Chapter 433

Upon hearing that Secretary Li Ruifang would fully support him, Lu Fangu exclaimed excitedly, 'The secretary has a broad vision and many ideas; I'll immediately draft a plan!'

Interpretation: "Hearing that Secretary Li Ruifang will fully support, Lu Fangu excitedly said: 'Still the Secretary has a broad vision and many methods; I'll immediately produce a plan!'"

We need to keep tone. Use "excitedly said". Ensure we include all.

Thus: 【1】 Hearing that Secretary Li Ruifang would give full support, Lu Fangu excitedly said: "Still the Secretary has a broad vision and many methods; I'll immediately produce a plan!"

Check: "Lu Fangu excitedly said" maybe "Lu Fangu excitedly said". Good.

Li Ruifang smiled and said, 'At month's end, the province will make minor personnel adjustments; I've recommended Ma Yajun of Anbao County to the Provincial Party Committee, and the city will need to follow suit with its own adjustments.'

Translation: Li Ruifang said with a smile: "At the end of the month, the province will make a minor adjustment to personnel; I have recommended Ma Yajun from Anbao County to the Provincial Party Committee, and next step the city will also need to follow suit with adjustments."

Need to keep "Provincial Party Committee" as Municipal? Actually Provincial Party Committee is Provincial Party Committee. Not in glossary but we translate meaning: Provincial Party Committee. Use that.

Thus: 【2】 Li Ruifang said with a smile: "At the end of the month, the province will make a minor adjustment to personnel; I have recommended Ma Yajun from Anbao County to the Provincial Party Committee, and next step the city will also need to follow suit with adjustments."

Lu Fan said without hesitation, 'I firmly support the municipal Party Committee's decision and the secretary's opinion!' For him, the only thing on his mind right now is the pension insurance; he'd be willing to give up anything for it.

Translation: Lu Fan said without hesitation: "I firmly support the Municipal Party Committee's decision and support the Secretary's opinion!" For him, currently he only cares about pension insurance; for that he could give up anything.

Need to keep "Lu Fan" not "Lu Fangu"? Actually earlier they used Lu Fan (Lu Fan) vs Lu Fangu (Lu Fangu). They are different? Probably same person? We'll keep as given: Lu Fan. So translate as Lu Fan.

Thus: 【3】 Lu Fan said without hesitation: "I firmly support the Municipal Party Committee's decision and support the Secretary's opinion!" For him, currently he only cares about pension insurance; for that he could give up anything.

Li Ruifang, returning the favor, smiled and said, 'A few hundred million isn't a big deal; if we fully harness Yingjiang's political strengths, raise the key and sing louder, I estimate securing three to five hundred million more won't be a problem.'

Translation: Li Ruifang, returning the favor, said with a smile: "A few hundred million is not a big problem; as long as we fully utilize Yingjiang's political advantage, raise the key and sing the refrain louder, I estimate that striving for three to five hundred million upward will be no problem."

Need to keep "returning the favor" idiom meaning "returning the favor". We'll translate literally? Probably "returning the favor". Keep meaning.

Thus: 【4】 Li Ruifang, returning the favor, said with a smile: "A few hundred million is not a big problem; as long as we fully utilize Yingjiang's political advantage, raise the key and sing the refrain louder, I estimate that striving for three to five hundred million upward will be no problem."

Lu Fan said solemnly, 'Secretary, I am from Yingjiang, and on behalf of the elders of Yingjiang, I thank you for your noble integrity and selfless dedication.'

Translation: Lu Fan said solemnly: "Secretary, I am a person of Yingjiang, and on behalf of the elders of Yingjiang I thank you for your noble integrity and selfless dedication!"

Thus: 【5】 Lu Fan said solemnly: "Secretary, I am a person of Yingjiang, and on behalf of the elders of Yingjiang I thank you for your noble integrity and selfless dedication!"

Li Ruifang replied, 'Being an official for one term means benefiting the region—it's not just lip service. We must internalize it in our hearts, root it there, and externalize it in action, thinking and acting together with the masses, following the people's aspiration for a better life, continually realizing, protecting, and advancing the fundamental interests that the broadest masses care about most directly and realistically, and achieving accomplishments that stand up to practice, the people, and history.'

