Tian Liang, the deputy director of the county government office and the director of the administrative affairs office, was a cunning character. Shen Zili did not particularly like this person, but he was Prince Wang Zirong's confidant. It was said that not only were they from the same hometown, but they had also grown up in the same village, which was why Tian Liang had managed to rise from a chef at the county reception center to his current position.
"Hmm, the housing situation in the county is quite tight now, and there are no other suitable houses. I think this place is quite nice, with its own entrance and a large yard. Secretary Shen, look, there's even a flower bed over there. If we could set up a wire frame and plant some grapes in the spring, with plenty of fertilizer, we could enjoy the shade in the summer and taste the grapes when they ripen."
A self-assured Lu Weimin had a well-planned vision. Shen Zili couldn't help but laugh. This young man was truly making the best of a difficult situation. This small storage room next to the toilet could be described as having the charm of a Beijing quadrangle courtyard. However, Shen Zili appreciated the young man's calm and optimistic attitude. Young people should be like this, not overly concerned with material conditions.
"Hmm, Xiao Lu, I didn't realize you had thought it through so thoroughly. Do you plan to stay here long-term? Do you have a girlfriend yet?" Shen Zili knew that many college students dated, even though the schools officially discouraged it. As long as the relationship was reasonable, there was no need to be overly concerned.
"Secretary Shen, I do have someone, but she works in Changzhou. I'm not sure if this relationship will work out." Lu Weimin left room for maneuver, not wanting to say too much and leave himself no way out.
"In Changzhou? That's quite a distance. It's not easy to maintain a long-distance relationship. She probably wouldn't want to come to Nantang, right?" Seeing Lu Weimin nod, Shen Zili didn't press further. He understood that most student relationships often didn't last, especially when faced with the challenge of job assignments after graduation. The harsh reality often shattered their beautiful dreams.
"Haven't you eaten yet? Let's go, it's about time." Shen Zili glanced at his watch. "You'll probably have to eat at the reception center. I can keep you company."
There weren't many people eating dinner at the county reception center canteen. Some officials might eat there for lunch if they were too lazy to go home and cook, but not many came for dinner. Only a few single men living in the county compound and some young couples who didn't want to bother cooking would occasionally come for a meal.
Shen Zili had no choice. His family wasn't here; his wife was in Changzhou, and he lived at the reception center. If there was no official dinner, he had to eat at the reception center.
Lu Weimin readily agreed, ran back to lock the door, and then followed Shen Zili to the canteen.
While eating, they chatted casually. Shen Zili asked Lu Weimin about his studies in Lingnan and his thoughts on the changes and developments there.
Lu Weimin didn't hold back and shared some of his insights in response to Shen Zili's questions. He also subtly linked the current economic uncertainties with some of the hot topics of debate among the higher-ups, presenting some novel and insightful views that directly addressed the problems in reality.
This was a well-thought-out attempt by Lu Weimin. In his memory, Secretary Shen had come from the provincial propaganda department, with a solid theoretical foundation and some background. Being in his thirties and sent to serve as the deputy county magistrate was a clear indication of his potential.
Typically, officials sent for on-the-job training would hold nominal positions, such as deputy secretary in charge of ideology or a deputy county magistrate in charge of education, science, and health. However, Shen Zili held the positions of deputy county party secretary and deputy county magistrate, which was quite unusual.
Officials from the provincial propaganda department naturally had broader perspectives and stronger theoretical foundations compared to those who had risen through the ranks at the grassroots level. If he could make a good first impression, it would benefit his future development. This was what Lu Weimin had in mind.
Sure enough, some of the ideas and views Lu Weimin presented piqued Shen Zili's interest. He asked a few probing questions, and Lu Weimin responded eloquently, hitting the nail on the head, which impressed Shen Zili.
By the end of the meal, Shen Zili had a deeper appreciation for Lu Weimin. He felt that his new secretary, though just a recent college graduate, was far superior to his previous one. The depth of his insights and vision was not something an ordinary official could match.
"The rural issue is a comprehensive problem. The three rural issues—rural areas, agriculture, and farmers—will be a critical challenge for China's economic development for a long time to come. How to solve the farmers' problems is the most pressing and realistic issue for both the central and local governments. In a province like Changjiang, which is a major agricultural and rural population province, the three rural issues are even more prominent. However, I feel that both the central and provincial governments are still focusing too much on industry. I agree that industry is crucial; without industry, a region's economic development is impossible. But I believe that industrial development should not be separated from solving the three rural issues; instead, they should be organically combined."
As they continued their discussion, Shen Zili invited Lu Weimin into his suite at the reception center. Lu Weimin quickly took on his role, asking if Shen Zili wanted tea and then quickly preparing two cups, placing them on the coffee table.
"However, our various levels of government are not doing a good job in this area, and one could even say they are biased. They have put a lot of effort into revitalizing state-owned enterprises, even viewing the development of township enterprises as a threat to the survival of state-owned enterprises, and using various administrative policies to restrict and suppress township enterprises. Private enterprises are even more despised, seen as a threat to the socialist nature of the country, creating a new exploiting class, and undermining the foundation of the socialist system. The debate on this issue is particularly intense. Xiao Lu, you should read more party newspapers and journals. There have been many insightful articles on this topic recently. As an official, you should learn to find the bright spots in these opposing views to improve your theoretical level, which will greatly benefit your own development."
Hearing Shen Zili's words, Lu Weimin was taken aback. Secretary Shen's remarks were quite sharp and, given the current political climate, somewhat radical. The turmoil of the previous year had just passed, and the country was still clearing out the influence of bourgeois liberalization. Yet, Secretary Shen was speaking so openly, though his words didn't reveal much, the underlying tone was clear.
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