161: Chapter 161 Thoughts on Talent

One must know that while the capital is teeming with scions of prestigious families, those who can truly settle down and root themselves in the grassroots to work diligently like Li Dakang are rare.

Looking around, many scions either idle away their time on their family's past achievements or use their elders' influence to secure a cushy, idle position.

Even in the capital, there are very few second or third-generation descendants who can truly carve out a career of their own.

What makes Li Dakang most remarkable is that he knows how to utilize resources without being dependent on them.

He understands how to transform his family background into a driving force for his work, yet he never uses it to show off.

At every project site in Guantian Township, one can see him working personally on the front lines.

Every time the masses visit, they can feel his sincere attitude of serving the people.

This perfect combination of resource advantages and personal ability is the key to why Li Dakang truly surpasses other scions.

Furthermore, not using one's background would be a waste of talent.

Take Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun himself; if not for his status as a leader of the second generation of the Zhao family, how could he sit securely in the high position of Provincial Party Secretary?

When political resources are comparable, personal ability is often the deciding factor.

And the comprehensive qualities displayed by Li Dakang, even among the talent-rich scions of the capital, can be considered outstanding.

He possesses both the vision of a scion and the pragmatic, hardworking style of a grassroots cadre; this rare combination makes Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun admire him inwardly.

Looking at the steady and capable young man before him, Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun could not help but think of the outstanding descendants the Li family had cultivated over the years.

Li Daping, serving in the Ministry of Land and Resources, Li Dazheng, who is beginning to stand out in the Ministry of Agriculture, and now Li Dakang, who is making a splash at the grassroots level.

This method of cultivation that continuously produces talent is truly admirable.

With such a well-developed talent pipeline in the Li family, the momentum of the family's prosperity will likely continue for decades.

Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun picked up his teacup and took a light sip, his eyes flashing with deep thought.

He suddenly realized that the young man before him might become an important link connecting the Zhao and Li families.

This thought caused a meaningful smile to unconsciously appear on the corner of his mouth.

At the same time, a trace of hidden worry arose in Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun's heart.

Compared to the Li family's abundance of talent, the Zhao family is indeed feeling somewhat inadequate in cultivating successors.

He had a son late in life who is still studying, so the burden of the third generation of the Zhao family has fallen on Zhao Yifei, the son of his third brother.

Originally, it was understandable that Zhao Yifei could not compare to the Li family's most outstanding talent, Li Daping, as the Zhao family's overall strength was already a notch below the Li family's.

But now, seeing that even Li Dakang, once considered 'unpromising,' has shown extraordinary talent after being tempered at the grassroots level, while Zhao Yifei is still standing still.

How could this gap not worry Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun, who is the helmsman of the family?

Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun knows that although the Zhao family is still at the top of the eight top-tier families in the capital, if the successors cannot shoulder the heavy responsibilities, the decline of the family will be inevitable once the older generation steps down.

This thought flashed through Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun's mind, but it forced him to face reality: the way the Zhao family cultivates the next generation must indeed be changed.

Flowers that endure the wind and rain cannot grow in a greenhouse; perhaps it is time to let the younger generation of the Zhao family go to the grassroots to endure the wind and rain and gain experience, just like Li Dakang.

But these thoughts were quickly reined in by Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun.

As a seasoned political figure, he had long ago mastered the ability to hide his emotions.

At this moment, a warm smile still hung on his face as he continued to chat cordially with Li Dakang.

"Dakang, it is truly commendable that you can settle down at the grassroots level and achieve such results."

Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun leaned forward slightly: "The support of your family may open a door for you, but whether you can walk further on this road ultimately depends on your own true talent and learning."

Li Dakang straightened his back, his eyes firm as torches: "Uncle Zhao's teachings, I will always remember."

"Over this past year, I have deeply realized that only by sincerely doing practical work for the masses can one win their trust."

"Every bit of progress in Guantian Township is the result of the concerted efforts of the entire township; I am merely one part of it."

"Well said!"

Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun patted Li Dakang's shoulder with gratification and said earnestly: "The way of being an official lies in pragmatism."

"The common people have a scale in their hearts; how much practical work you have done for them, they see it and remember it."

He paused, his gaze profound: "You are still young, and the road ahead is long."

"Always remember, power is bestowed by the people and must be used to benefit them."

Li Dakang stood up solemnly and bowed deeply to Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun: "Uncle Zhao's golden words, I will surely engrave in my heart."

"I will certainly not fail to live up to the heavy trust, and will continue to work steadily, using concrete political achievements to repay the organization's cultivation and the villagers' trust."

As the two were talking, the shadows of the sun outside the window had quietly slanted to the west.

Provincial Party Secretary Zhao Lichun raised his hand to check his watch and said kindly: "Time flies. Dakang, you should go back and prepare for the afternoon's itinerary first."

He stood up and patted Li Dakang's shoulder affectionately: "We have to visit a few more places this afternoon. You, as the 'parental official,' must be a good guide for me and let me see the most real side of Guantian Township."