Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"Governor Pei, I understand."

"With honor comes greater responsibility."

"It's good that you understand this." Pei Yihong paused.

"The province strongly supports the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties."

"Secretary Liu Huanzhang specifically instructed that special policies should be given to Liping."

"Eight departments, including the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Provincial Department of Finance, and the Provincial Department of Agriculture, have formed a joint support team, which will be stationed in the county to provide guidance after the Spring Festival."

Gu Mingyuan's heart leaped with joy: "Thank you so much! With such support from the province, we have even more confidence."

"But Mingyuan, there's something else I need to tell you," Pei Yihong said in a low voice.

"If you can lead Liping to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties in 1997, you may have a great opportunity for personal development next year."

"This is just the initial planning stage. Just keep it in mind and don't tell anyone else."

Gu Mingyuan was startled, but quickly calmed down: "Governor Pei, no matter what the future holds, all I want to do right now is to do my job well in Liping."

"Becoming one of the top 100 counties is the expectation of the 400,000 people of Liping, and it is a task I must accomplish."

"Good! It's good that you have this kind of composure," Pei Yihong praised.

"Keep up the good work, I'm waiting for your good news."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan stood by the window, gazing at the night view of Liping, remaining silent for a long time.

Personal development opportunities?

He certainly understood what this meant.

But he knew even better that Liping's cause was just beginning, and the people's trust was hard-won.

Wherever he goes in the future, his time in Liping will always be his most precious treasure.

December 30th, the last day of 1996.

Gu Mingyuan presided over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee, which formally approved the "Action Plan for Liping County to Strive to Become One of the Top 100 Counties in 1997".

The plan details 36 specific tasks in eight areas, including industrial development, project construction, investment attraction, and improvement of people's livelihoods. Each task clearly defines the responsible leader, responsible department, and completion deadline.

At the end of the meeting, Gu Mingyuan said: "Comrades, 1996 is about to pass. In this year, we created the Liping speed and won recognition from all sides."

"But all achievements belong to the past. Starting tomorrow, we will embark on a new journey to become one of the top 100 counties!"

He stood up, his gaze resolute: "1997 was the year of decisive battle for Liping."

"We will use a year of hard work to realize the dreams of several generations."

"There is never any castle in the air, nor can we ignore the merits of the first two bowls of rice just because we are full after the third bowl."

"Our rapid economic rise is thanks to the solid foundation laid by the older generation."

"Now, we must seize the opportunity, let quantitative changes lead to qualitative changes, and achieve our goals."

"It's difficult, it's tough, it's exhausting."

"But I believe that as long as we unite as one and work hard, Liping can definitely succeed!"

"Liping can definitely do it!" the Standing Committee members echoed in unison.

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan did not go home, but went to the construction site of the third phase of the industrial park.

The place is brightly lit, and workers are working through the night.

When the project manager saw Gu Mingyuan arrive, he quickly went to greet him: "Secretary Gu, what brings you here so late?"

"I've come to see everyone and welcome the new year." Gu Mingyuan walked into the construction site and shook hands with the workers one by one.

"Comrades, you've worked hard! On behalf of the county party committee and the county government, I thank you all!"

The workers were very excited: "Secretary Gu, we're not working hard! You're working much harder than us!"

"I heard that Liping is aiming to be among the top 100 counties next year, so we'll definitely work overtime to ensure the project is completed on time!"

Gu Mingyuan's eyes welled up with tears: "Thank you everyone! With your enthusiasm, how can Liping not become prosperous and strong!"

At 11:59 p.m., Gu Mingyuan stood on a high point at the construction site, looking out over Liping County.

The New Year's bells rang in the distance, and dazzling fireworks bloomed in the night sky.

1997 arrived.

The push to become one of the top 100 counties has begun.

In January 1997, the winter in Liping was exceptionally cold, but the development boom was in full swing.

During the New Year's Day holiday, Gu Mingyuan only rested for one day before throwing himself back into his busy work.

