11: Chapter 11 Conversation (Part Two)

Hanging up the phone, Minister Huang Lixin stood up and straightened his suit collar: "Let's go. Secretary Yuan wants to see you."

In the hallway, Minister Huang Lixin's leather shoes tapped against the floor, making a steady "clack-clack" sound.

Li Dakang maintained a distance of half a step, his pace neither hurried nor slow. This subtle spacing showed respect for his superior while maintaining his own sense of propriety.

The office of County Party Secretary Yuan Kai was at the end of the sixth floor and was a spacious suite.

In the outer room, a young man around thirty was writing diligently at his desk. Upon hearing footsteps, he immediately looked up, a professional smile spreading across his face: "Minister Huang, you're here."

After speaking, his gaze lingered briefly on Li Dakang.

"Little Luo, this is the newly appointed Township Head of Guantian Township, Comrade Li Dakang." Minister Huang Lixin introduced him, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Comrade Dakang, this is Secretary Yuan's secretary, surnamed Luo."

"Hello, Secretary Luo." Li Dakang nodded slightly, his voice gentle yet forceful.

A flash of surprise crossed Secretary Luo's eyes; he hadn't expected this new Township Head to be so young.

He tapped lightly on the inner door, and after receiving permission, pushed it open. A moment later, he stepped aside: "Minister Huang, Township Head Li, Secretary Yuan invites you in."

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's office was spacious and bright, with a panoramic view of Anjiang County outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Several documents were stacked neatly on the desk, with an old-fashioned desk lamp placed nearby. On the wall hung a calligraphy scroll reading "Seek Truth from Facts," the brushwork vigorous and powerful.

"Secretary Yuan, this is Comrade Li Dakang." Minister Huang Lixin's tone was respectful.

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai looked up from the pile of documents.

The County Party Secretary was about forty-five or forty-six years old. His temples were already frosted with white, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

He wore a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing sturdy arms.

"Thank you for your hard work, Minister Huang." County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's voice was deep and powerful. "Go ahead and tend to your work; I'd like to have a private chat with Comrade Dakang."

After Minister Huang Lixin left, the sternness on County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's face softened slightly: "Comrade Dakang, sit."

He pointed to the leather sofa opposite him and shouted toward the door: "Little Luo, make a cup of tea for Comrade Dakang."

"Secretary Yuan, there's no need to trouble Secretary Luo."

Li Dakang picked up the thermos on the coffee table, first refilling County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's teacup, then pouring one for himself. The action was natural and fluid, showing respect without being overtly sycophantic.

A flash of approval crossed County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's eyes. Although Li Dakang's resume was simple, the more so it was, the more it suggested that this young man's background was anything but simple.

What he could be sure of was that Li Dakang's connections were certainly significant; otherwise, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua would not have repeatedly instructed him to "take extra care" of him.

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai had been personally promoted by Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua. Back when Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua was the County Party Secretary, he had served as the director of the County Party Committee Office and had followed him all the way to this day.

Therefore, County Party Secretary Yuan Kai never discounted the instructions of his old leader, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua.

"Comrade Dakang, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua has already spoken to me about you."

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's tone became friendlier: "Anjiang County is a poor place. It's rare to have a high-achiever like you come here, so I welcome you on behalf of the County Party Committee."

He picked up his teacup and took a sip before changing the subject: "However, the conditions in Guantian Township are indeed difficult. Its economy has long been at the bottom of the county, so you need to be mentally prepared."

Li Dakang sat up straight, his hands resting naturally on his knees: "Thank you, Secretary Yuan and the County Party Committee for your trust. I will do my best and strive not to let Guantian Township hold the county back."

"Good!" County Party Secretary Yuan Kai nodded with satisfaction.

"I believe you have the ability. The County Party Committee will fully support your work. If you encounter any difficulties, come to me anytime."

This last sentence carried immense weight. Li Dakang knew that County Party Secretary Yuan Kai was making a statement of support.

He stood up at the appropriate moment: "I will certainly not fail the trust of the organization."

"Little Luo!" County Party Secretary Yuan Kai shouted toward the door.

"Notify Minister Huang Lixin to personally escort Comrade Dakang to take up his new post in a while!"

This arrangement was full of implications. It was the first time in Anjiang County that the head of the County Party Committee Organization Department had personally escorted a newly appointed Township Head to take office.

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai was sending a signal to the cadres of Guantian Township: This new Township Head was not to be underestimated.

Li Dakang understood and cast a grateful look.

He knew that in the officialdom, the support of superiors was often more important than personal ability.

Especially in the early stages, the "backing" of the County Party Secretary could save him a lot of trouble.

Leaving County Party Secretary Yuan Kai's office, Secretary Luo led Li Dakang back to the Organization Department. His attitude was noticeably warmer, and he took the initiative to introduce the situation in Guantian Township: "Guantian Township is over fifty kilometers away from the county seat. The road is difficult to travel, and it becomes muddy when it rains..."

When Minister Huang Lixin learned that he was to personally escort Li Dakang to his post, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly returned to normal: "Comrade Dakang, we leave in half an hour. You take a rest first; I'll go arrange the car."

Minister Huang Lixin was a trusted confidant of County Party Secretary Yuan Kai.

County Party Secretary Yuan Kai had served as the County Party Secretary in Anjiang County for over three years. Having worked his way up from the grassroots level in his early years, he was rich in political experience. Coupled with the support of Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua, he had long held a firm grip on the county's personnel matters.

Don't be fooled by his warmth toward Li Dakang; that was only because Li Dakang's status was unusual. If it were anyone else, they would likely struggle even to get a pleasant look from him.

You must know that in Anjiang County, County Party Secretary Yuan Kai was always the one whose word was law; even ordinary members of the County Party Committee Standing Committee had to hold their breath and be cautious when they saw him.