Chapter 413

The first item already sparked a major disagreement, infuriating Zhao Tao. He patiently said: "After the municipal Party committee and government's full effort, some events of the next National Games will be held in Yingjiang. We need to build a sports center comprising a sports center, a public sports center, and a fitness and health center, with an estimated investment of 1.3 billion yuan. Additionally, there is a red education and study base project requiring about 500 million yuan, for which we are seeking matching funds from higher authorities."

Translate:

"The first item immediately encountered huge disagreement, which made Zhao Tao very annoyed. He patiently said: 'Through the all-out efforts of the Municipal Party Committee and the City Government, some items of the next National Games will be held in Yingjiang. We need to build a sports center, including a sports sports center, a public sports center, and a fitness and health center, with an estimated investment of 1.3 billion. There is also a red education base project, with an investment of about 500 million, currently seeking higher-level matching funds.'"

Including a sports center, a public sports center, and a fitness and health center.

Now line translation.

Lu Fan, not wanting to sour relations, said: "Mayor, without investigative authority there is no right to speak. Let me first get acquainted with the details of these two projects."

Translate:

"Lu Fan didn't want to strain the relationship, so he said: 'Mayor, without investigative rights there is no right to speak. Let me first familiarize myself with the specific details of these two items!'"

Without investigative rights there is no right to speak.

All right, at this Friday's standing committee meeting, let's discuss these projects. Lu Fan, we need to consider issues from the big-picture standpoint and firmly establish the idea of one chessboard. This year's wind power quotas will be issued soon; we need to allocate them quickly, and the municipal government must present a unified opinion.

Translate:

"'Okay, at this Friday's Executive Meeting, let's discuss these items. Lu Fan, we need to consider problems from the standpoint of the overall situation and firmly establish the idea of one chessboard! This year's wind power quotas are coming down soon; we need to allocate them quickly, and the City Government must come up with a unified opinion.'"

the idea of one chessboard

Lu Fan, who already had a draft in mind, replied: "Wind power indicators are precious; they represent a new direction for benefiting the people and improving livelihoods, so we should use them to bring tax revenue and employment to each county and district. Following standard practice, to obtain an indicator one must 'trade' a project, and it must be a manufacturing project with sustainable development. When I served in Ganshui, the wind power indicators alone attracted ten billion yuan of investment and created over 2,000 jobs."

Translate:

"Lu Fan already had a draft in mind and replied: 'Wind power quotas are precious; they are a new direction for benefiting the people and improving livelihoods, so we should use the quotas to bring tax revenue and employment to each county and district. Following standard procedure, to obtain a quota, one must 'exchange' it for a project, and it must be a manufacturing project with sustainable development. When I served in Ganshui, the wind power quotas alone brought in tens of billions of investment, creating over 2,000 jobs.'"

The investment amounted to ten billion yuan, creating over 2,000 jobs.

The municipal government's document stipulates that project indicators be allocated through competitive selection evaluation, with projects not entered into the project planning database ineligible to apply. According to the scoring criteria, enterprise capability accounts for 30

Translate:

"The City Government's document stipulates that project indicators be allocated through competitive preferential evaluation; those not entered into the project planning database may not apply for the indicators. According to the scoring details, enterprise capability accounts for 30%, acquisition of procedures for various preliminary work accounts for 50%, and technological advancement and intensive land use account for 20%."

I propose that the city government introduce an additional scoring adjustment rule—for instance, awarding extra points based on project quality, investment amount, and fund implementation—to give enterprises a fair chance to compete, letting the quality of industrial support determine the winner and achieve a win‑win outcome.

Translate:

"I suggest the City Government additionally issue bonus/penalty rules: for example, based on project quality, investment amount, fund implementation, etc., add 100 points, allowing enterprises to compete fairly and win through the quality of industrial supporting facilities, achieving a win-win situation."

Zhao Tao was already muttering under his breath, thinking, "If everything were fair, just, and open, what's the point of me being mayor? Just for show? Don't you know there's a word for that—back‑room dealing?"

Translate:

"Zhao Tao had already begun cursing in his heart: if everything were fair, just, and open, what would I, the mayor, be for? Just for show? Don't you know there's a term called 'backroom manipulation'?"