Translation: Li Ruifang replied: "To serve one term in office is to benefit one locality; it's not just empty talk, but must be internalized in the heart, rooted in the heart, and externalized in action; we must think and act together with the masses, conform to the people's yearning for a better life, continually realize, safeguard, and develop the fundamental interests that the broadest masses care about most directly and realistically, and achieve accomplishments that can withstand the tests of practice, the people, and history."

Thus: 【6】 Li Ruifang replied: "To serve one term in office is to benefit one locality; it's not just empty talk, but must be internalized in the heart, rooted in the heart, and externalized in action; we must think and act together with the masses, conform to the people's yearning for a better life, continually realize, safeguard, and develop the fundamental interests that the broadest masses care about most directly and realistically, and achieve accomplishments that can withstand the tests of practice, the people, and history."

After leaving the secretary's office, Lu Fan went to the Discipline Inspection Committee and chatted casually with Secretary Wu Xiaohua.

Translation: After leaving the Secretary's office, Lu Fan went to the Discipline Inspection Committee and had a casual chat with Secretary Wu Xiaohua.

Thus: 【7】 After leaving the Secretary's office, Lu Fan went to the Discipline Inspection Committee and had a casual chat with Secretary Wu Xiaohua.

Wu Xiaohua revealed two things: first, he is leaving soon; second, the Du Wenlong matter has been resolved—thanks to his efforts, the Second Supervision Division 'turned out' to have Du Wenlong take over, and he will also be in charge of that division; this is a face-saving gesture from the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee for him, the incoming deputy secretary.

Translation: Wu Xiaohua revealed two things: first, he is leaving soon; second, the matter of Du Wenlong has been settled, through his efforts the Second Supervision Division "turned out" and Du Wenlong will take over, and he will also be in charge of this division; this is face given by the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee to him, the upcoming Deputy Secretary.

Need to translate "turned out" as "turned out" or "came out". Keep meaning.

Thus: 【8】 Wu Xiaohua revealed two things: first, he is leaving soon; second, the matter of Du Wenlong has been settled, through his efforts the Second Supervision Division "turned out" and Du Wenlong will take over, and he will also be in charge of this division; this is face given by the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee to him, the upcoming Deputy Secretary.

Yingjiang → Yingjiang (in glossary)

Discipline Inspection Committee → Discipline Inspection Committee (in glossary)

Zhao Tao went to Yao Qian's office, found out someone was reporting work to the secretary, didn't rush, sat down and chatted casually with Yao Qian.

Translation: Zhao Tao came to Yao Qian's office, learned that someone was reporting work to the Secretary, wasn't in a hurry, sat down and chatted casually with Yao Qian.

Thus: 【11】 Zhao Tao came to Yao Qian's office, learned that someone was reporting work to the Secretary, wasn't in a hurry, sat down and chatted casually with Yao Qian.

But the mayor has the right to report first, so Yao Qian couldn't let Zhao Tao wait; she hurried to report to the secretary.

Translation: But the Mayor has priority to report, how could Yao Qian let Zhao Tao wait? So she hurried to go report to the Secretary.

Thus: 【12】 But the Mayor has priority to report, how could Yao Qian let Zhao Tao wait? So she hurried to go report to the Secretary.

Before long, Zhao Tao went helplessly to Li Ruifang's office; Education Bureau Director Di Bin voluntarily stepped out and continued waiting in line.

Translation: Soon after, Zhao Tao "helplessly" went to Secretary Li Ruifang's office; Education Bureau Director Di Bin voluntarily withdrew and continued queuing.

Thus: 【13】 Soon after, Zhao Tao "helplessly" went to Secretary Li Ruifang's office; Education Bureau Director Di Bin voluntarily withdrew and continued queuing.

Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee → Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee

When love for someone reaches its extreme, the heart grows extraordinarily soft; day and night, thoughts entwine and dreams linger, filling one's eyes and heart with only her—she becomes the whole world.

Translation: When one's liking for a person reaches the extreme, the heart becomes extraordinarily soft; thinking day and night, soul entwined in dreams, only she fills the eyes and heart; she is the whole world!

