25: Chapter 25 It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate a person.

Understanding Secretary Xue Hongtao was one thing, but that didn't mean he had to be a pushover.

Sun Ning didn't want to coddle this old man either, or he really would end up being a pushover.

The system didn't need pushovers.

"Party Secretary, by just looking at this report and defining my achievements, isn't that a bit inappropriate? It doesn't quite befit your position as Party Secretary, does it?"

Secretary Xue Hongtao was amused and irritated to see Sun Ning daring to needle him.

"Fine then, explain this to me: developing the breeding industry in the southern hilly region and establishing rural collective economic organizations."

"Are you trying to impose quotas?"

"Where are these cooperative enterprises coming from? Just because you, Township Head Sun, open your mouth, someone is going to invest?"

"You even want companies to front some of the costs to build farms and share profits with the common people. Where are you going to find such generous businessmen?"

"And here, 'striving to achieve road access for every village within five years.'"

"Don't you know the situation with the township finances? Does the county have money to give you?"

"And what about these feed mills and meat processing plants? Can you just open your mouth and make them happen?"

"You're still unconvinced?"

Good grief. In both his lifetimes, this was the first time Sun Ning had seen this old man so rattled.

It seemed that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

After the old man finished venting, Sun Ning silently refilled his tea.

"Party Secretary, are you finished? May I say a few words now that you're done?"

"Hmph, I want to see what kind of tall tale you can spin."

Sun Ning took a sip of tea and cleared his throat.

He definitely had to persuade Secretary Xue Hongtao, otherwise his subsequent actions would be difficult.

He needed to change things little by little.

Otherwise, with Secretary Xue Hongtao's prestige, it would be easy for him to trip him up.

"First of all, I am absolutely not imposing quotas. Instead, I am persuading companies to front those costs."

"I know this sounds unbelievable."

"But by sacrificing a little profit, they will invisibly eliminate a lot of trouble and also get the common people to cooperate with their work."

"Furthermore, the bulk of the companies' profits won't come from the farms, but from deep food processing."

"By giving up some of the profits from the farms, they will gain even more."

"Most importantly, I have already contacted a company, and they are willing to come here to inspect."

"If successful, they will not only invest in the farms but also set up some meat deep processing plants and feed mills."

Sun Ning's words were sincere.

The common people were the most lovable group, and also the most easily satisfied.

But in a big forest, there are all kinds of birds.

People living in villages know that every village has, more or less, some scoundrels.

They drink, gamble, visit prostitutes, idle about, and gather to cause trouble.

If one doesn't rely on benefits and the strength of the masses to counter these people, then these are the very people most likely to cause trouble.

Shenlan Company gave up some profits but reduced a lot of trouble.

This was something everyone was willing to do.

After information became widespread in later generations, everyone knew the term 'County Brahmins'.

Sun Ning knew that in economically backward rural areas, this was also quite extreme.

Clan thinking was even more severe, and those major surnames were also quite 'prestigious' in the village.

This situation only improved when the economy developed in later generations.

Everyone focused on making money, and they weren't as united anymore.

And Sun Ning's goal was to let the common people earn money. Only then would the village's economy, public security, and people's livelihoods see greater improvement.

Secretary Xue Hongtao heard that Sun Ning had a target investor.

He slammed the table and stood up.

"Are you telling the truth?"

Sun Ning looked at Secretary Xue Hongtao's hand.

Must hurt.

But Sun Ning guessed that gossip would inevitably spread within the day.

For instance, that Secretary Xue Hongtao scolded Sun Ning loudly, and Sun Ning slammed the table at Secretary Xue Hongtao.

"There is an interested company. I will invite them over later to conduct a thorough inspection."

"And regarding the issue of road access for every village, it's not that I'm trying to achieve quick success, but that this year is the final year for the 'phone access for every village' project."

"So shouldn't the project for 'road access for every village' be put on the agenda?"

Sun Ning was a reborn person; he knew about the 'road access for every village' policy.

He also knew the 500 billion project was coming soon.

At this moment, his network in the ministries was showing its worth?

If he went to the ministries for a turn, he might have even greater gains.

"You got the news in advance?"

"You could say that!"

"Haha, I knew that Sun Ning, a top student from Yanjing University, would definitely be able to develop Mishui Township well."

Sun Ning curled his lip.

Bullshit!

If I hadn't worked my tail off for a month and a half to convince you, I'd still be just a greenhorn.

If I hadn't said there was an investment intention, I'd still be a high-minded playboy.

Sun Ning didn't take the bait; instead, he said with concern, "Party Secretary, education in Mishui Township is worrying."

"Not to mention the teaching staff, the office buildings of primary schools in remote areas are still brick and wood structures."

"Not only is the lighting poor, but they are also drafty. It's only November, and those children's little faces are already red from the cold."

"If a major geological disaster occurs, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"Party Secretary, as the parents of the township, we should put education first."

"These children are our future!"

Ten years to grow trees, a hundred years to nurture talent.

Education is the future of a country.

Secretary Xue Hongtao's expression became grave upon hearing this situation.

Not to mention that Sun Ning's report had detailed records, even the village Party secretaries from those impoverished mountain areas had reported it often enough.

Didn't he know? He knew.

But did he have a way to fix it?

He did not.

It is hard for a clever housewife to cook without rice.

Sometimes, they couldn't even pay the teachers' salaries.

So, whenever there was extreme weather, he would order classes to be suspended immediately.

"There's no money. The township has no money, and the county has even less."

"Party Secretary, if I can secure the funding, can you guarantee that the city and county won't withhold it?"

"You can secure funding?"

"The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, the Ministry of Education, and relevant departments have poverty alleviation funds every year; I can try."

"As long as you can secure the funding, I can guarantee that the money will arrive in the township smoothly."

See, the benefits of having a good relationship with Secretary Xue Hongtao immediately became apparent.

As long as Sun Ning was dedicated to the development of Mishui Township, the monsters and demons would be blocked by this old man.

And Sun Ning saying this was also because he had heard in his previous life that Secretary Xue Hongtao's old superior was a high-ranking official in the province.

In his previous life, after Secretary Xue Hongtao retired, that old leader had come to Mishui Township to reminisce with him.

It also became a major topic of conversation in Mishui Township for a time.

And Sun Ning knew that for the development of Mishui Township, this old man was willing to ask for favors.

With Secretary Xue Hongtao's guarantee, Sun Ning could rest easy.

He could guarantee that the money he brought in would come with a specific designation.

But he couldn't guarantee that the city and county wouldn't withhold it.

And he was certain that the city and county would withhold it.

As for the city, he could rely on Gao Feng to barely ensure no one withheld it.

But what about the county?

Just by relying on the County Head's slight appreciation and the County Party Committee Secretary's sliver of face?

Don't be ridiculous!

When faced with real money, who wouldn't be tempted?