wavenovel Chapter 40 Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice
Chapter 40 Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice
At this level of reception, especially on such a occasion, there would naturally be none of the chaotic or overtly obsequious behavior typical of those at the grassroots level.
The main leaders of Meihua City stood in turn to welcome Xu Aiguo as he got off the car.
With a smile on his face, Xu Aiguo shook hands with everyone in turn, his manner both approachable and authoritative.
Dawei and two comrades from the Provincial Organization Department followed behind Xu Aiguo.
When Xu Aiguo shook hands with Mayor Chen Tiecai, Chen Tiecai glanced at Dawei. Dawei felt that even if he studied for another 10 or 20 years, he could never learn that look.
Chen Tiecai narrowed his eyes into slits, smiled kindly, shook hands with Minister Xu, and said that the minister had had a hard journey.
As Xu Aiguo released his hand to shake hands with the next person standing, the director of the municipal party committee office, Chen Tiecai shifted his gaze to the three people following behind Xu Aiguo.
With the same warm and respectful gaze, they looked at Dawei and the two comrades from the provincial organization department in turn, and nodded slightly to each of them as a greeting.
The mayor of Meihua City, who came from Yuanshan County, appeared remarkably calm and composed despite the frequent incidents in Yuanshan County.
Guided by the director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, the group entered the large conference room of the office building.
Xiao Zhikai from the Municipal Organization Department took the lead in reporting on some of the main contents of the city's organizational work.
After Xu Aiguo gave important instructions on Xiao Zhikai's report, everyone took turns speaking, and Xu Aiguo gave a concluding speech at the end.
"The province attaches great importance to the organizational work in Meihua City."
Cadres often play a decisive role.
Party building, talent introduction and training, and cadre team building are important supports for the development of an organization's cause and key to the prosperity of the Party's cause.
The situation in Meihua City is quite complex, with a lack of young talent among its middle and upper-level cadres.
Some officials always think about being a peaceful and unambitious official.
Sitting in this position, my first thought is to land safely, not how to be enterprising and how to shoulder the tasks entrusted to me by the Party and the people.
At present, the process of reform and opening up can be described as magnificent.
Qinghe City, located 200 kilometers away from Meihua City, used to be in a similar situation. However, Qinghe City has achieved sustained economic growth over the past three years, while Meihua City's economy remains stagnant, ranking third from the bottom in the province.
Economic problems, when traced back, are essentially problems of the local political situation.
To put it more bluntly, it's a problem with some officials.
Comrade Zhikai and I both bear responsibility.
Not long ago, Comrade Zhikai suggested to the province that preparations be made to promote the rejuvenation of cadres in Meihua City, and that Yuanshan County be used as a pilot area.
I think this idea is excellent, and I, along with the main leaders of the province, strongly support it…”
Xu Aiguo gradually steered the conversation toward the topic of younger cadres.
Dawei and two comrades from the Provincial Organization Department were diligently taking notes in their notebooks.
At this moment, Dawei appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was in turmoil.
The power of politics was having a magical effect on him.
Xu Aiguo's visit, including his speech just now, is actually laying the groundwork and building his theoretical foundation.
The goal is to justify the exceptional promotion of Dawei, directly elevating a section-level cadre to the position of director.
In his past life, David had only heard rumors about such things, but had never witnessed them firsthand.
I never imagined that something like this would happen to me today.
Xu Aiguo's speech later became a comprehensive elevation, followed by affirmation and praise for the cadres of Meihua City—this is a philosophy of doing things: to get things done while also saving face for everyone.
He clearly demonstrated to David how a seasoned official operates and controls a meeting.
After Chen Tiecai finished speaking, he was the first to applaud, and the meeting ended amidst applause.
The same people ate lunch at the municipal party committee canteen.
No alcohol was served.
During mealtime, everyone started chatting about everyday things and trivial matters.
David ate his meal in silence, not finding a chance to speak.
Xiao Zhikai from the Municipal Organization Department took the initiative to ask Dawei, "Comrade Dawei, if I remember correctly, your hometown is Wufeng County, right?"
"Yes, Minister Xiao."
"That's a beautiful place, with clear waters and lush mountains, it's a pity that tourism hasn't taken off."
"Yes, there is only one national highway from Wufeng to the city, just like Yuanshan County. There is no connection to the expressway, so many tourists are unwilling to go there."
David hit the nail on the head.
The entire Meihua City comprises eight counties and two districts, with highways connecting the two urban districts and the two county towns near the south.
The scenery in Yuanshan County and Wufeng County is very beautiful. Some businessmen wanted to invest in and develop tourism projects here before, but none of them came to fruition.
Let's not talk about distant places, but about Yuanshan County.
David once personally met with an overseas Chinese from the Philippines. The overseas Chinese originally wanted to invest in developing a mountain resort tourism project in Yuanshan County, but after seeing the national highway connecting Meihua City to Yuanshan County, he gave up the plan.
According to the overseas Chinese in the Philippines, if the local government doesn't even have the sincerity and capability to build a highway, they wouldn't dare invest money here. In the short term, this place doesn't have investment value.
There is a very dangerous mountain road on the national highway in Yuanshan County called Bogong'ao. People die at this location every year, and there are car accidents almost every month.
In this situation, how can we talk about tourism development?
