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As a local-born bureaucrat of Li County, Wu Zhixiong could be considered the only one in the entire county who didn’t live in the government compound.

In the Northwest Region, there is never a shortage of land. Largest in area, smallest in population, these are its primary characteristics. Near the edge of Li County City, there is a compound that sits on about one acre. That is Wu Zhixiong’s home.

On the way, Nie Zhenbang had also bought a pair of beverages and some groceries from a shop. After all, it was his first home visit, and the necessary courtesy must be observed. As for cigarettes, Nie Zhenbang had already prepared them, right in his own pocket: a pack of special supply cigarettes.

This was intentional on Nie Zhenbang’s part. With Wu Zhixiong’s status, the latter had probably heard of such cigarettes, but whether he had ever seen them was doubtful. Unless Wu Zhixiong had very deep connections, one wouldn’t be able to tell. However, as a bureaucrat who climbed up from grassroots level, he should not have encountered them.

In this way, gifting these cigarettes became the most appropriate plan. It would keep Wu Zhixiong guessing about Nie Zhenbang’s real background, but at the same time make him feel Nie Zhenbang’s difference. The more mysterious the background, the better. If one’s background is exposed, nobody is afraid of the well-shoed. City-level officials have a great impact on county-level bureaucrats. But as you move up to provincial and ministerial level, there is a deterrent effect, and these county officials are not so afraid

anymore.

When Nie Zhenbang arrived at Wu Zhixiong’s front door, Wu Zhixiong was already waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Wu Zhixiong, Nie Zhenbang quickened his steps to meet him, smiling: “Sorry to have kept you waiting, Director.”

Wu Zhixiong, on the other hand, did not put on airs. He laughed heartily: “What’s this about being a Director? I’m just a farmer. Director Nie, young and promising, insightful, cultured, the cadre team of Li County has long needed someone like you to enrich it. Looks like my wish has finally come true.”

This was the second time Wu Zhixiong had said something like this. From his words, it was apparent that he wasn’t merely being polite, but genuinely meant it.

Nie Zhenbang followed him in and promptly placed the gifts in the living room, laughing: “Director, I wasn’t sure what you’d like for my first visit, so I picked up a few things in the street.”

At the same time, Nie Zhenbang took out the special supply Panda cigarettes from his pocket and put them in Wu Zhixiong’s pocket, laughing: “Director, I’ve heard you’re quite the smoker. These are a gift brought from home. I wanted to give you a taste of something different.”

This exchange significantly eased the tension between the two. Now, Wu Zhixiong also took out the cigarettes from his pocket. Seeing the white packaging and “special supply” label, his countenance changed. Then he laughed cheerfully: “Now that’s a good smoke. Zhenbang, you’re too kind, but you knew exactly my guilty pleasure. It must have been Director Li who told you. Come on, let’s sit down to dinner.”

Throughout dinner, the relationship between the two seemed to warm quite a bit. After the meal, Wu Zhixiong sat down on the sofa. After opening a Panda and offering one to Nie Zhenbang, Wu Zhixiong said slowly: “Zhenbang, the situation in Li County is complicated. We have concentrated populations from various ethnic groups: the Uyghurs, Han, Mongols, and Hui, all with roughly the same population. Conflicts between the ethnic groups are significantly pronounced and very hard to manage. Now, the whole country is focusing on economic development. I’ve been considering this matter too, but I don’t have the ability to drive Li County’s development. I’m delighted about your arrival. You’re young, educated, cultured, and most importantly, you possess ambition. I’m considering letting you be in charge of economic affairs. Do you have any thoughts on this?”

Wu Zhixiong’s speech conveyed a lot of information. Firstly, he confirmed that Wu Zhixiong is a typical official, genuinely a good bureaucrat who works for the people. Secondly, despite his age, he is not outmoded but keeps up with the times, a fact that surprised Nie Zhenbang. Thirdly, the division of responsibilities among deputy directors isn’t simply Wu Zhixiong’s decision to make. According to his understanding, Mai Ziqi is in charge of agriculture and pastoral affairs. If he were to assist Wu Zhixiong with economic work, they would inevitably have to take it away from another deputy director, Bayaer. This suggests that Wu Zhixiong still commands a certain degree of authority within the Li County Government.

Nie Zhenbang had also learned some information about Li County from Cheng Xinhua. Unlike other places, Li County has eight towns and villages under its jurisdiction, with a total population of over 160,000. Nearly every ethnic group has an equal population, and all the ethnicities live mixed amongst each other. Each group has its unique lifestyle, inevitably leading to a rise in conflicts.

What is most feared in economic development is a lack of unity among the citizens. No matter how comprehensive and excellent your plans are, if the people of one particular ethnicity support it while another ethnicity opposes or even sabotages it, then nothing will be accomplished.

