Chapter 428: Si Daiqiang's Frankness

By the end, Lu Fan was only relying on his last bit of willpower to hold on, estimating he had downed one catty and eight taels.

Si Daiqiang leaned into Lu Fan's ear and whispered: "How about it? Shall we walk together for a while later to disperse the wine?"

Lu Fan guessed he wanted to talk about business, so he made a decisive decision and went to the restroom, squatted by the toilet, and decisively used the "two-finger Zen" divine skill, inserting his index and middle fingers deep into his throat.

In an instant, the wine and food sprayed out like a flood. Lu Fan suddenly felt his head much clearer, then washed his face hard with cold water, letting himself completely recover his spirit, only feeling a little headache.

After the last cup of starting wine was finished, everyone said goodbye, making it look like life and death. Lu Fan kept everyone's contact information.

After paying the bill, Lu Fan and Si Daiqiang walked on the street. The cold wind blew, making the wine intent of the two dissipate a lot.

Lu Fan asked: "Brother Si, I saw you drank two catties, you Yinzhou people are really awesome!"

Si Daiqiang smiled and said: "You said this sentence when we drank for the first time. In fact, drinking is all hard support. Today, the brothers are rarely gathered together, so we can only drink with our lives. Lu Fan, secretly tell you, in fact, I went out to vomit in the middle of the game!"

Lu Fan replied with a smile: "I also reveal a secret to you, I also buckled it out just now!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, everything is in the silence!

Si Daiqiang said: "Lu Fan, I am responsible for those two projects now. The swimming pool and the underground city first-floor commercial development will not go wrong. Wu Heng has already looked for me."

"Then thank you, Brother Si. I dare not guarantee others, but the engineering projects handled

"I trust you, because neither of us would make a joke of our own future. If a project is handed over to someone who knows the ins and outs, at the very least, there is no need to worry about problems like subcontracting, skimming, project deadbeats, quality, or progress. Lu Fan, after this training ends, you are probably going to leave Yingjiang, right?"

Lu Fan replied candidly: "The training ends on July 15th. I have not yet served as a Deputy Department-level official for two full years, so I still have to continue serving my hometown for a period of time."

"The country is vast and the stage is big enough; one can build a career anywhere. So you don't need to be confined to one corner. I believe that no matter what position you are in, you will be able to achieve dazzling results."

Don't look at the surface now as calm and smooth sailing; however, the situation the Secretary is facing is exceptionally severe. Taking a step forward is difficult and fraught with hidden dangers, while taking a step back means all previous efforts are wasted and falling into a bottomless abyss.

"Lu Fan, everyone has their own responsibilities and missions. I came to Yingjiang by volunteering, so I will not leave until the situation is settled. I must guard this position well to ensure the Secretary has no worries behind him." Si Daiqiang's words were full of firmness and determination.

These words deeply touched Lu Fan. After a moment of thought, he said: "Brother Si, as long as there is anything I can help with, just speak up. I will definitely do my best, use my reach, and pour out everything I have. I will never back down at any time!"

"I knew you wouldn't have any problems! Lu Fan, wanting to control the situation cannot be separated from the unwavering support of our comrades!"

Lu Fan said straightforwardly: "Brother Si, as soon as I return to Yingjiang, I will handle this matter immediately, and I will definitely do it without reservation!"

"Don't worry, I will definitely be responsible for them!"

After reaching a consensus, the two opened their hearts completely. They recalled the arduous years of the past, looked at the current competition of a hundred boats, and looked forward to the long and heavy road ahead. They began to talk about everything and became intimate.

Lu Fan replied: "This is very normal. After all, he is the Municipal Deputy Party Secretary; controlling the situation is easy. Besides, those who left were all promoted, so everyone is happy."

Lu Fan smiled slightly and said: "How could I not know about these things? He is the Mayor; I cannot stop him from greeting departments. The project has been released, but I specifically instructed those units to strengthen the daily supervision of the project. If they want to get the project funds, the project must pass the quality check. I am a deputy, so I can only use that to provide checks and balances."

Si Daiqiang replied with a firm tone: "Corruption is an invisible tumor. Corruption by main leaders is even more harmful; it will not only corrupt the team but also ruin the social atmosphere. The scope of influence is wide and the harm is particularly severe, affecting a place's development for years or even decades, and in the end, the local masses pay a heavy price for it."

"Yingjiang City has a special status. Once a serious corruption case occurs, it will attract the widest attention from the whole society, and even attract the eyes of the international community. The influence and the pressure faced are greater than anywhere else. Therefore, considering maintaining Yingjiang's stability and promoting Yingjiang's development, we must unswervingly fight corruption and resolutely punish corrupt elements who violate laws and discipline."

This is about to move against the Mayor. No matter from which angle he considers it, Lu Fan has to help support the scene!

"Brother Si, fighting corruption is everyone's responsibility, not to mention that I am also from Yingjiang. I will never allow anyone to infringe upon the interests of Yingjiang. Fighting corruption must not only have hard methods but also a wide scope. Mobilize all forces that can be mobilized to make corrupt behavior have nowhere to hide, make corruption lose its breeding ground, and make corruption fall into a state of 'being besieged on all sides'!"

