64: Chapter 64 A Visit

Secretary He Mingxuan hurriedly stood up: "Secretary Xiao, I'll just make do with a quick bite. The materials will be ready in a moment..."

Xiao Bei waved his hand, signaling him to sit down: "No rush. Eat first. The report doesn't start until two in the afternoon. Deputy County Magistrate Wang from the County Government likes to be late, so we still have time."

Only then did Secretary He Mingxuan sit back down, but he didn't touch his chopsticks, continuing to stare at the screen instead: "I'll check the data one more time..."

Xiao Bei watched his focused profile and nodded inwardly.

This young man possessed a rare sense of dedication—exactly the kind of talent he needed right now.

At 1:50 PM, the County Government leadership's motorcade arrived fashionably late, just as expected.

When Executive Deputy County Magistrate Wang Jianghua walked into the conference room with his entourage, Xiao Bei had already been waiting for some time with Secretary He Mingxuan and Director Liu Yinyin.

"Hello, County Magistrate Wang." Xiao Bei stepped forward to shake his hand.

Wang Jianghua was in his early fifties, slightly plump, and wore the typical smile often seen in official circles: "Little Xiao, I heard you handled the Bishi Coal Mine case quite well. The city even specifically commended you."

"It's all thanks to the county leadership's guidance," Xiao Bei said modestly, then turned to introduce him: "This is my liaison, Secretary He Mingxuan. He will be responsible for reporting on the Development Zone planning today."

Secretary He Mingxuan stepped forward and respectfully handed over the materials: "Hello, County Magistrate Wang."

Wang Jianghua flipped through the materials casually, his gaze lingering on Secretary He Mingxuan for a few seconds: "Not bad. The young man looks quite sharp."

After the meeting began, Secretary He Mingxuan stood in front of the projector and began his report in a steady voice.

He knew every piece of data like the back of his hand, and his answers to the leaders' questions were clear and logical, not at all like someone attending such an occasion for the first time.

"...Therefore, we recommend prioritizing the Green Circular Economy Park proposal. Although the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits will be substantial," Secretary He Mingxuan concluded.

Wang Jianghua leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table: "The idea is good, but where will the money come from? The county treasury doesn't have that much in the budget."

Just as Xiao Bei was about to speak, Secretary He Mingxuan responded calmly: "County Magistrate Wang, we can apply for provincial industrial transformation special funds, while simultaneously introducing private capital by adopting a PPP model..."

Secretary He Mingxuan's answer was clear and logical.

Wang Jianghua raised an eyebrow and turned to smile at Xiao Bei: "Little Xiao, you found a good secretary. He's even better than the pen-pushers in our County Government office."

Xiao Bei smiled in response: "Little He studied economics, so he's quite familiar with this area."

After the meeting, Wang Jianghua specifically asked the others to leave first, keeping Xiao Bei behind alone.

He took out a pack of Soft Zhonghua cigarettes and offered one to Xiao Bei: "Want a smoke?"

Xiao Bei waved his hand, politely declining: "Thank you, County Magistrate Wang, but I don't smoke."

Wang Jianghua lit his cigarette regardless and took a deep drag: "Little Xiao, this plan for the Development Zone is truly innovative. Personally, I support it very much."

He exhaled a ring of smoke and changed the subject: "However... the power over the county's finances, after all, lies in the hands of County Magistrate Xia."

Xiao Bei's expression didn't change: "I would appreciate your guidance, County Magistrate Wang."

"County Magistrate Xia is a person who..." Wang Jianghua flicked the ash from his cigarette, "...is quite cautious. He is very strict about approving new projects, especially major ones that require matching funds from the county treasury..."

Footsteps were heard in the corridor, and Wang Jianghua immediately stopped talking.

Once the footsteps faded away, he lowered his voice: "How about this: find a time to come to the county to report on your work, and I'll arrange it for you. Remember, County Magistrate Xia likes to see concrete results; he doesn't like empty talk about plans."

Xiao Bei nodded in understanding: "Understood. I will prepare a detailed feasibility analysis and benefit forecast."

