Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"Mingyuan, how's the preparation going?"

"It is progressing in an orderly manner, and the basic principles are pragmatism, frugality, truthfulness, and comprehensiveness."

"Okay," Pei Yihong said.

"Secretary Liu Huanzhang specifically mentioned at the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meeting yesterday that this on-site meeting should be a pragmatic and realistic one, and not a sightseeing tour."

"I have to commend you for thinking that way."

Gu Mingyuan's heart skipped a beat: "This is Secretary Pei's guidance to us."

"That's also a requirement," Pei Yihong said seriously.

"Mingyuan, the specific dates for the on-site meeting have been set: July 22nd and 23rd, two days."

"Registration will begin on the morning of the 22nd, and the conference will be held in the afternoon."

"The entire day was spent on site visits on the 23rd, followed by a summary in the evening."

"Secretary Liu and Governor Qiu participated throughout the entire process."

"Understood, we will definitely provide good service."

"In addition, Secretary Liu may ask some direct questions, so you should be prepared," Pei Yihong revealed.

"He enjoys communicating with thoughtful young cadres; you should seize this opportunity."

"Thank you for the reminder, Secretary Pei."

"No need to thank me, you did it all yourself," Pei Yihong said with satisfaction.

"Mingyuan, prepare well, but don't be nervous."

"Being realistic and open-minded is the best state to be in."

"Of course I'm being a bit nagging, but actually you did a better job than I expected."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan took a deep breath.

The provincial party secretary will ask you some questions; this is both an honor and a test.

What is he going to prepare?

How so?

He walked to the bookshelf and pulled out a few books—"Research on County Economy", "Theory and Practice of Rural Revitalization", and "History of Rural Reform".

He then took out his notebook, which contained his thoughts and experiences from working at the grassroots level over the years.

"No fancy stuff, no memorizing scripts," he muttered to himself.

Let's talk about real feelings and real thoughts.

From July 6th to 10th, the entire Liping County entered a state of combat readiness.

Environmental remediation has been fully launched, but Gu Mingyuan emphasized: "The remediation is for improving the living environment, not just for show."

"We can't cut down trees for the sake of appearance, and we can't drive away vendors for the sake of cleanliness."

Each location was repeatedly rehearsed, but Gu Mingyuan insisted: "The rehearsals are for familiarizing ourselves with the procedures, not for performing. The explanations should be natural, not like reciting a memorized text."

All preparations for the reception were complete, but Gu Mingyuan paid special attention to the details during his inspection: "Use ordinary toothbrushes and towels, not specially purchased ones. Use disinfected slippers. Place fresh fruit in the room and provide boiled water and tea."

Some people didn't understand: "Secretary Gu, isn't this a bit too shabby?"

Gu Mingyuan shook his head: "This isn't about being stingy, it's about being practical."

"What haven't the leaders seen?"

"The more luxurious you make it, the more they will resent it."

"Our simplicity reflects our character."

On July 11, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Zhong Xiaoai.

"Mingyuan, Dad called to ask how the preparations for the event are going."

"Everything is ready, just waiting for the leader to arrive."

"Dad asked me to tell you that Old Wang is also paying attention to this matter."

He said that it is a rare opportunity for young people to report to the provincial party secretary, and they should cherish it and be open about it.

Gu Mingyuan felt a warmth in his heart: "Please thank Elder Wang for me."

"Also..." Zhong Xiaoai paused.

"Pengpeng has been asking where his dad has been these past few days, and I told him that his dad is busy with important work."

He seemed to understand, but he was very well-behaved and said he would play with his dad when he was done with his work.

Gu Mingyuan's nose tingled with emotion: "Xiao Ai, once I'm done with this busy period, I'll definitely spend more time with you and Pengpeng."

"I know," Zhong Xiaoai said gently.

"Focus on your work, I'll take care of things at home. Just take care of your health, don't overwork yourself."

On July 12, an advance team from the General Office of the Provincial Party Committee arrived in Liping to inspect the preparatory work.

The team was led by Zhou Ming, the deputy secretary-general of the provincial party committee, who was in his fifties and rarely smiled.

Gu Mingyuan accompanied the inspection and gave a detailed report on everything from the reception point to the inspection route, from the meeting materials to the security plan.

Zhou Ming examined the examination very carefully, asking questions from time to time:

Is this data accurate?

"How do you plan to solve this problem?"

"Isn't the reception standard too simplistic?"

Gu Mingyuan answered truthfully one by one.

After the inspection, Zhou Ming rarely showed a smile: "Comrade Gu Mingyuan, you were very well prepared, especially in adhering to the principles of pragmatism and frugality, very good."

"Secretary Liu hates extravagance and waste the most. He will definitely be satisfied with what you've done."

"Thank you for your recognition, Secretary-General Zhou. We still have many shortcomings."

"No need to be modest," Zhou Ming waved his hand.

"To be honest, I was a little worried before I came, afraid that you would engage in formalism just to save face."

"Now it seems my worries were unnecessary."

"Li Ping's approach is commendable."

After seeing off the advance team, Gu Mingyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

The first hurdle has been overcome.

July 15th marks one week until the on-site meeting.

Gu Mingyuan convened a county-wide cadre meeting to give a final mobilization speech.

"Comrades, the provincial on-site meeting on county-level economic development will be held in seven days." Gu Mingyuan's voice was loud and clear.

"This is a major event for Liping, and also a major event for the entire province."

"We must be in the best possible condition to welcome this meeting."

He surveyed the room: "But I want to emphasize three points: First, no formalism, no falsification. Second, no disruption to the normal lives of the people, no disturbance to the public. Third, no excessive hospitality, no extravagance or waste."

"We have been preparing for more than ten days, and it will soon be time to test the results."

"But I want everyone to remember that we are not acting, but reporting our work."

"Truth is power, and honesty is confidence."

"Each working group must be responsible for its own duties, down to the smallest detail."

"But at the same time, it's important to maintain a calm and composed mindset."

"After the meeting, the development of Liping will continue, and our lives will continue."

"This meeting is a refueling station, not the final destination."

The hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan returned to his office and looked at the four large characters "Dragon Soars into the Clouds" on the wall, a surge of pride welled up in his heart.

He has only been the Party Secretary of Liping County since October 1995, a period of just nine months.

In the past nine months, Liping has undergone tremendous changes: it has shed its label as an impoverished county, embarked on the journey to become one of the top 100 counties, introduced major projects, and improved people's well-being.

Today, the provincial conference is being held here, with the provincial party secretary and governor personally attending. This is an affirmation of Liping, but also a test for him personally.

But he wasn't nervous or anxious.

Because he knew he was on the right path and doing the right thing.

Seeking truth from facts and working hard to revitalize the county—that's the source of his confidence.

Moreover, Gu Mingyuan was very proud that the preparations for this on-site meeting not only did not halt normal development, but actually promoted it, because problems were identified and solved.

On the morning of July 22, Liping County was bathed in the summer sun.

The streets were clean and orderly, but pedestrians and vehicles were allowed to pass as usual.