Thus: 【15】 When one's liking for a person reaches the extreme, the heart becomes extraordinarily soft; thinking day and night, soul entwined in dreams, only she fills the eyes and heart; she is the whole world!

Over the past few months, Zhao Tao's gaze has unconsciously followed Yao Qian's silhouette, as if she were the brightest star in the night sky, shining with endless light.

Translation: These past few months, Zhao Tao's gaze has unconsciously followed Yao Qian's figure, as if she were the brightest star in the night sky, shining with endless light.

Thus: 【16】 These past few months, Zhao Tao's gaze has unconsciously followed Yao Qian's figure, as if she were the brightest star in the night sky, shining with endless light.

Every smile and glance from Yao Qian sends ripples through Zhao Tao's heart.

Translation: Every smile and every glance of Yao Qian can stir ripples upon ripples in Zhao Tao's heart.

Thus: 【17】 Every smile and every glance of Yao Qian can stir ripples upon ripples in Zhao Tao's heart.

Yao Qian's voice is like heavenly music, gently lingering in the air, letting Zhao Tao become immersed.

Translation: Yao Qian's voice is like heavenly music, gently winding around the ears, making Zhao Tao intoxicated.

Thus: 【18】 Yao Qian's voice is like heavenly music, gently winding around the ears, making Zhao Tao intoxicated.

Every move Yao Qian makes tugs at Zhao Tao's heartstrings, leaving him silently longing for her in the dead of night.

Translation: Every move of Yao Qian can pluck Zhao Tao's heartstrings, making him silently miss her in the deep night.

Thus: 【19】 Every move of Yao Qian can pluck Zhao Tao's heartstrings, making him silently miss her in the deep night.

Zhao Tao yearns for Yao Qian to be by his side; for this he is willing to give everything—otherwise, what's the point of being an official? Unrequited love can drive a person mad.

Translation: Zhao Tao longs for Yao Qian to be by his side; for this he is willing to give everything, otherwise what's the point of being an official? Unrequited love can drive a person mad.

Thus: 【20】 Zhao Tao longs for Yao Qian to be by his side; for this he is willing to give everything, otherwise what's the point of being an official? Unrequited love can drive a person mad.

Lu Fan returned to the office and immediately had Duan Yongjiao summon the heads of the Finance Bureau and the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau.

Translation: Lu Fan returned to the office and immediately had Duan Yongjiao call the heads of the Finance Bureau and the Human Resources Bureau to the office.

Thus: 【21】 Lu Fan returned to the office and immediately had Duan Yongjiao call the heads of the Finance Bureau and the Human Resources Bureau to the office.

Less than twenty minutes later, Finance Bureau Director Zhang Qianyuan and Human Resources and Social Security Bureau Director Li Guanglei rushed in.

Translation: Within twenty minutes, Finance Bureau Chief Zhang Qianyuan and Human Resources Bureau Chief Li Guanglei hurried over.

Thus: 【22】 Within twenty minutes, Finance Bureau Chief Zhang Qianyuan and Human Resources Bureau Chief Li Guanglei hurried over.

Lu Fan had Duan Yongjiao stay and directly instructed: 'Qianyuan and Guanglei, assign you an urgent task: quickly tally the city's agricultural population—no need for extreme precision, a rough estimate of eight or nine out of ten is fine. Then jointly draft a funding application to provide free pension contributions for the agricultural population, based on the minimum standard of 400 yuan, which ordinary people can supplement. Remember, your political stance must be high, highlighting Yingjiang's special position and contributions. You must gather the unit's best writers; the document's quality must be high. Yongjiao, your material skills are high—participate and vet it for them. Oh, and set the funding request amount at six hundred million yuan.'

Translation: Lu Fan had Duan Yongjiao stay and directly instructed: "Qianyuan, Guanglei, I assign you an urgent task: in the shortest time possible, count the city's agricultural population; it doesn't need to be precise, roughly eight or nine out of ten is fine. Then jointly draft a funding application document for free payment of pension insurance for the agricultural population, based on the minimum standard of 400 yuan, which ordinary people can stack. Remember, the political stance must be high, highlighting Yingjiang's special position and outstanding contribution. You must gather the unit's writers; the document's quality must be high. Yongjiao, your material level is high, you should participate and oversee them! Oh, right, write the funding application amount as six hundred million."

