Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

With the municipal party secretary personally setting the tone and the approval of leaders from other provinces and cities, Li Dakang and Yi Xuexi had no choice but to obey.

Although Li Dakang felt somewhat frustrated and a little wronged by being misunderstood, he was, after all, a pragmatic person. After calming down, he had to admit that Gu Mingyuan's plan was more comprehensive, more reliable, and more likely to stand the test of time and practice.

Li Dakang quickly adjusted his mindset and immediately stated, "Secretary Liu's criticism is correct. We were too hasty in our work and didn't consider things thoroughly enough."

"Please rest assured, Secretary Liu, we will definitely follow the approach outlined in Comrade Gu Mingyuan's report, immediately refine the plan, and steadily advance the road construction fundraising work!"

Yi Xuexi also solemnly promised to personally oversee and supervise its implementation.

A potential crisis was steered onto a relatively stable track thanks to Gu Mingyuan's timely report and the decisive decision-making of the higher-ups.

After Secretary Liu Chengfeng left, Jinshan County acted swiftly.

Yi Xuexi personally took charge, with Li Dakang in charge of specific tasks. Following the framework outlined in Gu Mingyuan's report, they refined and formulated the "Implementation Rules for Fundraising for Highway Construction in Jinshan County" and established a fund supervision team.

The news of the policy adjustment was met with enthusiastic response at the grassroots level.

Those truly impoverished families breathed a sigh of relief and were extremely grateful for the government's compassion.

The work-for-relief approach was welcomed by the people.

Although the fundraising work for road construction remains arduous, it has finally gotten on a controllable track.

Amidst his hectic work schedule, Li Dakang couldn't help but admire Gu Mingyuan's foresight and ingenious problem-solving skills.

In a private conversation with Wang Dalu, he exclaimed, "This Gu Mingyuan is not just talented, he's practically a genius!"

"They always come up with ideas that others haven't thought of, and solve the most difficult problems."

"It seems that having the drive to take risks is not enough; one also needs his skill and composure."

Yi Xuexi became even more determined to make Gu Mingyuan a key person to be cultivated.

Just as the road construction pilot project in Jinshan County was progressing steadily, at the end of November, shocking news came from a neighboring province:

In the process of promoting fundraising for road construction in Pingfeng County, Lincheng City, a vicious mass incident occurred, resulting in injuries to several officials and villagers due to a violent conflict between local officials and villagers.

The news sent shockwaves through the province, and those responsible were swiftly held accountable.

When Liu Chengfeng, the Party Secretary of Lüzhou City, heard the news, he was presiding over a Standing Committee meeting.

He remained silent for a long time, then said to the attendees with lingering fear, "Comrades, this is a profound lesson."

"If it weren't for that young man named Gu Mingyuan from Jinshan County who discovered the problem in time and proposed a solution, our Lüzhou might have become the next Lincheng."

"What does this show? It shows that our cadres not only need to be enterprising, but also need to have a deep affection for the people, and to have the keenness and sense of responsibility to discover problems."

"Comrade Gu Mingyuan has set an example for all young cadres in our city in this regard!"

This incident made Gu Mingyuan's name known not only in Jinshan County, but also at the leadership level in Lüzhou City.

In early December, at a commendation meeting organized by the Lüzhou Municipal Party Committee, Gu Mingyuan was solemnly commended as a representative of outstanding grassroots cadres.

Meanwhile, after deliberation by the Standing Committee of the Jinshan County Party Committee and approval by the Organization Department of the Lüzhou Municipal Party Committee, it was decided to appoint Gu Mingyuan as Deputy Director of the Office of the Jinshan County Party Committee.

This is a real deputy section chief position!

Just two months after he received the rank of deputy section chief, he was assigned to a substantive post, which is unprecedented in the history of Jinshan County and has once again caused a sensation.

This time, however, there were far fewer voices of doubt and jealousy, and more genuine and heartfelt approval.

Everyone understands that this young man's promotion was earned through solid performance and his ability to turn the tide in critical moments.

In December, the chill of winter was growing stronger in Jinshan, but Gu Mingyuan felt a warm glow in his heart.

While his career success is certainly gratifying, what makes him even happier is the warmth of his family.

Zhong Xiaoai has always been his strongest support, quietly bringing him hot tea when he stays up late writing reports and offering gentle encouragement when he is under pressure.

Their little home, though poor, was filled with love and understanding.

That afternoon, Gu Mingyuan was organizing year-end summary materials in his office when County Head Li Dakang's secretary suddenly came over and said seriously, "Director Gu, County Head Li requests your presence in his office now."

