"Unrelated to the nature of the society or the economy?" A meaningful smile appeared on Shen Zili's face, as if he was carefully savoring Lu Weimin's viewpoint. "Weimin, your viewpoint is quite sharp. Everyone says that the market economy can only be a supplement, but you believe that the market economy should be the mainstream, and the planned economy should be the supplement. Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?"
"County Chief, this is just my personal opinion. However, I think whether it's about the nature of the society or the economy, or whether it's putting the cart before the horse, these are issues for the higher-ups to consider. For us at the lower levels, the first thing we should consider is how to boost the economy and how to make the people's wallets fatter, so that the fiscal situation is no longer tight. This is the most pressing issue. As for the rest, we can put them aside for now. We can carefully consider them when everything settles down. Some of my university classmates in Lingnan and Jiangzhe are doing just that—keeping quiet and focusing on their work."
Lu Weimin smiled. Shen Zili, who came from the propaganda department, was very sensitive to changes in the political climate at the higher levels and always paid close attention to the direction of the higher-ups. In a sense, this was an advantage, as it allowed him to adjust the work focus in line with the higher-ups' rhythm. However, it was also a flaw, as it could easily lead to too much focus on guessing and catering to the higher-ups' ideas, while neglecting the local realities. Therefore, Lu Weimin wanted to remind Shen Zili.
Shen Zili glanced at Lu Weimin.
This young man had some insight. The higher-ups were also vague about the nature of the society and the economy, and the debate between the planned economy and the market economy. It seemed everyone was waiting for something, waiting for a decisive voice to end the debate. But so far, only ambiguous statements had emerged, forcing everyone to be cautious before taking any action.
Of course, as Lu Weimin said, at the county and city levels, while they were also paying attention to these debates, they were more focused on observing the situation.
"Keeping quiet and focusing on work?" Shen Zili pondered, savoring the words. This phrase had a certain philosophical depth.
The Volga began to shake violently.
The road from Nantang to Futo was in poor condition. The road was better in Nantang, but once they left Nantang, the road from Zhangtou Town to Futo County was even worse. The asphalt road was full of potholes, and in some sections, there were continuous pits. Dust flew up as the car passed, and the Volga had to struggle through the potholes.
"During times of confusion, it's better to do some solid work, develop the economy, and improve the living conditions of the people. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that. Even if there are issues, they can be corrected later. Sitting and waiting, wasting opportunities, is what's truly regrettable." Lu Weimin's voice became softer.
Shen Zili didn't say a word until they arrived in Changzhou, just closing his eyes and deep in thought, as if savoring something.
"Weimin, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Shen Zili asked as Lu Weimin got out of the car.
"Nothing much, just going home. County Chief, do you have any plans?" Lu Weimin was a bit surprised.
"Um, if you have nothing to do, why don't you and your girlfriend come to my house for dinner? You've worked hard these past two months, and I don't have much to reward you with. Come to my house for a meal. No outsiders, just Sister Zhang and my daughter. Maybe my in-laws will be there too."
Shen Zili spoke casually, but to Lu Weimin, it was not a simple invitation. Being invited to Shen Zili's home dinner meant that Shen Zili's appreciation and recognition of him had reached a very high level. Some people might spend their entire lives as secretaries to leaders and never achieve this.
"Sure." Lu Weimin, of course, was more than happy to accept such an invitation. Being able to further strengthen his relationship with the leader meant more opportunities for deeper exchanges and more chances to showcase himself.
Shen Zili lived in the Changzhou Daily newspaper dormitory, a house provided by his wife's unit. The housing conditions of the provincial propaganda department were not as good as those of the Changzhou Municipal Propaganda Department, which was quite normal. The newspaper dormitory was by the Changjiang River, close to the city stadium and Jiufeng Mountain Park, with a quiet and elegant environment. Although Lu Weimin had never been there, he found out about Shen Zili and Zhang Jingyi's residence with a little inquiry.
This was a three-bedroom apartment on the first floor, which in the late 1980s and early 1990s was considered a luxury. The 130 square meters of space was a luxury for many Changzhou residents, who often had only 30 to 50 square meters for three generations. There was even a small garden enclosed by a fence outside, which was a benefit of living on the first floor.
The newspaper dormitory building was no different from other unit dormitory buildings in Changzhou, all six-story buildings. However, the difference was that most of the buildings here were point-style, meaning that most buildings had only one unit, and the surrounding greenery was very good, making it feel like a park.
Lu Weimin pressed the doorbell, and someone quickly opened the door. It was a pretty girl, whom Lu Weimin guessed was the Shen family's young maid.
Shen Zili's wife, Zhang Jingyi, was the deputy editor of the Changzhou Daily, a very capable woman. Lu Weimin had met Zhang Jingyi when he was promoting the sales of kiwi fruit, writing a soft advertisement-style essay for the Changzhou Daily to boost the kiwi fruit sales in Nantang.
"Weimin is here? Oh, where's your girlfriend?" Shen Zili was a bit surprised to see only one person.
"County Chief, she's attending a classmate's wedding, being a bridesmaid." Lu Weimin naturally greeted Zhang Jingyi, who had just come out of the kitchen. "Sister Zhang, you're still busy? I'm looking forward to trying your cooking this year. Is Shen Jia not here?"
"She's having extra classes at her grandfather's place and won't be back for lunch." Shen Zili gestured for Lu Weimin to sit down.
The doorbell rang again, and the maid opened the door. An elderly couple with gray hair appeared at the door.
"Father, Mother." Shen Zili quickly got up and walked to the door, handing slippers to the elderly couple.
These must be Zhang Jingyi's parents. The elderly man was the former deputy secretary of the Changjiang Provincial Committee and the current deputy director of the Changjiang Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, Zhang Xiuquan.
"Father, Mother, this is Little Lu, Lu Weimin, a top graduate from Lingnan University, who now works in our Nantang County Government Office." Shen Zili introduced Lu Weimin, who was following him, to his in-laws.
"Uncle Zhang, Aunt Lei." Lu Weimin was quite considerate and quickly nodded in greeting.
"Ha ha, you're Little Lu. Yes, you're quite impressive. Zili speaks highly of you, and even I, an old man, have become curious. My son-in-law has a keen eye. For Zili to praise someone so highly, I can't recall anyone else. Come, come, sit down." The old man had a lean face and a scholarly demeanor, and he and his daughter had a similar appearance.