Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 422 Washed-up Female Star

The last stop of the research trip was the Wuhe Town government.

Wu Bao made a last-minute suggestion to hold a symposium, not only to hear reports from cadres and the voices of grassroots representatives, but also to specifically choose from the villages involved in the site selection for the wildlife park.

Liang Dongming was a little nervous.

This was Wu Bao's last-minute decision. If it had been arranged in advance, everything would have been much easier, with everyone prepared in advance, including who would participate and what they would say.

But now, it's clearly too late to prepare.

The symposium was held in the town government conference room.

The attendees included four grassroots people's congress representatives and several villagers.

Wu Bao said, "I invited all the representatives here today because I wanted to hear the most authentic voices from the grassroots."

When our municipal party committee and government make decisions and carry out work, the ultimate goal is to see if the people are satisfied, happy, and agree.

Please don't hold back; say whatever comes to mind. Share the good things, and also raise any difficulties or problems.

At this moment, a villager representative spoke up: "Secretary Wu, leaders, I am from Shiqiao Village."

In the past, our Wuhe Town was a poor mountain village. All the young people left, leaving only the old and the young in the village.

The road was also in bad condition, full of potholes, and it took half a day to get to Jiangzhou.

But in the past six months, things have changed so much!

Take this Wujiang Highway for example. We've heard it was going to be built for years, but nothing ever happened.

County Chief Wu secured the project. When we were acquiring the land, we were worried that the compensation wouldn't be adequate and that things would drag on.

County Chief Wu and our town's Party Secretary Liu would come to the village every few days to hold large and small meetings, explaining the policies to us in detail.

The compensation was also personally overseen by County Chief Wu, and it was delivered to us in full without delay.

The road is currently being renovated and expanded, and many people in our village are working on the construction site, earning money to support their families right at their doorstep.

We heard that the wildlife park is going to take up some of the mountainous and forested land in our village. At first, we were not willing. Our ancestors have relied on the mountains for generations. If the land and trees are gone, what will we do?

County Chief Wu and Secretary Liu went door-to-door to persuade us and explained the long-term benefits.

They said that once the zoo is built, there will be compensation and dividends in the future. Villagers can work at the zoo, sell local specialties, and run agritainment businesses, which is much better than guarding those few acres of barren land and a few patches of woodland.

We think that makes sense. Now look, the roads are under construction, a zoo is being planned, and many families in our village are already thinking about opening agritourism businesses and fruit picking experiences. There's hope for the future!

Then, a woman said, "Hello leaders, my name is Li Xiuying, and I run a small shop in Shiqiao Village."

I'm not good at preaching, I'll just talk about what I've seen and felt.

In the past, our place was remote, the roads were bad, it was difficult to get goods, and business was barely surviving.

Ever since I heard about the road construction and the big zoo, my little shop's business has improved significantly.

Many people from outside came to inquire about the news and buy some things along the way.

I was thinking that once the road is open and the zoo is built, more people will definitely come. I plan to expand my shop and stock up on more goods.

County Chief Wu has visited our village many times. Each time, he asks us what difficulties we are facing. He speaks to us ordinary people in a kind and gentle manner, without any airs of an official.

When the land was being requisitioned, my family's land was also requisitioned. I was initially uneasy, but County Chief Wu personally chatted with me, explained the reasons to me, and the compensation arrived quickly.

We ordinary people only believe in one principle: we remember those who genuinely care about us and do practical things for us.

The third speaker was also a rural woman.

"Secretary Wu, my name is Zhang Lanying, and I'm from Shimen Village. I'd also like to say a few words."

My husband fell at a construction site two years ago, broke his lumbar spine, and was paralyzed in bed.

With no income at home and two children needing to go to school, I'm the only one supporting the family.

When County Chief Wu came to our village and learned about my family's situation, he arranged a public service job for me in the town. I sweep the streets and clean up the garbage in the village, and I earn more than a thousand yuan a month.

County Chief Wu also helped me contact the county's Disabled Persons' Federation and applied for a wheelchair for my husband.

