129: Chapter 129 Words of Wisdom to Calm the Mind

Li Dakang nodded slightly and said meaningfully, "Finance Director Yu, I have kept your work performance in mind. Opportunities have always favored those who are always prepared."

Although these words were subtle, they were like a beam of sunlight piercing through the gloom in Finance Director Yu Changping's heart.

A warm current surged through his chest, as if he had caught a glimpse of the dawn of hope; his years of dedication seemed to be finally approaching the season of harvest.

"Thank you for your guidance, Secretary!"

Finance Director Yu Changping stood up excitedly, his voice trembling slightly, "I will certainly not fail your expectations and will make my work more solid and meticulous."

He took two steps back, bowed solemnly, and then turned to leave.

The moment he pushed open the door, the early spring sunlight rushed to meet him.

Finance Director Yu Changping took a deep breath, feeling much lighter overall, and his footsteps in the corridor sounded particularly crisp.

He thought to himself, "This trip today was worth it."

Although there was no explicit promise, at least he had left a good impression in the leader's mind.

Next, he just needed to stay calm, perform his duties even better, and wait quietly for the right opportunity.

After seeing Finance Director Yu Changping off, the office returned to tranquility.

Li Dakang leaned back in his chair, his gaze falling on the swaying parasol trees outside the window, but his thoughts drifted far away.

He knew clearly that this personnel adjustment was by no means a simple job change; it was a comprehensive test of his governing ability and, more importantly, a litmus test for the cohesion of the Township Government.

How to find a balance within the intricate web of interests, how to both employ the right people and stabilize the hearts of the people—the grasp of these nuances made him, as the Township Party Committee Secretary, feel immense pressure.

"Knock, knock, knock." A rhythmic knocking on the door interrupted his thoughts.

Li Dakang straightened his collar and said in a deep voice, "Come in."

The person who pushed the door open and entered was Jin Chunlin, Director of the Township Education Office.

"Ah, Comrade Jin Chunlin."

Li Dakang's face brimmed with a gentle smile as he pointed to the chair opposite him, "Sit down. What is the matter?"

Jin Chunlin nodded slightly and efficiently took a kraft paper file bag from his briefcase, "Secretary, I have come to report on the progress of the school renovations throughout the township."

His voice was steady and powerful, carrying the rigor of an educator.

He carefully untied the cotton string on the file bag, took out a neatly bound report, and laid it flat with both hands on Li Dakang's desk.

The report was illustrated with both pictures and text; it not only detailed the construction progress of each schoolhouse renovation but also included an educational development plan for the next three years, with pragmatism and professionalism evident between the lines.

Li Dakang took the report. This heavy report carried the future of education in Guantian Township. School renovation was not just an immediate matter; it was a century-long plan to benefit future generations. Every time he flipped through such a report, he would be exceptionally focused.

As he carefully reviewed it page by page, Li Dakang's furrowed brows gradually relaxed, "Hmm, not bad."

He nodded slightly and tapped his finger on the progress chart, "The renovation progress is half a month ahead of the original plan. That is a good thing."

Closing the report, Li Dakang looked up at Jin Chunlin, his eyes revealing sincere appreciation, "Comrade Jin Chunlin, you have worked hard during this period. Being able to rush the progress while ensuring quality shows that you have put in real effort."

Upon hearing this, a simple smile appeared on Jin Chunlin's slightly tanned face, and he waved his hand, "Secretary, you are too kind; it is all part of my duty. Being able to improve the learning environment for the children in the township makes all the hard work worthwhile."

Li Dakang suddenly straightened his posture, his tone becoming solemn, "However, Comrade Jin Chunlin, school renovation is only the first step."

He picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and continued, "Hardware construction is certainly important, but 'software' projects like the allocation of educational resources and the building of the teaching staff cannot be relaxed either. This concerns the growth of every child and cannot be treated with the slightest negligence."

Listening to this, Jin Chunlin's brows knitted together involuntarily, and the wrinkles on his face deepened slightly, "Secretary, your instructions are timely. Our Education Office has already drafted a preliminary plan."

As he spoke, he took another document out of his briefcase but did not hand it over immediately.

"We plan to coordinate with the County Education Bureau. On one hand, we will attract outstanding graduates from normal universities inside and outside the province; on the other hand, we will rely on a 'Master Teacher Project' to improve the quality of the existing teaching staff."

His voice gradually became firm, "In particular, we must focus on cultivating a group of backbone teachers to drive the overall teaching level upward."

A flash of approval appeared in Li Dakang's eyes, "Good. Having ideas and measures—this is the right attitude for solving problems."

But Jin Chunlin's expression suddenly became hesitant, and he weighed his words, "However, Secretary... when implementing this plan, we have indeed encountered some practical difficulties..."

"Oh?"

Li Dakang leaned forward slightly, "Tell me specifically."

Jin Chunlin took a deep breath, "Secretary, you also know that although the township has good development momentum now, it started late and has a weak foundation, especially in terms of educational supporting facilities..."

He paused, "To attract outstanding talent, relying on sentiment alone is not enough. Regarding practical issues like salary and benefits, housing security, and children's education, we really lack competitiveness compared to urban schools."

After listening, a look of gravity flashed across Li Dakang's brows.

He leaned back slowly, his thoughts racing; the problems Jin Chunlin mentioned hit the nail on the head.

In this day and age, university students are still considered the "pride of heaven," and most outstanding graduates prefer to stay in the cities.

Even those assigned to townships often treat this place as a stepping stone, wanting to transfer away as soon as they get the chance.