Chapter 186: Dining with the Municipal Party Secretary

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Rongqu attached great importance to Le Xueren's "greeting" and immediately reported to the Municipal Party Secretary.

Li Mingzhou had just come to work in Qinchuan Province and wanted to make some achievements, so he naturally understood the significance of uniting local Qinchuan cadres.

But for the position of Ningyang County Deputy County Chief, the Finance Department Director had already greeted him, and the Provincial Organization Department Head and Secretary Chen Deming's secretary had recommended someone. Which was lighter and which was heavier was naturally clear at a glance.

Thus, he said: "A national outstanding education worker, the only one in the whole city; we cannot remain indifferent! Your Organization Department must follow the principle of matching people to posts and people to suitability, using capable and willing cadres according to their talents and placing them in the most suitable positions, so that those who take responsibility have sweetness and prospects! As for the candidate recommended by Comrade Xueren, also consider it comprehensively. You should deliberate on this matter again and handle it properly!"

"Understood, Secretary. I will prepare a plan first."

On Friday, the province's fourth-quarter economic operation dispatch meeting was held, requiring the main leaders of each city to attend.

The meeting analyzed and judged the current economic situation and the problems and shortcomings in operation, and studied and deployed the next step of economic work.

Provincial Party Secretary Chen Deming presided and spoke. He emphasized that in the first three quarters, facing a severe and complex external environment and many difficulties and challenges, the whole province went all out to grasp the economy and tried every means to promote development, handing in an eye-catching report card.

With the year-end wrap-up approaching, the whole province must anchor goals to catch up on progress, pick up omissions, pour in emotion and wisdom, work hard and practically, strive to sprint in the fourth quarter, fight the final battle comprehensively, ensure the successful completion of this year's various goals and tasks, and make the greatest effort to achieve results better than expected, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality development of the province's economy and society.

Provincial Governor Chen Jiazhong arranged and deployed specific work tasks, solidifying responsibilities and putting great pressure on each city.

After the meeting ended, Li Mingzhou walked down from the podium and "happened" to meet Hanjiang Municipal Party Secretary Le Xueren. The two had a brief exchange, and Le Xueren once again recommended Niu Qinghe to serve as Ningyang County Deputy County Chief.

Le Xueren's plan was that after Niu Qinghe became deputy county chief, he would communicate with Ningyang County so that Niu Qinghe would be in charge of industry and oil, continuing to "escort" them.

Lu Fan also arrived in Chang'an because Han Xinpu was going to take wedding photos and try on clothes over the weekend. Lu Fan was his hand-picked best man, and fearing it would be too boring, he tricked his good brother into coming down as a "three-fold companion."

Dinner was arranged at the Orange Garden Restaurant, which was very atmospheric. Dining outdoors, one could take in all the flowers and plants, making one's body and mind naturally relax, feeling that life had slowed down.

Lu Fan smiled at Li Ruoqin: "Sister-in-law, thanks to you, I can come to this kind of restaurant to enjoy; Brother Han only takes me to roadside stalls and barbecue shops!"

Li Ruoqin covered her mouth and laughed: "Each has its own characteristics; actually, I also love eating at roadside stalls. But my mother is coming later, so I found a quieter place."

Lu Fan said in surprise: "Provincial Governor Tang is coming? You are having a family meal; it wouldn't be good for me to disturb, right?"

Han Xinpu said: "What are you being pretentious for? Just stay properly!"

Li Ruoqin also said: "Xiaofan, it's fine, just a casual meal. My mother wants to see the style of the wedding photos."

After Tang Bing finished handling official business and just stepped out of the office, she happened to run into Li Mingzhou coming out of the Provincial Governor's office.

Li Mingzhou stepped forward quickly and said enthusiastically: "Old sister, I was just about to go to your place to sit for a while. Off work?"

Tang Bing smiled: "Mingzhou, I haven't specifically entertained you since you came to Qinchuan. I didn't expect us to be working together again!"

Still as elegant as ever! Li Mingzhou sighed: "Indeed, nearly thirty years have passed in a flash, and after twisting and turning, we have met again in Qinchuan! Old sister, let me treat you to a casual meal. You must strongly support Yingjiang's work; the year-end assessment is coming up, and I'm worried to death. The rankings for culture, education, health, and investment promotion are all in your hands. You can't let the rankings drop just as I've taken over Yingjiang, right? You surely wouldn't have the heart!"

"Mingzhou, I have an appointment with my daughter and son-in-law to eat together. They are going to take wedding photos and choose clothes tomorrow, so I'm going to give some advice. If you don't mind, let's sit together!"

Li Mingzhou smiled: "Congratulations, old sister! I didn't expect your niece to be getting married! Hey, that girl of mine can worry me to death. You have to pass on some experience to me, and I'll take the opportunity to meet the niece and niece's husband. I won't disturb your family banquet, right?"

"Go, what family banquet or not? It's just a casual meal. Don't blame me for not entertaining you well enough!"

Lu Fan was chatting heatedly with Han Xinpu when he suddenly saw Provincial Governor Tang arrive, followed by the city's "big boss." He stood up immediately, his expression somewhat restrained.

Tang Bing smiled and said: "Let me introduce you. Mingzhou, this is my daughter Ruoqin, and this is her boyfriend Han Xinpu. Ruoqin, Xinpu, this is your Uncle Li. We worked together in the Economic Commission!"

Han Xinpu and Li Ruoqin politely called out Uncle Li.