He even paid out of his own pocket to buy new schoolbags and clothes for my two children, and during the Chinese New Year, he had a can of oil and a bag of rice delivered to them.

City leaders, you should cultivate more good cadres like this…

Liang Dongming's expression grew increasingly grim.

Today's symposium turned into a commendation meeting for Wu Zhiyuan.

However, none of these things were within his control.

Two more people spoke next, and without exception, they both praised Wu Zhiyuan.

No one mentioned Liang Dongming's name.

Because Liang Dongming has never done anything practical or good for Wuhe Town or its people.

People's eyes are sharp.

Throughout the entire process, Wu Zhiyuan remained calm.

He showed neither smugness nor deliberate humility; he simply sat quietly, as if the delegates were not praising him.

After listening to the speeches of several representatives, Wu Bao spoke: "Comrades, I listened carefully to the speeches of the several representatives just now."

The issues raised, the suggestions made, and the emotions expressed by everyone were very genuine and touching.

Significant progress has been made in various aspects of work in Wuhe Town, and the people feel the benefits most keenly.

However, comrades must also understand that all achievements were made under the strong leadership of the county party committee and through the joint efforts of the entire county.

No matter how significant an individual's role is, it is ultimately the result of the organization's cultivation, the leadership's support, and, most importantly, the people's trust.

Wu Bao paused, took a sip of water, and continued, "Comrade Dongming has not been in Qingyan for long, but he has quickly adapted to his role and is very methodical in his work."

The projects mentioned by the delegates—the logistics park, the wildlife park, and the highway reconstruction and expansion—have all received strong support and impetus since Comrade Dongming's arrival.

This shows that Qingyan's team is united and has fighting power...

Wu Bao never mentioned Wu Zhiyuan's name from beginning to end.

His purpose in coming here was to support his former secretary, Liang Dongming. If he were to praise Wu Zhiyuan, it would go against his original intention and have the opposite effect.

Liang Dongming was in a very bad mood today.

Today's impromptu symposium was completely out of his control and became Wu Zhiyuan's personal show.

Although Wu Bao stood by him from beginning to end, it was clear to everyone that the people's hearts were with him, and his merits and demerits would be judged by public opinion.

This left Liang Dongming with a deep sense of frustration; the stage he had painstakingly built was now being shone entirely on someone else.

……

Liang Dongming's office.

The secretary knocked on the door and came in to report: "Secretary Liang, Liao Chenggong, the CEO of Daling Group, wants to pay you a visit."

Liang Dongming nodded slightly: "Let him in."

Liao Chenggong was the richest man in Qingyan. He also gave him 500,000 yuan in cash and a gold Buddha worth 700,000 to 800,000 yuan. Liang Dongming could not refuse to see him, both for public and private reasons.

Liao Chenggong came in.

He was dressed like a nouveau riche, wearing a polo shirt, a gold chain as thick as a little finger around his neck, and a shiny gold watch on his wrist.

He wore a humble smile: "Secretary Liang, did I disturb your work?"

"Mr. Liao is here, please have a seat." Liang Dongming invited Liao Chenggong to sit down and personally made him a cup of tea.

"Secretary Liang, the main reason I'm here today is to report to you on the recent development of Daling Group, as well as some difficulties we are facing. We would like to ask the county party committee and county government to help us coordinate and resolve them."

"Go on," Liang Dongming said, feigning a listening posture.

Liao Chenggong spoke for several minutes, covering topics from safety production investments in coal mines to environmental upgrades in cement plants, and market expansion for building materials companies.

After listening, Liang Dongming nodded noncommittally: "President Liao, some of the difficulties and problems you mentioned can be coordinated by the county, while others need to be reported to the city or even the province."

Write a report and submit it to the county's Industry and Information Technology Bureau. Have them review it, provide their feedback, and then report back to me.

Liao Chenggong nodded quickly: "Okay, okay, thank you, Secretary Liang. With your words, our company has even more confidence."

After finishing the business, Liao Chenggong tentatively said, "Secretary Liang, you've been so busy with important matters during your stay in Qingyan, it must have been very tiring for you."

