When Su Yanqing entered the office, Lu Weimin was enthusiastically reading a book titled *Japan Can Say No* published by the Military Science Press.
Seeing Su Yanqing come in, Lu Weimin put down the book and asked with a smile, "You're back? Where's Xu Yang?"
"You sure are relaxed, sending us out and enjoying yourself alone in the office." Su Yanqing curiously flipped through the book. "You're interested in this book too? The Japanese are quite boastful. I heard that the domestic translation is an abridged version. The original, co-authored by Shintaro Ishihara and Akio Morita, has even more exaggerated chapters that haven't been authorized for publication."
"The Japanese have the capital to be proud, but if they want to challenge the Americans, they're still a bit too young," Lu Weimin said, taking a deep breath. "Without military strength as a support, they dare to boast with just a bit of economic capital. This is provoking the Americans. To put it bluntly, it's digging their own grave. However, I think this book has some reference value for our country. At least the Japanese dare to speak their minds and even plan to defend what they believe are their political and economic interests. This kind of courage is commendable."
The door opened again, and Xu Yang, drenched in sweat, ran in. "What are you talking about? Oh, it's this *Japan Can Say No*? Can I borrow it? I couldn't find it at the Xinhua Bookstore."
"Sure, go ahead. I'm on my third read." Lu Weimin handed the book to him. "Are you done with your work?"
"Yeah, basically. The signing ceremony will be held at the Nantang Hotel tomorrow morning. The regional commissioner will come, and all four major county leaders will attend the signing ceremony." Xu Yang said cheerfully, "I heard that the region is very concerned about this matter. After the signing, they might invite Lin Yaohong to visit Liyang for an inspection. Is this a hint that they're trying to poach our Nantang?"
"To poach, they need the ability to do so. The region probably just wants to show a positive attitude and attract more foreign investment to our Liyang," Su Yanqing said bluntly. "I don't think anyone has the ability to take this project away from us!"
"Wow, Yanqing, you're so confident?" Lu Weimin glanced at her with a half-smile.
"That's what I learned from you. Analyzing and comparing every detail, dissecting each competitor, and leveraging our strengths while addressing our weaknesses. It gives me a clear sense of confidence." Su Yanqing's face turned slightly red, and she noticed that she seemed to have changed. From the initial calm and natural conversations, her words now had a different flavor, though only she and Lu Weimin could feel it.
"Right, Director Lu, I'm also confident. The only competitors are Huai Shan and Fu Tou. Huai Shan has a larger area of kiwi fruit cultivation and better transportation, but they lack preparation and planning. Moreover, they have a significant weakness in skilled workers. Just for this reason, neither Huai Shan nor Fu Tou can compete with us." Xu Yang gulped down a big mouthful of tea. "Today, Secretary An and County Chief Shen came to inspect the signing ceremony preparations. They seemed very happy, except for County Chief Cao... hehe..."
Su Yanqing glared at Xu Yang. Despite working for two years, he couldn't control his mouth. Compared to Lu Weimin, who had only worked for a few months, the difference was stark. However, someone like Lu Weimin was indeed rare.
Seeing Su Yanqing's glare, Xu Yang quickly shut up.
He didn't know why, but Xu Yang felt a strange respect for Su Yanqing. Perhaps it was her unique cold and clear demeanor, or her calm and distant manner. In front of Su Yanqing, he always felt constrained, especially when her deep, clear eyes swept over him, making him feel short of breath.
The pair in front of him made Xu Yang feel quite depressed. They started working later than him, and even though they graduated from prestigious universities, the special aura they exuded didn't seem to come from their education. There were many other graduates from key universities in the county, but none of them gave him this feeling. It was a strange sensation.
Footsteps sounded at the door, and a short, plump figure appeared. "Oh, you're all here, perfect, perfect."
"Secretary Ma!" Lu Weimin stood up in surprise. "Please, have a seat."
"Hehe, sorry, I just sat with County Chief Shen and thought I'd drop by." Ma Tongcai was a typical easygoing person, making you feel like you've known him for years with just a few words. He naturally sat in the wicker chair that Xu Yang had vacated. "Director Lu, I wouldn't come here for nothing. I have a favor to ask."
"Oh, Secretary Ma, you're too polite. Just tell me what you need. I can't bear to be a bother," Lu Weimin said, unsure of what the secretary of Shuangfeng Township, who was known for his smooth talk, wanted.
Ma Tongcai was a native of Shuangfeng. The initial plan for the industrial development zone was to use the riverbank land in Shuangfeng Township. This land partly belonged to the water conservancy department and partly to the riverbank. The county intended to unify it for the industrial development zone. The riverbank land, though previously unclaimed, would become valuable once the embankment was built. Ma Tongcai was very unhappy about the county taking it away for free.
Ma Tongcai sought help from Mao Rong, but she told him she couldn't intervene.
Ma Tongcai understood her dilemma. She had just mended her relationship with Shen Zili and started working. On the surface, Shen Zili had taken a step back, even giving his Santana to Lin Shunlu. Asking Mao Rong to approach Shen Zili about this matter would be difficult. However, Ma Tongcai also had his own difficulties. The township was very unhappy about the county directly taking the riverbank land as "unclaimed land." At the township party committee meeting, both Sun Keqiang and other party committee members strongly demanded that the township reflect this to the county, either for a clear statement on the potential benefits or for part of the land to be returned to the township. Although the land was often flooded and its ownership was unclear, it was adjacent to the land of Dahu Village in Shuangfeng Township, so it could be considered part of Shuangfeng Township.
Everyone knew that the establishment of the industrial development zone was the top priority of the county, especially for County Chief Shen. The land had been determined by the county party committee for the first phase of the development zone. Trying to reclaim the land now would be like taking food from a tiger's mouth. No one would dare to approach Secretary An or County Chief Shen about this, as it would surely end in failure and possibly a scolding. Who would want to take that risk?
But if even Ma Tongcai, as the party secretary, didn't dare to go to the county, who would? Cao Gang and he had a good relationship, but the county situation was becoming clearer. The relationship between Shen Zili and Cao Gang was delicate. Asking Cao Gang to intervene might backfire. So Ma Tongcai thought of seeking help from Mao Rong. She had her own difficulties but suggested he try to reflect the situation through Lu Weimin.
Ma Tongcai was not unfamiliar with Lu Weimin. He had been Shen Zili's secretary for three months and was very active in the development zone preparatory office. Ma Tongcai had a deep impression of Lu Weimin, a diligent and serious young man. Even the old Luo, who followed him for a few days, was exhausted. In just over a month, Lu Weimin had become thoroughly familiar with the riverbank area and even knew the details of the cemetery in Dahu Village. Even the somewhat arrogant old Luo had a good impression of this young man.
Without a doubt, Lu Weimin was Shen Zili's confidant. Otherwise, why would Mao Rong send him here? So Ma Tongcai decided to discuss this matter with Lu Weimin, hoping to at least get a small concession from the county, which would be a way to account to the township.
Early birds get the worm. Brothers, give me some recommendation votes!
Also, thank you to Songxia Yishu, Lengxue67, and Tianmi de Ganzhe for your support. Seeing your support every day is a great recognition, and it makes my heart warm.