Names: Uncle Zhao Mengsheng, Father-in-law Pei Yihong

The Guangming Peak project, with its huge investment and comprehensive planning, is the largest investment project he has personally finalized since taking office in Jingzhou, and he has always regarded it as a stepping stone to progress.

I witnessed Qi Tongwei's skill.

Li Dakang wanted Qi Tongwei to consider Jingzhou and bring some projects to Jingzhou.

Qi Tongwei scanned the entire construction area with a calm expression. "Secretary Dakang, the total investment in this project is indeed quite large, exceeding similar projects in other cities in Handong. It has raised the profile of Jingzhou's urban construction and revitalized the Guangming Lake area."

Li Dakang laughed heartily, "Yes, Governor Qi, great minds think alike."

A number of officials from Jingzhou City and Guangming District followed not far away.

It includes Ding Yizhen, Sun Liancheng, Xiao Gangyu, Chen Qingquan, Zhang Shuli, Zhao Donglai, Cheng Du, and others.

They followed behind Cai Xiaofei and Secretary Jin.

Everyone wanted to find an opportunity to talk to Qi Tongwei.

Seeing that Li Dakang and Qi Tongwei were both smiling, Ding Yizhen felt that this round was in the bag.

Because Li Dakang only set the general direction, the actual person in charge was Ding Yizhen.

After all, he was the chief commander of the Guangming Peak project.

Sun Liancheng is the deputy chief commander of the Guangmingfeng project, but he's essentially just a figurehead.

Ding Yizhen made all the decisions.

The officialdom is not only about fighting and killing, but also about interpersonal relationships and social interactions.

We can't just dismiss Li Dakang right away.

If that's the case, how can we cooperate in the future?

After all, to gain a foothold in Handong, one must have more votes from the Standing Committee.

Since the vote from the Party Secretary of Luzhou City is temporarily unavailable, Li Dakang's vote is still very promising.

The two chatted for a while.

Qi Tongwei felt the time was right, and then changed the subject, "Secretary Dakang, but in my opinion, there are problems with the overall industrial structure."

Li Dakang raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? Governor Qi, please elaborate. I, Li Dakang, am all ears."

Qi Tongwei raised his hand and pointed to the scattered commercial buildings and cultural tourism facilities along the lakeside. "Secretary Dakang, the Guangming Peak project prioritizes urban construction over physical infrastructure, and storefronts over industry."

The entire project focuses on commercial real estate and mixed-use development, which looks glamorous and has impressive data, but it lacks any real economic foundation or long-term pillar industries.

In the short term, it can boost GDP and enhance the city's image, which is a quick-fix political achievement.

In the long run, however, failing to retain industries and jobs is merely a facade.

Li Dakang remained silent, his expression darkening slightly.

He knew in his heart that Qi Tongwei's words had hit the nail on the head regarding the biggest shortcoming of the Guangming Peak project.

However, the achievements in urban construction are on the table, and they are key to consolidating his influence in Jingzhou. Even if it is only a temporary solution, he has no choice but to do it.

In the officialdom of Handong, when it comes to political achievements, appearances have always been more important than substance.

Li Dakang felt that Qi Tongwei was no ordinary person; he saw things clearly and dared to point them out.

It's impossible that Governor Liu couldn't see it.

But it has never been said.

And there's that old man, Gao Yuliang.

They always say "not bad, not bad".

When it comes to conflicts of interest, Gao Yuliang is undoubtedly the one to concede.

The two continued chatting while smoking.

Li Dakang felt he needed to study Qi Tongwei.

What a pairing of Sha and Li! Tian Guofu, that old Deng, is no good.

You can't believe it.

If Jingzhou gets another big project, it will improve sooner or later.

Li Dakang had already anticipated the investments in Lincheng, and he estimated that the municipal party secretary and mayor would eventually advance further.

Unless they are gluttons, they won't eat meat that's been put right in front of them.

