Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Gu Mingyuan said sincerely, "Secretary Pei, wherever you are, you will always be my former leader. I will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations."

"Good! It's good that you have the intention." Pei Yihong said with satisfaction.

"Don't worry, I've already nominated the next municipal party secretary. He's one of my old subordinates and will definitely continue to support your work."

"On the one hand, he's one of our own; on the other hand, no one can refuse the achievement of being among the top 100 counties—everyone wants to improve."

With Pei Yihong's support, Gu Mingyuan became even more confident.

Upon returning to Liping, he immediately convened a county-wide cadre meeting to formally announce the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties.

At the meeting, he explained the implementation plan in detail, broke down the goals and tasks, and clarified the division of responsibilities.

"Comrades, becoming one of the top 100 counties is not a dream, but it requires our hard work."

"From today onwards, the entire county must unite as one, think in the same direction, and work together towards the same goal."

"Anyone who holds Liping back is a sinner!"

The cadres were in high spirits.

Yes, having a goal gives you direction and motivation.

In January 1996, Liping embarked on a new journey with a completely new look.

Gu Mingyuan became even busier.

During the day, he runs around projects, visits companies, and discusses cooperation; at night, he studies policies, devises ideas, and writes plans.

I often get home late at night, and my son is already asleep. I can only gently kiss his little face.

Zhong Xiaoai felt sorry for him, but she knew she couldn't persuade him otherwise, so she could only be more considerate in his daily life.

On January 15th, Gu Mingyuan took samples of agricultural products from Liping to the provincial capital again.

This time, the goal is clearer: to secure provincial support, connect with large enterprises, and attract major projects.

At the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, he met with Deputy Director Liu Rui.

"Mingyuan! You're a big celebrity now!" Liu Rui said enthusiastically.

"The news of Liping being removed from the list of poverty-stricken counties has spread throughout the province."

"The vice governor specifically praised you at the meeting."

"Director Liu, you flatter me. I'm here today to ask you for a favor."

Gu Mingyuan got straight to the point, stating the goals of becoming one of the top 100 counties and the matters requiring support.

After listening, Liu Rui said seriously, "Mingyuan, your idea is very bold."

"The province is implementing a county-level economic doubling plan, and Liping can apply to become a pilot county."

What policies apply to the pilot counties?

"Funding support, project priority, and policy assistance. If the application is successful, there will be at least 50 million yuan in special funds every year."

"Great! We'll apply right away!"

"However, the competition is fierce, with more than 20 counties across the province vying for it, so you need to be prepared."

"Competition is the driving force, and I have faith in the people of Liping."

At the Provincial Department of Commerce, Gu Mingyuan met with Director Li Jun.

Li Jun was deeply impressed by Liping's agricultural products: "Secretary Gu, your Liping mountain delicacies are now very famous in the provincial capital, and many supermarkets have set up special counters for them."

"Thank you for your support, Director Li. We would like to further expand our sales and enter markets outside the province."

"I can help with that. There's a national agricultural products fair next month, and I can reserve a booth for you."

Thank you so much!

"But Secretary Gu, I heard you're aiming to become one of the top 100 counties?" Li Jun asked curiously.

"Yes, a two-year goal."

"That's bold! I support you. The Department of Commerce can help you attract foreign investment and connect with the international market."

"Thank you, Director Li!"

In one week, Gu Mingyuan visited eight government departments, met with more than twenty leaders, and signed more than a dozen cooperation agreements.

The harvest was plentiful, but I was also exhausted.

He fell asleep in the car on the way back to Liping.

Looking at the secretary's tired face, Secretary Chen thought to himself: This is the leader of Liping. He is really working hard for the development of Liping.

On January 20, the Liping County Party Committee passed the "Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of Liping County".

The document was sent to various townships and departments, and the cadres and the masses responded enthusiastically.

With goals and plans in place, everyone's enthusiasm has increased.

On January 25th, good news came from the province: Liping was selected as a pilot county for the county-level economic doubling plan!

A special fund of 50 million yuan will be allocated annually for three consecutive years.

When the news arrived, everyone in Liping was overjoyed.

At a meeting of the county party committee standing committee, Gu Mingyuan said, "Comrades, the support from the province is both a driving force and a pressure. We must make good use of this money, achieve tangible results, and live up to the expectations of the province."

He outlined a funding plan: 40 percent for infrastructure construction, 30 percent for industrial support, 20 percent for improving people's livelihoods, and 10 percent for attracting talent.

"Every penny must be spent wisely, and every penny must yield results."

On January 30, Liping signed a strategic cooperation agreement with a large enterprise group in the provincial capital.

The group plans to invest 200 million yuan to build a modern agricultural industrial park in Liping, creating a complete industrial chain from planting to processing to sales.

At the signing ceremony, Gu Mingyuan said, "What we are signing today is not just a contract, but also trust and hope."

"Liping will provide the best service to ensure the smooth implementation of the project."

The group's chairman remarked with emotion, "We chose Liping not only because of its resources, but also because of its business environment and because of a leader like Secretary Gu who dares to think big and act decisively."

February 1st, the 13th 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 for people in need.

"County Chief Li, how are the arrangements for the Spring Festival greetings going?"

"Everything has been arranged. All county and township officials have gone down to ensure that every impoverished household can receive relief funds and New Year's goods."

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

Gu Mingyuan went to the most remote mountain village in Qingshi Township to visit Grandma Wang, who was paralyzed in bed, and brought her a gift of money and New Year's goods.

Grandma Wang held his hand, tears streaming down her face, "Secretary Gu, you're a good official! My son went out to work and hasn't come back for three years. If it weren't for the government's help, I would have..."

"Grandma, don't worry, the government will always take care of you. Once the road is repaired, it will be easier for your son to come back."

"Thank you, thank you..."

In Yunwu Township, Gu Mingyuan visited impoverished households in the tea cooperative.

Tea farmer Uncle Li spent more than 30,000 yuan on medical treatment last year, leaving his family destitute.

Gu Mingyuan sent him a donation and contacted the county hospital to apply for critical illness assistance for him.

"Uncle Li, take good care of yourself and get well soon. Once you're better, you can continue growing tea. The cooperative will help manage your tea garden for now."

"Secretary Gu, I will never forget your immense kindness..."

In one day, Gu Mingyuan visited five households, and each one left him with a heavy heart.

Yes, although Liping has been removed from the list of impoverished areas, there are still many people living in poverty.

The road to poverty alleviation is still long.

On February 5th, the 17th day of the twelfth lunar month, Gu Mingyuan presided over the last Standing Committee meeting before the festival.

"Comrades, the Spring Festival is approaching. I want to emphasize a few things: First, ensure safe production and prevent any accidents. Second, care about people's lives and ensure everyone has a good New Year. Third, maintain integrity during the festival and strictly prohibit the use of public funds for meals and gifts."

He emphasized, "Our cadres must take the lead in maintaining integrity and self-discipline. Anyone who defies the rules at this time will not be tolerated by me, Gu Mingyuan!"

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan began preparing to go home for the Chinese New Year.

This is his first Spring Festival since arriving in Liping, and he is going to take his wife and children back to his hometown of Lincheng.

Zhong Xiaoai had already packed her luggage, two large suitcases filled with gifts for her relatives.