Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"The changes in Liping are known throughout the province."

"Without you, our tea would still be stuck in the mountains, unable to be sold!"

"Yes, Secretary Gu, if you are selected, you will be the pride of Liping!" the other tea farmers echoed.

Gu Mingyuan waved his hand: "Fellow villagers, the changes in Liping are the result of everyone's joint efforts."

"The road was built by everyone, the tea was planted by everyone, the industry was developed by everyone, and the honor belongs to everyone."

He walked into the tea garden, picked tea with the tea farmers for a while, and inquired about the sales of the autumn tea.

He was very pleased to learn that the tea processing plant's new products were receiving a good market response.

As he left, Old Wang held his hand and said, "Secretary Gu, whether you get the award or not, you'll always be the best secretary in our hearts!"

The simple words brought tears to Gu Mingyuan's eyes.

This is the meaning of his struggle—the recognition of the people is more precious than any honor.

On the morning of October 8th, Gu Mingyuan drove to Pingzhou City.

He kept thinking during the three-hour drive.

What questions will be asked during this ideological investigation?

How should I answer this?

After being named a National Outstanding County Party Secretary, the burden on one's shoulders will become heavier. How should one cope with this?

He recalled Secretary Liu Huanzhang's words: "Development is a marathon, not a sprint."

I recalled Pei Yihong's advice: "The smoother things go, the more sober you must be."

I recalled my father-in-law's teachings: "Never forget your original intention, and you will achieve your goal."

I feel more confident now.

At 10:00 a.m., Gu Mingyuan arrived at the Pingzhou Municipal Party Committee compound.

This place is much more impressive than the Liping County Party Committee compound, but Gu Mingyuan had no time to appreciate it. He went straight to the office building where the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department was located.

In the reception room of the Organization Department, Li Wei, the director of the First Cadre Division, was already waiting for him.

"Secretary Gu, welcome, welcome!" Li Wei was around fifty years old, wearing glasses, and had a refined and scholarly demeanor.

"You must be tired from your journey. Let's go to the small conference room first. The minister will be here shortly."

"Director Li, you're too kind," Gu Mingyuan said modestly.

The small meeting room was simply furnished, with an oval conference table and a few chairs.

Li Wei poured Gu Mingyuan a cup of tea: "Secretary Gu, this ideological assessment is mainly to understand your work approach, political awareness, and commitment to clean governance."

"The minister will speak with you personally, and I will take notes."

"Relax and just answer truthfully."

"Okay, thank you, Director Li."

As they were talking, the meeting room door opened, and Zhang Jianming, the head of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee, walked in.

Zhang Jianming, in his early sixties, with gray hair and a serious face, is a well-known iron-faced minister in Pingzhou's political arena.

"Comrade Mingyuan is here." Zhang Jianming sat down opposite him and got straight to the point.

"Let's get started. This ideological assessment is because the municipal party committee is considering recommending candidates for outstanding county party secretaries nationwide."

"Your work in Liping was outstanding, and the provincial leaders have given their approval, so you are one of the key candidates for evaluation."

"Thank you for the organization's trust." Gu Mingyuan sat up straight.

"The first question." Zhang Jianming opened his notebook.

"What has been your biggest takeaway from working in Liping for the past two years?"

Gu Mingyuan pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "Minister Zhang, my biggest takeaway is that county-level development must follow a path that suits its own circumstances."

"Liping is a mountainous county. If we blindly follow the trend of developing industry, we will have neither the foundation nor the advantage."

"Therefore, we focus on ecology, developing green agriculture and rural tourism, which is to leverage our strengths and avoid our weaknesses."

"However, the low added value of agriculture and the strong seasonality of tourism are objective problems."

"Therefore, we are promoting deep processing, extending the industrial chain, and developing year-round tourism, which is an upgrade based on the existing foundation."

Zhang Jianming nodded: "My second question is, what is your view on the position of county party secretary?"

"The county party secretary is the leader of the county, and bears a heavy responsibility." Gu Mingyuan said seriously.

"I believe that a county party secretary should do three things well:"

First, we need to determine the direction and establish a development path that aligns with local realities.

Second, we must build a team of cadres who are capable of fighting and winning battles.

Third, we must improve people's livelihoods and ensure that the fruits of development truly benefit the people.

"Well said." A hint of approval flashed in Zhang Jianming's eyes.

"The third question is, how do you balance development and conservation?"

"Development and protection are not contradictory, but unified," Gu Mingyuan said with a clear mind.

"What we are exploring in Liping is the path of ecological industrialization and industrial ecology."

"For example, developing tea plantations not only does not damage the ecosystem, but also helps to conserve water and soil."

"For example, in aquaculture, we promote a circular model to achieve zero pollution."

"Development is for better protection, and protection is for more sustainable development."

Zhang Jianming then asked some questions about anti-corruption efforts, cadre management, and work with the masses. Gu Mingyuan answered them one by one, praising achievements without avoiding questions, with a sincere attitude and clear thinking.

The conversation lasted for two hours.

At the end, Zhang Jianming rarely showed a smile: "Comrade Mingyuan, I am very satisfied with your answer."

"Be realistic and do not evade the issues."

"Clear thinking and unique insights."

"They have a positive attitude and a deep concern for the people."

"It is only right that such a cadre be named an outstanding county party secretary nationwide."

"Thank you for your recognition, Minister Zhang. I haven't done enough," Gu Mingyuan said humbly.

"No need to be so modest," Zhang Jianming waved his hand.

"I will report the situation of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee to the Standing Committee truthfully."

"However, whether you will ultimately be selected depends on the results of the provincial and higher-level selections, so you should be prepared."

"I understand that whether I get the award or not, I will continue to work as always."

"Good, that's the right mindset." Zhang Jianming stood up.

"By the way, Secretary Chen said he'd like to meet you."

"Go to his office now, he should be waiting for you."

"Okay, thank you, Minister Zhang."

As Gu Mingyuan left the Organization Department, he took a deep breath.

He passed the ideological assessment smoothly, but he knew that the real test was yet to come.

The office of the municipal party secretary is located on the top floor of the municipal party committee building, offering a panoramic view overlooking the center of Pingzhou City.

When Gu Mingyuan knocked on the door and went in, Chen Wenzhe was reviewing documents.

Upon seeing him, Chen Wenzhe put down his pen, smiled, and stood up: "Mingyuan is here, please sit down."

"Hello, Secretary Chen," Gu Mingyuan said respectfully.

"Is the ideological assessment over? How does it feel?" Chen Wenzhe asked with a smile as he sat down next to Gu Mingyuan.

"It's over. Minister Zhang asked very detailed questions, and I answered them all truthfully."

"That's good." Chen Wenzhe sat down opposite him.

"Mingyuan, this recommendation of you as a candidate for outstanding county party secretary nationwide is a collective decision of the municipal party committee standing committee."

"Everyone has seen your work in Liping."

"In particular, the successful convening of the provincial county-level economic conference in Liping and Secretary Liu Huanzhang's two research visits have all demonstrated your capabilities."

Gu Mingyuan said sincerely, "Secretary Chen, thank you for your trust and recommendation."