly put it down. His gaze swept over everyone present. He knew that today's debate was not just about Lai Zhanggao's appointment, but a clash of two approaches to personnel management: seniority versus meritocracy.

At this time, Cai Shengju really couldn't express any opinion, because Lai Zhanggao was his nephew, and his wife was Lai Zhanggao's aunt. Lai Zhanggao was not a native of Zhejiang Province; he was from Jicheng, Shandong Province, and had been transferred to Zhejiang Province.

Cai Shengju did not use any personal connections in Lai Zhanggao's personnel appointments. It was entirely due to Lai Zhanggao's personal ability and luck that he was transferred to Ji Lianjun's side as a liaison officer.

When Lai Zhanggao accompanied Ji Lianjun to his office, Cai Shengju looked at Ji Lianjun with a strange gaze, thinking that Ji Lianjun had arranged for his nephew to be his "secretary" in order to curry favor with him, the municipal party secretary.

Later, Lai Zhanggao himself confessed to Ji Lianjun about his kinship with Cai Shengju, the municipal party secretary. Only then did Ji Lianjun understand why the municipal party secretary had looked at him that way that day.

The relationship between Cai Shengju and Lai Zhanggao was actually known to everyone in the municipal party committee. There was nothing to hide about it; it was all done through normal promotion and transfer procedures. Cai Shengju was upright and honest and had no fear of gossip behind his back.

"Comrade Lianjun, Comrade Mengsheng," Ma Liang finally spoke, his tone a bit calmer than before, "What you said each has its own logic. Comrade Lai Zhanggao is indeed young and lacks experience in taking charge independently."

"But Comrade Mengsheng, have you ever thought that the Beilun Development Zone is not an ordinary government department? It started from scratch, with no existing rules to follow and no precedents to refer to. The person sitting in that position cannot just follow the steps. He must have an enterprising spirit, a strong ability to understand and learn, and the ability to deal with all kinds of people."

"I believe Comrade Lai Zhanggao possesses all these qualities, and I also support Comrade Lianjun's recommendation. I propose that Comrade Lai Zhanggao serve as the director of the Beilun Economic Development Zone!"

The moment Mayor Ma Liang made his statement, the situation reversed somewhat. The other members of the Standing Committee glanced at Cai Shengju, the Party Secretary, who was still playing with his pen, and had different thoughts.

Everyone was thinking similarly at this moment. Lai Zhanggao was Lao Cai's nephew. Although Lao Cai was impartial, it was fine if you remained neutral and did not participate in Ji Lianjun's proposal as the rising star and full-time deputy secretary. Lao Cai could understand.

But if you openly oppose sabotage, it's intriguing to know what Tsai Ing-wen is thinking. As I said before, Tsai may not know who is neutral, but who opposes is obvious.

Cai Shengju knew that things had come to this point, and as the top Party Secretary of the city, he had to say something. He looked at the crowd and said, "Everyone has their own opinions, which is very good. It fully demonstrates the democratic nature of our Ningcheng Municipal Party Committee. How about this, let's vote by raising our hands. Those who oppose Comrade Lai Zhanggao's appointment as the director of the development zone, please raise your hands!"

The Standing Committee members present looked at each other, waiting for someone else to raise their hand first. Only Meng Sheng stood up alone, and none of the other Standing Committee members dared to follow suit.

"Those in favor, please raise your hands!"

In a flash, Ji Lianjun and Ma Liang were the first to raise their hands, followed by Liang Jun, the Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, and then Zhen Guofu, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. The other Standing Committee members followed suit.

Cai Sheng kept his hand raised on the table until everyone had expressed their opinions, then he announced, "I abstain from this vote!"