130: Chapter 130 Unsettled Hearts

"The issue of compensation is indeed critical."

Li Dakang pondered for a moment, then continued, "We cannot let excellent gardeners leave the podium because of meager compensation, and even less can we delay the growth of the next generation in Guantian Township."

Jin Chunlin held his breath, seeing Li Dakang suddenly sit up straight and say in a firm tone, "Do this: go back and immediately start working on a detailed implementation plan."

"Calculate comprehensively what attractive compensation we can provide to teachers within our existing fiscal conditions."

"Don't just calculate the basic salary; comprehensive guarantees such as housing, children's education, and professional development must all be included."

Hearing this, a light of hope immediately lit up in Jin Chunlin's eyes.

He immediately stood up and nodded solemnly, "Secretary, rest assured, I will come up with a practical and feasible plan as soon as possible. For the sake of education in Guantian Township, all of us in the Education Office will definitely go all out!"

Jin Chunlin packed up his documents but stood in place without leaving immediately.

His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

The office fell into a subtle silence for a moment, and even the ticking of the wall clock became exceptionally clear.

Li Dakang saw all of this, his gaze gentle yet discerning, "Comrade Jin Chunlin, don't burden yourself with too many thoughts. The most important thing right now is to do the education work solidly."

Upon hearing this, Jin Chunlin's shoulders visibly relaxed, and his tense face smoothed out.

Li Dakang continued, "You must trust the eyes of the organization. The organization knows clearly who is working and who is taking responsibility."

These words were profound, serving as both comfort and a promise.

"Yes, Secretary is right."

Jin Chunlin took a deep breath, a firm look reappearing on his face, "I will definitely do the work well and not let the organization's trust down."

Li Dakang nodded slightly, a faint smile hanging on the corners of his mouth, "Go, come to me anytime you have difficulties."

No sooner had Jin Chunlin left than Li Dakang's office welcomed an endless stream of visitors.

These township cadres who considered themselves qualified to compete for deputy section-level positions all brought carefully prepared reports, wanting to show off their political achievements and abilities in front of Li Dakang.

Everyone racked their brains to highlight their advantages in their reports, hoping to leave a deep impression on Li Dakang and add leverage to the upcoming job competition.

As for those cadres who felt their qualifications were shallow, they sought other paths, one after another looking for other township leaders to plead their cases.

But these leaders were also "like a clay bodhisattva crossing a river, barely able to save themselves"; except for a very few core leaders, most didn't even have their own futures clarified, so how could they have the spare energy to put in a good word for others?

For a time, dark currents surged throughout the entire Township Government building.

In the hallways, the glances exchanged when cadres met were full of probing.

In the offices, low-voiced conversations always revolved around personnel adjustments.

But everyone knew deep down that in this smokeless competition, what truly determined the outcome was never these superficial efforts.

...

Li Dakang had just sent off a township cadre who had been reporting on work and was just about to have Zheng Shijun notify everyone that he would not see any more visitors today, when the office door was gently knocked on again.

Director Su Zhiguo of the Party and Government Office cautiously pushed open the door, a slightly stiff smile on his face.

These past few days, rumors about personnel adjustments had been spreading like wildfire in the Township Government, making him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles. As one of the few insiders, he was afraid that Li Dakang would suspect him of leaking the news.

"Secretary, sorry to bother you."

Director Su Zhiguo's voice was a few degrees lower than usual, and he even deliberately softened his breathing.

He had been living in trepidation these past few days, walking on tiptoe, and speaking less than usual.

That appointment as a member of the Township Party Committee, which was almost in his grasp, hung like a Sword of Damocles over his head, making him not dare to slack off in the slightest.

Yet, this information that should have been kept confidential had sprouted wings and spread throughout the Township Government.

Director Su Zhiguo complained bitterly in his heart, but he could not clear his name no matter how hard he tried.

Standing before Li Dakang at this moment, he only felt a chill running down his back, and fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.

Li Dakang slowly put down the fountain pen in his hand, his gaze landing on Director Su Zhiguo as sharp as a hawk's.

That gaze seemed to be able to pierce through layers of appearances and reach the most hidden corners of the human heart.

The office was so quiet that they could hear each other's breathing, and the air seemed to have frozen.

"Comrade Su Zhiguo."

Li Dakang's voice was unhurried, yet it carried an unavoidable power.

"You must have heard the rumors about the leadership adjustment in the township recently, right?"

Director Su Zhiguo felt his heart suddenly tighten, and a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.

He forced himself to calm down and straightened his back, his voice steady but unable to hide the tension: "Yes, Secretary. But I can assure you that this news was definitely not leaked by me."

He paused, then added, "I have emphasized many times that everyone should not discuss personnel matters recklessly, so as not to affect work."

Li Dakang nodded slightly, "Comrade Su Zhiguo, I believe you."

His tone softened a bit, "As the Director of the Party and Government Office, you are the key link connecting the superiors and subordinates. In this special period, you must play a role in stabilizing morale even more."

"Yes, Secretary! I will definitely live up to the trust."

Director Su Zhiguo replied with a sense of relief, his tense shoulders finally relaxing.

Li Dakang stood up, paced to the window, and looked at the cadres coming and going in the courtyard, "It is not important to investigate the source of the news now. The key is that people's hearts are restless; if it continues like this, it will definitely affect the work of the entire township."