Thus: 【23】 Lu Fan had Duan Yongjiao stay and directly instructed: "Qianyuan, Guanglei, I assign you an urgent task: in the shortest time possible, count the city's agricultural population; it doesn't need to be precise, roughly eight or nine out of ten is fine. Then jointly draft a funding application document for free payment of pension insurance for the agricultural population, based on the minimum standard of 400 yuan, which ordinary people can stack. Remember, the political stance must be high, highlighting Yingjiang's special position and outstanding contribution. You must gather the unit's writers; the document's quality must be high. Yongjiao, your material level is high, you should participate and oversee them! Oh, right, write the funding application amount as six hundred million."

Li Guanglei asked, 'Mayor, we've grasped the spirit; when do you need the document?'

Translation: Li Guanglei asked: "Mayor, we understand the spirit; when is the document needed?"

Thus: 【24】 Li Guanglei asked: "Mayor, we understand the spirit; when is the document needed?"

Lu Fan replied, 'The sooner the better; let's aim to have the draft ready by tomorrow afternoon.'

Translation: Lu Fan replied: "The sooner the better; let's aim to finish drafting by tomorrow afternoon."

Thus: 【25】 Lu Fan replied: "The sooner the better; let's aim to finish drafting by tomorrow afternoon."

Duan Yongjiao asked, 'Mayor, should the Finance Bureau and Human Resources and Social Security Bureau issue a joint document, or use the municipal government's header?'

Translation: Duan Yongjiao asked: "Mayor, should the Finance Bureau and Human Resources Bureau issue a joint document, or use the City Government's letterhead?"

Thus: 【26】 Duan Yongjiao asked: "Mayor, should the Finance Bureau and Human Resources Bureau issue a joint document, or use the City Government's letterhead?"

Lu Fan said, 'After drafting, we will submit it in the name of the municipal Party Committee and municipal government to the provincial Party Committee and provincial government.'

Translation: Lu Fan thought for a moment and said: "After drafting the document, we will submit it to the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government in the name of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government."

Thus: 【27】 Lu Fan thought for a moment and said: "After drafting the document, we will submit it to the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government in the name of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government."

After receiving the task, the three dared not delay in the slightest and sprang into action.

Translation: After receiving the task, the three dared not be the slightest bit negligent and sprang into action immediately.

Thus: 【28】 After receiving the task, the three dared not be the slightest bit negligent and sprang into action immediately.

In the afternoon, Si Daiqiang came to Lu Fan's office, saying lightly, 'Amazing! Outstanding students plus outstanding class cadres—Jianfei and them didn't even get a single hair!'

Translation: In the afternoon, Si Daiqiang came to Lu Fan's office, speaking lightly: "Remarkable! Outstanding trainees plus outstanding class cadres—Jianfei they didn't even get a single hair!"

Thus: 【29】 In the afternoon, Si Daiqiang came to Lu Fan's office, speaking lightly: "Remarkable! Outstanding trainees plus outstanding class cadres—Jianfei they didn't even get a single hair!"

Lu Fan laughed and said, 'There's no way—excellent people always shine brilliantly, naturally exuding an aura. I've tried to restrain myself and stay low-key, but I still can't hide my extraordinary talent and unmatched charm.'

Translation: Lu Fan laughed and said: "There's no way; outstanding people always shine brilliantly, naturally exuding an aura. I've tried to restrain myself, keep a low profile, but I still can't hide my extraordinary talent and unparalleled charm!"

Thus: 【30】 Lu Fan laughed and said: "There's no way; outstanding people always shine brilliantly, naturally exuding an aura. I've tried to restrain myself, keep a low profile, but I still can't hide my extraordinary talent and unparalleled charm!"

Si Daiqiang nodded in agreement, saying, 'The party school is indeed good—it not only raises theoretical level but also thickens one's

Translation: Si Daiqiang nodded in agreement and said: "The Party School is indeed good; it not only improves theoretical level but also thickens one's skin—truly worthy of being an outstanding trainee!"

Thus: 【31】 Si Daiqiang nodded in agreement and said: "The Party School is indeed good; it not only improves theoretical level but also thickens one's skin—truly worthy of being an outstanding trainee!"

