Chapter 373: with translation of chapter title

At ten o'clock in the evening, Lu Fan was still in the office writing his work plan; he was about to leave Ganzhui soon, and he wanted to plan out this year's work.

Translation: "At ten o'clock in the evening, Lu Fan was still in the office writing his work plan; he was about to leave Ganshui soon, and he wanted to plan out this year's work."

Check: the term means plan. Good.

Du Wenlong pushed the door open, walked in smiling, and said: "I guessed you'd be at the office; did you have lunch this afternoon?"

Translation: "Du Wenlong pushed the door open and entered, smiling as he said: 'I guessed you'd be at the office; did you have lunch this afternoon?'"

Just then his stomach growled twice, and Lu Fan laughed, saying: "I was discussing work with Dahua this afternoon, got busy and forgot to eat, and now I'm actually a bit hungry."

Translation: "Just then his stomach growled twice, and Lu Fan laughed, saying: 'I was discussing work with Da Hua this afternoon, got busy and forgot to eat, and now I'm actually a bit hungry.'"

Come on, let's go—work and rest should be balanced. I brought some New Year tea rice from home; let's go to your place to warm it up, then we'll have a few drinks. For the New Year, we ought to celebrate properly!

Translation: "'Come on, come on, we need to balance work and rest; I brought some New Year tea rice from home, let's go to your place to heat it up, we'll have a few drinks, and we should celebrate the New Year properly!'"

"Give Dahua a call and ask him to join us for dinner." After saying that, Lu Fan tidied up the documents.

Translation: "'Give Da Hua a call and ask him to join us.' After saying that, Lu Fan tidied up the documents."

Back at the apartment, Du Wenlong busied himself for a while, preparing four bowls of meat, four dishes, and some steamed buns; then the three of them started eating.

Translation: "Back at the apartment, Du Wenlong bustled about, producing four bowls of meat, four dishes, and some steamed buns; the three of them started eating."

Lu Fan sighed: "No mountain delicacies or seafood anywhere can compare to these few bowls of our meat; you haven't really celebrated the New Year until you've taken a few bites."

Translation: "Lu Fan sighed: 'No mountain delicacies or seafood anywhere beat these few bowls of meat; only after a few bites does it feel like New Year!'"

Dahua laughed and said: "People are like that—only the taste of home can satisfy a homesick stomach. For me, no meal can beat the hand-pulled noodles my mother makes."

Translation: "Da Hua laughed: 'People are like this; we can only satisfy our 'hometown stomach' with 'hometown flavor.' For me, no meal can beat the hand-pulled noodles my mother makes.'"

After eating their fill, they still needed to drink enough; for a big New Year, alcohol is a must. Lu Fan took out several bottles of "Sui Tang Jade Liquid" from the cabinet, laughing, "Today we're drinking our own liquor!"

Translation: "After eating their fill, they still needed to drink enough; for a big New Year, alcohol is a must. Lu Fan took out several bottles of 'Sui Tang Jade Liquid' from the cabinet, laughing: 'Today we're drinking our own liquor!'"

Du Wenlong said: "Secretary, the distillery's sales surged last year; it sold very well in our Qinchu Province, with output value breaking through 300 million."

Translation: "Du Wenlong said: 'Secretary, the liquor factory's sales surged last year; it sold very well in our Qinchuan Province, with output value breaking through three hundred million.'"

Lu Fan said: "Changing personnel is like changing a blade; Chen Jianwen understands management and marketing. This year's goal is to break out of Qinchu and go nationwide—he's ready to pour money into the market."

Translation: "Lu Fan said: 'Changing personnel is like changing a blade; Chen Jianwen understands management and marketing, and this year's goal is to break out of Qinchuan and go nationwide—he's ready to pour money into the market.'"

Lu Fan got into the spirit, and the three began "digging pits" (a playful term for a drinking game), playing and drinking, feeling very relaxed.

Translation: "Lu Fan got interested, and the three began 'digging pits' (a drinking game), playing and drinking, feeling very relaxed!"

Before they knew it, it was past 3 a. m.; Lu Fan rarely let loose like this, and now he felt no trace of sleepiness.

Translation: "Before they knew it, it was past three in the morning; Lu Fan rarely let loose like this, and now he felt no sleepiness at all."

Looking out the window at the quiet street, a few streetlights cast a faint glow; occasionally a taxi glided by slowly, while sanitation workers continued to arrive for their shifts, keeping the city clean with their own hands.

