Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Ling Fei held Zhong Xiaoai's hand: "Xiaoai, you're at work now. Don't worry about Pengpeng, we'll take care of him."

"Thank you, Mom." Zhong Xiaoai felt a warmth in her heart.

She is blessed to have such in-laws.

It was late at night, Pengpeng was asleep, and the old couple also went to rest.

Gu Mingyuan and Zhong Xiaoai were drinking tea and chatting on the balcony.

"Mingyuan, I came across an article about you while I was editing manuscripts today," Zhong Xiaoai said softly.

"Write about me? What about it?"

"It describes how you led Liping out of poverty, how you fought corruption and promoted integrity, and how you developed the economy. It's very well written and very moving."

Gu Mingyuan shook his head: "The results are the result of everyone's joint efforts, not just my achievement."

"I know, but the people trust you." Zhong Xiaoai leaned on his shoulder.

"I went to the market to buy vegetables today. The auntie selling vegetables, who is a neighbor, naturally knew that I was your husband and insisted on giving me a bunch of greens."

She said that Secretary Gu was a benefactor of Liping, who helped her son find a job near his home.

Gu Mingyuan was moved, but said, "How can this be? We can't accept things from ordinary people anymore."

"I didn't accept it; I forced the money on her," Zhong Xiaoai laughed.

"However, from this incident, I can feel the people's love and respect for you."

"Mingyuan, you did the right thing, you did well."

Gu Mingyuan hugged his wife: "Xiao Ai, thank you for always supporting me. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"We shouldn't talk about these things between husband and wife." Zhong Xiaoai closed her eyes.

"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 night sky.

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

Zhong Xiaoai did not respond.

She knew that her husband was that kind of person—he had responsibilities on his shoulders, cared for the people, and could never stop working.

But she doesn't regret it.

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

In June, Liping's development entered a period of accelerated growth.

The first phase of the industrial park has been completed, and eight companies have moved in and begun installing equipment.

With the entire tourist highway now open, the Myeongdong section has become a popular spot for tourists.

Sales of agricultural products such as tea, shiitake mushrooms, and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs have reached new highs, and farmers' incomes continue to grow.

What pleased Gu Mingyuan even more was the significant improvement in educational and medical conditions.

Ten newly built rural primary schools have been put into use, the county hospital has introduced a batch of advanced equipment, and township health centers have completed their upgrades and renovations.

On June 15, Gu Mingyuan chaired a meeting to analyze the economic situation in the first half of the year.

The statistics bureau's data is encouraging: in the first half of the year, the county's GDP increased by 60% year-on-year, fiscal revenue increased by 65%, and farmers' per capita income increased by 62%.

The growth rates of all three indicators ranked first in the city and among the top in the province.

Although it was due to weak foundational data, it is still remarkable data.

"Comrades, our achievements in the first half of the year deserve recognition!" Gu Mingyuan said in a loud voice.

"But we must be clear that this is just the beginning."

"The goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties is still a long way off, and we must continue to work hard."

He outlined the key tasks for the second half of the year: commencement of the second phase of the industrial park, optimization and upgrading of tourism routes, further breakthroughs in investment attraction, and further advancement of livelihood projects.

"There are six months left from now until the end of the year."

"We must use these six months to fight a decisive battle and lay a solid foundation for striving to become one of the top 100 counties next year!"

Before anyone knew it, Gu Mingyuan had already set the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties to be achieved next year.

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan returned to his office and saw a document on his desk—a notice from the province that a provincial on-site meeting on county-level economy would be held in Liping in early July.

This is Pei Yihong fulfilling his promise, and it is also an opportunity for Li Ping to showcase himself.

Gu Mingyuan immediately made arrangements for preparations.

But he emphasized: "We will not engage in formalism or falsify information."

"We want to show the real Liping, the real achievements, and the real lives of its people."

On June 20th, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Zhong Zhengguo.

"Mingyuan, I heard that Liping is going to hold a provincial-level on-site meeting?"

"Yes, Dad, early July."

"This is a great opportunity," Chung Cheng-kuo said.

"Many provincial leaders will be attending, so you need to prepare well."

"But remember, you should talk about the achievements, but you should also talk about the problems."

"Seeking truth from facts is the greatest source of confidence."

"I see."

"Besides, Old Wang has been keeping an eye on you." Zhong Zhengguo's tone was gratified.

"He told you to live up to the people's expectations."

"I will definitely keep Mr. Wang's teachings in mind."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan stood by the office window, gazing at the night view of Liping.

This small town is undergoing tremendous changes.

The roads are wider, the buildings are taller, the people are smiling, and hope has returned.

He was one of the participants and drivers of this change.

This is the path he chose—to take root in the grassroots, serve the people, and work hard to revitalize the county.

From Jinshan County to Pingzhou City, and then to Liping County, every step has been taken steadily and firmly.

Today, Liping is developing well, and its goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties is clearly visible.

But he knew that the road ahead was still long and the challenges were still severe.

However, he is confident.

Because of the trust of the organization, the support of the leaders, the cooperation of colleagues, the companionship of family members, and the expectations of 400,000 people in Liping.

He will carry this expectation with him and continue on his journey.

Outside the window, the summer night in Liping is peaceful and beautiful.

In the distance, there were still lights on the construction site—the night shift workers were working hard to finish the job.

Gu Mingyuan knew that Liping's future was like the lights in the night, sparse but shining firmly, illuminating the way forward.

June 30, 1995, the last day of the first half of the year.

Gu Mingyuan worked in his office until late at night.

After reviewing the last document, he stood up and walked to the window.

In the distance, the newly built highways resemble jade ribbons winding among the mountains.

Nearby, the lights in the county government compound went out one by one, except for his office, which was still lit.

He knew that Liping's future would be even brighter.

The phone rang; it was a text message from Zhong Xiaoai: "Mingyuan, are you done with work? Pengpeng says he misses his dad."

Gu Mingyuan replied, "I'll go back right away and tell Pengpeng that Dad misses him too."

He turned off the lights, locked the door, and walked out of the county government building.

The warm night breeze of late summer warmed Gu Mingyuan's heart even more.

He has a loving family, people who trust him, and leaders who support him.

That is the whole meaning of his struggle.

From his graduation in 1992 to the present, in just three years, he rose from a staff member in the county party committee office to the county party secretary, participating in and promoting many major initiatives.

Now, he stands at a new starting point, shouldering a new mission.

The goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties is beckoning us from the front, while the expectations of 400,000 people are driving us forward.

What he needs to do is stay true to his original aspiration and keep moving forward.

The night sky is dotted with stars.