151: Chapter 151 followed one after another

The next day, as soon as work started, Xu Weidong's desk was piled high with official documents.

When Wang Jianguo walked in carrying a stack of documents, the expression on his face was still as if he had won the lottery.

"Secretary Xu, good news! Incredible news!"

He laid the documents out on the desk one by one, like dealing cards, reading out the title of each as he placed it down.

"From the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs: Hukuang Township has been approved as a Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township."

"From the Provincial Department of Finance: Beautiful Countryside Pilot Project, with eight million in special funds."

"From the Provincial Department of Natural Resources: High-Standard Farmland Pilot Project, with twelve million in supporting funds."

"From the Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development: Living Environment Improvement Demonstration Township, with five million in initial funding."

"And from the city, there are several supporting projects, with funds adding up to several million more."

Xu Weidong leaned back in his chair, looking at the stack of official documents on the desk, his expression unchanged.

He picked up the top one, flipped it open, glanced at it, and put it down. He then picked up the second one and put it down as well.

After reading through them one by one, he stacked the documents neatly, placed them on the corner of the desk, and took a sip from his teacup.

"Understood. Make a copy of these documents for Township Head Jiang, and file the originals."

His tone was as flat as if he were discussing what was for lunch in the cafeteria; after all, he had anticipated this.

Wang Jianguo was stunned for a moment. He had expected Xu Weidong to be happy, or at least show a hint of a smile.

But Xu Weidong's face showed nothing; it was as calm as a pool of water.

He acknowledged the order and walked out with the documents, muttering to himself that this young Secretary was far too inscrutable.

The news spread faster than the wind; within an hour, the entire Township Government building knew.

The head of the Agricultural Technology Extension Station was the first to run to the door of Xu Weidong's office, wanting to report work, but was stopped by Wang Jianguo, who said Secretary Xu was in a meeting and told him to come back in the afternoon.

The head of the Animal Husbandry Station also came, holding a project application form that had been prepared long ago, pacing back and forth in the corridor like an ant on a hot pan.

The acting head of the Water Conservancy Station also arrived, standing at the door, unsure whether to knock.

Village Party Secretaries from several villages also rushed over upon hearing the news, crowding the corridor, whispering and asking for information.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng sat in his office, staring at the copy of the document on his desk, lost in thought for a long time.

Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township, Beautiful Countryside Pilot Project, High-Standard Farmland Pilot Project, Living Environment Improvement Demonstration Township—he had been in Hukuang Township for over a decade and had never managed to secure even one of these titles.

Xu Weidong had been here for less than a year, hadn't even stepped out the door, yet people were bringing policy dividends right to his doorstep.

Provincial departments and the City Public Security Bureau were specifically commending him, and special funds were pouring down. What was this?

It wasn't luck; it was connections.

He put down the document and picked up his teacup, but the water had already gone cold, and the bitter taste made him frown.

He tossed the teacup onto the desk, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes.

Was he envious? Absolutely.

Was he jealous? Of course he was! But what was the use?

He didn't have that kind of fate!

At ten in the morning, Xu Weidong convened an emergency Party Committee meeting to specifically discuss the implementation of these pilot projects.

The conference room was packed; everyone was present, even Zhou Lan, who usually didn't speak much, had arrived ten minutes early.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng sat to the right of Xu Weidong, wearing a smile, but his eyes were somewhat glazed.

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming sat to the left of Xu Weidong, his notebook open, pen in hand, ready to take notes at any moment.

Xu Weidong briefly summarized the contents of the documents; his voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

Then he began to assign tasks, one by one, as if he had already thought them through and didn't need to ponder on the spot.

"The Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township project has the widest scope and requires overall coordination."

"Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming, you take the lead. Integrate the resources of the various stations and offices to come up with an implementation plan."

"Focus on industrial revitalization and talent revitalization. Regarding industry, Zhang Tianmu's project provides support, so the foundation is good."

"Regarding talent, we need to get a clear picture of the situation and invite back capable people who are working away from home."

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming immediately noted this down in his notebook and nodded in response: "Rest assured, Secretary Xu, I will convene a meeting with the relevant stations and offices this afternoon and produce a plan within a week."

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng opened his mouth, wanting to say that this matter should be led by the Township Government, but swallowed the words.

The Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township involved agriculture, forestry, water conservancy, animal husbandry, land, planning, finance, and development and reform—it touched on every department, so the Party Committee taking the lead was not overstepping.

