Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

The output value of tea is expected to exceed 50 million, edible fungi 30 million, and Chinese medicinal herbs 20 million.

Farmers' per capita income is expected to exceed 2,000 yuan, an increase of 40 percent over last year.

What pleased him even more was the improvement in education and healthcare. Ten newly built village primary schools were put into use, the county hospital introduced a CT scanner, and the township health centers completed their renovations.

That evening, Gu Mingyuan wrote in his notebook: The changes in Liping are visible and tangible. But that's not enough; they need to be faster and better.

In late September, an inspection team from the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department quietly arrived in Liping.

The team was led by Zhao Zhiqiang, the director of the Second Cadre Division, a stern-faced middle-aged man.

The inspection lasted three days and followed a strict procedure: individual interviews, democratic evaluation, on-site visits, and document review.

Gu Mingyuan followed the rules to avoid the situation, but he couldn't help feeling nervous.

This is a comprehensive review of his work over the past year, and it will affect the team reshuffle in October.

The inspection team interviewed a wide range of people, including members of the leadership team, township secretaries, department heads, representatives of retired cadres, and representatives of the masses.

The issues were also very detailed: Gu Mingyuan's work ability, work style, integrity and self-discipline, and public support...

On the afternoon of the third day, Zhao Zhiqiang proposed to conduct random interviews with the public.

He didn't notify the county government, but took only two staff members with him, and they took a tricycle to wander around the county town.

He walked into a tea shop and asked, "Boss, how's business?"

The shop owner, a middle-aged man, greeted us warmly: "Great! Our Liping tea is famous now!"

"I heard that County Head Gu has done a lot for the tea industry?"

"Of course!" the shop owner exclaimed excitedly.

"Without County Chief Gu, our tea would still be stuck in the mountains, unable to be sold. He helped us find sales channels, hire experts, and register our brand. Look at this packaging; he designed it all."

Have you met County Magistrate Gu?

"I've met him several times. Once he came to the store and asked me what difficulties I was facing. I said the logistics costs were high, and he immediately called the transportation bureau, and they actually lowered the shipping fees." The store owner gave a thumbs up.

"A county magistrate like this is a rare find!"

Zhao Zhiqiang then went to the farmers' market, bus station, and school, randomly asking more than 20 people.

The feedback received was highly consistent: County Head Gu is pragmatic, approachable, and capable.

That evening, before the inspection team left, Zhao Zhiqiang met with Gu Mingyuan.

"County Chief Gu, we've heard a lot of things during these three days of inspection." Zhao Zhiqiang rarely showed a smile.

"Overall, the evaluation is very high. The masses approve of it, the cadres are convinced of it, the team is united, and the achievements are remarkable."

"Thank you, Director Zhao, but we haven't done enough."

"No need to be so modest." Zhao Zhiqiang closed his notebook.

"The Provincial Party Committee attaches great importance to the training of young cadres. Your performance in Liping has been noticed by the leaders. You should be prepared for the adjustment in October."

Although the words were phrased subtly, the meaning was clear.

After seeing the inspection team off, Gu Mingyuan knew that the crucial moment had arrived.

In early October, the atmosphere at the county party committee standing committee meeting was somewhat delicate.

With Secretary Zhou Haitao about to retire, the question of who will succeed him is a matter of great concern.

Gu Mingyuan continued working as always, attending meetings and going to the countryside as required.

But he could sense that the way people looked at him had become more complex—expectant, hesitant, and complicated.

On October 8th, Zhou Haitao spoke with Gu Mingyuan.

The old Party Secretary's office was simple and unpretentious, with a map of Liping hanging on the wall, marked with red pen.

"Mingyuan, sit down." Zhou Haitao made a cup of tea.

"We've worked together for a year and it went very well. I'm getting old, it's time for me to retire. The future of Liping depends on you young people."

"Secretary Zhou, you are very experienced, and I still have a lot to learn from you."

"Experience can sometimes be a burden," Zhou Haitao waved his hand.