Translation: "Looking out at the quiet street outside the window, a few streetlights cast a faint glow; occasionally a taxi glided by slowly, and sanitation workers were arriving one after another, using their own hands to keep the city clean."

This is Ganzhui, where I have struggled for two years. Looking back on these two years' experiences—constant learning, hard work, dedicating my heart and mind to this city—I have finally achieved some results, not disappointing the people of Ganzhui's expectations.

Translation: "This is Ganshui, for which I have struggled for two years; looking back on these two years' experience, constantly learning, working hard, exhausting my heart and mind for this city, I have finally achieved some results, not disappointing the expectations of Ganshui's people."

Now, as I am about to leave this familiar environment, Lu Fan inevitably feels a mix of emotion and reluctance. Ganzhui has witnessed my growth; everywhere I've left my footprints, carrying countless memories. Leaving does not mean an end; no matter where I go, I will always deeply remember this place.

Translation: "Now, as he is about to leave this familiar environment, Lu Fan cannot help but feel a surge of sentiment and reluctance. Ganshui has witnessed his growth; his footprints are everywhere, bearing countless memories. Leaving does not mean an end; no matter where he goes, he will deeply remember this place."

To have or not to have, to go or to stay—between these choices lies life itself.

Translation: "To have or not to have, to go or to stay—between choices lies life!"

"Wenlong, Dahua, have you ever seen Ganzhui at four in the morning?"

Translation: "'Wenlong, Dahua, have you ever seen Ganshui at four in the morning?'"

"The secretary is in the mood for a stroll; let's go out for a walk!"

Translation: "'The Secretary has a whim; let's go out for a walk!'"

At four o'clock, the three walked along the wide, quiet boulevard; the roadside breakfast shops opened their doors, beginning a day of bustling activity.

Translation: "At four o'clock, the three walked on the wide, quiet boulevard; the roadside breakfast shops opened their doors, starting a busy day."

Following a tricycle rider, they arrived at the Second Agricultural Market; the scent of everyday life filled the air, with people coming and going, and vendors on their carts rising early and working late to make a living.

Translation: "Following a tricycle rider, they arrived at the Second Agricultural Trade Market; the bustling human atmosphere hit them—people came and went, peddlers on tricycles rose early and worked late, beginning to toil for a living."

Lu Fan lamented: "You might think everything is asleep, but they're already out there grappling with life—just a few cents' difference in price can support an entire family's livelihood; this is the truth of life."

Translation: "Lu Fan sighed: 'You might think all things are asleep, but they already start grappling with life at dawn; a few cents' difference in price bears the livelihood of an entire family—this is the truth of life!'"

Du Wenlong said: "Thousands of homes light their stoves each day—rice, oil, salt, and firewood are daily necessities! When I was young, I often went to the vegetable market with my mother, and I still clearly remember my hands freezing and cracking."

Translation: "Du Wenlong said: 'Thousands of homes light their stoves, firewood, rice, oil, and salt—another day! When I was young I often went to the vegetable market with my mother, and I still clearly remember my hands freezing until they cracked.'"

Dahua sighed: "Winter comes, summer goes, day after day, all for a few ounces of silver! This world doesn't slacken or die down just because night falls; if you haven't seen this place, you haven't truly understood life."

Translation: "Da Hua sighed: 'Cold comes, heat goes, day after day, all for a few taels of silver! This world does not slacken and die just because night falls; not having seen this place, one is unqualified to speak of life.'"

Lu Fan said: "Dahua, this is your turf—set up a shelter, harden the market a bit; at the very least it should block wind and rain, and don't charge for it! Write up a report, and I'll approve it."

Translation: "Lu Fan said: 'Da Hua, this is your 'turf'; let's put up a shed, harden the market a bit—at least it can block wind and rain, and charge no fees! You write the report, I'll approve it.'"

"Okay, Secretary, I'll take care of it today!"

Translation: "'Okay, Secretary, I'll take care of it today!'"

"Well, find some time to do the construction, but don't jeopardize their livelihood!"

Translation: "'Mm, find time to do the construction, don't delay their livelihood!'"

After work, Lu Fan summoned the County Mayor Zhang Qianyuan, Deputy County Mayor Li Weiting, and the leaders of the Agriculture Bureau to his office to hear updates on the pro-agriculture policies.

Translation: "After work, Lu Fan summoned County Chief Zhang Qianyuan, Deputy County Chief Li Weiting, and the leaders of the Agriculture Bureau to the office to hear the progress of the pro-agriculture policies."

