Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Power is a double-edged sword. If used well, it can benefit the people; if used poorly, it can harm others and oneself.

If Liang Lu really used her public power to suppress Qi Tongwei because of personal feelings, this has already violated basic principles.

"I must not become that kind of person," Gu Mingyuan made up his mind.

No matter what position you hold in the future, you must uphold the bottom line and exercise power fairly.

In late June, the pilot program for state-owned enterprise reform entered a crucial stage.

Of the five pilot enterprises, four have made smooth progress, but the bankruptcy reorganization of Pingzhou Chemical Plant has encountered obstacles.

A company from out of town suddenly offered to buy the chemical plant's land and equipment at a low price, but was unwilling to take on too many employees.

If this plan is accepted, at least half of the employees will lose their jobs.

Upon hearing the news, the employees became agitated and gathered at the factory gate to demand an explanation.

Gu Mingyuan arrived at the scene immediately.

Faced with angry employees, he did not call the police, but instead moved a chair and sat down among them.

"Masters, I know what you're worried about."

"I'm worried about losing my job, I'm worried about not having enough to eat."

"I'm here today to make a promise to everyone: no matter who acquires the company, the employee resettlement plan will not change!"

"Those who should retire early should retire early, those who should undergo retraining should undergo retraining, and those who should go to the new factory should go to the new factory."

"This promise is written in black and white in the contract, and I, Gu Mingyuan, guarantee it with my personal integrity!"

His sincerity touched the employees.

As everyone calmed down, they agreed to negotiate with the new company.

The negotiations lasted for three days and three nights.

As a government representative, Gu Mingyuan faced immense pressure, having to both protect the interests of employees and push for a successful restructuring.

Finally, through his mediation, both parties reached an agreement: the new company would acquire the assets at a reasonable price, commit to taking in 70% of the employees, and the remaining employees would be properly resettled by the re-employment service center. The government would provide the new company with certain tax breaks in exchange for its commitment to employee resettlement.

On the night the agreement was signed, Gu Mingyuan was so exhausted that he almost collapsed.

But he knew that only after passing this hurdle could the reform of the chemical plant truly be implemented.

At the end of June, Pei Yihong chaired a mid-term evaluation meeting on the pilot reform of state-owned enterprises.

At the meeting, the five pilot enterprises reported on their progress one by one.

Overall, the results were remarkable: pharmaceutical factory profits increased significantly, machinery factory output value steadily improved, textile factory transformation began to show results, electronics factory's mixed ownership system operated well, and chemical factory's bankruptcy reorganization was basically completed.

However, it also exposed some problems: the pressure of employee resettlement was high, the cost of reform exceeded expectations, and a few employees were unable to change their mindset...

In his concluding remarks, Pei Yihong fully affirmed the achievements of the reform pilot program and especially praised Gu Mingyuan: "Comrade Mingyuan has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the reform over the past six months and has done a great deal of arduous and meticulous work. Practice has proven that the municipal party committee's choice to put him in charge of this work was correct."

After the meeting, Pei Yihong called Gu Mingyuan to his office.

"Mingyuan, sit down." Pei Yihong's expression was more solemn than usual.

"You've done an excellent job in the pilot program for state-owned enterprise reform."

"This proves that you can not only manage projects, but also reforms."

"It can not only coordinate affairs, but also solve difficult problems."

"Your abilities have already exceeded the requirements for the position of deputy director of the municipal government office."

Gu Mingyuan felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that Pei Yihong had something to say.

"Secretary Pei, this is all thanks to your effective leadership and the collective efforts of the reform leading group."

"No need to be modest," Pei Yihong waved his hand.

"I've been thinking about a question lately: how should we cultivate young cadres with potential and ability like you?"

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the city outside: "Working in a government office can help me accumulate experience and broaden my horizons."

"But to truly grow, one must go to the grassroots, to the front lines, to the places where conflicts are most concentrated and problems are most complex."

"Only through the tempering of grassroots governance can cadres fully mature."

Gu Mingyuan understood Pei Yihong's meaning: "Secretary Pei, what you mean is..."

"What I mean is, you should go down and train." Pei Yihong turned around, his eyes shining.

"You're currently at the deputy division chief level; the next step is to promote you to division chief."

"According to convention, cadres at the division level should have extensive grassroots experience."

"If you go down now and serve a term as county head or party secretary, your path to promotion will be much wider."

"I will obey the organization's arrangements." Gu Mingyuan said without hesitation.

"Good!" Pei Yihong nodded in satisfaction.

"But there's no rush; we need to wait for the right time."

"In the second half of the year, the leadership teams in several counties and districts may be adjusted."

"I will consider your arrangements when the time comes."

He walked up to Gu Mingyuan and patted him on the shoulder: "Mingyuan, you are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you."

"Basic training is a necessary hurdle to overcome."

"There you will find the most authentic national conditions, the most vivid local customs, and the most complex contradictions."

"Only after experiencing these things can you truly understand what it means to govern for the people and what it means to take responsibility."

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Secretary Pei!" Gu Mingyuan was filled with gratitude.

It was already evening when I came out of the municipal party committee building.

The summer evening breeze caressed my face, bringing a touch of coolness.

Gu Mingyuan walked home, his mind filled with thoughts.

In just two years since graduating in 1992, he has risen from a staff member in the county party committee office to the deputy director of the municipal government office, participated in airport construction, promoted the reform of state-owned enterprises, and won the recognition of leaders and the people.

Now, a new journey is about to begin.

Governing at the grassroots level will be a completely different challenge.

But he wasn't afraid; on the contrary, he was full of anticipation.

He thought of his fellow villagers, the workers he met during his research, and the ordinary people who were looking forward to reform and development.

"I want to do more practical things for them," Gu Mingyuan secretly resolved.

Back home, Zhong Xiaoai was teaching Pengpeng to read.

The ten-month-old baby can already vaguely call out "daddy" and "mommy".

"Daddy's back!" Chung Hsiao-ai picked up the child.

Gu Mingyuan took his son and kissed his little face: "Pengpeng, Daddy might have to leave Pingzhou for a while to work in the county. Will you miss Daddy?"

"Dad... Dad..." the little guy mumbled, his little hands grabbing his face.

Zhong Xiaoai understood the unspoken meaning: "The organization wants you to be demoted?"

"Yes, Secretary Pei talked to me today and said that I should go to the grassroots level to gain experience."

Zhong Xiaoai was silent for a moment, then said firmly, "Go ahead, I support you. Wherever you go, Pengpeng and I will wait for you."

"Thank you." Gu Mingyuan hugged his wife.

"It's going to be hard on you again. The family will be relying on you while I'm away."

"What's so hard about it? You're working for the people, and I'm supporting you from behind. It's only right that I do it."

As night deepened, Gu Mingyuan stood on the balcony, gazing at the night view of Pingzhou.

This city bears witness to his hard work and the traces of his growth.

But soon, he will leave this place and go to a wider world.

In his heart, there was no sorrow of parting, only anticipation.

I look forward to doing more practical things for the people in my new position.

We look forward to being forged into even greater strength in the crucible of grassroots work.

I look forward to living up to this great era in the years to come.

In the summer of 1994, Gu Mingyuan stood at another crossroads in his life.

Ahead lies the challenging frontline; behind lies the trust of the organization and the support of family.

He took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming with determination.

A new journey is about to begin.