Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Liu Huanzhang, Qiu Long, and Pei Yihong participated in discussions in different groups.

Gu Mingyuan was assigned to Liu Huanzhang's group.

He was a little nervous, but quickly calmed down—he would just be honest and say what he thought.

The discussion focused on the challenges facing county-level economic development.

Several county party secretaries discussed issues such as funding shortages, land constraints, and brain drain.

Liu Huanzhang listened attentively, taking notes from time to time.

When it was Gu Mingyuan's turn to speak, he asked directly, "Comrade Mingyuan, what specific measures has Liping taken to attract talent?"

Gu Mingyuan thought for a moment and said, "Secretary Liu, we mainly need to do three things."

"First, emotional appeal. Establish a talent pool of people from Liping, contact them regularly, and invite them to return to their hometown to see the changes."

"Second, attractive policies. Talented individuals who return to their hometowns to start businesses will receive financial support, tax incentives, and service guarantees."

"Third, retain talent through platforms. Build industrial parks and R&D centers to provide a stage for talent to showcase their abilities."

"How's the result?"

"Currently, more than 30 talents from Liping who were working elsewhere have returned to their hometown to start businesses, bringing with them capital, technology, and markets."

"For example, one of the tea cooperatives in Yunwu Township was founded by a college graduate who returned to his hometown, and now it has benefited more than 100 tea farmers."

Liu Huanzhang nodded: "Emotion + policy + platform, this is a good idea."

"But I want to remind you that the key to retaining talent is still career prospects."

"If Liping does not develop, even the best policies will not be able to retain people."

"Secretary Liu is right," Gu Mingyuan said sincerely.

"Therefore, we regard development as our top priority. Only when Liping develops well will talent truly stay."

The discussion continued until 5 p.m.

Liu Huanzhang concluded: "Today's discussion was very good; everyone spoke the truth."

"County-level economic development does indeed face many difficulties, but there are always more solutions than problems."

"The key is to emancipate our minds, seek truth from facts, and adapt to local conditions."

After dinner, Liu Huanzhang's secretary approached Gu Mingyuan: "Secretary Gu, Secretary Liu would like to speak with you alone at eight o'clock tonight in his room."

Gu Mingyuan's heart tightened, but he quickly calmed down: "Okay, I'll be there on time."

At 8 p.m. sharp, Gu Mingyuan knocked on Liu Huanzhang's door.

The room was simple, and Liu Huanzhang was wearing an ordinary white shirt and reading a book.

Seeing Gu Mingyuan enter, he put down his book and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Comrade Mingyuan, please sit down."

"Secretary Liu." Gu Mingyuan sat down respectfully.

"Don't be nervous, we're just chatting." Liu Huanzhang poured a glass of water and handed it to Gu Mingyuan.

"I listened to your report and remarks today, and they were very good. I especially appreciate your attitude of not avoiding the issues."

"Thank you, Secretary Liu. I was just telling the truth."

"To be honest, it's easier said than done," Liu Huanzhang said, looking at Gu Mingyuan.

"Many officials only report good news and hide bad news, whitewashing the situation. You are one of the few who dare to speak the truth."

Gu Mingyuan said modestly, "Secretary Liu, I think telling the truth is being responsible for the work and for the organization. Having problems is not scary; what's scary is not daring to face them."

"Well said," Liu Huanzhang nodded.

"I heard that you have adhered to pragmatism and frugality in organizing this conference, and avoided formalism. This is also a manifestation of telling the truth."

"This is what we should do. Liping is not wealthy yet, and we can't waste money on appearances."

Liu Huanzhang stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the night view of Liping: "Comrade Mingyuan, I also worked in the county when I was young, and I know the difficulties at the grassroots level."

"It's not easy for you to achieve such results in Liping."

He turned around: "But I didn't call you here today just to praise you."

"I'd like to hear your deeper thoughts on county-level economic development."

"Don't use platitudes, speak your true thoughts."

Gu Mingyuan pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "Secretary Liu, my biggest takeaway from working in Liping for two years is that county-level economic development cannot be rushed or copied blindly; it must follow a path that suits its own circumstances."

"Tell me more about it."

"Liping is a mountainous county. If we blindly develop industry, we will have neither the foundation nor the advantage."

"So we chose ecological agriculture and rural tourism, which is to play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses." Gu Mingyuan's thinking became clear.

"But agriculture has low added value and tourism is highly seasonal, which are the problems we face."

"Therefore, we are now engaged in deep processing, building the entire industrial chain, and developing year-round tourism. This is an upgrade based on our existing foundation."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I believe that the development of county-level economies must grasp three relationships: First, the relationship between the present and the future, avoiding short-sighted gains. Second, the relationship between speed and quality, ensuring that speed is prioritized over quality. Third, the relationship between development and protection, emphasizing that development must not come at the expense of the environment."

Liu Huanzhang listened attentively: "Then what do you think is the biggest bottleneck in the current development of county-level economy?"

"Talent and ideas," Gu Mingyuan blurted out.

"Talent shortage is a hard bottleneck, but rigid thinking is a soft bottleneck. Some cadres are conservative and dare not take risks or try new things. Some people have a serious mentality of waiting for handouts and lack intrinsic motivation. If these two problems are not solved, no amount of money or projects will help."

"How do we solve this?"

"The issue of cadres can be addressed through education and guidance, as well as through institutional incentives. In Liping, we have implemented a target responsibility system, rewarding those who perform well and holding those who perform poorly accountable," said Gu Mingyuan.

"Addressing issues concerning the masses relies on exemplary models and the connection of shared interests. By developing cooperatives, we enable the masses to participate in the industry and share the profits, which motivates them."

Liu Huanzhang returned to his seat, deep in thought: "Your thoughts are very valuable. But I must remind you that reform will face resistance, and innovation will carry risks; you must be mentally prepared."

"I understand," Gu Mingyuan said firmly.

"But as long as it is beneficial to the development of Liping and to the people, I will overcome any obstacles and take any risks."

A hint of approval flashed in Liu Huanzhang's eyes: "Good, that's ambitious. But Comrade Mingyuan, I have another question for you—do you read history books?"

Gu Mingyuan was taken aback for a moment, then replied, "Read some, especially the history of the Ming Dynasty."

"Oh? Why do you like the history of the Ming Dynasty?"

"The main reason is that the Ming Dynasty had many lessons to learn," Gu Mingyuan said cautiously.

"For example, Zhang Juzheng's reforms, such as the Single Whip Tax System which simplified the tax system, touched vested interests, and ultimately his policies collapsed after his death. This shows that reforms need to be carried out systematically and that consensus needs to be reached."

Liu Huanzhang's eyes lit up: "Then what lessons do you think Zhang Juzheng's reforms can teach us?"

"From a student's humble opinion, there are three insights," Gu Mingyuan said, organizing his thoughts.

"First, reforms must grasp the key points; the Single Whip Law grasped the key point of the tax system. Second, reforms must have a strategy; Zhang Juzheng piloted the reforms before promoting them. Third, reforms must be supported by talent; he promoted virtuous officials and eliminated mediocre ones."

"Well said," Liu Huanzhang said with satisfaction.

"Studying history can enlighten us, and understanding the past can help us learn from the present. It's good that you can draw wisdom from history."

He paused for a moment: "Comrade Mingyuan, you are young, thoughtful, and energetic, which are advantages. But you must also be careful, for the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. You must be humble and cautious, and unite with your comrades."