Zhang Qianyuan is very capable; he has preliminarily drafted eight work plans, namely subsidies for greenhouses, fruit trees, medicinal herb planting, insulated cups, explosion-proof nets, breeding assistance, disease and disaster prevention, water wells and cellars, and standardized farmland construction. On top of central, provincial, and municipal subsidies, he will give strong subsidies, using

Zhang Qianyuan is very capable; he has preliminarily drafted eight work plans, namely subsidies for greenhouses, fruit trees, medicinal herb planting, insulated cups, explosion-proof nets, breeding assistance, disease and disaster prevention, water wells and cellars, and standardized farmland construction. On top of central, provincial, and municipal subsidies, he will give strong subsidies, using rewards instead of subsidies to drive agricultural industry development.

We need to keep numbers: eight, etc.

Lu Fan affirmed their work and immediately convened a standing committee meeting, which passed the eight major pro-agriculture plans.

Translation: "Lu Fan gave recognition and affirmation to their work, and immediately convened a standing committee meeting, which passed the Eight Major Pro-Agriculture Plans."

On February 20, County Party Secretary Lu Fan chaired a county-wide meeting to advance the implementation of pro-enterprise and pro-agriculture policies, listened to reports on the implementation of enterprise relief and agricultural policies, organized policy study, and put forward specific guidance. County-level leaders, various township heads, and department heads attended the meeting.

On February 20, County Party Secretary Lu Fan chaired the county-wide meeting to advance the implementation of policies benefiting enterprises and agriculture, listened to reports on the implementation of enterprise relief and agricultural policies, organized policy study, and put forward specific guidance. County-level leaders, various township heads, and department heads attended the meeting.

We need to keep the date.

Executive Vice County Mayor Chen Shifeng organized study of the series of pro-enterprise and pro-agriculture measures introduced by central, provincial, and municipal authorities, and urged the Agriculture Bureau and other departments to efficiently follow up on superior policies, striving for full implementation and effectiveness.

Translation: "Executive Deputy County Chief Chen Shifeng organized study of the series of measures introduced by central, provincial, and municipal governments to benefit enterprises and agriculture, requiring the Agriculture Bureau and other departments to efficiently follow up on superior departments' policies, striving for full implementation and effectiveness."

County Mayor Zhang Qianyuan personally explained the Eight Major Pro-Agriculture Policies, requiring all townships and relevant departments to strengthen policy publicity and continuously carry out publicity and interpretation of policy measures.

Translation: "County Chief Zhang Qianyuan personally explained the 'Eight Major Pro-Agriculture Policies,' demanding that all townships and relevant departments strengthen policy publicity and continue to do well in explaining and disseminating the policy measures."

County Party Secretary Lu Fan emphasized in his speech that, starting today, eight publicity teams will be dispatched to go door-to-door to publicize and explain pro-enterprise policies, so that farmers understand the eligibility conditions and application procedures, guide farmers to strive for policy support, and raise policy awareness; they should also actively listen to farmers' needs, expectations, and thoughts, to truly implement pro-enterprise and pro-agriculture policies, unleash the superimposed advantages of policy dividends, allowing the masses to better and more conveniently enjoy national preferential policies, and promote sustained healthy economic and social development.

Translation: "In his speech, County Party Secretary Lu Fan emphasized that starting today, eight publicity teams would be dispatched to go door-to-door to publicize and explain the enterprise-benefiting policies, so that farmers understand the policies' applicable conditions and application procedures, guide farmers to strive for policy support, and raise policy awareness; they should also actively listen to farmers' needs, expectations, and thoughts, push for the genuine implementation of policies benefiting enterprises and agriculture, unleash the superimposed advantage of policy dividends to let the masses better and more conveniently enjoy national preferential policies, and help drive sustained, healthy economic and social development."

Finally, Lu Fan said earnestly: "Comrades, most of those present come from rural areas; you should know what the most basic needs of the countryside are. They do not want greening on both sides of the roads, nor do they want white walls painted with the slogan 'Revitalize the Countryside,' nor do they want squares filled with fitness equipment as mere decorations. What about the saying 'Beautiful mountains, beautiful water, more beautiful people; on the road to a moderately prosperous society, don't fall behind'? If everything were as good as the propaganda claims, how could there be so many rural laborers going out to work?"

