Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Gu Mingyuan respectfully poured tea for each of the veteran comrades and carefully recorded their remarks.

"Mingyuan, we have seen the changes in Liping and are very happy about them," said Zhao, the former county magistrate.

"But I must remind you that development cannot forget its roots."

"Agriculture is the foundation, and food is the essential element."

"Now everyone is focusing on cash crops, and the area planted with grain is decreasing. We need to pay attention to this issue."

Gu Mingyuan nodded: "The former county head is right. We are formulating a food security plan, delineating basic farmland protection zones, and promoting high-yield technologies to ensure that the grain planting area does not decrease and the yield does not drop."

Former Director Lao Qian said, "Education is a long-term undertaking. Now that the hardware has improved, the software needs to be strengthened. In particular, we cannot relax our efforts in building teachers' ethics and conduct."

"We are carrying out a special campaign to rectify teachers' ethics and conduct, while also improving teachers' salaries and benefits, so that excellent teachers can stay and teach well."

The veteran comrades offered more than a dozen suggestions, which Gu Mingyuan responded to one by one.

The symposium lasted for three hours, and the atmosphere was warm and sincere.

After the meeting, the veteran comrades shook Gu Mingyuan's hand: "Mingyuan, we're at ease entrusting Liping to you. Do a good job, but also take care of your health. You're still young, and you have a long road ahead of you."

August 18th, two days before Secretary Liu Huanzhang's inspection tour.

Gu Mingyuan walked along the planned route again, but not to check the preparations, but to check the daily work.

At the industrial park, he asked the workers, "Is there a lot of work lately? Have you been paid on time?"

At the tea plantation, he asked the tea farmers, "How are the summer tea sales? Are you satisfied with the prices?"

At school, he asked the students, "Do you like your new school? Are the teachers good?"

Everything is normal, everything is real.

On the evening of August 19th, Gu Mingyuan stayed in his office until late at night.

He reviewed Li Ping's work over the past two years, going over the achievements, problems, and reflections in his mind.

He wasn't doing this to report to his superiors, but to keep himself clear-headed.

At 11 p.m., Zhong Zhengguo called.

"Mingyuan, haven't you rested yet?"

"Dad, why aren't you resting?"

"I received the news that Secretary Liu is going to Liping tomorrow, so I'm giving you a call," Zhong Zhengguo said in a steady voice.

"Don't be nervous, stay calm."

"Secretary Liu is a pragmatic person; the more genuine you are, the more he appreciates you."

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

"I understand, Dad."

"Also, Old Wang asked me to pass on a message to you: When serving as an official, one should not only bring benefits to the people in the area, but also cultivate a positive social atmosphere."

"You are now a role model, and your style will influence the style of the entire Liping."

"I will always remember Elder Wang's teachings."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan felt more at ease.

With so many people who care about him and support him, what reason does he have not to do well?

August 20th, early morning.

As usual, the streets of Liping County were bustling with cars and people, and the morning market was lively.

There were just a few more minibuses parked at the entrance of the county government compound.

At nine o'clock in the morning, Secretary Liu Huanzhang's motorcade arrived on time.

Without police escorts or road closures, they drove into the county government compound like any other vehicle.

Gu Mingyuan and his team members greeted them at the door.

Liu Huanzhang got out of the car and shook Gu Mingyuan's hand: "Comrade Mingyuan, I'm here again."

"It's the same this time, we'll just have to see how they usually are."

"Welcome, Secretary Liu. Liping is ready to be inspected at any time."

"It's not an inspection, it's a learning and follow-up visit," Liu Huanzhang said with a smile.

"Let's go and see your tea plantation. The summer tea is of good quality."

The convoy headed to Yunwu Township.

On the way, Liu Huanzhang looked out the window and said, "Compared to the last time I came, people's spirits are different."

Tea farmers are working in the tea garden.

Upon seeing the provincial party secretary, everyone was a little nervous, but at Gu Mingyuan's prompting, they quickly relaxed.

Liu Huanzhang walked into the tea garden, chatted with the tea farmers, and asked about their yield, prices, and difficulties.

The tea farmers spoke frankly, praising both the good aspects and pointing out the problems.

"Secretary Liu, tea is selling well now, but there aren't enough tea pickers, and labor costs are high."

"Deep processing is a good thing, but we are getting old and learn new technologies slowly."

"We hope the government will organize more training programs, as we also want to keep up with the times."

Liu Huanzhang listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

He said to Gu Mingyuan, "What the people are saying is true, and you must resolve it. Development cannot only focus on the present; it must consider the long term."

At the industrial park, Liu Huanzhang inspected the production line, inquired about the difficulties faced by the companies, and paid particular attention to environmental protection issues.

When he heard the company introduce its recycling model, he was very satisfied: "This is good; it develops the economy while protecting the environment. It should be promoted throughout the province."

At school, Liu Huanzhang went into the classroom and interacted with the children.

Upon seeing the multimedia teaching equipment, he asked, "Are they all being used? Do the teachers know how to use them?"

The principal replied, "We've implemented all of these measures, and the teachers have all received training. Classes are much more engaging now, and the children are more interested."

"Okay, investing in education is the most worthwhile investment," Liu Huanzhang said to Gu Mingyuan.

"Your emphasis on education demonstrates foresight."

In half a day, Liu Huanzhang visited five locations. He didn't stay at each location for long, but he asked very detailed questions and observed very thoroughly.

Liu Huanzhang ate lunch at the township government canteen, which was still four dishes and a soup, but he ate with great relish.

During the meal, Liu Huanzhang sat at a table with township officials and representatives of the masses, eating and chatting.

"What's the most difficult thing about working in townships now?" Liu Huanzhang asked.

The township party secretary frankly stated, "The most difficult thing is balancing development and protection. We need to develop the economy, protect the environment, and improve people's livelihoods; sometimes there are indeed contradictions."

"It's normal to have conflicts; the key is how to resolve them," Liu Huanzhang said.

"Liping has explored a good path: ecological industrialization and industrial ecology. We should continue down this path."

After the meal, Liu Huanzhang was about to leave.

Before leaving, he called Gu Mingyuan aside: "Mingyuan, I'm very happy to have you here this time."

"What makes me happy is not how many projects or how much data I've seen, but that I've seen the reality, the smiles on the faces of the people, and the enthusiasm of the officials."

He patted Gu Mingyuan on the shoulder: "Work hard, there is hope for Liping, and there is hope for you too."

"But remember, the smoother things go, the more sober you need to be."

"Development is a marathon, not a sprint."

"Keep your focus and maintain your pace, and Liping's future will be even brighter."

"Also, I have to say, the original ecological delicacies of Liping are really good. The brand of Liping Mountain Delicacies must be developed well."

"Thank you, Secretary Liu. I will definitely keep your teachings in mind," Gu Mingyuan replied.

As the convoy drove away from Liping, Gu Mingyuan stood by the roadside, watching the departing vehicles for a long time.

He knew that this research was not the end, but a new beginning.

The provincial party secretary's affirmation is an encouragement, but even more so, a spur to action.

Liping's road is still long, and so is his.

But if you're heading in the right direction, you don't have to worry about how far the road is.

August is drawing to a close amidst this busyness and reflection.

The development of Liping is like the summer heatwave, rolling forward unstoppable.

In September, Liping is blessed with clear skies and gentle breezes, the summer heat gradually dissipates, and the air is filled with the scent of harvest.

September 1st, the first day of school.