Right path to power

"Director Lin, the leaders are very concerned about the pilot project you're in charge of. We must communicate well and get the evaluation done as soon as possible. Here, let me toast you."

Guan Tong's face was as radiant as a peach blossom, while Lin Xiao smiled faintly and said, "Director Guan, you're too kind. Thank you for your support. I should be toasting you."

"They're all the same, they're all the same."

The two clinked glasses and each drank it down in one gulp.

Guan Tong poured another glass and, still smiling, said to Lin Xiao, "Come on, Director Lin, let me toast you again. I hope you'll take good care of me in the future."

Lin Xiao hadn't expected Guan Tong to be so "enthusiastic," so he quickly poured himself another glass of wine and said with a smile, "Director Guan, you're too kind. Serving the companies we invest in is our duty. This glass is for you."

Although they were being polite to each other, Guan Tong was clearly a bit carried away and wouldn't stop until she toasted Lin Xiao. In the end, Lin Xiao had no choice but to "give in".

This scene surprised everyone watching. The woman was clearly a completely different person, from arrogant to obsequious. It seemed to be related to the two phone calls Lin Xiao had received.

But how did Lin Xiao manage to do that?

After successfully toasting the leaders, Guan Tong instructed her two subordinates: "You two can't just sit here doing nothing. Be more proactive. Come on, fill up your glasses and give a proper toast to the leaders of Fengshan County. In the future, our company will invest and develop here, and we will need the care and support of the leaders in many areas."

At this moment, she no longer mentioned any comprehensive assessment, as if both parties had already reached a cooperation agreement and were just waiting to sign the contract and then transfer the funds for construction.

Gong Lei also sensed something was amiss, and after laughing, he said, "Come on, let's all raise a glass to Director Guan and wish for a pleasant cooperation between us."

The gathering continued, with guests and hosts enjoying themselves immensely.

Guan Tong, her face flushed, pulled Lin Xiao to toast her, her voice somewhat cloying. She kept emphasizing that she and Lin Xiao were destined to be together, and that she liked working with hardworking and down-to-earth young cadres like Lin Xiao.

The drinking party didn't officially end until 10 PM.

The following morning, at Guan Tong's strong suggestion, Deputy County Head Chu Mingjing was told that he did not need to accompany her on the inspection; Lin Xiao would be enough to lead the way.

One of the advantages that has allowed Guan Tong to reach her current position is her ability to grasp the main issues. Therefore, after receiving Fang Jianyu's call last night, she knew that Lin Xiao was the decisive factor in this investment.

As long as Lin Xiao is satisfied, nothing else matters.

Today, Guan Tong specially changed into a white tight-fitting long dress, which immediately accentuated her curvaceous figure. Along the way, her overly cheerful laughter could be heard from time to time.

Judging from her demeanor, it's clear she's not here for inspection or work; she's more like a tourist looking to relax.

When the group arrived in Nangang Township, they first met with the township party secretary Yan Zhao, township head Kong Changgeng, and other members of the leadership team in the township government conference room, and then went to Songmao Village together.

He Saihua also sat in the car, introducing the specific situation of Songmao Village along the way.

As you approach the village entrance, you can see Liu Jianguo, along with members of the village committee and group leaders, already waiting there.

Before the car had even come to a complete stop, Liu Jianguo and his entourage, all smiles, went forward to greet them. This was the first time in so many years that a foreign investor had come.

As the liaison for the pilot program, He Saihua visited the village multiple times to explain the pilot plan and emphasized that Lin Xiao was in charge of it and would not let everyone down, which everyone trusted.

It is said that the companies that came to inspect this time were also invited by Lin Xiao. Everyone said that they would make full preparations and give them a warm welcome, and would never let Lin Xiao lose face.

Seeing the villagers greeting Lin Xiao, Guan Tong couldn't help but exclaim, "Director Lin, I didn't expect you to have such prestige here. It's truly a perfect storm of favorable timing, location, and people. Now I have even more confidence in our cooperation and in the prospects of the pilot project."

During her conversations with village representatives, Guan Tong discovered that everyone was well-prepared psychologically and intellectually for the cultivation of Chinese medicinal herbs, and also had a relatively systematic plan.

In other words, once the decision is made to invest here, it becomes easier to move forward with all aspects of the work.

Watching Guan Tong ask questions and point around, He Saihua couldn't help but whisper to Lin Xiao, "Will this work?"

"Well, who knows? It's just that a leader put in a word, which is why her attitude changed, so it shouldn't be a big problem, right?"

"With a leader putting in a good word, this should work out, right?"

"I don't think there'll be a big problem, right?"