Our company's development is entirely due to the support of the county leaders.

I've been wanting to find an opportunity to properly thank Secretary Liang, and I also ask for your valuable advice on the development of our company.

When would be a convenient time for you? I'll arrange a quiet place for you to have a simple meal and relax.

"We recently hired several new chefs specializing in local specialties; their skills are quite good, and the environment is decent too."

The moment the villa was mentioned, Liang Dongming instinctively wanted to refuse.

The lessons learned from Chen Jimin and Deng Haidong are still fresh in our minds.

Who knows how many "eyes" are hidden in the resort's restaurants and private rooms?

No one wants to be manipulated.

Liang Dongming doesn't want to become the next protagonist in an indecent video.

Liang Dongming picked up his teacup, slowly drank the water, and didn't reply.

Liao Chenggong waited a few seconds, and seeing that Liang Dongming did not express his opinion, he understood what was going on.

He was a shrewd person and knew what Liang Dongming was worried about.

Although Song Hui was scapegoated for the villa's security camera incident, Liang Dongming wasn't stupid; he couldn't possibly be completely without suspicion.

"Secretary Liang, rest assured, I have thoroughly rectified the situation at the resort."

The bastard Song Hui's outrageous deeds were due to my poor management, causing trouble for you and the county.

I had professionals thoroughly inspect all the private rooms and guest rooms to ensure the resort is spotless and absolutely free of any problems.

Liang Dongming remained silent.

Liao Chenggong knew that simply talking about rectification was useless.

What Liang Dongming wanted was not a promise, but a sense of security.

Once a sense of security is cracked, it is very difficult to repair.

Liao Chenggong changed his approach: "Secretary Liang, how about this, you decide where we'll eat. We'll go wherever you think is convenient and safe."

I'm just the host; I'll follow your arrangements.

Liang Dongming put down his teacup and finally spoke: "President Liao, there's no need for dinner. The county will definitely provide the support it deserves for your company."

As for thanks or anything like that, there's no need. Running your business well, paying taxes according to the law, and ensuring workplace safety are the greatest thanks you can give me.

These words were neither too warm nor too cold; they gave Liao Chenggong face while also turning down the invitation to the banquet.

Liao Chenggong nodded repeatedly: "Secretary Liang is right, right. Then I won't force you. We can talk about it when you have time and are in the mood."

After he finished speaking, he made no move to get up and leave.

Liang Dongming glanced at him: "President Liao, is there anything else?"

A few seconds later, he lowered his voice and said, "Secretary Liang, I heard that you were a fan of Liu Manli when you were young?"

Liu Manli was once a very popular star in film, television, and music.

Her posters covered walls all over the country, her songs were sung in the streets and alleys, and the TV series she starred in repeatedly broke viewership records.

At that time, she was the dream girl of countless men.

When Liang Dongming was in college, there was a poster of Liu Manli on the wall of his dormitory.

He can sing all her songs, and he watches every TV series she acts in.

That was one of the most beautiful memories of his youth.

Later, Liu Manli was blacklisted due to tax evasion and diva-like behavior. She lost her GG endorsement, her commercial performances stopped, and film and television dramas dared not hire her.

A former top star disappeared from the public eye overnight.

"How did you know?" Liang Dongming neither denied nor admitted it.

Liao Chenggong smiled and said, "Secretary Liang, it is our duty as business owners to care about the leaders' hobbies."

I only heard it from someone by chance, and I didn't know if it was true or not, so I just asked casually.

Liang Dongming remained silent.

Liao Chenggong then said, "Secretary Liang, you may not be very familiar with Liu Manli's current situation."

She hasn't been doing well these past few years; she has little income and is short of money.

Sometimes she would come out, and as long as you were willing to pay, she would accompany you to meals or something.

If the money satisfies her, she's willing...

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was already quite clear.

Liang Dongming understood perfectly.

To put it bluntly, it means that rich people pay celebrities to accompany them for drinks and conversation, and even go further.

Within the industry, this is already an open secret.