6: Chapter 6: People's Hearts Diverge, but the Journey Home is Decided

"Xiaomei."

Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua shook his head slightly, signaling his wife with his eyes not to say more, though he couldn't help but glance again at Li Dakang.

He knew as clearly as a mirror that the Li family was a towering tree that many people couldn't even hope to climb.

Now that Old Li's own grandson was coming to serve in his territory, it was a heaven-sent opportunity, but the measure of it had to be handled just right.

Being too intentionally ingratiating would look like sycophancy, but arranging things too casually risked slighting the distinguished guest.

Li Dakang noticed the fingers of Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua gripping the wine glass turning slightly white, and he understood.

Having spent a long time at the grassroots level in his past life, he understood this kind of concern all too well.

Leaders feared "connected individuals" being picky; they were afraid of both failing to serve them well and gaining a reputation for sycophancy.

"Uncle Guo, Auntie Xie."

He spoke up proactively, his voice steady and forceful: "Let's settle on Guantian Township. It is in the remote, impoverished areas that people need a helping hand more; in a place that is a blank slate, there is actually more room to make a difference, isn't that right?"

Guo Mingxian put down his chopsticks with a "clack," his wrinkled face blooming into a smile. Although his hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly, it exuded a certain vigor: "Good! Those words are truly inspiring! You are indeed the grandson of the old commander; you have that same go-getting spirit we had back in the day!"

Auntie Xie wanted to say something more, but her gaze swept over Li Dakang's slender, fair fingers. They were clearly hands that had never touched soil or gripped a hoe; no matter how she looked at it, they didn't seem capable of enduring the hardships of a poor mountain valley.

But the words reached her lips, only to be swallowed back down.

Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua's tense back relaxed slightly. Seeing Li Dakang's determined gaze, which did not seem feigned, he felt secretly pleased: It seems the Li family truly intends to cultivate this young man well.

If he could use this opportunity to connect with Li Hongji...

Thinking of this, the smile on Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua's face became a bit more sincere. He took a yellowed map out of his briefcase, spread it on the table, and pointed with his finger at a small dot surrounded by mountains: "Li Dakang, I must give you the bottom line regarding the situation in Guantian Township. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and there is only one dirt road leading outside; when it rains, it becomes muddy and difficult to traverse..."

Division Chief Hu Weihang listened quietly from the side, his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses darting rapidly. He had been at the Provincial Department of Personnel for five years and knew the weight of the Li family all too well.

The young man before him, so young yet possessing such bearing, surely had a limitless future ahead.

If he could use him to establish a connection with the Li family, perhaps his position as division chief could be moved to a better spot...

Li Dakang stared at that small dot on the map, and scenes from his past life seemed to appear before his eyes: rugged mountain roads washed into potholes by the rain, and in a leaking office, the villagers clutching wrinkled food coupons, their eyes filled with expectation...

These images were all too familiar to him.

"Dakang."

Division Chief Hu Weihang interjected at the right moment, his tone full of concern: "Why not consider the Development Zone in Anjiang County? Although it is also at the section-chief level, the conditions are much better, and the development prospects..."

"No need, Uncle Hu."

Li Dakang interrupted him, tapping his finger gently on Guantian Township on the map: "The tougher the bone to chew, the better one can hone true skills."

He winked at Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua and said, half-jokingly: "Besides, isn't there still Uncle Guo, a great municipal party secretary, sitting in charge? If I really run into a hurdle, you wouldn't just watch me perish, would you?"

Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua was amused and laughed heartily, but inwardly he praised: This kid is not simple; he has both declared his determination and subtly made a request.

He immediately pulled a business card from his inner pocket and handed it over: "This is my direct office line; someone answers 24 hours a day."

The moment he handed over the business card, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua was already calculating: He must let County Party Secretary Yuan Kai of Anjiang County take extra care of him, but it couldn't be too obvious.

He needed to let the Li family see his sincerity without giving anyone an excuse to accuse him of sycophancy; this measure had to be precise.

Li Dakang took the business card with both hands and saw that the edges were already somewhat worn, obviously from frequent use.

He memorized the number and said solemnly: "Rest assured, Uncle Guo, I will certainly not cause you to lose face."

...

After the meal, under the plane trees at the entrance of the residential compound, Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua insisted on taking Li Dakang back to his residence.

A black Audi slowly drove up; the license plate was Xinying City 002, which was the exclusive vehicle for the mayor.

"Dakang, get in." Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua opened the car door.

Li Dakang, however, smiled and shook his head: "Uncle Guo, I would like to walk by myself and take the opportunity to learn the roads of Mingzhou."

A flash of surprise crossed Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua's eyes, followed immediately by understanding.

This young master of the Li family was avoiding suspicion; arriving in Jiang Province and immediately riding in the mayor's special car would inevitably invite gossip if it got out.

He nodded: "That's fine too. Shall I have the driver pick you up at nine tomorrow to take you to Anjiang County?"

"No need to trouble yourself, Uncle Guo," Li Dakang politely declined.

"I have already arranged a car. Once I am settled, I will go to the city to visit you."

When the two shook hands to say goodbye, Li Dakang felt that Municipal Party Secretary Guo Zhenhua's palm was a bit damp.

This mayor seemed calm, but he was likely more nervous than anyone else inside.

Watching the Audi drive away, Division Chief Hu Weihang quietly approached and handed over a slip of paper: "Dakang, this is my pager number. If you encounter any difficulties in the province, page me anytime."

As he said this, his hand trembled slightly, and he cursed himself for being spineless, but his heart was still pounding like a drum.

This was an excellent opportunity to attach himself to the Li family; if he could catch the eye of Li Hongji through Li Dakang, his position as division chief...