Translation: "Finally, Lu Fan said earnestly: 'Comrades, basically all of us here come from the countryside; you should know what the most basic need of the countryside is. They don't need greening on both sides of the roads, nor whitewashed walls painted with 'Revitalize the Countryside' slogans, nor squares with fitness equipment installed just for show! What 'beautiful mountains, beautiful waters, more beautiful people, on the road to moderate prosperity don't fall behind'—if everything were as good as the propaganda claims, how could the countryside possibly have so many laborers going out to work?'"

A layer of dark clouds hangs in the mid-air; one village rises while ten thousand villages lie empty, with no one in sight at village entrances and alley ends; when one returns to the homeland in old age, only a desolate wilderness of weeds remains! This is not baseless fabrication, nor is it alarmist talk.

Translation: "A layer of dark clouds hangs in the midair; one village rises while ten thousand villages lie empty, with no one in the village ends and alleys; when they return home in their twilight years, they find only a desolate wilderness of weeds! This is not baseless fabrication, nor alarmist talk."

Let us recall the countryside of the past: small bridges over flowing streams, homes everywhere, flowers blooming everywhere, flocks of chickens and ducks, herds of cattle and sheep, thin cooking smoke rising, clouds stretching for miles without a break! Every holiday, people would cry out and rush to the countryside, but now? The village has no hearthfire, only crumbling walls and broken tiles; most fields grow grass instead of grain; looking up, one no longer sees childhood companions, all because they have drifted away to foreign lands!

Translation: "Let us recall the countryside of the past: it was little bridges over flowing streams, homes everywhere, flowers blooming everywhere, chickens and ducks in flocks, cattle and sheep in pens, cooking smoke curling softly, clear skies for thousands of miles! Every holiday we would cry and shout, rushing to the countryside; but now? The village has no hearthfire, only broken walls and ruins, most fields grow grass instead of grain, looking up we no longer see our childhood companions, all because they have drifted away to other places!"

Every household's doors are tightly shut, lacking any lively atmosphere; only the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled sit under trees, idly chatting. From their eyes one can see faces full of vicissitudes and helplessness, even despair.

Translation: "Every household's doors are tightly shut, lacking any lively atmosphere; only the old, weak, sick, and disabled sit under trees chatting idly; from their eyes one can feel a face full of vicissitudes and helplessness, even despair!"

This is the current state of most rural areas: those who have wandered far away miss the village's field paths they have walked countless times, miss the meals cooked in the family's iron pot, and miss the warm kang bed shared with wife and children.

Translation: "This is the current state of most countryside; the wanderers scattered outside miss the village's field paths they have walked countless times, miss the meals cooked in the family's iron pot, and miss the warm kang bed shared with wife and children!"

We have been calling for rural revitalization, yet even the rural young labor force cannot be retained—how can we revitalize the countryside? It is not enough to build many roads and houses; true revitalization requires establishing sustainable rural industries in the village that can keep people, especially young people, from leaving.

Translation: "We have been calling for rural revitalization, yet even the rural young labor force cannot be retained—how can we revitalize the countryside? It's not that building more roads or houses counts as rural revitalization! Only when the village establishes a sustainable rural industry can it keep its people, keep its youth."

In the countryside, seeing a doctor, sending children to school, and a family's daily needs for food, drink, and sanitation all require cash; if one could make a living near their own doorstep, who would still be willing to leave their parents, spouse, and children to move away?

Translation: "In the countryside, seeing a doctor, sending children to school, and a family's eating, drinking, defecating, and urinating all require cash; if one could make a living right near the doorstep, who would still be willing to leave parents, spouse, and children to go far from home?"

If officials do not serve as masters for the people, their work loses its fundamental meaning. The common people are pragmatic; they do not care how well you speak, only how well you act.

Translation: "If an official does not act as the people's master, then his work loses its fundamental meaning. The common folk are most pragmatic; they don't care how well you speak, only how well you act."

Therefore, we must remember that no interest of the masses is trivial; we must treat the people's key concerns as top priorities, so that the masses can feel the party's warmth from every little bit.

Translation: "Therefore, we must keep in mind that the people's interests are no small matter; we must treat the masses' crucial concerns as top priority, so that the people can feel the Party's warmth from every little bit."

Therefore, we must precisely grasp how to conduct rural work, adhering to the farmers' expectations as our guiding thought and fighting for their interests, ensuring that the funds prepared by the county party committee and county government for farmers are truly put to use; only then can rural revitalization be achieved.