But Lu Fan is the deputy mayor overseeing energy, and these indicators will eventually be distributed to the counties and districts. If Zhao Tao doesn't reach an agreement with Lu Fan, he fears the localities will go their own way. He knows his own standing—these days hardly anyone listens to the mayor.

Translate:

"But Lu Fan is the vice mayor in charge of energy, and these quotas will ultimately be allocated to each county and district. If we don't reach consensus with Lu Fan, Zhao Tao worries the counties and districts will 'act on their own'. He knows his own limits; nowadays few people pay attention to the mayor!"

"Lu Fan, we need to be flexible on many issues."

Translate:

'"Lu Fan, many things need flexibility!"'

"Mayor, Yingjiang's development is for, by, and of the Yingjiang people—its benefits should be shared by them. Projects must be rooted in and serve the fundamental interests of Yingjiang residents, aiming to improve livelihoods as the goal of economic and social progress. As a Yingjiang native, I will fiercely protect our people's interests."

Translate:

'"Mayor, Yingjiang's development is for the Yingjiang people, relies on the Yingjiang people, and its fruits are shared by the Yingjiang people! Project implementation must take the fundamental interests of the Yingjiang people as its starting point and foothold, making the improvement of people's lives the purpose and destination of economic and social development. I am a Yingjiang person; I must wholeheartedly safeguard the interests of the Yingjiang people!"'

The talks broke up again without agreement, leaving Zhao Tao both angry and awkward. He felt that to get anything done—like getting a piece of cake—the city government would have to unite, and in the current climate even discussing a hammer seemed futile.

Translate:

"This exchange again ended unhappily; Zhao Tao was furious and also felt embarrassed. Wanting to eat cake, the City Government must pull together before it can talk to the Municipal Party Committee—under these circumstances, discussing anything is pointless!"

He'd love to dictate decisions unilaterally at the executive meeting, but he lacks the clout. So he has to persuade each official individually, appealing to their interests, to build agreement.

Translate:

"He truly wanted to act unilaterally and have the final say at the Executive Meeting, but his strength doesn't allow it! Now he can only win people over individually, explain the benefits, and reach consensus."

If the goal isn't to command the distribution of resources, why hold this office at all? Is it just to serve the people?

Translate:

"If not for controlling the authority to allocate resources, what's the point of sitting in this position? To serve the people?"

Zhao Tao first called in Deputy Mayors Zheng Kai and Wang Wenhui, chatting about life, ideals, and feelings, going round in circles before promising them benefits and securing their support. Following the mayor's lead posed no problem.

Translate:

"Zhao Tao first summoned Vice Mayors Zheng Kai and Wang Wenhui, talking about life, ideals, and feelings. After going around in circles, he promised certain benefits and smoothly gained their support. Following the mayor is also fine."

Then Zhao Tao set out to win over Deputy Mayor Li Xiaoya.

Translate:

"Next, Zhao Tao began to pursue Vice Mayor Li Xiaoya."

She's forty, still graceful and full of allure, with the distinctive poise of someone in authority—if he could, Zhao Tao would love to win over this attractive deputy mayor completely, body and mind.

Translate:

"A forty-year-old woman still has charm and flavor, plus the unique aura of a superior; if possible, Zhao Tao truly wants to conquer both body and mind of this beautiful female vice mayor in one go!"

The talks proceeded smoothly, but the result was disappointing. When the mayor offered an olive branch, Li Xiaoya either smiled and said nothing or deflected with irrelevant comments—she simply wouldn't take the offer.

Translate:

"But the exchange went smoothly, yet the outcome was not ideal. Faced with the mayor's outstretched 'olive branch', Li Xiaoya either smiled without answering or changed the subject, refusing to take the bait!"

Li Xiaoya left the mayor's office and headed straight to Executive Deputy Mayor Lu Fan's office.

Translate:

"After leaving the mayor's office, Li Xiaoya went straight to the office of Executive Vice Mayor Lu Fan."

"She walked in, smiling, and said, "The mayor just called me in to talk about a few major projects and the wind‑power allocation.""

Translate:

"Upon entering, she laughed and said: 'Just now the mayor summoned me to discuss several key items and the wind power quotas.'"