Gu Mingyuan's heart stirred slightly. He put down his work and followed the secretary to Li Dakang's office.

Li Dakang's office was simpler than Yi Xuexi's, but it was tidied up meticulously, showing the owner's rigorous style.

He was sitting behind his desk when he saw Gu Mingyuan come in. He pointed to the chair opposite him and said, "Mingyuan's here. Have a seat."

Gu Mingyuan sat down as instructed, his back straight, his posture respectful and natural.

Li Dakang didn't speak immediately, but handed over the document in his hand: "Take a look at this first."

Gu Mingyuan took the document. It was a letter from the Organization Department of the Lüzhou Municipal Party Committee, requesting opinions on transferring Comrade Gu Mingyuan, Deputy Chief of the Office of the Jinshan County Party Committee, to work in Pingzhou City, Hanjiang Province.

The letter was accompanied by a brief explanation, which stated that Comrade Pei Yihong, Secretary of the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee, greatly admired Comrade Gu Mingyuan and hoped that he could serve as his secretary, and earnestly requested the support of the Lüzhou Municipal Party Committee and the Jinshan County Party Committee.

Li Dakang didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "After Secretary Pei went back, he praised your report on raising funds for road construction."

"Pingzhou City has already started implementing your plan, and the results are very good. Secretary Pei... greatly admires your talent and ability."

He paused for a moment, as if considering his words: "A few days ago, Secretary Pei personally called Secretary Liu Chengfeng. After communication and coordination between the two secretaries, Secretary Pei formally proposed that you be transferred to Pingzhou City, Hanjiang Province, to work as his secretary."

Despite having a premonition, Gu Mingyuan's heart still skipped a beat when he heard the words "inter-provincial transfer".

This is undoubtedly a huge opportunity!

Being the secretary to the municipal party secretary is a position that many young cadres dream of.

Moreover, it was personally requested by the municipal party secretary and coordinated across provinces, demonstrating an extraordinary level of appreciation and importance.

The key point is that this is Pei Yihong's secretary.

Observing Gu Mingyuan's reaction, Li Dakang continued, "The organization respects your personal wishes regarding this matter."

"Secretary Liu also asked me to formally solicit your thoughts. Mingyuan, what are your considerations?"

A brief silence fell over the office.

Gu Mingyuan's heart was in turmoil.

This opportunity came suddenly, yet it was also perfectly reasonable.

His demonstrated abilities earned him recognition from higher-level leaders.

Going there means a wider world, but it also means leaving Jinshan County, where he has just become familiar with it and made achievements, leaving Secretary Yi who supports him and County Chief Li who has begun to change his attitude.

More importantly, he had to leave the warm little home he and Zhong Xiaoai had built together and start over in a completely unfamiliar environment.

Moreover, while the job of a secretary may seem glamorous, it actually requires extremely high qualities and demands complete dedication, leaving less time for family.

Not going? It would seem like a betrayal of Secretary Pei Yihong's kindness and Secretary Liu's coordination, and might also mean missing out on a crucial stepping stone for advancement.

Li Dakang looked at the silent Gu Mingyuan and softened his tone: "Mingyuan, I know this is a difficult decision."

"Pingzhou offers a higher platform, and Secretary Pei appreciates you so much; the future is indeed very bright."

"However, Jinshan County is also at a critical stage of development, and Secretary Yi and I both value you highly. Staying here will also allow you to achieve great things."

These words not only expressed a desire to retain him but also demonstrated respect for Gu Mingyuan's personal choice.

Gu Mingyuan raised his head, his gaze returning to its usual calm and clear.

He didn't immediately answer whether he would go or not, but instead asked sincerely, "County Chief Li, does the organization... have any opinion on this matter? I personally will obey the organization's arrangements."

Li Dakang waved his hand: "Secretary Liu's meaning is very clear: it mainly depends on your personal wishes. After all, inter-provincial transfers, especially this kind of transfer, involve personal and family factors. Go back and discuss it thoroughly with Comrade Xiao Ai, and give me an answer as soon as possible."

"Yes, County Chief Li. I understand. I will consider it carefully and, after discussing it with my family, report to you and the organization as soon as possible," Gu Mingyuan said solemnly as he stood up.

Leaving Li Dakang's office, Gu Mingyuan walked on the cold cement road in the county committee compound, his feelings complicated.

He knew that he was once again standing at a crossroads in his life.

This decision may profoundly influence his future path.

His mind was already rapidly weighing the pros and cons, considering how to discuss it with his wife, Zhong Xiaoai.