63: Chapter 63 Discovering Talent

"There is a man named Secretary He Mingxuan in the Town Economic Development Office. He is twenty-eight years old, a graduate of the economics department of a prestigious university, writes excellent reports, and knows the town's economic data like the back of his hand."

Director Liu Yinyin paused, then added, "Most importantly, he is steadfast in his work and doesn't deal in empty gestures."

Xiao Bei raised an eyebrow: "How is someone like that still at the grassroots level?"

Director Liu Yinyin sighed softly: "He has an upright personality and doesn't know how to curry favor with superiors. Plus, he transferred here from out of town and has no connections, so he has never been promoted to an important position."

Xiao Bei tapped his fingers on the desk, thoughtful: "Sounds good. Have him come over."

Director Liu Yinyin nodded: "Alright, I'll arrange it right away."

She stood up and left with a brisk pace, clearly having great confidence in Secretary He Mingxuan.

Xiao Bei watched her retreating figure, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

An hour later, Secretary He Mingxuan stood before Xiao Bei.

He had a slender build, wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, and had black-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, his expression calm and steady.

"Hello, Secretary Xiao."

His voice was neither servile nor overbearing, and he gave a slight nod.

Xiao Bei scrutinized him and asked directly: "Little He, let me ask you a question. What was Bishi Town's fiscal revenue last year? What were the main sources?"

Secretary He Mingxuan answered almost without thinking: "The fiscal revenue last year was 120 million. Coal mining-related industries accounted for 65%, agriculture for 15%, and the rest was from the service industry and small processing enterprises."

"If we were to plan an economic Development Zone on the abandoned mine site east of town, what do you think is the primary problem to solve?"

"Soil pollution remediation and industrial transformation."

Secretary He Mingxuan adjusted his glasses: "The soil in that mine area has excessive heavy metals and must be remediated first. At the same time, the Development Zone cannot rely on resource-based industries; we must introduce high-value-added manufacturing or green industries."

A flicker of appreciation flashed in Xiao Bei's eyes: "You have studied Development Zone planning?"

"I have conducted research on related topics."

Secretary He Mingxuan's tone was calm: "If Secretary Xiao needs it, I can compile a detailed feasibility report."

Xiao Bei smiled: "Good. How about you hand the report to me tomorrow?"

Secretary He Mingxuan nodded: "No problem, Secretary Xiao. I'll go back and prepare it now."

Early the next morning, Secretary He Mingxuan arrived at the Town Government building an hour before work started.

Holding a thick folder in his hand, he stood quietly waiting outside Xiao Bei's office door.

At 7:40 AM, Xiao Bei's figure appeared at the end of the corridor.

He saw Secretary He Mingxuan standing straight from a distance, and a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Little He, here so early?"

Xiao Bei asked after walking closer.

Secretary He Mingxuan bowed slightly: "Reporting to Secretary Xiao, the materials are ready. I was afraid of wasting your time."

Xiao Bei took out his keys and opened the office door: "Come in."

Sunlight streamed through the window into the office. Secretary He Mingxuan handed the folder to Xiao Bei with both hands: "This is the preliminary report on the Development Zone planning. Please take a look."

Xiao Bei took the file and opened the first page, immediately drawn in by the neat formatting and detailed data.

The report not only analyzed the current status of the abandoned mine but also proposed three different development plans, each accompanied by detailed cost budgets and expected returns.

"Did you stay up all night last night?"

Xiao Bei noticed the dark circles under Secretary He Mingxuan's eyes.

Secretary He Mingxuan adjusted his glasses and scratched his head honestly: "It's fine, only until two in the morning."

Xiao Bei didn't say anything more and focused on reading the report.

As he read deeper, his expression gradually shifted from serious to appreciative.

The report not only had detailed data and thorough analysis, but more importantly, it proposed an innovative idea of "industrial transformation + ecological restoration," which perfectly aligned with Xiao Bei's development philosophy.

"This concept of a 'Green Circular Economy Park' is very forward-looking."

Xiao Bei pointed to one of the pages and said, "How did you come up with this?"

Secretary He Mingxuan's eyes lit up: "I studied the transformation case of the Ruhr region in Germany during university. Although Bishi Town is small in scale, the problems it faces are very similar. I believe that rather than simply introducing polluting enterprises, it is better to take this opportunity to achieve industrial upgrading."

Xiao Bei nodded and continued reading.

When he saw the "Risk Warning and Response Measures" on the last page, he couldn't help but look up at Secretary He Mingxuan again.

This young man could not only see opportunities but also foresee risks; his thinking was quite comprehensive.

With a "snap," Xiao Bei closed the folder: "Very well written, even more comprehensive than I imagined."

Secretary He Mingxuan's tense shoulders relaxed slightly: "Thank you, Secretary Xiao."

"Little He," Xiao Bei suddenly changed the subject, "are you willing to be my liaison?"

Secretary He Mingxuan was clearly stunned, his eyes behind his glasses widening: "Lia... liaison?"

"Yes, I need an assistant like you who understands the economy and is familiar with the grassroots level."

Xiao Bei looked straight at him, "Of course, this position will have a lot of pressure; you need to consider it carefully."

Secretary He Mingxuan's Adam's apple bobbed, and his hands clenched and unclenched unconsciously.

He took a deep breath: "Secretary Xiao, I... I am willing, but I am worried that I lack experience..."

"Experience can be accumulated," Xiao Bei interrupted him, "What I value is your ability and attitude."

Secretary He Mingxuan stood even straighter, a determined light flashing in his eyes: "Then I will give it my all and live up to your trust."

"Good!"

Xiao Bei stood up and reached out his hand, "From today on, you are my liaison. The first task—condense this report into presentation materials; I need to report to the County Party Committee leaders this afternoon."

"Understood!"

Secretary He Mingxuan solemnly shook Xiao Bei's hand, "I will get it done immediately."

When Secretary He Mingxuan walked out of the office, he happened to run into Director Liu, who was coming to report on work.

Seeing the folder in Secretary He Mingxuan's hand and the unconcealable joy on his face, she immediately understood what had happened.

"Congratulations!"

Director Liu lowered her voice, "It seems Secretary Xiao appreciates you very much."

Secretary He Mingxuan nodded, his voice filled with irrepressible excitement: "Director Liu, Secretary Xiao has asked me to be his liaison."

A glimmer of gratification flashed in Director Liu's eyes: "I knew you could do it, but..."

She looked around, and after confirming no one was there, she whispered, "This position is not easy to sit in; you need to be mentally prepared."

Secretary He Mingxuan's expression became serious again: "I understand."

"The County Government is coming this afternoon to hear the follow-up report on the coal mine case."

Director Liu reminded him, "Secretary Xiao will definitely take you with him; you need to be prepared."

"Thank you for the reminder."

Secretary He Mingxuan gave her a grateful look, then quickly walked toward his temporary desk and began to prepare the materials.

At 12:30 PM, when other cadres had all gone to the cafeteria to eat, Secretary He Mingxuan was still focused on revising the materials in front of his computer.

On his desk sat a box of lunch that had already gone cold; he had only hurriedly taken a few bites.

"Little He, you're just eating this for lunch?"

Xiao Bei's voice suddenly came from behind him...