"Lu Fan rose to brew tea, smiling, and asked, "You're part of the leadership team—you definitely need to consult everyone. What's your stance?""

Translate:

"Lu Fan stood up to brew tea, smiling and asked: 'You are members of the team; you certainly need to solicit everyone's opinions. What is your stance?'"

"Li Xiaoya smiled and said, "Don't I need to talk to you about this? Anyway, I said nothing earlier; the mayor was generous and put me in charge of the civil works for a county wind‑power project.""

Translate:

"Li Xiaoya smiled: 'Shouldn't I communicate with you? Anyway, I said nothing just now; the mayor was generous, assigning me responsibility for the civil construction of a county wind power project.'"

"Lu Fan responded noncommittally, saying, "I've worked on many wind‑power projects; I intend to recommend that the city government adopt Ganshui's approach. Here's my draft scoring scheme so firms can compete from the same starting line—have a look.""

Translate:

"Lu Fan neither affirmed nor denied, saying: 'I've handled many wind power projects; I intend to advise the City Government to follow Ganshui's model. This is my preliminary scoring standard, letting enterprises compete on an equal starting line—take a look.'"

"Li Xiaoya accepted the file and reviewed it thoroughly."

Translate:

"Li Xiaoya received the document and examined it carefully."

"Lu Fan continued, "The government provides the platform, businesses gain, the people benefit, and the economy and society develop—that's the point of attracting investment. Deputy Mayor Xiaoya, wind‑power projects affect people's welfare, so you can't sit on the sidelines; please help coordinate Anbao and Fangzhou counties.""

Translate:

"Lu Fan added: 'The government sets the stage, enterprises profit, the people benefit, and society develops—that's the meaning of investment promotion. Mayor Li Xiaoya, wind power projects concern the people's welfare; you cannot stand aside. Please help coordinate Anbao County and Fangzhou County.'"

"If you're willing to give up some advantage so others benefit, you can win over most people. Otherwise, why would anyone unrelated back you?"

Translate:

"Only by giving up benefits and letting others gain can we unite the majority. Otherwise, why would strangers support you?"

"Li Xiaoya smiled slightly and replied, "I'd heard Ganshui's wind‑power project was successful—now I see why. If you lack real ability, you shouldn't be in wind power; just make them contribute a bit to local development. I've also heard that many firms cheat the quotas, invent fake projects, buy land, throw up a plant, spend hundreds or millions and call it done. Once the wind farm is built, they simply walk away, handing over the factory and land to the government for free."

Translate:

"Hearing this, Li Xiaoya smiled slightly and said: 'I've heard that Ganshui's wind power project was done well; now I see the root of it! Without some capability, who dares to undertake a wind power project? Just let them 'bleed a bit' to serve local economic development. I've heard that many enterprises fraudulently obtain quotas, fabricate projects, buy a plot of land, build a factory, and spend a few hundred or a few thousand million to consider the task done. Once the wind power project is built and operational, they simply 'run off', leaving the factory and land to be given to the government for free.'"

"Lu Fan answered, "So we must be more careful—no rabbit, no hawk. We need tighter oversight before and after the wind‑power firms' supporting works, collect their investment deposits, and lock in the benefits.""

Translate:

"Lu Fan replied: 'So we must be more cautious—no rabbit, no hawk. We need to strengthen pre- and post-supervision of supporting projects for wind power enterprises, secure their investment deposits, and secure the gains!'"

"Mayor, I back your proposal—we must always put the people's interests first. Wind‑power projects should draw from the populace and serve them, thereby driving economic growth."

Translate:

'"Mayor, I support your plan; at all times we must put the people's interests first. Wind power projects should draw from the people and serve the people, playing a role in economic development."'

"Mayor Zhao Tao next spoke with Deputy Mayor Gao Ke, but it had little impact. Gao Ke said he doesn't oversee any specific area, yet he will strictly follow the collective decisions of the municipal standing committee and Party group—his words amounted to nothing."

Translate:

"Mayor Zhao Tao then approached Vice Mayor Gao Ke for a talk; likewise, the effect was minimal. Gao Ke said he doesn't specifically oversee this, but he will firmly obey the collective decisions of the Government Executive Meeting and the Party Group Meeting—his words amount to nothing."

