Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

July 24, 1996, the first morning after the conclusion of the provincial on-site meeting on county-level economy.

The Liping County Party Committee compound was bathed in the golden morning sun, and the air still carried the warmth of last night's meeting.

Gu Mingyuan appeared in the office at six o'clock sharp, as usual.

The day's documents and newspapers were already laid out on the table. The front page of the Hanjiang Daily prominently featured the headline "Liping Speed: The Breakthrough Path of a Mountainous County," with the subtitle "A Side Note on the Provincial County-Level Economic Conference."

He picked up the newspaper and read it carefully. The report was objective and detailed, affirming Liping's achievements while also pointing out the challenges it faced.

The article quotes Secretary Liu Huanzhang as saying: "Liping's experience tells us that the fundamental principle of development lies in seeking truth from facts and putting the people at the center."

The final paragraph reads: "This county, which was once listed as one of the poorest in the province, is transforming at an astonishing pace. Behind this transformation is the dedication of a young county party secretary, the united efforts of a team, and the aspirations of 400,000 people for a better life."

"Secretary Gu, look at this report..." Secretary Xiao Chen came in quietly, carrying several other newspapers in her hand.

Gu Mingyuan looked up: "What did they say?"

"The Pingzhou Daily gave a full-page report, the Economic Herald did a special feature, and the Hanjiang News Network broadcast it for fifteen minutes last night." Xiao Chen spread the newspapers out on the table.

"The provincial television station is also coming to do in-depth interviews; they've already contacted the publicity department."

"Tell the publicity department that they can accept interviews, but they must be truthful and not exaggerate or embellish." Gu Mingyuan stood up and walked to the window.

"The meeting is over, but our real work has just begun."

Outside the window, cadres in the county committee compound walked briskly, each with an unprecedented spirit on their face.

The success of the on-site meeting and the media coverage made the cadres and people of this remote county feel the pride of being noticed and recognized for the first time.

The Standing Committee of the County Party Committee convened on time at 8:30 a.m.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was lively, but Gu Mingyuan's first words cooled everyone down: "Comrades, the meeting is over, and you've heard the praise. Now it's time to wake up."

He surveyed the room with a sharp gaze: "Secretary Liu said we are good because we are pragmatic."

"If we get carried away by a few words of praise and start putting on a show, that would be a real failure."

County Head Liu Zhijun was the first to speak: "Secretary Gu is right. I didn't sleep well last night, all I could think about was what to do next."

"The event brought us attention, but also pressure."

"The whole province is watching Liping. If we don't do a good job in the next step, it will be a huge joke."

"County Chief Liu has hit the nail on the head." Gu Mingyuan opened his notebook.

"I've summarized the situation, and we'll face several new challenges after the meeting:"

First, increased attention will make attracting investment easier, but companies will also have higher requirements.

Second, provincial and municipal support will increase, but the assessment will also be more stringent.

Third, while cadres and the masses have gained confidence, this may also lead to complacency.

He paused for a moment: "So, starting today, we need to do three things."

The Standing Committee members all took out their notebooks.

"First, immediately launch a review. Each department should review the issues raised and suggestions made by the leaders during the on-site meeting, and come up with a rectification plan within a week."

"Second, a special campaign to optimize the business environment. Now that businesses are coming, we must ensure they can come, stay, and thrive. All approval processes must be further simplified, and all service commitments must be fulfilled."

"Third, we will launch the Liping Speed ​​and Quality Improvement Project. The on-site meeting showcased our speed; the next step is to demonstrate our quality. Development must be fast, but even more importantly, it must be good."

Organization Minister Wang Jianjun asked, "Secretary Gu, how should we conduct ideological work among the cadres? Indeed, some comrades are getting a bit cocky."

"Hold a big meeting to sound the alarm," Gu Mingyuan said decisively.

"There will be a county-wide cadre meeting tomorrow, and I will speak in person."

"Achievements should be acknowledged, problems should be pointed out, and the direction should be clearly defined."

"At the same time, we will launch a new round of cadre training and organize trips to developed regions to broaden our horizons and increase our knowledge."

The meeting lasted the entire morning and resulted in seven resolutions.

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan kept County Magistrate Liu Zhijun behind: "Old Liu, we need to have a good talk."

The two arrived at Gu Mingyuan's office, where the secretary made tea and left.

"Secretary Gu, please feel free to speak your mind," Liu Zhijun said, sitting down with a sincere expression.

Gu Mingyuan offered him a cigarette—a rare gesture: "Old Liu, we've been working together for nine months now, and we've been cooperating quite well."

"The on-site meeting was a success; this is an achievement for both of us, and for the entire county."

"But then, the burden became even heavier."

Liu Zhijun nodded: "I understand. To be honest, when you were first promoted, I had some doubts—could such a young secretary handle it?"

"But after these nine months, I've given up."

"You have a clear vision, you take responsibility, and most importantly, you truly care about the people."

"We're all working for the people." Gu Mingyuan took a drag of his cigarette.

"Old Liu, I'd like you to focus on two things next: first, optimizing the business environment, which is the lifeline of development; and second, improving people's livelihoods, which is the ultimate goal of development."

"My main focus is on industrial upgrading and international cooperation."

"Let's divide the work and cooperate to make this game in Liping a success."

"No problem!" Liu Zhijun's eyes lit up.

"Secretary Gu, since you trust me so much, I will definitely do my best."

"Regarding the business environment, I plan to implement a 'quiet day' system for businesses. From the 1st to the 20th of each month, no department may arbitrarily inspect businesses unless there is a report or an emergency."

"In terms of improving people's livelihoods, I will focus on improving the quality of education and healthcare so that ordinary people can truly feel the benefits of development."

"Good!" Gu Mingyuan slammed his hand on the table and stood up.

"Let's do it this way."

"However, Lao Liu, we need to agree on three rules: First, all decisions must be open and transparent. Second, we must communicate promptly when problems arise. Third, we must support each other and not undermine each other."

Their hands were clasped tightly together.

In the afternoon, Gu Mingyuan began to process the backlog of documents.

Many routine tasks were postponed during the on-site meeting.

He reviewed each document one by one and frequently called to inquire about the situation.

"Director Zhang, what's the current status of the land use permit application for Phase II of the industrial park?"

"Mayor Li, when will that dead-end road in Yunwu Township be completed?"

"Director Wang, is the Third Primary School fully staffed with teachers?"

Seeing the secretary's busy figure, Secretary Chen couldn't help but say, "Secretary Gu, why don't you take a break? You haven't had a proper rest since the on-site meeting started."

Gu Mingyuan didn't even look up: "Now is not the time to rest."

"Xiao Chen, please inform everyone that there will be a review and deployment meeting at 7 p.m. tonight, and all relevant department heads should attend."

"But what about your dinner...?"

"Just get some food from the cafeteria."

At 7 p.m., the small conference room of the county committee was brightly lit.

With all the department heads present, Gu Mingyuan had a boxed lunch in front of him—he had been eating and working for half an hour.

"Comrades, let's have a short meeting." Gu Mingyuan put down his chopsticks.

"During the on-site meeting, Secretary Liu, Governor Qiu, and Governor Pei all gave us suggestions, which I have compiled into eighteen points."