On January 3, the command center for the year of striving to become one of the top 100 counties officially began operation.

Five special teams work together in one office, with daily scheduling, weekly reports, and monthly assessments.

Gu Mingyuan demanded: "All progress must be posted on the wall, all data must be made public, and all responsibilities must be assigned to specific individuals."

On January 5, a joint provincial support team arrived in Liping, with 20 cadres from eight departments stationed in the county to provide guidance.

Gu Mingyuan chaired the meeting: "Experts from the province have come. We must learn humbly and work diligently."

"We cannot wait for handouts; we must take initiative."

On January 10, the third phase of the industrial park completed equipment installation ahead of schedule and began commissioning.

At the scene, Gu Mingyuan announced: "On the eighth day of the first lunar month, we will hold a production launch ceremony here. This is a New Year's gift to all the people of the county!"

On January 15th, the tea processing plant received good news: it had signed a three-year supply contract with a Japanese trading company, totaling 50 million yuan.

This is the largest foreign trade order in Liping's history.

The news sent a wave of excitement throughout the county.

At the signing ceremony, Gu Mingyuan said, "This is not just an order, but also the result of our hard work."

"We want to use the best products to pay tribute to our hard work and enhance the brand of Liping Mountain Delicacies."

January 20th, the twelfth day of the twelfth lunar month, the festive atmosphere of the New Year is gradually getting stronger.

Gu Mingyuan began arranging various tasks before the Spring Festival.

His first thought was still for people in need.

"County Chief Liu, the Spring Festival greetings must cover everyone; no household or individual should be missed," Gu Mingyuan emphasized at the poverty alleviation meeting.

"Special attention should be paid to elderly people living alone, left-behind children, and families with disabled members."

Liu Zhijun reported: "It's all arranged. All county and township officials have gone down, and the condolence money and New Year's gifts have been delivered."

"Okay, I'll go to a few households myself."

Over the next three days, Gu Mingyuan visited more than 20 impoverished families in eight townships.

In Qingshi Township, he visited the Li family, who had fallen into poverty due to illness.

Last year, Mr. Li was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The surgery cost him all his savings, and his son was injured while working away from home, leaving the family destitute.

Gu Mingyuan delivered a donation to him and contacted the county hospital to apply for medical assistance for him.

"Uncle Li, please take good care of yourself. The government will help you with your medical expenses."

"Once I recover, I can do some light work at the farm. I'll have an income and someone to take care of me."

Old Man Li wept uncontrollably: "Secretary Gu, you are our family's greatest benefactor! Without you, I would have died long ago..."

"Don't say that, this is what we should do." Gu Mingyuan held his hand.

"Things will get better, you must have faith."

In Baiyan Township, he visited Xiaofang, a left-behind child.

Xiaofang's parents both work away from home and haven't been back for three years. She lives with her grandmother.

Gu Mingyuan brought a new schoolbag and new clothes, and also brought a cell phone: "Xiaofang, use this phone to call your parents and tell them that everything is fine at home, so they can rest assured."

Xiao Fang timidly took the phone and dialed that familiar number.

When she heard her mother's voice, she burst into tears: "Mommy, Uncle Gu came to see us and brought us so many things... I missed you all..."

I could hear crying coming from the other end of the phone.

Gu Mingyuan's eyes welled up with tears. After they had finished talking, he took the phone: "Xiaofang's mother, this is Gu Mingyuan."

"You can work outside with peace of mind. The government and your fellow villagers will take care of you back home."

"Once the road is repaired and there are more job opportunities, you can come back, earn money right at your doorstep, and watch your children grow up."

"Thank you, Secretary Gu, thank you..." The person on the other end of the phone was sobbing uncontrollably.

At the end of the visit, Gu Mingyuan felt heavy-hearted.

Yes, Liping is developing, but there are still many people in difficulty.

The fruits of development should benefit everyone, especially those who need help the most.

Those who get rich first must help those who are still poor. If some are unwilling to do so, the government will help them to do so.