Chapter 475

Talking about this trip to the capital to run a project, Lu Fan first proposed it, wanting Li Lao to help coordinate.

Li Lao laughed and said, "Your ideas are quite good, all beneficial to the country and the people, especially this 'Zhang Zhongjing National Medicine University' which has great potential, aligning with the nation's stance of 'inheriting the essence, upholding integrity while innovating, and vigorously developing the cause of traditional Chinese medicine.' Traditional Chinese medicine contains profound philosophical wisdom, an important carrier for inheriting Chinese culture; developing TCM is promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture, and I will support it both publicly and privately."

Everything for the masses, everything relying on the masses, from the masses, to the masses—many people have tossed this saying to the back of their minds!

Only by doing more things that conform to public will and benefit people's livelihood, and solving more of the problems that weigh on the people's hearts, can we win popular support and reap the people's satisfaction.

Lu Fan, after implementing free breakfasts for sanitation workers and improving student cafeterias, you have truly found your footing in Nanyuan City.

Know that public opinion is as great as heaven, public opinion is a tremendous force driving progress. With the support of public opinion, we can unite as one, achieving twice the result with half the effort and being invincible.

Next, your work focus should shift to the economy, using project construction as an engine to propel high-quality economic development in Nanyuan. On one hand, you need to tap potential within Nanyuan, adapting to local conditions; on the other hand, you need superior support—resources are limited, so you must strive for them; finally, external assistance is needed: you must seek investment, and I will inform the Municipal Party Committee to direct resources toward Nanyuan.

"Thank you, Grandfather! Will it affect my father?"

Li Lao said, "No effect; your father wanting to advance further isn't really related to this. Later, go to the study to organize your thoughts, and tomorrow when you report to Hong Tao, your words must be substantive and reasonable, demonstrating your ability and people-centered sentiment."

The next morning at nine, Dou Zhengyang and Cheng Haohao were waiting at the entrance.

Cheng Haohao had been here twice before, but Dou Zhengyang was visiting for the first time; that day, seeing Li Lao exercising in the courtyard, his heart surged, his inner excitement could not be greater, further strengthening his resolve to follow Lu Fan.

Half an hour later, the car stopped at the courtyard; when the two saw Hong Tao strolling in the yard, tremendous waves rose in their hearts, shock beyond words.

After Lu Fan got out of the car, he took four gift boxes from the trunk and walked alone into the courtyard.

At that moment, Dou Zhengyang and Cheng Haohao, even while sitting in the car "guarding the gate," felt it a great honor, as if they had glimpsed a golden road to heaven.

Seeing Lu Fan enter, Hong Tao smiled and said, "You're here, go to the living room!"

In the living room, a staff member brought a cup of tea; Lu Fan set down the gift boxes and said, "Secretary, these are Nanyuan's specialties: salvia, kiwi, jade leaf tea, and Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill; please help me promote them."

Hong Tao laughed, "Don't be so polite from now on!!"

Lu Fan replied, "Secretary, you are well-informed and knowledgeable; this is the industry Nanyuan will focus on cultivating next, and we will strictly control product quality, optimize and improve quality, and increase publicity."

Hong Tao nodded and said, "You've done quite well in Nanyuan; several of your works have been effective. No matter the time or position, one must have a people-centered sentiment, establish the notion that the people's interests are no small matter, deeply understand the importance of livelihood, lead by example and set a precedent, earnestly serve the people, relieve their worries, and deepen feelings—truly achieving emotional closeness to the masses, intellectual respect for them, and practical engagement with them; this is the significance of our work this time."

Lu Fan said wholeheartedly, "I will surely keep your teachings in mind and put them into practice, wholeheartedly serving the masses and devoting myself to people's livelihood projects."

Hong Tao gave a slight smile and said, "You made a special trip here; do you have any work that needs my support?"

Lu Fan smiled and said, "Secretary, you perceive even the finest details; I have indeed encountered a major difficulty in my work, and I would like you to clarify it and lend a hand."

Lu Fan took several documents from his briefcase and reported, "Secretary, based on Nanyuan's conditions and development needs, I have formulated, in line with circumstances, ten major projects in the transportation sector, ten major projects in urban construction, and ten major education-related livelihood projects..."

After half an hour, Lu Fan elaborated in detail on the project planning, social benefits, and economic benefits of these three areas in Nanyuan.

Hong Tao nodded from time to time to show approval; when he heard Lu Fan mention the "Zhang Zhongjing National Medicine University," he said, "Supporting and promoting the development of traditional Chinese medicine is of great significance for deepening the reform of the medical and health system, improving the people's health levels, and promoting coordinated economic and social development."

We currently face many urgent contradictions and problems, such as insufficient investment, a shortage of talent—especially a lack of core clinical technical personnel; distinctive advantages are gradually fading, and the service scope is shrinking; academic thought and experience have not been effectively passed on, some distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and methods are on the verge of being lost, wild medicinal herb resources are severely damaged, the quality of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces is uneven, and clinical efficacy and medication safety cannot be guaranteed, etc.

