Right path to power

"Xiao Lin, it feels like a dream. If it weren't for you, this wouldn't have been so easy. Let alone being called a deputy county head, even being called a bureau chief would have seemed like an unattainable dream. So, I really don't know how to thank you."

Xu Jingnan was equally excited, and his heart was filled with emotion.

Not long ago, he was just a deputy director of the county public security bureau who was sidelined. In the blink of an eye, he was not only promoted to the position of director, but also to deputy county head. This happiness came too suddenly, and anyone would be overjoyed.

For Lin Xiao himself, the growing trust that his martial uncle Wang Yuanze placed in him was extremely precious and rare. At the same time, his work in Fengshan County would also be much easier to carry out.

"Director Xu, there's no need for us to talk about these things. Let's just cooperate well in our work from now on. Don't worry about anything else."

Clearly, Lin Xiao was much more relaxed when talking to Xu Jingnan, and her choice of words was also more casual. This must have stemmed from the rapport they had developed through their previous collaboration, especially since they would occasionally get together.

"Okay, okay, I won't say anymore, I'll remember it all." Xu Jingnan didn't stand on ceremony any longer. "Oh, by the way, when are you free? Let's grab a couple of drinks."

Lin Xiao thought for a moment and replied, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I won't have time these next few days."

"You're not a cop, are you going to stake out the place at night? I think... I think you're keeping a mistress hidden away, and you don't want her to come out."

"Hey Lao Xu, when did you become so gossipy? That's not a good thing."

"Just kidding, anyway, contact me when you have time."

"no problem."

Soon, Gong Lei also learned of the decision of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee, and immediately called Lin Xiao into the inner room for a chat. The topic was nothing more than encouraging Lin Xiao to report and communicate more with Wang Yuanze, the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, if there was an opportunity in the future.

In his view, Lin Xiao had the deep trust of the municipal party secretary, so it was only a matter of time before he left the "secretary's office".

At 3 p.m., Lin Xiao brought Liang Pan to the conference room.

Officials from the County Investment Promotion Bureau, the County Agriculture Bureau, and the Nangang Township Government were already waiting in the conference room.

In addition, Hu Qingqing from the county government's inspection office also attended the meeting. According to Lin Xiao's previous arrangements, she will be in charge of a special follow-up inspection of the pilot work in Songmao Village.

Lin Xiao greeted everyone with a smile, asked Liang Pan to make tea for everyone, and then introduced the general arrangements for Dejiyuan Pharmaceutical's visit to Fengshan County for investment inspection. He emphasized that this was an investment company personally coordinated by the Municipal Party Secretary Wang Yuanze from the provincial level, and also conveyed the requirements of County Mayor Gong Lei. He asked everyone present to take it seriously, cooperate fully, arrange dedicated personnel to follow up, and provide good service to ensure the investment is implemented. He also said that the county would strictly hold those responsible accountable if any problems occurred at any stage.

"Whether a project can be implemented involves multiple departments within the county, not just the few units present today. Therefore, the Supervision Office will need to closely monitor the process, issuing notices to any unit that is inefficient, inactive, or acts improperly, and conducting special inspections as needed. The Supervision Office will also regularly compile 'Special Reports on Optimizing the Business Environment' for the county leadership's reference..."

Hu Qingqing sat to the side watching Lin Xiao talk eloquently, her eyes becoming somewhat infatuated.

Liang Pan sat in the back row, listening attentively and taking notes in his notebook. This was a task Lin Xiao had given him, and he was extremely impressed by his senior's confident and composed demeanor.

Of course, the most important thing is that none of the attendees dared to underestimate him. At least on the surface, their attitude was good. Even though Lin Xiao was indeed relatively inexperienced, everyone knew in their hearts that the cadres who had been investigated and punished recently were all related to him.

Finally, Lin Xiao asked for everyone's opinions, and everyone expressed their willingness to fully cooperate. Once he saw that all the topics had been discussed, Lin Xiao ended the meeting.

Then, he and Chu Mingjing went to the highway exit to pick up Guan Tong and her group.

Chu Mingjing was in charge of attracting investment, and his personal presence to welcome them demonstrated his importance and sincerity.

Guan Tong was in her thirties, slightly plump, with short, jet-black hair that reached her ears. She was wearing a dark gray business suit. When she saw Lin Xiao and the others, a slight smile appeared on her lips, making her seem a little reserved.

When she arrived at the county government conference room, she saw that County Head Gong Lei was also there, and her smile became noticeably wider.

The two sides had a brief exchange, introducing each other's situations, and the meeting was about to end.

