Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

On October 2, 1996, the second day of the National Day holiday, the Liping County Party Committee compound was much quieter than usual.

Gu Mingyuan did not rest; he was in his office reviewing the detailed economic reports for the third quarter.

A light rain was falling outside the window, and autumn was deepening, but his heart was warmed by the vibrant numbers on the paper—the GDP for the first three quarters had exceeded 1.7 billion yuan, and at this rate, the annual target of 2 billion yuan was expected to be exceeded.

The red telephone on the table suddenly rang; it was one of those rarely used dedicated lines.

Gu Mingyuan put down the report and answered the phone: "Hello, this is Gu Mingyuan."

"Hello, Secretary Gu, this is Liu Ming from the First Cadre Division of the Organization Department of the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee." A steady middle-aged male voice came from the other end of the phone.

"As arranged by the organization, we would like to invite you to come to the city soon for a discussion and assessment of your thoughts."

"The date is tentatively set for October 8th. Is that convenient for you?"

Gu Mingyuan's heart stirred slightly.

Ideological investigation?

At this time?

But he quickly composed himself: "Convenient. What exactly is it that needs investigation?"

"The main task is the year-end performance evaluation."

"The city is currently compiling a list of candidates for outstanding county party secretaries nationwide, and it is necessary to conduct in-depth investigations of qualified cadres." Liu Ming's voice was very official, but the information he revealed gave Gu Mingyuan a jolt.

A National Outstanding County Party Secretary?

This is an extremely high honor, with only one or two slots available in the entire province each year, and it often requires many years of grassroots work experience and outstanding achievements.

I've only been the county party secretary for a year; my experience is still very limited. How could this be...?

"Okay, I'll report to the city on time on October 8th," Gu Mingyuan replied.

After hanging up the phone, he sat in his chair and pondered for a long time.

The light rain outside the window tapped against the glass, making a soft, pattering sound.

This happened suddenly, yet it also seemed somewhat expected.

Since the provincial conference on county-level economic development was held in Liping, and since Provincial Party Secretary Liu Huanzhang visited Liping twice for research, he knew that he had entered a higher level of vision.

But the honor of being named an outstanding county party secretary nationwide still exceeded his expectations.

He recalled Pei Yihong's previous phone call: "The province is studying a cadre exchange program, and you might be on the list of candidates."

Is this just the prelude?

It turns out that it had already been brewing back then.

Gu Mingyuan stood up and walked to the window.

The town of Liping was hazy and quiet in the rain. The construction site in the distance was shrouded in rain, but the tower cranes could still be seen slowly turning – the construction of the third phase of the industrial park did not stop because of the holiday.

"When honor comes, we must remain sober," he told himself.

On October 3, Gu Mingyuan convened a small meeting of the leadership team to announce that they would be going to the city for ideological investigation.

County Head Liu Zhijun was the first to speak up: "Secretary Gu, this is a good thing! It shows that your work has been recognized by the higher authorities."

"The changes in Liping over the past year or so are evident to all."

"If you were to be named a National Outstanding County Party Secretary, you would truly deserve it!"

Other members of the Standing Committee also expressed their support.

Gu Mingyuan waved his hand: "Comrades, it's too early to talk about these things now."

"I'm just going there for evaluation; whether I get the award is another matter."

"More importantly, we cannot let this affect our normal work."

He paused, his expression turning serious: "While I'm gone for a few days, the work can't stop."

"County Chief Liu is in charge of all work, and all departments are progressing according to plan."

"We need to keep a close eye on the progress of key projects, such as the third phase of the industrial park, the second phase of the tourism highway, and the cold chain logistics center."

"Secretary Gu, rest assured, we will definitely defend our position," Liu Zhijun said solemnly.

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan kept Liu Zhijun behind: "Old Liu, I know what's going on with this inspection. It should be the idea of ​​Secretary Liu of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor Pei, and also Secretary Chen's recommendation."

"But I always feel that it's not a good thing for honors to come too quickly."

"Secretary Gu, you're overthinking it," Liu Zhijun said sincerely.

"Everyone has seen the work you've done over the past year."

"Road construction, industrial development, education improvement, and anti-corruption efforts—aren't all of these concrete actions?"

"Why do the common people call you Gu Qingtian (a high-ranking official)?"

"Because you genuinely serve them."

"If this kind of cadre isn't rated as outstanding, what kind of cadre is?"

"That's true, but the tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind," Gu Mingyuan sighed.

"Old Liu, while I'm gone, there are two things you need to pay special attention to:"

First, we cannot allow formalism to occur just because I am applying for awards.

Secondly, we must closely monitor all economic data, ensuring they are accurate and truthful, without any exaggeration.

"I understand!" Liu Zhijun nodded.

"Don't worry, we'll keep things in Liping. There won't be any chaos."

On October 5th, Gu Mingyuan received a call from Zhong Zhengguo.

"Mingyuan, I heard you're being nominated as a candidate for the National Outstanding County Party Secretary?" His father-in-law's voice was as steady as ever.

"Dad, you're really well-informed. I just received a notice from the city that I need to go for a political investigation."

"Yes, this is a good thing, but also a test." Zhong Zhengguo paused.

"Mingyuan, do you still remember the calligraphy that Old Wang gave you?"

"I remember, the dragon soars amidst the clouds."

"Yes, Old Wang said it's not that he wants you to pursue high office and great wealth, but that he hopes you can soar like a dragon and strive forward." Zhong Zhengguo said earnestly.

"Take this evaluation process with a calm and composed attitude."

"Being recognized is an affirmation of your work by the organization; you should work even harder."

"Not being selected means there are still shortcomings, and we must continue to strive."

"No matter what, we must never forget our original aspirations."

"Dad, I understand," Gu Mingyuan said solemnly.

"To be honest, I feel that I am still inexperienced, and my work in Liping is just beginning."

"This honor brings me more pressure than joy."

"It's good that you understand this," Chung Cheng-kuo said with satisfaction.

"By the way, your mother-in-law said she wants to go to Liping for a visit, maybe later this month."

"She said she wanted to see where you work, and to see Xiao Ai and Peng Peng."

"Welcome! Mom, you can come anytime, I'll make the arrangements."

"Then let's do it around October 20th, after she finishes her work at school."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan felt a warm feeling welling up inside him.

His family's understanding and support will always be his strongest backing.

On October 7th, Gu Mingyuan prepared to depart for Pingzhou.

Before leaving, he made a special trip to the tea garden in Yunwu Township.

The autumn tea harvest is underway, and the tea farmers are busy and happy.

Upon seeing Gu Mingyuan, everyone gathered around him.

"Secretary Gu, I heard you're going to be nominated for the National Outstanding County Party Secretary award?" tea farmer Lao Wang asked excitedly.

Gu Mingyuan laughed and said, "It's just a matter of being assessed; it's not certain yet."

"I'll definitely be selected!" Old Wang shouted.