Compared to Lin Xiao, He Saihua showed a hint of worry on her face, but she was still very confident that this matter could be accomplished, because she believed that Lin Xiao would definitely make it happen.

However, nothing is 100% certain until a contract is signed.

At noon, Lin Xiao took the group back to the local Manyi Fried Rice Restaurant for lunch. During the meal, the group didn't talk much, and Guan Tong told Lin Xiao that she needed to rest during lunch and could continue the investigation in the afternoon.

After the meal, Guan Tong and her two subordinates rested at the village guesthouse, while Lin Xiao returned to the village.

During his conversation with Liu Jianguo and others, Lin Xiao pointed out that the investment from Dejiyuan Pharmaceutical is likely to be finalized, and the village should ensure that all households act in unison and cooperate fully.

"Fellow villagers, the county has entrusted me with such an important task. My goal is simple: I hope the pilot program will bring tangible benefits to everyone and increase your income..."

Liu Jianguo listened attentively while taking deep drags on his cigarette. After Lin Xiao finished speaking, he took over with expectant eyes and said, "Xiao Lin, don't worry, everyone believes in you. Just tell us what to do, and no one will have a problem with it. Nobody cared about us before, but now we have hope. If anyone disobeys us, I'll be the first to object."

"Yes, Director Lin, we will listen to you. We will do whatever you tell us to do."

"If anyone dares to cause trouble, I... I won't let them get away with it."

……

Everyone expressed their opinions, their faces filled with eagerness and hope.

Lin Xiao was genuinely pleased about this. The results of his door-to-door survey were finally showing. This was the power of the masses. Once the trust of the masses was won, the success rate of the project would be greatly increased.

Seeing how much the villagers trusted Lin Xiao, He Saihua was happy, but there seemed to be a hint of disappointment mixed in with it.

In the afternoon, Lin Xiao led Guan Tong and the others to inspect the fields and forests. After sweating profusely, Guan Tong and the others gained a thorough understanding of the soil and environment in Songmao Village for growing medicinal herbs.

Around five o'clock, the inspection officially ended, and the group drove back to the county town, going directly to Changxing Restaurant, where Deputy County Head Chu Mingjing was already waiting.

During the banquet, everyone toasted and enjoyed themselves immensely.

After several rounds of drinks, Guan Tong, emboldened by the alcohol, unabashedly took Lin Xiao's hand and said, "Xiao Lin, I'll report to the company as soon as I get back and get the investment settled as quickly as possible."

"Thank you, Director Guan."

Lin Xiao tried to break free with a little force, but found that Guan Tong's grip on his hand tightened, leaving him with no choice but to show a helpless expression.

Not only that, Guan Tong also pulled Lin Xiao over to Chu Mingjing and kept praising Lin Xiao, saying that he was a rare talent.

After finally getting Guan Tong back to her room to rest with her two subordinates, Chu Mingjing smiled and said to Lin Xiao, "Little Lin, it seems that Director Guan has been completely won over by you. This matter is settled."

Lin Xiao, a little tipsy, exclaimed excitedly, "This is all thanks to the leaders! Without their intervention, this wouldn't have happened, hehe..."

Chu Mingjing smiled and said, "No matter what, you deserve the most credit for this. Once the pilot project shows results and the county invites Secretary Wang to inspect it, your contribution will be undeniable and no one can take it away."

"Thank you, County Chief Chu. You've had quite a bit to drink tonight, so please get some rest."

"The same to you."

After saying goodbye, Lin Xiao was about to go to the nearby food street to buy some late-night snacks to take back to Liang Pan. Liang Pan had accompanied him throughout the daytime inspection, but Lin Xiao had not allowed him to attend the evening's drinking party, which made Liang Pan somewhat resentful.

Just then, a familiar voice called out to him from behind. Turning around, he asked in confusion, "Sister Hua, why haven't you gone back yet? Didn't I see you get on the bus?"

"I left my bag in the restroom, so I came back."

"Oh, I see. Well... how are you going to get back? I don't know if it'll be easy to get a taxi right now."

"Let's wait and see. You must have something to do. You go ahead and do your thing. I'll be there in a bit." Lin Xiao looked hesitant.

Today, He Saihua was dressed in a youthful and charming way, her cheeks flushed slightly from the alcohol, making her exceptionally attractive.

"Or you could..."

"No need, no need, I'll wait a bit, you go ahead and do your thing."

He Saihua interrupted Lin Xiao directly. She didn't even know what Lin Xiao was going to say, but she felt that doing so was the best thing to do.

Lin Xiao didn't say anything more, just gestured for her to call if anything happened, and walked straight out the door.

He Saihua watched Lin Xiao's departing figure until it disappeared from sight before she looked away.