Moreover, Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming was in charge of Party building and organization, so him taking the lead in coordination wasn't a major issue. After all, Xu Weidong was the Secretary.

He couldn't find a reason to object, so he could only remain silent.

Xu Weidong turned a page and continued: "The Beautiful Countryside Pilot Project focuses on living environment improvement and infrastructure upgrades."

"Wang Jianguo, you arrange for the Party and Government Office to keep a close eye on this. The planning proposal should be done by professional institutions; we cannot just work behind closed doors."

"The use of funds must be standardized; every cent must be spent where it is most needed."

Wang Jianguo quickly acknowledged the order and noted it in his notebook.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng opened his mouth again, wanting to say that the Beautiful Countryside Pilot Project was within the scope of the Township Government and should be led by the overseeing Deputy Township Head, but Xu Weidong had already assigned the task to the Party and Government Office, so saying anything now would make him seem petty.

Of course, it might not have been useful even if he had said something.

He picked up his teacup and took a sip; the water was still cold, and he couldn't be bothered to ask someone to change it.

"The High-Standard Farmland Pilot Project is quite specialized. Deputy Township Head Gong Zizhen, you are in charge of agriculture, so you take the lead on this."

"The Agricultural Technology Extension Station will assist. Take charge of the site selection, planning and design, and construction supervision for the project area."

"The money given by the province must not be wasted; we must let the common people see tangible changes."

Deputy Township Head Gong Zizhen nodded, his tone steady: "Rest assured, Secretary Xu, I will take people to conduct a site survey this afternoon and produce a site selection plan within a week."

The indescribable feeling in Township Head Jiang Tiansheng's heart grew stronger; Deputy Township Head Gong Zizhen used to be neutral, but now he was leaning more and more towards Xu Weidong.

He glanced at Deputy Township Head Gong Zizhen, then at Xu Weidong, but said nothing.

Xu Weidong put down the last document, swept his gaze over everyone present, and his tone became a bit heavier than before.

"Comrades, these pilot projects are a sign of trust from the province and the city in Hukuang Township, and they are also a test for Hukuang Township."

"The trust is given to us, and the test is also given to us. If we do well, Hukuang Township can move up a level."

"If we mess it up, not only will we embarrass ourselves, but we will also fail to live up to the expectations of those above us."

"Therefore, starting today, everyone must take charge of their respective areas of responsibility and not allow any errors."

"That's all for today. Meeting adjourned."

The sound of chairs being pulled back echoed. Township Head Jiang Tiansheng stood up, holding his notebook, his pace much slower than usual.

He had originally wanted to talk to Xu Weidong alone after the meeting and volunteer to take on some tasks, but Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming had been one step faster.

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming walked over to Xu Weidong; his voice was not loud, but it was loud enough for Township Head Jiang Tiansheng to hear.

"Secretary Xu, I will draft an outline for the Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township plan this afternoon and bring it to your office tonight. After you review it, I will proceed with the assignments."

Xu Weidong nodded, his tone flat: "Good."

"The plan must be practical, not superficial."

"The numbers must be accurate, not approximate."

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming acknowledged, turned, and left.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng stood where he was, watching Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming's back, his notebook crumpled in his hand.

He remembered when he was the Deputy Party Secretary in Hukuang Township, he used to follow the Secretary like this, doing whatever the Secretary said, never asking why, and never vying for credit.

At that time, he felt it was his duty; the Deputy Secretary was just there to run errands for the Secretary.

But now he was the Township Head, the head of the Township Government. He didn't want to be an errand boy anymore; he wanted to be the one giving orders.

But Xu Weidong wouldn't give him the chance, and as for wanting to be an errand boy, Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming wouldn't give him that chance either.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng returned to his office, closed the door, sat in his chair, and lit a cigarette.

He remembered yesterday's matter; it was basically led by Xu Weidong from start to finish, and he didn't even have a chance to interject.

He remembered when Secretary Wei Kuan came for an inspection, he reprimanded him in front of the entire leadership team, saying that the Township Head must carry out work under the leadership of the Secretary.

And when the Discipline Inspection Commission investigated Station Head Zhu Yan, Station Head Jin Ming, and Liu Hao, Xu Weidong made him sign the papers, and he didn't even have room to resist.

Today, regarding these pilot projects, the ones being specifically commended by the province and the city were Hukuang Township and Xu Weidong, not him, Township Head Jiang Tiansheng.

He couldn't get anything; he could only watch helplessly as Xu Weidong assigned the tasks one by one, and watch as Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming wagged his tail in front of Xu Weidong like a pug.

