Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Late at night on June 30, 1996, at the Liping County Party Committee building.

Gu Mingyuan stood by the office window, looking at the scattered lights on the construction site in the distance. He felt both fulfilled and subtly pressured, as if a storm was brewing.

With all economic indicators showing positive growth in the first half of the year, the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties is within reach, but he knows that it is precisely at times like these that one must remain calm.

My phone vibrated; it was Pei Yihong calling.

"Mingyuan, you haven't rested yet, have you?" The voice on the other end of the phone was filled with familiar concern.

"Secretary Pei, you haven't rested yet either?" Gu Mingyuan walked to the desk and sat down.

"I just finished a meeting at the provincial governor's office, and I have something important to tell you in advance," Pei Yihong said solemnly.

"In mid-July, the Provincial Party Committee decided to hold a provincial on-site meeting on county-level economy in your Liping, with the date tentatively set for around July 20."

Gu Mingyuan's heart skipped a beat: "This is a good thing, but also a test."

"It's not just a test, it's also an opportunity," Pei Yihong said in a low voice.

"I have just received confirmation that both Party Secretary Liu Huanzhang and Governor Qiu Long will be attending."

Gu Mingyuan tightened his grip on his phone.

It is extremely rare in the history of Hanjiang Province for the provincial party secretary and the governor to attend a county-level economic conference at the same time.

"Mingyuan, the scale of this on-site meeting is higher than usual," Pei Yihong said earnestly.

"The province attaches great importance to Liping's development model, especially your exploration in connecting poverty alleviation with rural revitalization."

"But the more this is the case, the more you need to maintain a proper balance."

"Secretary Pei, I understand. We should neither underestimate ourselves nor be overly ambitious."

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean," Pei Yihong said with relief.

"The venue for the on-site meeting is set in Liping, but the theme is the development of county-level economies across the province."

"You need to cooperate well, showcasing your achievements without overshadowing the main event."

"Secretary Liu hates formalism and wasting money and resources the most; you should pay special attention to this."

"Please rest assured, Secretary Pei, I will definitely keep things in check."

"Okay, I believe you." Pei Yihong paused.

"Furthermore, this on-site meeting may determine your next step in your career development."

"Prepare well, but don't have any mental burden."

"Remember, being realistic and pragmatic is always the greatest source of confidence."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan paced back and forth in his office.

The night outside the window was deep, but his thoughts were unusually clear.

What does it mean that the provincial party secretary and the governor attended the event together?

This is an affirmation of Li Ping, and also a test for him.

The main reason is that Liping County set a goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties, which made the leaders pay attention to it.

He sat back down at the table, opened his notebook, and began to organize his thoughts.

First, the positioning of the on-site meeting—this is a provincial meeting, and Liping is the host city, so we must serve the overall situation well.

Second, the content presented should be authentic, comprehensive, and multi-dimensional, without avoiding the issues.

Third, the reception standards are practical and frugal, avoiding extravagance.

Fourth, security is guaranteed – absolutely foolproof.

He stopped writing here and fell into deep thought.

How can we coordinate well with the provincial conference while showcasing the unique characteristics of Liping?

How can we present the most authentic Liping to the attending leaders within a limited timeframe?

At one o'clock in the morning, Gu Mingyuan dialed his wife Zhong Xiaoai's number.

"Still not asleep?" Zhong Xiaoai's voice was sleepy.

"I just got off a call from Secretary Pei. He has important work to do," Gu Mingyuan said softly.

"The province will hold an on-site meeting in Liping next month, and the provincial party secretary and governor will both be there."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Zhong Xiaoai's clear voice came through: "You must be under a lot of pressure, right?"

"Yeah, but it's also an opportunity." Gu Mingyuan rubbed his temples.

"Xiao Ai, I'll probably be even busier these days, at home..."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of things at home," Zhong Xiaoai interrupted him.

"But Mingyuan, it's precisely at times like these that you need to stay calm. Do you remember what your father often says?"

"Keep calm in the face of great events." Gu Mingyuan smiled.

"Yes, and also, don't forget your dreams."

"I remember."

"Get some rest early, don't stay up too late," Zhong Xiaoai said gently.

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan took one last look at the work plan, turned off the lights, and left the office.

July 1st.

At six o'clock in the morning, the meeting room of the Liping County Party Committee was already full of people.

This was an emergency Standing Committee meeting convened by Gu Mingyuan. All the Standing Committee members arrived half an hour early, and the atmosphere was serious.

"Comrades, there is only one topic for today's meeting," Gu Mingyuan said, getting straight to the point.

"Around July 20th, the provincial on-site meeting on county-level economy will be held in our county."

"Party Secretary Liu Huanzhang, Governor Qiu Long, Executive Vice Governor Pei Yihong, and other leaders will attend."

A low gasp filled the conference room.

"The scale of this event is unprecedented." Gu Mingyuan surveyed the entire room.

"This shows the importance that the provincial Party committee and government attach to Liping, and it is also a test for us."

"Today, we must unify our thinking and clarify our tasks."

He opened his notebook: "My idea is that the theme of this on-site meeting is the development of county-level economies across the province, and we are the host city."

Therefore, there are three working principles:

First, serve the overall situation and cooperate with the province's arrangements.

Second, present the truth and avoid formalism.

Third, be frugal and pragmatic, avoiding unnecessary burdens on the people and waste of resources.

County Head Liu Zhijun spoke first: "Secretary Gu, I completely agree."

"But for such a large conference, detailed plans are needed for reception, security, and exhibition routes."

"County Chief Liu is right," Gu Mingyuan nodded.

"I suggest establishing a preparatory working group for the on-site meeting, with myself as the group leader, County Head Liu and Executive Deputy County Head Li Ming as deputy group leaders, and each member of the Standing Committee responsible for their respective tasks according to their assigned duties."

He paused for a moment: "But we must first make one thing clear—Liping cannot steal the show at this meeting. After all, this is a provincial-level on-site meeting on county-level economy, not a meeting to promote Liping."

"But since the event was chosen to be held in Liping, it proves that Liping is representative, so the leaders will definitely conduct an inspection of Liping."

"What we need to do is provide good conference services and design good inspection routes so that the leaders attending the conference can see the real Liping, not a carefully packaged bonsai."

Organization Minister Wang Jianjun asked, "Secretary Gu, how should the inspection route be determined? Should we only showcase the highlights, or should we also look at the problems?"

"We need to look at both the highlights and the problems," Gu Mingyuan said firmly.

"Secretary Liu Huanzhang hates reporting only good news and not bad news the most."

We need to design three routes:

One aspect is looking at industrial development, including industrial parks, tea gardens, and breeding bases.

One aspect is infrastructure development, including tourist roads and water conservancy projects.

Another aspect is improving people's livelihoods, including schools, hospitals, and resettlement sites.

"What are the problems? What problems should we address?" the propaganda minister asked.

"Show us the problems we're solving." Gu Mingyuan was prepared.

"For example, there are issues such as land use for the second phase of the industrial park, communication coverage in remote mountainous areas, and insufficient processing of agricultural products."

"We want our leaders to see that Liping is developing, but it also has shortcomings, which we are working hard to address."