Upon hearing this, Mayor Chen Tiecai was immediately displeased, but he still maintained a smile on his face.
"It seems that the strategy of promoting young cadres was absolutely correct."
Comrade Dawei has a very accurate and insightful perspective on issues.
Accidents frequently occur on the national highway in Yuanshan County, making it difficult for people to travel and leaving their lives unsafe.
It seems that this problem can be resolved by Comrade Dawei.
None of the previous county magistrates could see this problem.
Or rather, they all saw it, but unlike Comrade Dawei, they didn't have the courage or boldness to bring it up.
Dawei's lips twitched slightly. This Chen Tiecai was truly wicked, seizing every opportunity to dig a hole for himself.
This isn't praising someone; it's clearly using flattery to kill them, putting them in a difficult position to put them on the spot.
Everyone here is a prominent figure.
Chen Tiecai raised the issue, so Dawei has to respond.
Seeing that none of the bigwigs present spoke up and no one offered him a way out, Dawei had no choice but to bite the bullet and take the bait.
"Mayor Chen is too kind."
If it could be repaired, who wouldn't want to?
I think Mayor Chen, the previous county heads of Yuanshan County, the leaders present here, and countless ordinary people all want to build it.
Everyone has surely seen the drawbacks of not having highways and realized the importance of building roads first if you want to get rich.
This is because of financial difficulties.
During the meeting just now, Minister Xu mentioned several times that Meihua City is one of the worst-ranked cities in Guangdong Province.
As an important public infrastructure, the construction funds for highways are often borne by local government finances.
In some areas, higher-level governments also provide financial support, aiming to promote regional economic development and improve transportation conditions.
In some areas, there are also cases where private capital participates in high-speed development, attracting private capital investment through PPP (public-private partnership) and BOT (build, operate, transfer) models.
Regardless of the development model, local governments must contribute funds.
The current financial situation in Meihua City is not optimistic. If this problem is not solved, the highway problem cannot be solved.
As the saying goes, even a clever cook can't cook without rice.
Mayor Chen, I'd really like to build a highway for Yuanshan County, but that depends on how much support the city can provide.
Dawei looked at Chen Tiecai politely, thus passing the problem back to Chen Tiecai once again.
You asked me to build a highway, so I'll ask you how much the city is offering.
If you want to link Yuanshan County's long-standing poverty and backwardness to me, then let me first point out the problem that your city is unable to develop.
Chen Tiecai's expression shifted slightly; he hadn't expected Chen Dawei to be so quick-witted.
He'd never heard of anything like PP or anything like that.
I panicked for a moment.
The city doesn't have any money either.
If the city is short of money, isn't the mayor responsible?
Party Secretary Cai Zhengjie scooped up a piece of stuffed bitter melon with a spoon and placed it in Xu Aiguo's bowl.
"Minister Xu, please try our local specialties."
"Okay, okay, I love this."
Cai Zhengjie scooped up another piece and put it in Dawei's bowl: "The biggest advantage of young people is their drive."
Daring to fight and venture, daring to try and challenge.
This spirit is truly invaluable.
Comrade Dawei, I have high hopes for you. I wish you all the best in your new position, hoping you will reach new heights and make even greater progress.
Dawei held the bowl with both hands and accepted the bitter melon scooped out by the other person: "Thank you, Secretary Cai."
Cai Zhengjie picked up his chopsticks and gestured to everyone: "Everyone, start eating. Let's not talk about work while we're eating. Minister Xu will take a lunch break after we finish."
With just a few words, Cai Zhengjie quietly quelled the confrontation.
After lunch, Xu Aiguo and others were arranged to rest at the municipal party committee guesthouse.
Dawei helped the comrades from the Provincial Organization Department move Xu Aiguo's luggage and computer into the room.
"You guys can go out now, Dawei, please stay."
Xu Aiguo unbuttoned his sleeves and sat down at his desk.
Seeing that he looked a little serious, Dawei picked up his cup and added some boiling water.
"Minister, please have some tea."
"Okay, please sit down."
Dawei sat down obediently, while Xu Aiguo blew on the tea leaves in his cup, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.
"Minister Xu, did I say something wrong during lunch that made you angry?"
Xu Aiguo waved his hand, put down the cup, picked up a cigarette and put it in his mouth, and Dawei quickly lit it for him.
There are only two people in the room, so it's only right that they take the initiative.
Xu Aiguo is so old, yet he still made a special trip from afar just to take up his new post.
Xu Aiguo handed the cigarette pack in his hand to Dawei, indicating that he should smoke it too.
David picked up Hua Zi without hesitation and lit a cigarette, immediately feeling more comfortable.
"I didn't expect Chen Tiecai to say such a thing."
I was there today.
He'll dare to openly set traps for you and embarrass you.
David, you need to be prepared.
"Working in Yuanshan County might not be so easy."
It was precisely because of this concern that Xu Aiguo came in person.
His former boss, Wang Guozheng, had given him instructions, repeatedly telling him to take good care of Chen Dawei.
If Chen Dawei follows in Qiao Yong's footsteps, then Xu Aiguo will completely lose the trust of his old leader.
"Thank you for your concern, Minister. I was already mentally prepared for this."
Xu Aiguo exhaled a long plume of smoke and said in a low voice, "However, the trap he dug for you today is one we can make good use of."
"Oh?"
David immediately perked up.