Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"Comrades, the Spring Festival is over, it's time to get back to work," Gu Mingyuan said bluntly.

"The target for becoming one of the top 100 counties has been announced; the key now is how to implement it. I asked the National Development and Reform Commission for a preliminary plan, and we'd like to discuss it together."

Wang Bin, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, opened the folder: "Based on Secretary Gu's requirements, we have formulated the 'Three-Year Action Plan for Liping County to Strive to Become One of the Top 100 Counties in China.' The overall approach is: lay the foundation in one year, achieve results in two years, and reach the goal in three years."

He gave a detailed report on the specific indicators: by 1998, the county's GDP reached 3 billion yuan, fiscal revenue reached 30 million yuan, and the per capita income of farmers reached 5000 yuan.

To achieve these goals, six major projects need to be implemented: transportation improvement project, industrial upgrading project, urban and rural construction project, livelihood improvement project, ecological protection project, and talent development project.

"The task is very heavy," said Li Ming, the executive deputy county head.

"It is no easy task to more than double the GDP from 12 billion to 30 billion in three years."

"It will be difficult, but it's not impossible," Gu Mingyuan said, pointing to the planning map.

"If we actually get to it, we might be able to finish ahead of schedule."

"We must have faith in the power of our officials and the people!"

"What are our advantages?"

"First, there is the ecological advantage, which allows us to develop green agriculture and ecotourism."

"Secondly, we have the advantage of being a latecomer, which allows us to learn from the experiences of developed regions and avoid detours."

"Thirdly, the strong desire of cadres and the masses to seek change and prosperity is the greatest driving force."

He paused for a moment: "The key is to find the right breakthrough point."

"I believe the breakthrough lies in industrial upgrading."

"We can't just sell raw materials; we need to do deep processing to increase added value."

"Tea should not only be sold as fresh leaves, but also as finished tea products and tea beverages."

"We can't just sell fresh shiitake mushrooms; we need to make dried shiitake mushrooms and mushroom sauce."

"We need to carry out intensive processing of Chinese medicinal herbs and develop health products."

"Where will the money come from?" the finance director asked.

"Three key areas: First, support from higher authorities—we were selected as a pilot county for the province's county-level economic doubling plan, and we receive special funds every year. Second, investment attraction—I will lead a delegation to attract investment next month. Third, activating private capital and encouraging local entrepreneurship."

The Standing Committee held a meeting for a full day and finally approved the implementation plan.

Gu Mingyuan concluded by emphasizing, "Now that the plan has been approved, we must get it implemented."

"Starting tomorrow, command centers will be established for the six major projects. I will serve as the commander-in-chief, and the deputy county heads will serve as deputy commanders."

"We hold a coordination meeting every two weeks and report on progress monthly."

"I will hold those who fail to complete the task accountable!"

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan returned to his office and began reviewing the backlog of documents.

On February 28th, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Pei Yihong's secretary: "Secretary Gu, Secretary Pei requests that you come to the Municipal Party Committee tomorrow to discuss important matters."

Gu Mingyuan's heart skipped a beat, knowing that something important might be happening.

On the morning of March 1, Gu Mingyuan arrived at the office of the Secretary of the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee.

Pei Yihong was reviewing documents when he saw him come in. He put down his pen and gestured for him to sit down.

"Mingyuan, you're here." Pei Yihong's expression was somewhat complicated, a mixture of relief, reluctance, and anticipation.

"There's something I need to formally inform you about."

Gu Mingyuan sat up straight: "Secretary Pei, please speak."

"My appointment has been finalized," Pei Yihong said slowly.

"The document was issued on March 10th, appointing him as the Executive Vice Governor of Hanjiang Province and placing him on the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee."

Although he had heard rumors before, Gu Mingyuan was still shocked when he heard the news with his own ears.

The executive vice governor and member of the provincial party committee standing committee—this is already the core power structure of Hanjiang Province.

He quickly stood up: "Congratulations, Secretary Pei! You deserve it!"

Pei Yihong waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down: "What do you mean by deserved or undeserved? It's all part of the organization's arrangements."

"However, Mingyuan, I owe a great deal to you for getting me to where I am today."

Gu Mingyuan was taken aback: "Secretary Pei, what you're saying..."

"Do you still remember the airport project?" Pei Yihong asked, his gaze distant.

"If it weren't for your idea, if we hadn't secured the project before Ningchuan, Zhao Anbang might be the executive vice governor today."

He stood up and walked to the window: "Comrade Zhao Anbang is very capable, and his achievements in Ningchuan are obvious to all."

"In this provincial reshuffle, he was appointed as the vice governor, but he was not included in the standing committee."

Why?

"Because the province believes that Pingzhou has the advantage in strategic planning and long-term development."

"And this assessment largely stems from the development benefits brought about by the airport project."

Pei Yihong turned around and looked at Gu Mingyuan: "Mingyuan, I, Pei Yihong, am not an ungrateful person."

"I remember everything you did for Pingzhou and for me."

"So I've called you here today for two reasons: first, to tell you this news, and second, to pave the way for you."

A warm feeling welled up in Gu Mingyuan's heart: "Secretary Pei, I will never forget your guidance and support. As for paving the way, I really don't deserve it..."

"The road that needs to be paved should be paved, and a helping hand should be given where needed," Pei Yihong interrupted him.

"I have already spoken with Comrade Chen Wenzhe. He will continue to support your work after he takes over as the Party Secretary of the Municipal Committee."

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

A middle-aged man, around fifty years old, with a refined appearance, walked in.

"Wen Zhe is here, please have a seat," Pei Yihong introduced.

"Mingyuan, Comrade Chen Wenzhe will take over as the municipal party secretary."

Chen Wenzhe smiled and shook hands with Gu Mingyuan: "Comrade Gu Mingyuan, it's nice to see you again. You've been doing very well in Liping, and even provincial leaders have mentioned you many times."

"Mayor Chen, you flatter me. It's all thanks to Secretary Pei and your excellent leadership," Gu Mingyuan said modestly.

The three sat down, and Pei Yihong got straight to the point: "Wen Zhe, Ming Yuan is a cadre I've watched grow up, as you know. He's capable, responsible, and has a strong sense of mission."

"He is currently working on building Liping into one of the top 100 counties, which is a major undertaking and also a difficult one."

"After you take over, you must give us your full support."

Chen Wenzhe solemnly stated, "Secretary Pei, rest assured, I will fully support Comrade Mingyuan's work."

"If Liping can become one of the top 100 counties, it will not only be an honor for Liping, but also for Pingzhou."

"If we don't support officials like this, whom should we support?"

He turned to Gu Mingyuan: "Comrade Mingyuan, I have read your plans for Liping. They are very ambitious and insightful."

"If you encounter any difficulties, just come to me."

"If the city can resolve it, resolve it immediately."

"If the city can't solve it, I'll appeal to the province."

Gu Mingyuan was deeply moved: "Thank you, Secretary Chen! With the support of the city, we in Liping will definitely go all out and live up to the expectations of our leaders."

Pei Yihong nodded in satisfaction: "That's good."

"Wen Zhe, Ming Yuan, although I've gone to the provincial capital, Pingzhou will always be my second hometown."

"I hope you will work together sincerely to build Pingzhou into a better place."

He paused, then said to Gu Mingyuan earnestly, "Mingyuan, you are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you."