"Also," Wang Jianghua looked at him meaningfully, "County Magistrate Xia values the conduct of cadres very much. When you bring people to report, pay attention to your attire and appearance. Don't be like today..."

He glanced at Secretary He Mingxuan, who was packing up materials outside the door: "Your secretary has good ability, but he dresses too plainly."

Xiao Bei followed his gaze—Secretary He Mingxuan's washed-out shirt and frayed cuffs indeed looked rather shabby.

"Thank you for the reminder, County Magistrate Wang," Xiao Bei said sincerely.

Wang Jianghua patted his shoulder: "It's good for young people to have drive, but you must learn to read the room. How about this: before the County Magistrate's executive meeting next week, I'll notify you in advance to come over, and you can talk to him personally."

After Wang Jianghua left, Xiao Bei immediately gathered Secretary He Mingxuan and Director Liu Yinyin for a meeting.

"County Magistrate Wang's implication is clear," Xiao Bei said, tapping his fingers on the table. "It won't be easy to get past County Magistrate Xia. We must be fully prepared."

Secretary He Mingxuan pushed up his glasses: "Secretary Xiao, I suggest we reorganize the report, highlighting the project's long-term contribution to the county treasury. Since County Magistrate Xia is a pragmatist, we should let the data do the talking."

Director Liu Yinyin frowned and added: "But data alone isn't enough. County Magistrate Xia hates showmanship. The report must be concise and to the point; avoid long-windedness at all costs."

Xiao Bei nodded: "Little He, sorry for the trouble, but you'll need to pull another all-nighter. Condense the report to under ten pages, focusing on economic benefits and risk control. Director Liu, you are responsible for collecting information on similar project approvals in the county over the past three years. We need to figure out County Magistrate Xia's preferences."

Over the next few days, Secretary He Mingxuan practically lived in the office.

On the morning of the fourth day, when he handed the final version of the report to Xiao Bei, he had two noticeable dark circles under his eyes.

"Secretary Xiao, this is the condensed version of the report. I've also prepared three different reporting plans with varying levels of depth, so we can adjust according to County Magistrate Xia's reaction," Secretary He Mingxuan said, his voice a bit hoarse.

Xiao Bei opened the report, and his eyes immediately lit up.

Secretary He Mingxuan not only used charts to intuitively show the return on investment but also specifically added a chapter on "County Treasury Revenue Forecast," detailing the calculations for tax growth and employment stimulation effects.

"Very good!" Xiao Bei closed the file. "We'll go to the county first thing tomorrow morning. Go home and get some rest today."

He paused, then added: "By the way, do you have a more formal suit?"

Secretary He Mingxuan looked down at his washed-out shirt cuffs, his ears turning slightly red: "I bought one for my college interviews, but I haven't worn it in a long time..."

Xiao Bei smiled: "Let's go. We're going to the mall now, and I'm buying you one."

Two hours later, when Secretary He Mingxuan walked out of the fitting room wearing a brand-new navy blue suit, even the salesperson couldn't help but take a few extra looks.

The slim-fit cut outlined his tall, upright figure, making him look refreshed and sharp.

"Not bad!" Xiao Bei nodded with satisfaction. "Clothes make the man. Wear this tomorrow when we go to meet County Magistrate Xia."

At 7:00 AM the next morning, Xiao Bei's car pulled into the County Government compound on time.

Wang Jianghua had already informed them in advance that County Magistrate Xia would have time to see them at 8:30 AM.

"Remember," Xiao Bei instructed before getting out of the car, "if County Magistrate Xia doesn't ask, we don't say anything extra. We only answer what he asks. Little He, you are mainly responsible for supplementing the professional questions."

Secretary He Mingxuan took a deep breath and straightened his tie: "Understood."

However, they waited on the bench outside the County Magistrate's office until 10:30 AM before County Head Xiahou Yang's secretary slowly came over to notify them: "Secretary Xiao, sorry to keep you waiting. County Magistrate Xia is free now, but he only has twenty minutes."

...