"I've been doing this for over thirty years, and I've become conservative and timid. Liping hasn't changed much in recent years, and I bear responsibility for that. Your arrival has brought a fresh atmosphere, and I'm happy to see that."

He walked to the map: "Mingyuan, what are your thoughts if you were to take over as secretary?"

Gu Mingyuan stood up and walked to the map: "Secretary Zhou, I plan to proceed in three steps. First, consolidate the foundation by making transportation, industry, and people's livelihood more robust. Second, expand openness by integrating Liping into the overall development of the province and attracting more resources. Third, plan for the long term by developing education, cultivating talent, and laying the foundation for Liping's sustainable development."

"Specifically?"

"Build a fast passage from Liping to the provincial highway and strive for a railway to pass through the area. Construct a modern agricultural industrial park and cultivate leading enterprises. Improve high school education so that children have more career options." Gu Mingyuan's gaze was firm.

"I want to spend five years to completely lift Liping out of poverty and make it a model for development in mountainous areas."

Zhou Haitao's eyes lit up: "Good! That's ambitious! Mingyuan, I support you. I'm at ease leaving Liping in your hands."

On October 15, the Municipal Party Committee held a Standing Committee meeting to study the adjustment plan for the leadership team in Liping.

Pei Yihong chaired the meeting.

Organization Minister Zhou Wenming reported: "Based on the investigation, we recommend that Comrade Gu Mingyuan be appointed as the Secretary of the Liping County Party Committee, and Comrade Liu Zhijun as the County Head. Comrade Gu Mingyuan is politically steadfast, highly capable, has a solid work style, and enjoys a good mass base, thus meeting the promotion criteria."

After discussion, the Standing Committee members unanimously approved it.

Pei Yihong concluded by saying, "Comrade Gu Mingyuan is the youngest county party secretary in the province. This is a sign of the organization's trust, and even more so, a heavy responsibility. I hope he will remain humble and prudent, continue his efforts, and build Liping into an even better place."

On October 18, the appointment document was officially issued.

When the news reached Liping, the cadres and the masses reacted enthusiastically.

Everyone felt that this was a logical and expected outcome.

When Gu Mingyuan received the document, he was inspecting highway construction in Yunwu Township.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Wang grasped his hand and said, "Secretary Gu, congratulations! You must lead us to continue this work!"

"Don't worry, sir. The roads will continue to be repaired, the industries will continue to develop, and Liping will get better and better."

Upon returning to the county committee, the members of the leadership team offered their congratulations.

Gu Mingyuan convened the first county party secretary's office meeting and said, "Comrades, our positions have changed, and our responsibilities are heavier. I still maintain that we are here to get things done, not to become officials. I hope everyone will continue to support me as always, and together we will do a good job in Liping."

Liu Zhijun stated, "Secretary Gu, I will definitely cooperate fully and be a good assistant."

On October 20th, a county-wide cadre meeting was held.

Zhou Haitao has officially stepped down, and Gu Mingyuan has taken over as county party secretary.

At the meeting, Gu Mingyuan made a brief speech: "Today, I took the baton from Secretary Zhou and feel a great sense of responsibility. Liping is at a critical stage of development, and we cannot stop, much less retreat."

"I promise everyone: First, we will continue to uphold the principle that development is for the people, and all our work will be based on the satisfaction of the masses. Second, we will continue to adhere to the principle of developing the county through hard work, avoiding formalism and superficiality. Third, we will continue to uphold the principle of unity and hard work, with the leadership team and the people working together to create a better future for Liping."

The applause lasted for a long time.

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan returned to his office.

Outside the window, the autumn sun in Liping is warm and bright.

He stood by the window, looking at the small town that was changing, his heart filled with pride.

The transition from county head to party secretary is not merely a change in position, but a sublimation of responsibility.

He has to be responsible for the 400,000 people of Liping and for the future of this land.

The phone rang; it was Pei Yihong.