Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

In mid-March, the development of Liping accelerated significantly.

A food group from Pingzhou City sent an inspection team, which Gu Mingyuan personally accompanied to inspect the site, discuss details, and finalize the plan.

The other party was very satisfied with Liping's service efficiency and decided on the spot to increase the investment, bringing the total to 80 million.

A tourism company in Ningchuan has launched the design of an eco-tourism route in Liping, which is planned to be launched before May Day.

Chinese medicinal herb companies in Wenshan send personnel to be stationed in Liping to guide farmers in planting and build processing plants.

What made Gu Mingyuan even happier was the good news from the province—the modern agricultural industrial park project applied for by Liping was approved and received five million yuan in provincial financial support.

"Secretary Gu, the province really stepped up this time!" said Wang Bin, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, excitedly.

"It's Governor Pei who's helping us," Gu Mingyuan knew in his heart.

"But the more this is the case, the more we need to do the project well."

"Money should be used wisely, and things should be done in a way that resonates with the people."

He personally served as the commander of the industrial park construction command center, holding weekly on-site meetings to solve practical problems.

On March 22, Chen Wenzhe personally led a team to Liping to conduct research in order to support the development of Liping.

The group toured the transportation infrastructure, tea plantation, and industrial park, and Chen Wenzhe was very satisfied.

In the county party committee meeting room, Chen Wenzhe said, "Mingyuan, I have seen the changes in Liping."

"When cadres are motivated, the masses have hope, and there is a clear direction for development."

"At this rate, becoming one of the top 100 counties is not a dream."

He made the decision on the spot:

The municipal finance department has allocated an additional 10 million yuan in special funds to support infrastructure construction in Liping.

The city organized a team of experts to be stationed in the county for an extended period to provide guidance.

With the on-site support of the municipal party secretary, the cadres and masses of Liping have even greater confidence.

On March 25th, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Zhong Zhengguo in his office.

"Mingyuan, how have you been lately?"

"Dad, that's great. Liping is developing smoothly, and several major projects have been launched."

"That's good." Zhong Zhengguo paused.

"I visited Mr. Wang a few days ago, and he asked about you again."

Gu Mingyuan felt a warmth in his heart: "How is Elder Wang's health?"

"Good, he looks very energetic." He said he was pleased to see young cadres taking root in the grassroots and working diligently for the people. Zhong Zhengguo then changed the subject.

"However, Mingyuan, Mr. Wang also reminded us that the smoother things go, the more we need to stay clear-headed."

"The goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties is a good thing, but we cannot be short-sighted and engage in vanity projects for the sake of political achievements."

"Dad, don't worry. Our implementation plan is very solid, we'll take it one step at a time, and we won't do anything fancy."

"That's good," Zhong Zhengguo said with relief.

"In addition, Pei Yihong's arrival in the provincial capital is a good thing for you."

"But remember, relationships must be used for good, not for power-money transactions or for personal gain."

"This is the bottom line; it cannot be crossed."

"I understand," Gu Mingyuan replied.

"Okay, you go ahead with your work. Take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan walked to the window.

Outside the window, spring has arrived perfectly in Liping.

Willows are sprouting new buds, peach blossoms are blooming, and the scene is full of vitality.

He recalled the calligraphy bestowed upon him by Master Wang: "Dragon Soars Amidst Clouds."

I remembered Pei Yihong's words: Do a good job.

He remembered the people's hopes: to live a good life.

The burden on my shoulders is heavy, but the road beneath my feet is solid.

As long as the direction is right and the steps are steady, Liping's future will definitely be brighter.

On March 28, Gu Mingyuan chaired a meeting to analyze the economic situation in the first quarter.

The statistics bureau's data is encouraging: in the first quarter, the county's GDP increased by 55% year-on-year, fiscal revenue increased by 60%, and farmers' per capita income increased by 58%.

"Comrades, a good start!" Gu Mingyuan's voice was impassioned.

"But this is just the beginning. We must maintain this momentum, seize the opportunity, and work hard and fast."

He outlined the key tasks for the second quarter: the industrial park will commence construction, tourism routes will be officially launched, all investment projects will be implemented, and livelihood projects will be accelerated.

"There are three months left until the end of June. We must use these three months to fight a decisive battle and lay a solid foundation for our annual goals!"

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan returned to his office and saw a letter on his desk.

It was delivered by Grandpa Wang, a tea farmer from Yunwu Township, through a third party. The note, written in a shaky hand, read: "Secretary Gu, this year's spring tea is growing well, and the price is good too. My five mu (approximately 0.33 acres) of tea garden can sell for over 80,000 yuan. Thank you!"

These few words brought tears to Gu Mingyuan's eyes.

This is the meaning of his struggle—to enable people to live a good life.

He wrote back: "Uncle Wang, this is the result of your hard work. Keep up the good work, manage the tea garden well, and live a good life. If you encounter any difficulties, contact the government. Wishing you and your family happiness!"

After finishing the letter, Gu Mingyuan looked out the window.

As the sun sets, the sky is ablaze with rosy clouds.

Springtime in Liping is a time of vibrant life.

March 30th, a weekend.

Gu Mingyuan rarely has time to spend with his family.

He took Zhong Xiaoai and his son to the tea plantation in Yunwu Township.

Spring tea leaves are turning green, and the mountains are covered in lush greenery.

Grandpa Wang greeted them happily, "Secretary Gu, you've arrived! Xiao Ai and Pengpeng are here too!"

"Grandpa, how's the spring tea this year?" Gu Mingyuan asked.

"Excellent! Look at these buds, so plump and tender." Grandpa Wang picked a tea leaf.

"Secretary Gu, thanks to you, we have no trouble selling our tea now, and the price is even high. This year, my family's five mu of tea garden will bring in at least 80,000 yuan!"

"Great, life is getting better and better," Gu Mingyuan said with satisfaction.

Zhong Xiaoai held her son and pointed to the tea garden: "Pengpeng, look, this is where Dad works."

"These teas can be sold all over the country, allowing many people to enjoy the fine teas of Liping."

One-year-old Gu Pengyu seemed to understand but not quite, and reached out to grab the tea leaves.

Grandpa Wang laughed and said, "Pengpeng has grown up and is helping us pick tea now!"

The family walked along the path in the tea garden, the sun shining brightly and the spring breeze gentle.

Zhong Xiaoai said softly, "Mingyuan, I'm happy for you to see that the villagers are living better lives."

Gu Mingyuan held his wife's hand: "Xiao Ai, I'm happy too. I want to create an era where hard work can lead to wealth."

"Your ideals are too big." Zhong Xiaoai leaned on his shoulder.

"I just hope you take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."

"Liping needs you, and Pengpeng and I need you too."

"I know." Gu Mingyuan gazed at the distant mountains.

"Once Liping becomes one of the top 100 counties, I'll be able to relax a bit and spend more time with you all."

"You always say that," Zhong Xiaoai said reproachfully, but her eyes were full of understanding.

Yes, that's what he always says.

But Zhong Xiaoai knew that her husband was just that kind of person—he had responsibilities on his shoulders, the people in his heart, and he would never stop.

However, she doesn't regret it.

Marrying such an idealistic and responsible man was the best decision she ever made.