Li Mingzhou smiled: "Sit, sit, don't be polite at all. You must know that your mother was my 'master' back then!"

Tang Bing said again: "You were taking photos and even dragged Lu Fan along to 'accompany the crime'! Oh, right, Mingzhou, let me introduce you. Lu Fan is actually working under your command!"

Lu Fan did not dare to overstep and said respectfully: "Hello, Secretary Li!"

Li Mingzhou said: "I know him, a very good young cadre. The first time I went to Yingjiang for research, I attended Ningyang's military training performance. Lu Fan also won the honor of National Outstanding Education Worker; he is the only Education Bureau Director in Yingjiang to receive this honor in recent years!"

Hearing the "Big Brother" praise him so much, Lu Fan quickly waved his hand and said: "Secretary, you are really over-praising me. I really don't deserve it; I just did some of my basic work!"

"No need to be overly humble!" After finishing, Li Mingzhou took out two red envelopes, placed them in front of Han Xinpu and Li Ruoqin, and said with a smile: "I came in a hurry and didn't prepare anything special. This is a little bit of my heart. Uncle has a piece of advice: a high-quality marriage can withstand the test of long years, supporting each other along the way, and finally, two people growing old together because they love each other—this is beautiful, lucky, and life's greatest achievement! Uncle wishes you a happy new marriage and a happy life in advance! Also, know how to be filial to your parents!"

"Thank you, Uncle Li," Han Xinpu and Li Ruoqin said in unison.

Li Mingzhou smiled and waved his hand, signaling them to accept the red envelopes.

Li Ruoqin looked at her mother and then accepted the red envelopes.

At this time, the waiter began to serve the dishes. Everyone chatted while eating, the atmosphere was harmonious, and laughter was constant.

After eating enough, Li Ruoqin and Tang Bing looked through the wedding photo samples, while Li Mingzhou, Lu Fan, and Han Xinpu chatted casually.

Li Mingzhou asked: "Xinpu, I haven't asked where you work?"

"Secretary Li, I used to work in the Provincial Organization Department. A while ago, I followed Secretary Guo Mingxiong to Chengchang City to be Secretary Guo's secretary."

"Oh, work hard. Comrade Mingxiong is very good at cultivating people. Comrade Hongtao is now the Yinzhou Municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary; this is truly a fine story in our Qinchuan!" Li Mingzhou said with a smile.

"I will definitely work hard and learn from Secretary Hongtao!"

Then, Li Mingzhou turned his gaze to Lu Fan and asked: "Ningyang's middle and high school entrance exam results were quite outstanding this year. Do you have the confidence to achieve even better results next year? Do you have the confidence to make new breakthroughs?"

"Secretary, perhaps some people will think I am ignorant of the height of the sky or daydreaming, but from the bottom of my heart, I hope Ningyang can produce a few 'Qingbei' students! To achieve this goal, I am willing to pour out all my efforts to repay the expectations of the fellow villagers!" Lu Fan's eyes revealed firmness and determination.

Li Mingzhou said: "As far as I know, even Yingjiang Middle School hasn't produced a 'Qingbei' undergraduate in the last ten years. If Ningyang can really achieve a historic breakthrough, I will give you the top credit! Do you have any other thoughts on education work?"

Lu Fan said seriously: "Secretary, actually I don't have grand goals. I just want to strive to build Ningyang High School into a provincial key high school and strive to make the first-tier admission rate exceed 50%; at the same time, I also want to build Ningyang Junior Middle School into a provincial key junior middle school, so that the people of Ningyang can enjoy high-quality educational resources at their doorstep."

Hearing this, Li Mingzhou smiled: "I have a preliminary understanding of Yingjiang's education situation. The two goals you proposed are not so easy to achieve. However, having confidence is a good thing. I hope you can keep your original intention in mind and persevere in fighting for it!"

This accidental encounter was very lucky for Lu Fan, and its significance was particularly great; it basically implemented the matter of the deputy county chief.

Being able to communicate face-to-face and relaxedly with Li Mingzhou on such an occasion was a dream opportunity for all the county party secretaries in Yingjiang!

When parting, Li Mingzhou said meaningfully to Lu Fan: "Work steadily and solidly; the organization will put suitable cadres in suitable positions! There is one more thing you need to consider: it's time to solve your marriage problem!"

Hearing this, Lu Fan felt a bit bitter in his heart. The best love had come, but there was no farewell, no goodbye, and it was full of regrets. Losing so thoroughly, and in the end having to force himself to let go—how cruel it was!

After these two contacts, Li Mingzhou discovered that this young man possessed a calm temperament that did not match his age. This calmness was not feigned deepness or precociousness, but originated from the tranquility and firmness deep in his heart.

Besides this, the enterprising spirit Lu Fan displayed made Li Mingzhou admire him greatly. In this highly competitive society, many young people are often troubled by impetuosity and eagerness for quick success.

What made Li Mingzhou feel most gratified was that Lu Fan possessed a heart of innocence, which was rare and valuable, making Li Mingzhou feel a trace of appreciation.

He suddenly thought of his daughter Li Zimeng, who looked down on everyone and didn't care about those third-generation descendants at all.

A while ago, she even met with the son of Secretary Chen Deming's family, but in the end, they didn't see eye to eye, which was truly a pity!

Hey, a grown daughter must marry. If her mother were still here, he wouldn't have to worry about these idle things!

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