147: Chapter 147 The Reporter Arrives

Li Dakang softened his tone, but his stance remained firm: "I understand the difficulties the county is facing. But think about it, if the road network in Guantian Township is built well, investment promotion will naturally follow."

He gestured with both hands: "When tax revenue increases by then, the county finances will naturally become more affluent."

"Using the funds in a scattered way now will only yield half the result with twice the effort."

Li Dakang added finally: "I have already signed a military-style pledge with the province, determined to build Guantian Township into a model site for the province-wide 'Village-to-Village Connectivity Project'."

"I cannot afford to bear that responsibility."

Seeing Li Dakang refuse to yield an inch, the expression on County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun's face gradually relaxed.

He walked back to his seat, picked up his teacup for a light sip, and his tone turned peaceful: "Hmm, you have considered things very thoroughly. It was I who was too hasty."

After putting down the teacup, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun continued: "The county will definitely fully support the 'Village-to-Village Connectivity Project' in Guantian Township, but..."

He changed the subject: "After all, the County First Construction Company is our own enterprise with rich experience in road construction. Do you think..."

"That is no problem."

Li Dakang did not resist this matter. Just as County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun said, it was a local enterprise after all. As a leader of the County Party Committee, supporting the development of local enterprises was only right and proper.

Moreover, as the saying goes, 'it's just as easy to herd a flock as it is a single sheep.' Since Municipal Transportation Bureau Chief Liu Weidong wanted to recommend a few construction bosses, introducing the County First Construction Company to participate in the competition was also a good thing; after all, competition brings pressure.

Of course, the prerequisite was to ensure engineering quality; otherwise, no one's face would matter.

The conversation came to an end in a subtle atmosphere.

Li Dakang stood up to adjust the hem of his suit and shook hands with County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun in a formal manner.

When he walked out of the County Magistrates Office, the sunlight was shining obliquely onto the corridor floor, reflecting his slender figure.

Li Dakang knew clearly that this game of chess regarding the road construction funds had only just begun.

He needed to ensure the project proceeded on schedule while holding his bottom line amidst the cracks of various forces.

The sudden intervention of the County First Construction Company, the construction bosses recommended by Municipal Transportation Bureau Chief Liu Weidong, and the seemingly motivated attitude of County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun were all like an invisible net, slowly closing in on this project.

When he walked out of the County Government building, the driver Su Wu had already parked the car at the bottom of the steps.

Li Dakang sat in the back row, looking through the car window at the solemn porch of the County Government, secretly making up his mind: no matter what resistance he encountered, this road to prosperity must be built into a sunny, worry-free road.

...

That morning, as soon as Li Dakang stepped into the office, Zheng Shijun hurried in and reported in a low voice: "Secretary, there are two people outside claiming to be reporters from the Jiang Province Daily who want to see you."

Li Dakang frowned slightly upon hearing this, thinking to himself: Reporters from the provincial newspaper? Why hadn't there been any wind of this beforehand?

He calmly put down his briefcase and asked: "Did they state their purpose?"

"They only said they wanted to conduct an interview regarding the key work of the township," Zheng Shijun replied.

Li Dakang nodded thoughtfully, quickly sorting out the key work priorities in his mind.

If one were to talk about the most eye-catching major event in Guantian right now, it would be none other than the "Village-to-Village Connectivity Project" road construction.

This public welfare project had just started last week, and Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua had even personally led a team to attend the commencement ceremony.

Regarding project allocation, he had handed two-thirds of the project to several construction teams introduced by Municipal Transportation Bureau Chief Liu Weidong, and the remainder to the County First Construction Company.

Thinking of this, a trace of unease flashed through Li Dakang's mind: Could something have gone wrong with the project?

Or did someone have an objection to the project allocation and poked it all the way to the provincial level?

He subconsciously touched his chin, his gaze falling on the latest project progress report on his desk.

"Please invite them in."

Li Dakang straightened his tie, putting a calm smile back on his face.

He signaled Zheng Shijun to invite them in, then walked quickly to the window, taking a deep breath during the gap of adjusting the curtains, quickly adjusting his state.

In any case, as the Township Party Committee secretary, he had to calmly handle this sudden interview.

Before long, Zheng Shijun led two reporters, a man and a woman, into the office.

The man walking in front was in his early thirties, with a slender build, wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses on his high nose bridge, with a pair of eyes flashing with keen light behind the lenses.

He wore a dark suit, and every move he made exuded the refined temperament of an intellectual.

The young female reporter following closely behind was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with long, dark, shiny hair draped softly over her shoulders.

She wore a well-tailored navy blue professional suit, with a professional SLR camera hanging in front of her chest, her gait light yet capable.

After the two walked in, the air in the office seemed to vibrate.

Li Dakang immediately stood up to welcome them, a kind yet dignified smile on his face: "Welcome, welcome! I am the Guantian Township Party Committee secretary, Li Dakang. You have worked hard coming from so far away."

He made a gesture for them to sit, his gaze quickly sweeping over the two reporters, wanting to capture some information from their expressions.

Zheng Shijun skillfully poured hot tea for the two, and the fragrance of tea permeated the room.

He bowed slightly and said softly: "Please have some tea."

Afterwards, he silently exited the office and closed the door behind him.