Translation: "Thus, we must precisely grasp how to conduct rural work, insisting on taking the farmers' expectations as our guiding thought and fighting for their interests, making sure the funds prepared by the County Party Committee and County Government for the farmers are truly put to use—only then can rural revitalization be achieved!"

Here, I implore everyone! We must definitely develop the industries of Ganshui countryside.

Translation: "Here, I implore you all! We must surely develop the industry of Ganshui's countryside!"

Lu Fan rose to his feet and bowed deeply to the attendees.

Translation: "Lu Fan rose to his feet and bowed deeply to the attendees!"

The hall immediately erupted in thunderous applause that continued without cease; everyone was deeply moved by Secretary Lu's speech.

Translation: "The hall instantly erupted with thunderous applause, which continued unabated; everyone was deeply moved by Secretary Lu's speech!"

On February 21, County Party Secretary Lu Fan conducted research at the senior high school, County No. 1 Middle School, County No. 1 Primary School, County No. 2 Primary School, and County Kindergarten, and on the spot decided to resolve all the problems raised by the schools.

Translation: "On February 21, County Party Secretary Lu Fan conducted research at the senior high school, County No. 1 Middle School, County No. 1 Primary School, County No. 2 Primary School, and County Kindergarten, and on the spot decided to resolve all the problems raised by the schools."

On February 22, Lu Fan researched the health system, accompanied by the County Party Committee Organization Department, County Health Bureau, County Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, County Finance Bureau, and County Compilation Office, and on the spot resolved the overstaffing, secondment, and bonus arrears issues at the County Hospital and County Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital; medical staff excitedly shouted, 'Long live Secretary Lu!'

Translation: "On February 22, Lu Fan researched the health system, accompanied by the County Party Committee Organization Department, County Health Bureau, County Human Resources Bureau, County Finance Bureau, and County Compilation Office, and on the spot resolved the overstaffing, secondment, and bonus arrears problems of the county hospital and county maternity and child health care institute; medical staff excitedly shouted 'Long live Secretary Lu!'"

On February 23, Lu Fan invited Chen Xuyang, Director of the Municipal Transportation Bureau, to conduct research in Ganshui, and finalized the 26 industrial road projects for the entire county.

Translation: "On February 23, Lu Fan invited Municipal Transportation Bureau Director Chen Xuyang to come to Ganshui for research, and they finalized the county's 26 industrial road projects."

……

Translation: "……" (ellipsis). We need to keep the ellipsis as is.

In recent times, County Party Secretary Lu Fan has tirelessly carried out a series of intensive investigations into various relevant units, actively planning the year's work, coordinating on-site to solve problems and difficulties, demonstrating an efficient and pragmatic work style, making the county's leading cadres feel a vigorous and decisive work attitude, stimulating their enthusiasm to work actively and seize the initiative, forming throughout the county an upward-moving, positive momentum that laid a solid foundation for the work of 2019.

Translation: "In recent times, County Party Secretary Lu Fan has been tirelessly conducting a series of intensive investigations into various relevant units, actively planning for the year's work, on-site coordinating to solve problems and difficulties, demonstrating an efficient and pragmatic work style, making the county's leading cadres feel his decisive and vigorous work attitude, stimulating their enthusiasm to work actively and seize the initiative, and forming throughout the county a positive momentum of vigorous progress, laying a solid foundation for the work of 2019."

On the afternoon of February 26, Lu Fan organized a meeting of a five-person group and, without any warning, launched a county-wide personnel adjustment.

Translation: "On the afternoon of February 26, Lu Fan convened a five-person group meeting and, without any warning, launched the county-wide personnel adjustment."

The next day, the inspection team of the County Party Committee Organization Department went to various units to conduct personnel inspections, swiftly placing the heads of the Industrial Park Management Committee, the Economic Development Bureau, the Party Committee Secretary of Longmen Town, and other key leadership positions, while also involving the promotion and adjustment of 36 cadres.

Translation: "The next day, the inspection team of the County Party Committee Organization Department went to various units to conduct personnel assessments, swiftly placing the directors of the Industrial Park Management Committee, the Economic Development Bureau, and the Party Secretary of Longmen Town, among other key leadership posts, into position, while also involving the promotion and adjustment of 36 cadres."

But the deputy director of the County Party Committee Office being transferred to Dragon Gate Town to serve as town mayor came as somewhat of a surprise to everyone, and those with ulterior motives have already begun to speculate whether Secretary Lu is about to leave?