Chapter 1500: Dong Xuebingg’s Influence
Morning.
Around ten o'clock.
At a construction site in the county town.
Amidst the dusty and smoky air resonated the sharp sounds of machines. Workers wearing safety helmets and surrounded by construction signs were diligently working. This was the site for the dormitory project, and as the overall project commander, Dong Xuebing was inspecting the situation. He came alone today, as Yao Cui had already taken up her position in Qing Shui Township, and he hadn't assigned a new secretary. Therefore, he decided to conduct a surprise inspection on his own.
" Mayor Dong."
"Old Zhou is here too."
"Oh, why are you here?"
"Checking the progress, how is it going?"
"Everything is proceeding smoothly; I'm supervising right now."
"Okay, let's go inside and take a look."
"Sure, put on your safety helmet first; it's dangerous here."
Old Zhou led Dong Xuebing inside, briefly describing the construction process and scope and summarizing the recent developments.
After an hour's tour, Dong Xuebing was satisfied. The progress was good. The projects here were on the right track. All the signed contracts for investment projects were finalized yesterday. The first batch of funds was fully in place, and some projects had even entered the implementation phase and started recruiting. In other words, Dong Xuebing's hands were now secure in the two major areas under his jurisdiction. The political achievements he aimed for were already within reach. Now, he was only waiting for the Chinese Academy of Sciences experimental base project and anxiously awaiting the results. As soon as this project arrived, he could retire with his achievements.
Make a fortune and leave.
While this statement might sound unattractive, Dong Xuebing didn't see any problem. Unlike other officials involved in vanity projects, Dong Xuebing was not the type to accumulate political capital and wash his hands of everything, leaving behind a mess of unfinished projects. He cared about his reputation and didn't want people pointing fingers at him. Dong Xuebing was conscious of his political achievements in Zhen Shui County, all of which were tangible. Whether it was the investment funds or the dormitory project's beneficiaries, they ultimately benefited the ordinary people. His focus was on the practical benefits for the citizens, not just making the government look good on the surface. Moreover, he always believed that being ambitious and striving for advancement was not a problem. On the contrary, if an official had no desire to progress and only wanted to remain stagnant, Dong Xuebing felt they needed to reflect on their motivations. People were ambitious; this drive pushed them forward and made them strive for improvement. If an official lacked the ambition to advance, Dong Xuebing had reason to believe that their dedication to serving the people would also be compromised. This was not a desirable outcome.
People often said that Dong Xuebing was an official enthusiast.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
His wife said it, and so did his mother-in-law.
But Dong Xuebing never avoided the topic; he felt there was nothing to be ashamed of. In his view, pursuing advancement was the source of human striving.
Noon.
Almost time for lunch.
Dong Xuebing emerged from the bustling construction site, covered in dirt as if he had just crawled out of a pile of soil. He was extremely dirty.
Dong Xuebing feigned ignorance, "I don't know."
Zhang Wanshui also looked at him, "You didn't hear anything in advance?"
Dong Xuebing said, "No, everyone is not clear. How could I have received the news in advance? I was at the construction site just now. I wouldn't have known about this if Secretary Li hadn't called to inform me. "He pretended to be puzzled, "Why did they choose our county so suddenly?"
Jiang Fangfang calmly said, "Whether it's sudden or not is no longer important. The site selection issue has been confirmed. Just now, everyone has already discussed the relevant matters of the experimental base. We will cooperate well, whether for the country's responsibility or the county's scientific and technological development. The completion of this experimental base is of great significance. Earlier, Secretary Meng and I discussed with comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Apart from some confidential matters that need to be supervised by comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the rest of the construction and a series of communication and exchange issues in the future will be our county's responsibility. It's not a light burden, not a light responsibility. I hope everyone will take it seriously."
Jian Xiangrong asked, "I heard the person is arriving soon."
Meng Rui continued, "Comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences are already on the plane and will arrive this afternoon. As for the reception work, the Provincial Academy of Sciences will be responsible."
Cui Boyang added, "It's in Qing Shui Township."
Jiang Fangfang said, "At the foot of the Qing Shui Township mountains."
Cui Boyang was somewhat dissatisfied, "Since the specific location is so certain, there must have been a prior investigation."
"It should have been a secret investigation. Otherwise, why would there be no news at all?" Pu An speculated, "Experimental projects are confidential, and site selection work must also be kept confidential."
Interrupting the discussion, Meng Rui said, "Enough about that. Let's talk about the work. Mayor Dong, this task is quite significant now that technology falls under your purview. I heard that you had some health issues a few days ago and proactively handed over some responsibilities, even taking leave to go to the hospital."
When Dong Xuebing heard this, he immediately responded, "Those days were busy with the investment promotion conference, and the aftermath left me exhausted. After several days of treatment and rest, I've completely recovered with no lingering issues. You can rest assured. Regarding the matters related to the experimental base this time, I will do my best to ensure they are handled well."
One moment, he's unburdening himself due to illness; the next moment, he's taking on additional responsibilities. Dong Xuebing's changes were faster than anyone else's.
Jiang Fangfang looked at him and said, "You've been working hard these past few days."
Dong Xuebing smiled, "It's my duty. We are public servants of the people."
Pu An, Chu Peng, Jian Xiangrong, and others from Jiang's faction chuckled.
Meng Rui's expression remained calm, but his mood was happy and excited overall. He saw a bright future for Zhen Shui County and recognized the political capital he had accumulated. He would benefit from the investment promotion work, and the implementation of the experimental base would be the same. Although the area was under the county government's jurisdiction, as the head of the county party committee, Meng Rui would also bask in the glory. This would undoubtedly become a political achievement during his term. Meng Rui didn't believe Dong Xuebing's claim of being unaware. He knew that Dong Xuebing had cleverly set a trap for Ci Boyang this time, but this didn't fundamentally affect Meng Rui's interests. Therefore, Secretary Meng turned a blind eye to it and even admired Dong Xuebing. If Dong Xuebing had managed to secure the experimental base project in advance by communicating with the Chinese Academy of Sciences during his trip to Beijing, then, if given another chance, Meng Rui would still have agreed to the adjustment of responsibilities between Dong Xuebing and Ci Boyang. If the science and technology portfolio had not been given to Dong Xuebing, he wouldn't have made any effort, and they wouldn't have secured the experimental base project.
"The workload this time is heavy, and the nature of the task is significant," Meng Rui said. "I suggest forming a special team responsible for communicating with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Mayor Dong, the role of the team leader is yours." Since Dong Xuebing was responsible for the science and technology portfolio, it was only natural for him to take on the team leader role.
Dong Xuebing promptly replied, "I will ensure the successful completion of this task."
"This afternoon, arrange the reception for the comrades from the Chinese Academy of Sciences as soon as possible. Alright, the meeting is adjourned," Meng Rui said.
As the meeting ended, many people couldn't help but glance at Dong Xuebing. Many were amazed at Dong Xuebing's energy. If the previous incident involving the central government's allocation of fifty million hadn't made everyone see him in a different light, the recent turn of events added to the mystery surrounding Dong Xuebing's background, and many were secretly intrigued.