Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Director Wang Jianguo was from the same hometown as Gu Mingyuan and was exceptionally hospitable.

"Mingyuan, there aren't many people from Lincheng who can become county magistrates, you're doing a great job!" Wang Jianguo said, looking at the products.

"In this way, our supply and marketing cooperative has more than 300 outlets throughout the province, and we can set up a special counter in Liping. You guarantee the quality, and we guarantee the sales channels."

"That's wonderful! Director Wang, you've done Liping a huge favor!"

The third stop was the largest supermarket in the provincial capital, Hualian Supermarket.

The purchasing manager looked at the samples, tasted the tea, and nodded: "The quality is acceptable, but the packaging needs improvement to suit modern consumer habits."

"We'll improve it right away!" Gu Mingyuan immediately called back to the county and asked them to redesign the packaging.

In three days, Gu Mingyuan visited eight departments and five companies, and signed seven cooperation agreements.

On the way back to Liping, he was tired but excited.

Secretary Chen said, "County Magistrate, this time the gains have been enormous!"

"This is just the beginning." Gu Mingyuan looked out the car window.

"With sales channels secured, the next step is to focus on production, quality, and branding. We want to make Liping's mountain delicacies a golden brand!"

On March 20, the Liping Agricultural Products Exhibition and Sales Center opened in the provincial capital.

Gu Mingyuan personally promoted the tea, saying, "Dear citizens, this is our Liping high-mountain cloud and mist tea, grown at an altitude of over 800 meters, pollution-free and purely natural..."

After tasting it, the citizens praised it highly: "Great tea! Fragrant and mellow!"

"These shiitake mushrooms are thick, flavorful, and better than those sold in the market!"

"Bamboo shoots are tender; they taste good no matter how they're cooked!"

On the opening day, sales exceeded 100,000 yuan.

Gu Mingyuan, during an on-site interview with the provincial television station, said, "Although Liping is remote, it boasts a beautiful environment and excellent products. We aim to transform our green mountains and clear waters into gold and silver mountains, enabling farmers to increase their income and achieve prosperity right at their doorsteps!"

The program received a warm response after it aired.

Orders are coming in from all over the province.

Grandpa Wang, a tea farmer from Yunwu Township, called Gu Mingyuan: "County Head, our tea is sold out! The price is double what it was last year! The villagers all say you're a lucky star for Liping!"

"Grandpa, the lucky star is yourselves. It is your hard work that has produced such good tea," Gu Mingyuan said sincerely.

"We must continue our efforts, ensure quality, and build a strong brand!"

On March 25th, Gu Mingyuan received a letter from the capital.

It was written by my father-in-law, Chung Cheng-kuo:

"Mingyuan: I'm very pleased to see your interview on the provincial TV station."

"You have taken root in the grassroots, worked diligently and pragmatically, and turned Liping's resources into wealth. This is true governance for the people."

"But we must also be aware that rapid development can bring more problems. We need to proceed steadily and surely to ensure sustainable development."

"Also, I heard you often work overtime until late at night. Please take care of your health. Xiao Ai and Peng Peng need you, and the people of Liping need you too. Take care of yourself so you can do more. Father: Zhong Zhengguo"

Gu Mingyuan read it several times, his eyes welling up with tears.

He carefully put the letter away and called Zhong Zhengguo back: "Dad, I received the letter. I will keep your teachings in mind. I will take care of my health and maintain a good pace of development. Please rest assured."

"Okay. Also, there's a poverty alleviation work conference at the central government next month. I suggest you compile the experience from Liping; you might have a chance to speak about it."

"Thank you, Dad! I'll get ready right away!"

April 5th, the Qingming Festival.

Gu Mingyuan led the county leadership team to pay respects at the revolutionary martyrs' cemetery.

Standing before the monument, he said, "Comrades, our revolutionary martyrs sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the people. Today, we carry on their legacy to ensure that the people of Liping live a good life. This is the responsibility and mission of our generation."

After the ceremony, he received a call from the Municipal Party Committee Office: Secretary Pei Yihong will be coming to Liping for research next week.

Gu Mingyuan immediately made arrangements for preparations. But he instructed, "Don't engage in formalism; Secretary Pei wants to see the real Liping."

On April 10th, Pei Yihong visited Liping again.

This time, he went directly to the construction site, tea garden, and mushroom shed.

At the road construction site in Yunwu Township, he saw the people working enthusiastically and nodded with satisfaction: "The high level of enthusiasm among the people shows that your policies have won the hearts of the people."

At the tea plantation, he tasted the new tea: "Hmm, fragrant and mellow, it's good tea. How are the sales?"

"Supply cannot meet demand," Gu Mingyuan reported.

"This spring, tea farmers' income increased by an average of 50 percent."

"Great!" Pei Yihong gave a thumbs up.

"This is a real achievement!"

In the afternoon, Gu Mingyuan gave a comprehensive report in the county party committee meeting room.

"In the past six months, we have mainly done three things: First, we started transportation construction, starting 120 kilometers and completing 40 kilometers. Second, we developed specialty agriculture, with products such as tea, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots entering the provincial capital market. Third, we improved people's livelihoods, building and renovating ten village primary schools and expanding the county hospital..."

Pei Yihong listened attentively, asking questions from time to time.

Finally, he said, "Mingyuan, you've done an excellent job. I've seen the changes in Liping. The municipal party committee has decided to use Liping as a pilot area for county-level economic development, summarize the experience, and promote it throughout the city."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "However, I must also remind you to stay grounded in the face of good grades. I've heard some people have started calling you Gu Qingtian (a legendary upright official)?"

Gu Mingyuan was taken aback: "This... I've never heard of it."

"It's good that the masses love and respect us, but we must be wary of personality cults," Pei Yihong said seriously.

"Achievements are the result of collective effort, not your individual accomplishment. Always remain humble and avoid arrogance and complacency."

"Secretary Pei's teachings are correct; I will certainly pay attention."

"Furthermore, with rapid development comes complex interests. Be wary of people using your name for personal gain, and keep a close eye on those around you. This is for your own good, and also for the good of Liping."

"I understand. I have established strict rules and regulations, and no one may act in my name."

"Okay." Pei Yihong patted him on the shoulder. "I believe you can handle this. Do a good job, the municipal party committee fully supports you."

After seeing Pei Yihong off, Gu Mingyuan fell into deep thought.

The leader's reminder was timely.

It's easiest to lose sight of achievements.

He must always be vigilant and stay true to his original aspirations.

On April 20th, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Gao Yuliang.

"Mingyuan, I heard you're doing very well in Liping!"

"Professor Gao, you flatter me. It's all thanks to the organization's support and the people's encouragement."

"No need to be modest. Your tiered fundraising method and unique agricultural approach are very innovative. We also have impoverished counties in Lüzhou, and we'd like to organize cadres to go to Liping to learn from you. Would that be convenient for you?"

"Of course it's convenient! We welcome Professor Gao and colleagues from Lüzhou to come and provide guidance!"

"Then it's settled. I'll lead the team to the training camp next month. By the way, have you heard about Qi Tongwei's situation?"

Gu Mingyuan's heart tightened: "I've heard some things. How is he now?"

"The conditions at the Guyingling Judicial Office were very difficult. But he was very strong, worked very hard, and helped the people resolve many disputes," Gao Yuliang sighed.

"What a pity for this child. If only... sigh, never mind. I'm very pleased to see how well you've developed. Keep up the good work and bring honor to your alma mater!"