"Director Guan, thank you for coming to Fengshan. You must be tired from your long journey. We must treat you to a welcome feast," Gong Lei said with a smile.

"You're too kind, County Chief Gong. We'll just follow your instructions."

Guan Tong didn't hesitate. The position of director of the investment office was highly coveted, and many people were envious of it. Naturally, there were quite a few people who wanted to curry favor with her. Over time, she would inevitably develop a kind of arrogance in her bones.

During the meal, Guan Tong seemed to be in much better spirits after drinking. She became not only carefree but also witty, though her words still carried a hint of domineering authority.

Lin Xiao politely came up to her to offer a toast, but she didn't even stand up; she simply sat down and clinked glasses with Lin Xiao.

However, Lin Xiao didn't take it to heart.

"Welcome Director Guan to visit and inspect. Fengshan County will definitely do a good job in all aspects of support. I hope we can cooperate happily." Lin Xiao did indeed look confident.

"Secretary Lin, investment is no small matter, nor can it be done overnight. The on-site investigation is only one necessary step. After we return, we will need to conduct a comprehensive assessment and hold discussions with various parties before we can finally determine whether to invest and what the scale of the investment should be," Guan Tong said seriously, adopting a very professional and businesslike demeanor.

Just as Lin Xiao was about to say something, his phone rang. He initially intended to ignore it, but it kept ringing, so he could only gesture and take out his phone. He was stunned for a moment before quickly answering the call.

"Director Jiang, hello!"

Lin Xiao was genuinely surprised to receive a call from Jiang Yuanping, the director of the Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, so he answered the phone and moved closer to the side.

Seeing Lin Xiao immediately turn away to answer the phone, Guan Tong's face showed displeasure, and her brows furrowed slightly.

Although Geng Qiuyan, the director of the planning department of the Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, called her, what could she do? Geng Qiuyan was the director, and she was the head of the department. The key point was that Geng Qiuyan couldn't directly manage her. Anyway, she had already come to Fengshan County in person, which was enough to give her face. As for the investment, that was another matter.

"Xiao Lin, how's your investment attraction going? Has Dejiyuan Pharmaceutical decided on how much to invest?" Jiang Yuanping's tone was very amiable.

Lin Xiao was stunned again, his doubts growing stronger. He couldn't understand why a provincial bureau chief would personally oversee the matter when a mere word from him would suffice.

Little did he know that this afternoon, when he went to report to the newly appointed Vice Governor Liang Weiwang, Liang Weiwang asked him about the investment in Chinese medicinal herbs in Fengshan County before he left. Seeing that he was not familiar with the situation, Liang Weiwang frowned without saying anything, which made him feel a chill down his spine. After leaving, he immediately went to the office of Deputy Secretary-General Cao Xuedong to inquire about the relevant situation.

Cao Xuedong was equally surprised. He hadn't expected that Vice Governor Liang would directly inquire about the specific progress. He didn't know whether it was because he valued Lin Xiao, his prized student, or because he valued the rural medicinal herb planting project.

In short, the fact that provincial leaders are directly involved in grassroots affairs shows that the level of importance they attach to these matters exceeds what is usually expected.

So Cao Xuedong explained the whole story to Jiang Yuanping in detail.

As a fellow "veteran" within the system, Jiang Yuanping immediately recognized that simply making arrangements for this matter would inevitably be suspected of being a "perfunctory task." He felt that he needed to keep a close eye on both the process and the outcome in order to give his superiors a satisfactory explanation.

So he called Lin Xiao directly to inquire about the specific progress.

"Thank you for your concern, Director Jiang. Director Guan from the Investment Office of Dejiyuan Pharmaceutical Company went to the county for inspection this afternoon. We will lead the investment team to Songmao Village for on-site inspection tomorrow."

However, Director Guan said that while the inspection is underway, whether the investment will ultimately be secured depends on their comprehensive assessment upon their return. Therefore, we will definitely do our utmost to secure it.

Since Guan Tong is intentionally or unintentionally speaking in riddles, Lin Xiao might as well take advantage of Jiang Yuanping's influence and power to give him a warning.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuanping immediately understood what was going on. He said somewhat dismissively, "I see. Guan Tong's words don't entirely disapprove. But Xiao Lin, don't worry too much. I'll call their company's CEO later to discuss it."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao relaxed considerably, her mood less depressed than before, and she even felt she could drink quite a bit more alcohol.

However, he still expressed his gratitude to Jiang Yuanping immediately: "Thank you, Director Jiang, thank you for your trouble and for taking the time to help."

"Hey, don't be so polite, we're all family here!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Xiao was still somewhat surprised by Jiang Yuanping's words "one of our own"!