"Lu Fan, when our brothers are of one heart, their sharpness can cut through metal!"

People are not sages; everyone has selfish motives. When someone tells you this candidly, it is best to agree readily; otherwise, it will be impossible to get along in the future. Lu Fan knew clearly in his heart that when he truly faced the problem, he would probably have already left Yingjiang and would not be able to fight side-by-side with his brother!

After walking for more than half an hour, Lu Fan had already seen his residential compound. He took a deep breath and said with a tone of self-reproach and helplessness: "Brother Si, as the saying goes, the wind leaves a sound when it passes, and the wild goose leaves a trace. I am from Yingjiang and have worked in Yingjiang for more than ten years. Except for Ningyang and Ganshui, I feel I haven't done any good or practical things for the people of my hometown. I really feel ashamed in my heart!"

Si Daiqiang asked straightforwardly: "What are your thoughts? Let's discuss and handle it!"

Lu Fan said: "The amount of rural pension insurance paid annually is determined by the insured person themselves. This year, the latest national standard is divided into 12 freely selectable levels. The lowest level is 400 yuan per year, and the highest level is 4000 yuan per year."

"In recent years, with the continuous advancement of the rural revitalization strategy, the degree of urban-rural integration has further accelerated, and the number of landless farmers has increased rapidly. When farmers lose land, their source of survival, especially for older landless farmers, solving their pension problem is imminent."

"Yingjiang has an agricultural population of about 1.85 million. If we take on the pension insurance burden for the city's entire agricultural population at the lowest level of 400 yuan, it will require a fiscal investment of 740 million. In recent years, due to Secretary Hong Tao's powerful measures, Yingjiang's government debt has been cleared. I think as long as we grit our teeth and tighten our belts, we have the ability to afford this expense."

"740 million?" Si Daiqiang considered the fiscal affordability. Once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. Once the benefit-to-the-people measure is implemented, it can only be carried out by gritting one's teeth. After all, no leader dares to risk universal condemnation to cancel such a policy involving the whole city.

Lu Fan continued: "Yingjiang has a special status, so it is relatively easy to strive for funds and policies from higher levels. I estimate that asking for 200 or 300 million is not a big problem. The remaining 440 million can be borne by the city and county levels—20/80 or 30/70 are both fine. Calculated, the city only needs to take 300 to 400 million. Brother Si, where can we not save this little money? Secretary Hong Tao values livelihood work the most and will definitely approve of implementing such benefit-to-the-people measures in Yingjiang. Brother Si, only by being unconventional can one win!"

Hearing this, especially "Secretary Hong Tao," Si Daiqiang immediately got "fired up." He said firmly: "We should indeed rack our brains on promoting the diversification and variety of the pension cause and actively respond to population aging. Lu Fan, you are right. Farmers' pensions need more protection. We should go all out to let the people of Yingjiang have support in their old age, have something to rely on, have joy, and have peace! However, this matter needs the strong support of Secretary Li Ruifang. You prepare the plan first, and I will communicate more with Secretary Ruifang after I go back to strive to facilitate this matter."

Lu Fan smiled and said: "Money is the most critical problem. If the central and provincial levels can support the bulk of it, Secretary Ruifang will not refuse such a proposal! Also, Ganshui, Ningyang, Anbao, Fangzhou, Hongqi, and Zhenbei have high fiscal revenues; we can let them bear more. Human effort can achieve anything, right!"

Si Daiqiang also smiled and replied: "Don't say, this matter really has potential. Currently, it seems no city has done this. We can be the first!"

Arriving at the entrance of the residential compound, the two parted ways.

After returning home, Li Zimeng thoughtfully made honey water, but the "lethality" of the alcohol was too great; tonight Lu Fan lost his "combat effectiveness"!

Opening his eyes the next day, Lu Fan still felt dizzy. They say good wine doesn't give you a headache, but that's because you didn't drink too much.

After washing up, the couple went to the North Headquarters Hutong to see Grandpa.

After entering the door, Lu Fan saw his father-in-law accompanying Li Lao in conversation, so he walked over and sat down to listen.

Li Mingzhou glanced at Lu Fan and asked: "How does the training feel?"

Lu Fan replied: "There is a feeling of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. I've met some friends, but I mainly put my energy into studying."

Li Mingzhou said: "After working, there are few opportunities to calm down and study for a few months. Strengthening theoretical study and arming the mind with theory helps to grasp the political direction, keep up with the new era, and open up new ideas. Developing the economy, promoting reform, maintaining stability, and improving people's livelihood—none of this can be done without a deep theoretical level. To be honest, I even want to find an opportunity to study well for a month or two."

Li Lao asked with a smile: "How are you getting along with your classmates?"

Lu Fan replied: "I plan to invite a few classmates from Huayuan Province to gather on Sunday. We usually get along very happily. Last night, I also attended a gathering of Secretary Hong Tao's secretaries. I drank a bit too much and still feel a bit uncomfortable now."