Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"It means that before the land is transferred, the government completes a regional assessment and clarifies control indicators such as investment intensity, tax revenue per mu, and energy consumption standards. After the company obtains the land, it can start construction directly without having to go through various assessments," Gu Mingyuan explained.

"This will improve efficiency while ensuring project quality."

This idea was ahead of its time, but thanks to Gu Mingyuan's insistence, the Standing Committee approved the pilot program.

In late April, Liping's development entered a fast track.

The resolution of these two difficult problems made the cadres even more convinced of Gu Mingyuan's abilities.

The industrial park adjustment plan passed expert review, and the design of the karst cave reservoir received high praise from the Provincial Department of Environmental Protection. It was also promoted throughout the province as an innovative case.

The Myeongdong plan for the tourist highway was also successfully approved, and the cost not only did not exceed the budget, but actually saved two million.

The problems of the industrial park were resolved, and a new large investment was attracted.

On April 25th, Gu Mingyuan decided to go to the provincial capital.

First, I was invited to the provincial government to report on the recent work in Liping. Second, I visited my former leader, Pei Yihong.

We set off early in the morning, drove for four hours, and arrived in Hanju at noon.

The provincial government compound was solemn and dignified. The guards at the gate carefully checked the documents before letting people in.

As Gu Mingyuan walked through the tree-lined courtyard, he felt a surge of emotion. Half a year ago, when he saw Secretary Pei off to take up his post, he had only stood at the gate and watched him go. Now, he himself could walk into this courtyard, which symbolized the power center of Hanjiang Province.

Pei Yihong's office is on the third floor of the provincial party committee building.

The secretary was already waiting at the door: "Secretary Gu, Governor Pei is waiting for you."

Pushing open the door, I saw Pei Yihong standing by the window answering a phone call.

Upon seeing Gu Mingyuan, he nodded and gestured for him to sit down first.

The office is much more spacious than it was in Pingzhou, but the layout remains simple.

The bookshelves were filled with policy documents and theoretical books, and a calligraphy scroll on the wall read: "Seek truth from facts."

Gu Mingyuan noticed a photo of Pingzhou Airport on Pei Yihong's desk—a group photo taken when the airport opened. Gu Mingyuan was standing next to Pei Yihong, and both of them were smiling brightly.

"Mingyuan is here." Pei Yihong hung up the phone and walked over with a smile.

"You must have had a long journey?"

"It's no trouble at all, Governor Pei." Gu Mingyuan stood up.

"Sit down, sit down. In private, I'll still call you Secretary Pei; it sounds more friendly." Pei Yihong sat down opposite him and carefully looked him over.

"How's work in Liping? Is there any pressure?"

"Fortunately, the cadres and the masses are highly motivated, so it's all worth it."

"That's good," Pei Yihong said with relief.

"I've heard about the situation in Liping; you've done a good job. Especially the idea of ​​using a karst cave for water storage—it's very creative. Old Wang from the Environmental Protection Bureau specifically praised you to me."

"It's all thanks to Secretary Pei's excellent guidance back then, which encouraged us to emancipate our minds and be bold in innovation."

Pei Yihong waved his hand: "The master can only lead you to the door; the rest is up to you."

"You have achieved what you have today through your own hard work and wisdom."

He got up and made two cups of tea, handing one to Gu Mingyuan: "I called you here today for two reasons. First, to hear the details of Liping's situation, and second, to remind you of a few things."

Gu Mingyuan sat up straight: "Please speak."

"First, the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties is well set, but we must proceed steadily and surely."

"The whole province is watching Liping now. It's a big tree that attracts the wind, so we can't afford to make any mistakes." Pei Yihong said with a serious expression.

"Economic data, in particular, must be accurate."

"I've heard that some counties are falsifying data to boost their political achievements. This is like drinking poison to quench thirst; we absolutely cannot do it."

"Rest assured, the data from Liping can withstand scrutiny."

"Secondly, you are now the youngest county party secretary in the province, and you have achieved remarkable results. It's only a matter of time before you are promoted." Pei Yihong looked at Gu Mingyuan.

"But remember, promotion is not the goal; serving the people is the fundamental purpose."

"We cannot create vanity projects for the sake of promotion, nor can we be short-sighted and seek quick success."

"I understand. I hang the calligraphy that Mr. Wang gave me—'Dragon Soaring Amidst Clouds'—in my office every day to remind myself not to forget my original aspirations."

Pei Yihong's eyes lit up: "Old Wang wrote an inscription for you? Great, great! This is the greatest affirmation for you."

"Old Wang is a true leader who served the country and its people. It is your blessing and your responsibility to gain his recognition."

"Third," Pei Yihong said in a low voice.

"There are new arrangements in the province, and the powers and responsibilities of Vice Governor Zhao Anbang may be adjusted."

"Although you and he don't have much interaction, he may have some complicated feelings about Pingzhou and you."

Gu Mingyuan's heart skipped a beat: "Is it because of the airport project?"

"Smart." Pei Yihong nodded.

"Governor Zhao has always held a grudge against us for taking control of the airport first."

"Although it may not be obvious on the surface, things in officialdom are hard to say."

"You must be careful not to give others a handle against you."

"Thank you for the reminder, Secretary Pei. I will pay attention."

Pei Yihong stood up and walked to the window: "Mingyuan, I've been on this official path for over twenty years."

"My biggest takeaway is that you need to be good at both doing things and being a good person."

"We must be willing to take responsibility, but we must also know how to protect ourselves."

"You are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you."

"I hope you can go further and walk more steadily than me."

A warm feeling welled up in Gu Mingyuan's heart: "Secretary Pei, I will never forget your guidance and support."

"Let's not talk about that," Pei Yihong waved his hand.

"Tell me about Liping's next steps."

Gu Mingyuan gave a detailed report on Liping's development plan and recent work.

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

"How is the investment attraction for the industrial park going?"

"We have already signed agreements with eight companies, with a total investment of 300 million yuan, and we are in talks with more than a dozen others."

What about farmer participation?

"We adopt a company + cooperative + farmer model, where farmers contribute their land as shares and participate in profit sharing. Currently, more than 10,000 farmers have joined."

"Good, this model is good," Pei Yihong praised.

"It has both introduced capital and technology and protected the interests of farmers. We can summarize our experience and promote it throughout the province."

He thought for a moment and then said, "The province is going to hold a field meeting on county-level economy next month. I suggest that it be held in Liping."

"Firstly, to showcase your achievements, and secondly, to build momentum for you."

Gu Mingyuan's heart skipped a beat: "Thank you, Secretary Pei!"

"No need to thank me, you did it yourself." Pei Yihong patted his shoulder.

"Prepare well and show the best side of Liping."

After leaving the provincial party committee building, Gu Mingyuan was still unable to calm down.

Pei Yihong's reminder was earnest and his support was genuine. He was fortunate to have such a senior leader.

In the afternoon, Gu Mingyuan visited the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Transportation to report on his work and seek their support.

Everywhere I went, I could feel the importance the province attached to Liping.

It seems that Pei Yihong has spoken up for him quite a bit behind the scenes.

In the evening, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Zhong Xiaoai.

"Mingyuan, how's things going in the provincial capital?"

"Successfully, I met Secretary Pei. The province is very supportive of our work."

"That's good." Zhong Xiaoai paused.

There's something I'd like to discuss with you.

"you say."

"Pengpeng is over a year old now, and his parents are taking good care of him. I'm thinking of... going back to work."