"On November 10 the General Office started readying the municipal standing‑committee meeting. Secretary‑General Bo Lei followed procedure to the letter, sending agenda‑solicitation forms to the deputy secretaries‑general, confirming the topics, asking relevant units to submit materials, and drafting the agenda. Items involving personnel, finance, and resources were to be reviewed and signed off by the heads of the Organization Office, Finance, etc."

Translate:

"November 10: The Government Office began preparing for the City Government Executive Meeting. Secretary-General Bo Lei strictly followed procedure, distributing the Executive Meeting topic solicitation forms to all deputy secretaries-general, confirming the meeting topics, requesting relevant units to submit meeting materials, and drafting the Executive Meeting topic list. For materials involving 'personnel, finances, and materials', the relevant departments respectively had the main responsible persons of the Organization Office, Finance, etc., co-sign."

"Once the executive deputy mayor had approved and signed it, it went to the mayor for final sign‑off, then the secretary‑general released it, set the meeting date, and distributed the notice."

Translate:

"After being confirmed and signed by the Executive Vice Mayor, it was submitted to the mayor for approval; finally, the Secretary-General issued it, and after the meeting time was set, the meeting notice was released."

"The standing committee normally convenes twice a month; when research, argumentation, and consultation are inadequate or the timing isn't ripe, ad‑hoc motions are not brought to the floor."

Translate:

"The Executive Meeting usually convenes twice a month; if topic research, argumentation, and solicitation of opinions are insufficient, or the timing is not yet mature, ad hoc motions are not submitted to the meeting."

"Lu Fan proposed two agenda items: a special campaign to rectify non‑coal mines, and a realignment of duties within the municipal government office."

Translate:

"Lu Fan's reported topics are the non-coal mine special rectification action and the adjustment of the City Government Office's division of work."

"Deputy Mayor and Public Security Bureau Chief Ye Chen visited Lu Fan's office and complained, "I just came from the mayor's office; this is the bureau's proposal to hire 130 detention‑care staff, but the mayor only approved 80. How is that enough? Where are we supposed to save on wages? It's penny‑pinching!"

Translate:

"Vice Mayor and Public Security Bureau Chief Ye Chen came to Lu Fan's office, complaining: 'Just coming from the mayor's place, this is the topic we submitted from the Public Security Bureau—a request to hire 130 detention and care personnel. The mayor only agreed to 80; how could that be enough? Where not to save that bit of salary? Stingy!'"

"Lu Fan chuckled and said, "Detention‑care work is serious and demanding; 80 staff is indeed tight. I'll state my view at the meeting, then see what the mayor decides.""

Translate:

"Lu Fan laughed and said: 'Detention and care work is heavy with great responsibility and heavy workload; 80 people is indeed somewhat stretched thin. At the meeting I will first state my position, then see how the mayor decides.'"

"All right, you go first, I'll add my thoughts, and then let Lao Bian and the others chime in."

Translate:

'"Alright, you finish speaking, I'll follow up, and then let Old Bian and them help out."'

"Lu Fan then asked, "Are you planning to replace your deputy secretary‑general?""

Translate:

"Lu Fan then asked: 'Shall we change your deputy secretary-general who handles coordination?'"

"Ye Chen shook his head, saying, "I don't need to; I've got little to do here anyway—I'm just a liaison officer, so you can arrange things as you see fit."

Translate:

"Ye Chen shook his head, saying: 'No need; I have few matters here, just a liaison officer—you can arrange as you see fit.'"

"Then let Yongjiang handle coordination for you, with me taking the lead, and I'll also take care of your matters along the way."

Translate:

'"Then let Yongjiao handle coordination for you, with me taking the lead, and incidentally get your affairs done."'

"That works; my main focus is the Public Security Bureau."

Translate:

'"Whatever, my energy is mainly focused on the Public Security Bureau."'

"Then Bian Jide, Yang Shaokai, Li Xiaoya, and Gao Ke each met with Lu Fan to discuss their respective agenda items, ensuring they would pass smoothly at the standing committee."

Translate:

"Next, Bian Jide, Yang Shaokai, Li Xiaoya, and Gao Ke each communicated with Lu Fan about the topics in their respective jurisdictions, ensuring smooth passage at the Executive Meeting."

