Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Although he reacted quickly, emphasizing Ningchuan's economic size and the potential demand for airport construction, he was ultimately unprepared and his arguments were not as thorough and detailed as those of Pingzhou.

In his summary, the provincial party committee's top leader, while not making an immediate decision, clearly stated: "The airport project proposed by Pingzhou has significant strategic importance, a good concept, and solid preliminary work. The province supports it in principle. We request the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee and Government to continue to deepen their research and submit the application to the relevant national ministries and commissions as soon as possible according to procedures. The province will actively coordinate to strive for early project approval."

These words clearly indicate that the balance of power in the province has shifted significantly in favor of Pingzhou.

After the meeting, Zhao Anbang looked grave. As he shook hands with Pei Yihong, he said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Secretary Yihong, you made this move quickly and ruthlessly! You kept it from us for so long."

Pei Yihong laughed heartily: "Secretary Anbang, it's about developing competition and positive interaction. We were forced into this approach."

Zhao Anbang's gaze swept over Gu Mingyuan behind Pei Yihong, and he said thoughtfully, "I heard that this brilliant idea came from your young secretary, Gu?"

Pei Yihong didn't hide anything and patted Gu Mingyuan on the shoulder: "Comrade Mingyuan has indeed done a lot of in-depth thinking and research."

Zhao Ankun gave Gu Mingyuan a deep look, his gaze complex, containing scrutiny, admiration, and a hint of barely perceptible regret.

This young man's name was imprinted so deeply in his mind for the first time.

The province's explicit support was like a shot in the arm for the Pingzhou Airport project.

The project's progress has accelerated further. Under Pei Yihong's personal command and coordination, the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee and Government mobilized all available resources and launched a final push with relevant national ministries and commissions.

Gu Mingyuan, as a key figure in liaison and material support, was extremely busy.

He accompanied city leaders on several trips to Beijing, shuttling between departments such as the National Development and Reform Commission, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and the Ministry of Land and Resources to deliver materials, give reports, and communicate information.

His calm and capable style and clear and accurate expression left a good impression on many ministry officials and also helped him accumulate valuable high-level connections.

Hard work pays off.

In late April, exciting news came from Beijing: after fierce competition and rigorous review, and taking into account factors such as location, conditions, and preliminary work, the ministry officially approved in principle the construction of a civil airport project in Pingzhou, including it as a key project, and required Pingzhou to complete the final feasibility study as soon as possible, secure funding, and start detailed design.

When the news reached Pingzhou, the entire city was in an uproar!

This means that Pingzhou has achieved a decisive victory in this crucial competition with Ningchuan!

Pingzhou Airport has officially moved from a bold concept to reality!

The Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee held a grand summary and commendation meeting.

At the meeting, Secretary Pei Yihong spoke with great enthusiasm, comprehensively summarizing the experiences and achievements in securing the airport project. When discussing the project's origins, he generously praised Gu Mingyuan:

"Here, I would like to give special mention to Comrade Gu Mingyuan. It was he who, with his keen strategic vision and solid research skills, first systematically proposed the idea of ​​building Pingzhou Airport and produced a high-quality decision-making reference report."

"During the subsequent efforts to secure the project, he worked diligently and responsibly, playing an indispensable and crucial role! This fully demonstrates that our Pingzhou cadre team is intelligent, decisive, and capable of winning tough battles! Comrade Gu Mingyuan is an outstanding representative of our young cadres!"

As soon as Pei Yihong finished speaking, enthusiastic applause rang out in the hall.

All eyes were on Gu Mingyuan, who was sitting in the back row recording area.

Envy, admiration, praise... all sorts of gazes intertwined.

Everyone knew that with such a great achievement, Gu Mingyuan would surely rise rapidly in rank and soar to great heights.

Gu Mingyuan stood up, bowed slightly to his leaders and colleagues, his face calm, but his heart was in turmoil.

He knew that this honor belonged to Secretary Pei's decisive decision, to the joint efforts of all his colleagues in the project team, and to his family who had silently supported him behind the scenes.

After this battle, Gu Mingyuan rose to prominence in Pingzhou's political arena.

He was labeled with a variety of titles, including "Secretary Pei Yihong's favorite general", "the first person to conceive of Pingzhou Airport", and "a young talent with strategic vision".

He was no longer just an ordinary secretary to the municipal party secretary, but was regarded as a rising political star in Pingzhou City.

Gu Mingyuan was thrilled by his career advancement, but it also made him feel increasingly guilty towards his family.

Chung Hsiao-ai is now in her third month of pregnancy. Although her pregnancy symptoms have lessened, she is more prone to fatigue and needs care.

He himself is busy with work and often leaves early and returns late, so he is unable to spend enough time with his wife.

One weekend evening at the end of April, Gu Mingyuan, who rarely didn't work overtime, looked at Zhong Xiaoai leaning against the sofa and made a decision in his heart.

"Xiao Ai." He sat down next to his wife and took her hand.

"I spoke with my parents on the phone and wanted to ask them to come and stay with you for a while to take care of you. I'm very busy with work here and I'm really worried about leaving you alone at home."

Zhong Xiaoai paused for a moment. Being independent by nature, she didn't want to trouble the elderly: "No need, I can manage on my own. My parents are used to living in our hometown; they might not adapt well here."

"No, this time you have to listen to me." Gu Mingyuan's attitude was firm.

"You're going through a special time right now and need someone to take care of you. I get so busy that I can't take care of the family. What if you're not feeling well and there's no one around? Your parents know your situation and really want to come and take care of you. I've already talked to them, and they're happy to come."

Seeing the concern and exhaustion in her husband's eyes, Zhong Xiaoai's heart softened, and she nodded: "Okay, then thank you for your trouble, Mom and Dad. Actually... I feel more at ease with them around."

Gu Mingyuan smiled with relief: "Then it's settled. I'll make the arrangements tomorrow and get the room next door ready. They should be able to arrive next week."

With his worries resolved, Gu Mingyuan felt much more relaxed.

He knew that a stable family was his strongest support in his struggles.

The arrival of his parents not only allows them to take better care of Zhong Xiaoai, but also brings more warmth and life to their little home, and soothes his weary soul.

Standing on the balcony of his new home, gazing at the dazzling night view of Pingzhou, Gu Mingyuan was filled with excitement.

For him, the spring of 1993 was a season of sowing and reaping.

The successful acquisition of the airport project laid a solid foundation for his career in Pingzhou and earned him Pei Yihong's complete trust and higher expectations.

However, he knew perfectly well that this was just the beginning.

From project initiation to completion and opening to traffic, the airport still has a long way to go, and the journey is full of challenges.

As for himself, he will inevitably face more complex situations and greater challenges as his work progresses.