Lu Fan laughed and replied: "People, we have to keep improving! No more idle talk. I've already reported the pension insurance matter to both the secretary and the mayor. The mayor promised two hundred million yuan, and the secretary said he'll give his full support and will try to secure provincial funding. Secretary Si, you can't just sit around—you need to take over the former Hua provincial governor's duties. Your sway with the provincial governor is even greater than Secretary Rui Fang's! For the wellbeing of Yingjiang's residents, you must press forward!"

Translation: Lu Fan laughed and replied: "People must make progress! No more nonsense; regarding the pension insurance matter, I have reported to the Secretary and the Mayor; the Mayor promised two hundred million, the Secretary expressed full support and willingness to seek funds from the province. Secretary Si, you can't stay idle; you must handle the work of the former Provincial Governor Hua; your influence with the Governor surpasses that of Secretary Ruifang! For the happiness of Yingjiang's people, you must forge ahead bravely!"

Thus: 【32】 Lu Fan laughed and replied: "People must make progress! No more nonsense; regarding the pension insurance matter, I have reported to the Secretary and the Mayor; the Mayor promised two hundred million, the Secretary expressed full support and willingness to seek funds from the province. Secretary Si, you can't stay idle; you must handle the work of the former Provincial Governor Hua; your influence with the Governor surpasses that of Secretary Ruifang! For the happiness of Yingjiang's people, you must forge ahead bravely!"

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security

Lu Fan started proposing ideas, saying: "Secretary Hongtao is from Yingjiang, and our project benefits Yingjiang residents. You can either act in the secretary's name or work for him. If he simply says hello to the former Hua provincial governor, five or six hundred million yuan will be a drop in the bucket."

Translation: Lu Fan began to propose ideas, saying: "Secretary Hong Tao is a Yingjiang native; what we are doing benefits Yingjiang people—either you act in the Secretary's name, or you work for the Secretary; as long as he greets the former Provincial Governor Hua, five or six hundred million is trivial."

Thus: 【34】 Lu Fan began to propose ideas, saying: "Secretary Hong Tao is a Yingjiang native; what we are doing benefits Yingjiang people—either you act in the Secretary's name, or you work for the Secretary; as long as he greets the former Provincial Governor Hua, five or six hundred million is trivial."

Sports Center Project

We're justified—what do we have to worry about? Besides, we have no self-interest; once the funds are secured, we'll directly subsidize the people, not taking a cent. Our loyalty is a pure, wholehearted dedication to the people. The secretary will surely understand and give strong support, and he might even obtain special funding from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. You know the secretary's standing better than I do.

Translation: "We are in the right, what do we have to fear? Besides, we have no selfish motives; once the funds are in place, we will directly subsidize the people, not taking a single cent; we have nothing but a wholehearted loyalty to the people. The Secretary will surely understand and strongly support, perhaps even seek special funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Resources; your understanding of the Secretary's stature is clearer than mine."

Thus: 【36】 "We are in the right, what do we have to fear? Besides, we have no selfish motives; once the funds are in place, we will directly subsidize the people, not taking a single cent; we have nothing but a wholehearted loyalty to the people. The Secretary will surely understand and strongly support, perhaps even seek special funds from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Resources; your understanding of the Secretary's stature is clearer than mine."

Si Daiqiang sighed: "For the pension insurance, you'll go to any lengths—pushing a blind man off a cliff without blinking! You're the secretary's student; whenever problems arise, you hide in the background and cook up 'bad ideas'? Let me take the criticism."

Translation: Si Daiqiang sighed: "For the pension insurance, you leave no stone unturned; 'pushing a blind man off a cliff' you don't even blink! You are the Secretary's student; when something happens you hide behind and come up with 'bad ideas'? Let me take the blame."

Thus: 【37】 Si Daiqiang sighed: "For the pension insurance, you leave no stone unturned; 'pushing a blind man off a cliff' you don't even blink! You are the Secretary's student; when something happens you hide behind and come up with 'bad ideas'? Let me take the blame."

Secretary Si, I guarantee you won't face any criticism—in fact, the secretary will highly praise you. If I'm mistaken, you can have me do whatever you want.