Watching Deputy Township Head Gong Zizhen, Zhou Lan, and Committee Member Chen Ruo one by one lean towards Xu Weidong.

He finished this cigarette and lit another.

At two in the afternoon, Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming delivered the outline of the implementation plan for the Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township to Xu Weidong's office.

The outline was written in great detail, from guiding ideology to goals and tasks, from key measures to safeguard measures; it was clear, logical, and filled with detailed data.

Xu Weidong read it through, made a few changes, and handed it back to Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming.

"This is fine. Proceed according to this line of thinking."

"Pay attention to several time nodes: the plan must be submitted to the county before the end of May, and the first batch of projects must be launched in June."

"Time is tight and the task is heavy; thank you for your hard work."

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming took the outline, his attitude as respectful as a subordinate reporting to a superior.

"Rest assured, Secretary Xu. I will work overtime to get this plan done. Is there anything else you need to instruct me on?"

Xu Weidong thought for a moment and then gave a few more instructions: "Regarding the Beautiful Countryside Pilot Project, the Party and Government Office might not have enough manpower. Draw two people from the Party Building Office to help."

"The living environment improvement matter involves many specific issues; communicate with the villages in advance, so we don't end up with villages not cooperating once the plan is out."

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming noted them down one by one in his notebook, acknowledged them, turned, and left.

When he reached the door, he ran into Township Head Jiang Tiansheng.

The two made eye contact. Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming nodded, addressed him as Township Head Jiang, and then stepped aside to leave.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng stood at the door, watching Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming's back disappear at the end of the corridor, and the fire in his heart flared up again.

He knocked on the door and walked in.

"Secretary Xu, there is a matter I would like to discuss with you."

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng sat down opposite him, the smile on his face a bit more obsequious than usual.

Xu Weidong leaned back in his chair, looking at him, waiting for him to continue.

"The Rural Revitalization Demonstration Township project has a rather wide scope, and Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming might not be able to handle it alone."

"I have been in Hukuang Township for so many years, I am quite familiar with the situation in the township, and I have led similar creation projects before."

"I was thinking, could I also share some of the burden and help Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming make the plan detailed and solid?"

Xu Weidong looked at him, remained silent for two seconds, took a sip from his teacup, and said in a slow, unhurried tone: "Township Head Jiang, you are the head of the Township Government, and the work on the government side is already very heavy."

"The High-Standard Farmland Pilot, the Beautiful Countryside Pilot, and the Living Environment Improvement—none of these can do without your coordination."

"Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming is young and energetic; letting him run around more is also a form of training for him. As for you, just focus on doing a good job with the government side."

The smile on Township Head Jiang Tiansheng's face stiffened for a moment, then quickly recovered. He knew that Xu Weidong was politely refusing him; he was being polite, but the meaning was very clear.

These matters didn't require his concern; having Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming was enough.

He nodded, stood up, turned, and walked out.

Returning to his office, he closed the door and sat in his chair for a long time.

Meanwhile, Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming was sitting in his own office, working on the outline, refining the plan item by item.

He opened his notebook, listed every point Xu Weidong had instructed, and added everything he could think of.

He wrote very seriously, as if he were completing a masterpiece.

He knew that these pilot projects were the key for Xu Weidong to establish a firm foothold in Hukuang Township, and also an opportunity for him to prove himself in front of Xu Weidong.

Therefore, he could not make mistakes, could not have any errors, and could not let Xu Weidong down.

He wrote the plan until eight in the evening, eating only a bowl of instant noodles in between.

After writing the last word, he read through it, made a few more changes, then printed it out, bound it, and took it to Xu Weidong's office.

The light in Xu Weidong's office was still on. Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming knocked on the door, and a voice from inside told him to come in.

He pushed the door open and went in. Xu Weidong was leaning back in his chair, reading documents. There were two cigarette butts in the ashtray in front of him, and the water in his teacup had gone cold.

"Secretary Xu, the first draft of the plan is ready. Please have a look."

Xu Weidong took the plan and flipped through it page by page.

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming stood opposite him, not daring to breathe, like a student waiting for a teacher to grade their homework.

After reading it, Xu Weidong placed the plan on the desk and took a sip from his teacup.

"This is fine. Take it to the various stations and offices tomorrow to solicit their opinions, and submit it to the Party Committee for discussion next Monday."

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming acknowledged, picked up the plan, turned, and walked out.