However, Wu Zhixiong’s wishes are clear. If Nie Zhenbang were to decline, it would seem as if he were avoiding difficulties. After contemplating, Nie Zhenbang nodded: “I will do as you say, Director. Personally, I obey the arrangements of the Party.”

“Good, the young should be ready to strive for success. Back when we were constructing the irrigation system, our generation did not hesitate to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in with the cement. Comrade Zhenbang, I’m entrusting you with Li County’s economic grand plan.” Wu Zhixiong decisively declared.

The next day, nine o’clock in the morning.

At the Li County Government’s main office building, in a small conference room adjacent to Mayor Wu’s office.

Usually, this is the place for mayoral working meetings or casual meetings.

At that moment, several deputy mayors had already walked in. Nie Zhenbang followed Li Lin into the room. When he saw Li Lin, a man of about fifty and slightly overweight, he chuckled, “Director Li, it seems that you’ve forgotten the old faces now that there’s a new one. Now that Director Nie is here, you don’t even look at us old guys.”

The popularity of such crude jokes among male and female colleagues was gradually increasing locally. Li Lin rolled her eyes at the comment, then retorted, “Mayor Ma, I don’t mind. I just fear your wife would give me trouble. By then, don’t let your wife twist off your ear.”

With that, the room bursts into laughter. They have been colleagues for many years and making jokes in their daily lives was not a big deal. Given Li Lin’s status and rank, she was not that strict.

Continuing, Li Lin introduced Nie Zhenbang to the others, “Director Nie, let me introduce you to our party committee’s Deputy Secretary and standing deputy mayor, Comrade Ma Yunfang. On Mayor Ma’s left is Mayor Bayaer. On his right is Comrade Bekri.”

Nie Zhenbang, was also smiling, greeting each one of them with a nod. Just as he was about to speak, Mayor Wu entered the room. After sitting down, he also chuckled, saying, “It seems everyone has already introduced themselves. So I won’t say much. The main purpose of this meeting is to discuss the division of leadership duties within the county government due to Comrade Nie Zhenbang’s transfer.”

As soon as Mayor Wu finished speaking, Ma Yunfang from the side said, “Mayor Wu, I feel that we should stick to the previous arrangement. Mayor Nie will take over Comrade Mai Ziqi’s work and be responsible for Li County’s agriculture and animal husbandry. This way, there’s no need for a lot of adjustments and it ensures continuity in the work.”

It was rather evident that Mayor Wu didn’t expect Ma Yunfang to take that stance, and his face showed a brief change in expression. After remaining silent for a while, he finally said, “I have a different opinion from Old Ma. At this time, we’re almost at the end of the year. The various tasks set at the beginning of the year have essentially been completed. Any adjustments made now will not hugely impact the work. What’s more crucial is my dissatisfaction with Li County’s development this year.”

Mayor Wu’s words silenced the room as his severe gaze from under his glasses had everyone thoroughly subdued. Even Ma Yunfang remained silent on the sideline.

Perhaps sensing his words were a bit harsh, Mayor Wu softened his tone but continued, “The economic data for this year is out. Even without December’s data, it’s pretty much the same. Currently, the national economy grows by more than ten percent each year. But our Li County’s growth rate this year is just five percent. What’s that? We are last in terms of growth rate citywide. To put it bluntly, we have been dragging down Bazhou City’s economy. On a larger scale, we’re dragging down the national economy.”

At this point, his tone shifted, and Mayor Wu looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Director Nie here is a talented graduate from Jingcheng University and is currently working on his master’s degree in economics. He is a professional in the field, an expert. In this era where the competent rise and the mediocre fall, letting Director Nie be responsible for the economy is undoubtedly correct. It is our responsibility to the 160,000 residents of Li County, to the city’s leadership, and to the nation.”

“I agree with Mayor Wu’s criticism. If Director Nie is capable, our Li County Government should use this fine ‘steel’ at the right place. Letting people make the most of their abilities is the true essence of resource allocation.” Bekri also chimed in with agreement from the side.

At this moment, some dissatisfaction flashed in Ma Yunfang’s eyes. As the standing deputy mayor, he was responsible for assisting with the economic development delegated by the mayor. This was supposed to be his job. Now, having the most important part of the economy carved out left Ma Yunfang naturally displeased. However, with Mayor Wu taking the lead, and Bekri and Bayaer sitting back to watch, the pressure left Ma Yunfang limited options and he had no choice but to harbor resentment towards Nie Zhenbang.

Maintaining a chuckle, he said, “I agree with Mayor Wu’s criticization. I have been somewhat bureaucratic. I second Mayor Wu’s suggestion. I believe that under Director Nie’s expertise, Li County’s economic work can certainly achieve outstanding results.”

PS: My computer crashed, and I didn’t get it fixed until five. I finally finished the typing. Let’s see how much I can update today. In any case, please support my work with your monthly tickets. I, Old Cai, will absolutely not disappoint you. (To be continued. If you like this book, please vote and subscribe at . Your support is my greatest motivation..)