Translation: "Brother Si, I guarantee you won't receive a single criticism, and will instead be highly praised by the Secretary. If I'm wrong, you can have me do anything!"

Thus: 【38】 "Brother Si, I guarantee you won't receive a single criticism, and will instead be highly praised by the Secretary. If I'm wrong, you can have me do anything!"

"I don't believe you, you big-headed ghost! Forget it, I'll go talk to the former Hua Governor first, feel out the situation; if the Governor opens his golden mouth, we won't need to fuss around uselessly!"

Lu Fan nodded and said, "I believe Secretary Si will surely achieve instant success!"

Si Daiqiang said, "I almost forgot the main matter; Secretary Ruifang instructed to hand over the underground city project and the sports center project to you, but Zhao Tao went to the secretary and took the project away."

Lu Fan asked, "The winning bid was his instruction, yet you're so impatient? Or is it that you supervised too thoroughly?"

Si Daiqiang said, "A project worth over two billion yuan cannot possibly become a 'tofu-dregs' project, can it? I supervised strictly according to the project construction requirements, leaving no loopholes. The sports field project was directly ordered to stop work by me, and it's still under rectification; damn it, they didn't follow the drawings, earthwork exceeded the budget, obviously preparing to embezzle money. After the project is handed over to you, the supervisory standards cannot be lowered; there is originally a large profit margin, and if supervision is lacking, they could tamper with the audit and acceptance, making off with one or two hundred million—Zhao Tao would dare to do this!"

Lu Fan said with a smile, "Don't worry, I will definitely supervise properly. You haven't even become mayor yet, but you're already worrying about the mayor's affairs—are you afraid he'll leave you a mess?"

Si Daiqiang said, "Spending money is no problem, after all it's about construction and development; once the sports center is completed, there will be many benefits. But I fear reckless spending, wasting money, putting the money into our own pockets! Ask Mayor Shaokai, see how many greetings he's made for this year's key projects—I needn't say more."

After a few casual remarks, Si Daiqiang asked, "Ma Yajun is leaving; the city will adjust personnel—what do you think?"

Lu Fan shook his head and said, "As long as the pension insurance is implemented, I have no desires or demands! You decide on the personnel adjustments; I support them. But let me tell you first: if one day I leave, some people will need to adjust their posts."

Si Daiqiang nodded slightly and said, "Understood, we'll discuss it then. Is Secretary Xiaohua also leaving?"

Lu Fan replied, "I'm not sure about that either; I didn't ask, after all this kind of thing is sensitive—it won't be final until the secretary's office meeting is held."

"I estimate it's highly likely I'll leave; Secretary Ruifang has probably already started looking for replacements!"

Lu Fan no longer has the energy to get involved in this; you guys go ahead and fight over it—I'm leaving, to start anew on a new battlefield!

In the evening, the Human Resources Bureau office was brightly lit, with seven or eight clerks working overtime to finish the documents Lu Fan needed; Zhang Qianyuan and Li Guanglei issued strict orders, absolutely forbidding any leakage of the document contents, lest the project application fail and the public stir up an uproar, putting the Municipal Party Committee and City Government in a passive position.

Si Daiqiang returned to his apartment in the evening, and after careful consideration, he called Wang Hongtao, saying, "Secretary, Lu Fan and I have devised a plan; we want to seek higher-level funding to pay the pension insurance on behalf of the agricultural population of Yingjiang City."

"Worrying and joy of countless families reach the heart; the starting point is excellent—keeping the people's safety and comfort constantly in mind and implementing it in concrete projects and real deeds—that is truly what the people's will points to and where their hearts lean! However, you cannot just reach out to superiors; the municipal and county governments must also raise funds—this is the most basic work attitude."

Si Daiqiang replied, "Secretary, Lu Fan and the mayor have secured 200 million, and the plan is for each county and district to provide matching funds of 20%."

Wang Hongtao asked, "How large is the current funding gap?"

Si Daiqiang hadn't calculated it precisely; he roughly gave a figure: 600 million!

Wang Hongtao said, "Go to the Qianhui Bao first to see the provincial government's level of support. As long as it benefits the people, no matter how difficult, I won't shy away; no matter how large, I won't fear it; no matter how small, I won't disdain it—I will support it!"