"Prior to the meeting, Lu Fan brought all the agenda items to the mayor for a detailed discussion, but the outcome remained unsatisfactory—mainly because of the three items Zhao Tao raised and the issue of allocating wind‑power quotas."

Translate:

"Before the meeting, Lu Fan took all the topics and had an in-depth exchange with the mayor, but the result was still unsatisfactory, mainly getting stuck on the three items proposed by Zhao Tao and the issue of allocating wind power quotas."

"On November 12 the mayor met again with Lu Fan, but the discussion broke down without agreement; Lu Fan held firm that major projects should pursue investment attraction, and that wind‑power quotas must be allocated fairly, justly, and transparently."

Translate:

"November 12: The mayor again communicated with Lu Fan; the result was still unhappy. Lu Fan insisted that key projects follow the investment promotion route, and that the allocation of wind power quotas be fair, just, and open."

"That afternoon Zhao Tao went to the municipal Party Committee to brief Secretary Li Rui‑fang on the standing‑committee agenda, hoping to win her support via a different approach, for which he made substantial concessions."

Translate:

"In the afternoon, Zhao Tao went to the Municipal Party Committee, reporting the Executive Meeting topics to Secretary Li Ruifang, hoping to take another path to gain the secretary's support; to this end he made great concessions."

"In Zhao Tao's mind, Li Rui‑fang is the leader and Lu Fan his deputy; yielding to a superior is not humiliating, but compromising with subordinates feels awkward, and once a crack appears, future talks become even harder. Besides, this subordinate is stubborn, clueless, and as useless as rotten wood."

Translate:

"In Zhao Tao's subconscious, Li Ruifang is the leader, Lu Fan is his aide; bowing to the strong is no disgrace, but compromising with subordinates feels awkward. Once a breach is opened, later matters become even harder to communicate. Moreover, this subordinate is impervious to persuasion, mentally ill, and impossible to carve!"

"Li Rui‑fang has also been thinking about the wind‑power quotas; Secretary Xu Yongjiang and Governor Niu Qianhua both called her with specific directives, and she herself has companies she needs to look after."

Translate:

"Li Ruifang has also been pondering the wind power quotas; Secretary Xu Yongjiang and Governor Niu Qianhua both called her, giving concrete instructions, and she herself has enterprises that need care."

"Although Zhao Tao made big concessions, Li Rui‑fang wasn't swayed—simply because the mayor's word doesn't carry weight."

Translate:

"Although Zhao Tao made major concessions, Li Ruifang remained unmoved; the reason is simple: you, the mayor, don't have the final say!"

"Strength is the key to earning respect; it brings confidence, and great strength gives you a voice."

Translate:

"Strength is the magic treasure for earning respect; with strength comes confidence, and great strength brings the right to speak!"

"Li Rui‑fang concluded, "Since we have disagreements, difficulties, and contradictions, we need deeper dialogue, communication, and consultation. On project planning and wind‑power quota allocation, the city government must reach further consensus before submitting it to the standing committee for review. Especially the wind‑power quotas—hard‑won from the province—must be used to their full effect to drive Yingjiang's economic development.""

Translate:

"Finally, Li Ruifang said: 'Precisely because there are disagreements, difficulties, and contradictions, we must conduct deeper exchanges, communication, and consultation. Regarding project planning and wind power quota allocation, the City Government must further reach consensus, then submit it to the Standing Committee for review. Especially the wind power quotas—hard-won from the province—must be made to fulfill their due role, boosting Yingjiang's economic development.'"

"Zhao Tao replied resignedly, "All right, Secretary, I'll go back and keep talking with the comrades, and try to draft a plan as soon as possible."

Translate:

"Zhao Tao helplessly said: 'Okay, Secretary, I'll go back to continue communicating with comrades and quickly produce a plan.'"

After Zhao Tao left, Li Ruifang had Secretary-General Guo Shanbo invite Lu Fan to the Municipal Party Committee to discuss the wind power indicator matter; as for the several projects the mayor had planned, whether they get launched or not doesn't matter. Moreover, the personnel work that was planned last time also ought to be started, and Deputy Secretary Si Daiqiang has been muttering a lot lately.