With the two secretaries out of the leader's sight, they no longer had to be constantly on edge, creating a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Cai Xiaofei stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze casually falling on the construction site in the distance.

"Director Jin, I heard that Secretary Sha and Secretary Tian Guofu visited Yantai yesterday?"

Secretary Kim nodded slightly and lowered her voice, "It was more than just a research visit. Last night, the two leaders really got down to earth, eating skewers and drinking right there on the streets of Yantai. They really let loose."

A hint of surprise flashed in Cai Xiaofei's eyes.

The provincial party committee leader and the provincial discipline inspection commission secretary, one holding the highest power in Handong and the other holding the power of discipline inspection, are both serious and rigid. No one would have thought that they would be having barbecue and drinking in private.

"Did they drink too much?" Cai Xiaofei wondered.

Secretary Kim smiled slightly. "You've had your fill of drinks."

The most interesting one was Secretary Tian. Who would have thought that after drinking too much, he'd start singing rock music on the roadside, completely off-key. Apparently, even the dogs on the street were terrified when they saw him.

Cai Xiaofei couldn't help but laugh out loud, "This is truly an eye-opener. Secretary Tian's serious persona has completely collapsed in Yantai."

"Who says otherwise?" Secretary Jin sighed. "I heard that when the Discipline Inspection Commission holds meetings, Tian Guofu, that old man, sweeps his gaze across the room, and no one dares to breathe. He's so serious it's frightening. But in private, he's actually a man of strong emotions."

Why did he dare to say that? Because his superior, Li Dakang, disliked Tian Guofu.

Cai Xiaofei's superior, Qi Tongwei, didn't really care about Tian Guofu either.

So the two people can say whatever they want.

Cai Xiaofei shook his head slightly and sighed softly, "Humans are all two-sided."

Those in positions of authority must fulfill their responsibilities and adhere to the rules.

Privately, without the burdens of daily life, everyone is just an ordinary person.

A gentle breeze blew along the shores of Guangming Lake, and the faint roar of construction machinery could be heard from the site.

Ding Yizhen, Sun Liancheng, Xiao Gangyu, Chen Qingquan, Zhang Shuli, Zhao Donglai, Qin Ben, and Cheng Du walked slowly along the lakeside trail.

Normally, Ding Yizhen is always the most relaxed and at ease one.

Without him.

Because he is currently riding high and about to be promoted to executive vice mayor, he has the final say on the 280 billion yuan Guangmingfeng project.

He's got too much power and's become a bit arrogant.

As the top official in Guangming District, he had cultivated deep connections within the district for many years, and everyone present was an old acquaintance. They were usually on friendly terms, and drinking parties were frequent.

But today, Ding Yizhen was tense and unusually uncomfortable.

It's just because there's an extra degree.

Outsiders only know that Cheng Du is the newly appointed Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission and Director of the Public Security Bureau of Guangming District. He was parachuted into the position and his foundation is still shallow.

But Ding Yizhen knew the truth best.

Cheng Du was a close confidant who followed Qi Tongwei to Handong, and was a true member of the Executive Vice Governor's inner circle.

The two had met on their flight to Handong and had a minor disagreement.

Later, the Organization Department announced the appointment, and Cheng Du was parachuted into Guangming District, where he took control of the political, legal, and public security powers.

Ding Yizhen once considered using his power as the top leader of Guangming District to set up obstacles at every meeting of the Standing Committee and to retaliate against him.

But as soon as the thought popped into his head, he nipped it in the bud.

He wasn't afraid of Cheng Du, but he was afraid of Qi Tongwei.

Qi Tongwei is now riding high in Handong, even Sha Ruijin has suffered setbacks, and Li Dakang has to give him some leeway.

Going against Qi Tongwei's confidants is like a long-lived person committing suicide—wanting to die.

Ding Yizhen glanced at Du Cheng, who stood beside her with a calm expression, and felt a mix of emotions.

Is the era of absolute power over?