Me! A high-ranking official!

"Reporting to the county head, because the incident occurred yesterday evening, and because I was rushing to finish this report overnight, I haven't had time to formally report the findings to Director Zhang and Director Guo. This is a dereliction of duty on my part in terms of work coordination."

Zhao Jianguo once again shielded his superior from criticism, and then, with clear logic and a steady pace, delivered his prepared statement: "Based on my on-site investigation and subsequent inquiries, the appearance of this wealthy businessman was by no means accidental."

Zhao Jianguo met Zhou Qingyan's seemingly stern but subtly admiring phoenix eyes and said loudly, "This wealthy businessman is from the south and deals in cultural tourism capital. He somehow learned in advance of our county committee and government's determination to revitalize Xiaozhai Village. He decided to enter the market early because he highly values ​​this project personally overseen by Secretary Zhou and County Head Han! He has even appointed one of our county's businessmen to specifically handle this matter!"

"As for Secretary Zhou's concerns about hoarding and speculation, and the potential for them to strangle us," Zhao Jianguo said with absolute certainty, "Director Zhang specifically instructed me to conduct a simulation on this point. We believe that the entry of wealthy businessmen is not only not a bad thing, but rather a catalyst for our project! His exorbitant acquisition price directly undermines the psychological defenses of those stubborn villagers from within, solving a huge stability maintenance problem for the county without bloodshed!"

"Moreover, he only accepted a very small portion of the houses for emergency sale. The vast majority of villagers are currently observing the situation. As long as the overall project led by our county remains stable, his few houses will eventually have to be incorporated into our unified NPC operation system to generate revenue. He is using real money to endorse and pave the way for our cultural tourism project!"

These words were perfectly worded, not only answering Zhou Qingyan's tricky question flawlessly, but also praising the foresight of the county party committee and government leaders.

The tense atmosphere in the meeting room was instantly dispelled by this clear, logical, and well-reasoned analysis.

Han Baomin's previously gloomy face finally brightened. He nodded slightly, picked up his thermos and took a sip, his gaze towards Zhao Jianguo now showing a mixture of scrutiny and appreciation.

"Yes, the information is indeed correct." Han Baomin set a steady tone, then turned to Zhou Qingyan and Zhang Baocheng, his tone becoming extremely serious: "Comrade Jianguo's analysis just now made sense, but in actual operation, we absolutely cannot let our guard down!"

County Head Han tapped his fingers heavily on the table, emphasizing each word as he set the tone: "Regardless of how cultural tourism projects are market-oriented, the premise must be three words: ensure safety, stability, and security! We must not allow speculative capital to exploit loopholes in the government's policies! The sale of houses in Xiaozhai Village is the villagers' free property right. Although the county will not forcibly intervene, relevant departments must closely monitor the situation to prevent excessive speculation that could affect the overall project!"

"County Chief Han's instructions are very insightful." Zhou Qingyan picked up the thread, his cold gaze sweeping over the three directors of the Culture and Tourism Bureau before finally settling on Zhang Baocheng's face: "As the leading unit, the Culture and Tourism Bureau's work must not only be superficial but also thorough! I don't want to see the embarrassing situation of directors being unable to answer questions from leaders at the Standing Committee meetings again! After this meeting, your bureau needs to come up with an emergency plan to prevent malicious speculation by capital, addressing the issues raised today."

Zhang Baocheng felt as if he had been granted a pardon, nodding repeatedly. His shirt was already soaked with cold sweat, clinging tightly to his back: "Yes, yes, Secretary Zhou's criticism is correct. We will immediately rectify the situation upon returning and resolutely implement County Chief Han's instructions on the 'three safety' principles!"

"In addition, the Industrial Investment Group and the Development and Reform Commission should also expedite their coordination." Deputy County Head Lian Wei also emphasized a few specific rules regarding project approval.

Meeting adjourned.

At Zhou Qingyan's command, the leaders all stood up and left their seats.

Zhang Baocheng was tidying up the notebooks on the table, his hands still trembling slightly. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he walked over to Zhao Jianguo and patted his arm hard. In addition to gratitude for escaping death, there was also an indescribable emotion in his eyes.

After leaving the county government building and getting into the Santana on its way back to the Culture and Tourism Bureau, the atmosphere in the car was so eerie that it was hard to breathe.

Zhang Baocheng sat in the passenger seat, eyes closed and silent. Li Dafang in the back also kept his eyes down, barely daring to breathe. Zhao Jianguo sat beside Li Dafang, watching the street scene receding outside the window, his mind perfectly clear. Today's performance had thoroughly humiliated Zhang Baocheng; who knew what turmoil he was feeling inside.

As soon as they returned to the Cultural and Tourism Bureau compound, Zhang Baocheng opened the car door and, for the first time ever, gave Zhao Jianguo a kind smile: "Jianguo, come to my office."

Zhao Jianguo's heart skipped a beat, and he followed.

Pushing open the door to the director's office, Zhang Baocheng didn't slump into the boss's chair as usual. Instead, he walked to the tea cabinet, picked up a disposable paper cup, pinched a pinch of tea leaves, and poured half a cup of boiling water.

"Come on, Jianguo, have a seat." Zhang Baocheng placed the steaming paper cup on the coffee table and pointed to the sofa.

Zhao Jianguo sat down on the sofa, flattered, but alarm bells were ringing in his mind.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation!

Zhang Baocheng had previously tried every means to marginalize him, steal his plans, take credit for his work, and treat him coldly. Why has he suddenly changed his tune now? Not only is he offering him a seat, but he's also personally pouring tea? This weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken is definitely up to no good!

"Thank you, Director Zhang." He gave a polite bow, without touching the cup of tea.

Zhang Baocheng sat down opposite him, took out a cigarette from his pocket, offered one to him, lit it himself, took a deep drag, and his eyes were full of admiration and emotion: "Jianguo, when you were in the government office, I thought you were a promising talent. You have a strong pen and a quick mind; you're sure to achieve great things in the future! Seeing you in the county committee meeting room today, I was right! Your quick wit and resourcefulness really made our Culture and Tourism Bureau Director proud!"

"Director Zhang, you flatter me. This was all under your overall planning. I was just following the rules and it's nothing special." He skillfully deflected the question, but he was increasingly suspicious. What exactly was this old fox trying to say after all this preamble?