We must fully recognize the importance and urgency of developing the traditional Chinese medicine cause, take effective measures, and vigorously promote its sustained healthy development. Your idea is excellent; I hope you treat it as a long-term task and an urgent mission, persisting in pushing it forward. To run a good university, faculty strength is a prerequisite; you need to work hard on that, and I will greet the Health Commission and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration; when you go to liaise, let the Health Commission accompany you.

Lu Fangu excitedly said, "Thank you, Secretary, for your strong support; I will certainly be pragmatic and enterprising, strive unceasingly, and with practical actions and work achievements write a new chapter of high-quality, leapfrog development for Nanyuan, not disappointing your expectations."

Hong Tao said earnestly, "The ancients said: 'Your emoluments and salaries are the fat and ointment of the people; the common folk are easily oppressed, heaven is hard to deceive; in your position you must plan your governance, in fulfilling your duties you must exhaust your responsibility—this is the foundation of establishing oneself and the essential of governance.'

As a leading cadre, one must practice the political responsibility of being dutiful to the party and benefiting the people, the historical responsibility of not waiting for opportunities and daring to stand at the forefront, be someone who does practical work, is willing to work, knows how to work, and dares to work, continually striving forward toward victory, seeking to create achievements that are without shame before history, the times, the organization, and the people.

After finishing work talk, Hong Tao suddenly asked, "Lu Fan, what do you think of Hao Guangqi?"

Lu Fan didn't understand, but since the secretary asked again, he had to answer truthfully, saying, "I feel that Secretary Guangqi puts forward many macro-level demands, gives little micro-level guidance, and pays more attention to ideological work."

Hong Tao gave a slight smile and said, "Everyone says today is a fast-paced society where profit is supreme, but I believe people should know where they come from and where they are going! At all times, one should constantly harbor a grateful heart, constantly establish grateful virtue, constantly perform grateful deeds, and constantly hold a sense of awe! Only those who understand gratitude can walk farther! Take my words to Li Lao."

"Okay, Secretary, I will certainly convey your words without omission."

Hong Tao continued, "In Huayuan you need to prepare for long-term struggle; is your Municipal Party Secretary about to step down? Lu Fan, those who do not consider the overall situation cannot manage a local area; in your work you must have a global perspective and overall consciousness, your sight cannot be limited only to Nanyuan."

Lu Fan felt dazed, as if he had heard and understood, but his comprehension was not thorough.

At a little past eleven, Mingyu came out of the study, saw Lu Fan, and warmly went over to greet him: "Uncle Lu, hello!"

Lu Fan smiled and said, "Mingyu, congratulations on getting into the affiliated middle school as you wished!"

Mingyu hurriedly said, "Uncle Lu, I got in by my own ability! Although I barely made the cutoff, I have successfully shaken off being last in the class, and now I'm fifth from the bottom!"

Lu Fan chuckled, "Your school is full of talent; to move up a rank you probably have to 'shed a layer of skin'."

"Or is it that Uncle Lu has insight, unlike my dad—I've made such obvious progress, yet he's still dissatisfied! Dad, human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant; you always say 'keep a calm mind,' so why am I so unsettled when it's my turn?"

Hong Tao snapped, "Is your skin itchy? I made you a 'top student'? As long as you 'climb' to the middle level in class, I'll be satisfied!"

Mingyu objected indignantly, "It's not that I'm incapable; the opponents are just too strong! In our class those 'freaks,' I disdain to associate with them."

Lu Fan interjected, "Secretary, Mingyu is already excellent; every child has their own track and field of strength. Some kids with good grades find upon entering society that they only know how to study, are book-smart but inept at practice, and end up accomplishing nothing! Mingyu's goal is to attend Renmin University; he will surely achieve it through his own efforts."

Mingyu hurriedly said, "Dad, serve the people well, don't worry about me for nothing; getting into Renmin University is practically a sure thing? Uncle Lu, after I graduate from Renmin University I'll go hang out with you!"

At noon, Hong Tao kept Lu Fan for a meal at home and further discussed work.

A little past twelve, Lu Fan rose to say goodbye, giving Mingyu a glance.

Mingyu immediately understood and followed him out the gate.

Lu Fan pulled out a red envelope and handed it to Mingyu, whispering, "This is a little token from Uncle Lu, congratulations on getting into Renmin University!"

Mingyu hurriedly declined, "I can't take this, otherwise my dad would invoke family law! My dad has issued a strict order to everyone in the household—even my third uncle doesn't dare give me pocket money!"

Lu Fan said softly, "Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, I know!" and then directly stuffed the red envelope into Mingyu's pocket.

Mingyu hesitated a bit, eventually he still accepted it, and replied softly: "Thank you, Uncle Lu. It just so happens that a classmate of mine has a birthday coming up, so I need to get a gift."

After getting on the vehicle, looking at the expectant Dou Zhengyang and Cheng Haohao, Lu Fan asked, "You haven't eaten, have you? Quickly find a restaurant, fill your stomachs. I'll recommend one for you, Roast Meat Wan Restaurant, the taste is quite good. For the next two days, you'll have to work a bit hard, cooperating with Chang Zhichao and them to get the necessary connections in place."