Chapter 491: with translation of chapter title

April 1, each county and district began reporting various economic indicators; it was time to examine the results of the first quarter's work.

The municipal government convened a first-quarter data analysis meeting; Mayor Lu Fan attended the meeting and, in his speech, emphasized that the entire city must do well in data statistics and monitoring, must follow the set targets, achieve comprehensive statistics, lawful statistics, and achieve "first-quarter launch to seize position, second-quarter accelerate development, third-quarter sustained rise, fourth-quarter stable conclusion," laying a solid foundation for achieving the grand goal of ranking first in the province.

In the afternoon, the Municipal Party Committee received a notice from the Provincial Party Committee's General Office that a provincial leading cadres meeting would be held tomorrow morning at 10:00.

Around 4 p. m., Lu Fan, accompanied by his secretary Cheng Haohao, headed to the provincial capital. Along the way, he made plans with several classmates from the middle-youth class to meet up in the evening.

Upon arriving at the Huayuan First Guesthouse, the classmates had already ordered the dishes and were chatting while waiting for Lu Fan.

Seeing Lu Fan enter, Deputy Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Committee Deng Guoqiang smiled and said, "Chief Secretary Lu, we've been waiting for you!"

Lu Fan hurriedly said, "I dare not speak recklessly; I am merely presiding over the work!"

Deputy Minister of the Organization Department Wang Xi laughed, "It's a done deal; it will soon be legitimate and proper!"

After taking their seats, Lu Fan proactively lifted his wine cup and said, "Let's start first; I've kept everyone waiting, and later I'll punish myself with three cups."

After clinking a few cups, everyone drank while chatting.

Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department Huang Wenbin jokingly said, "Monitor, when you go to Nanyuan, if there's a position, bring me along!"

Hearing this, Deputy Director of the Education Department Wu Zhengyu looked thoughtfully at Lu Fan.

It's basically impossible for a deputy director to be promoted directly to director; if one wants to advance further in their career, taking a municipal post is the proper path, but wanting to be transferred down is not that easy.

Everyone had long heard that personnel adjustments in Nanyuan basically follow Lu Fan's opinion.

Where one's seat is determines one's position; Lu Fan is now considering the overall situation and political stability of Nanyuan. This time he does not want outsiders to intervene, but it would be impolite to outright refuse his classmates, so he smiled and replied, "How dare I let you 'serve' me? Besides, after the city's adjustments, only a vice mayor and a united front department head remain vacant—that would be insulting you? Rest assured, when there is a suitable opportunity and a fitting post, I will recommend you all to the leadership."

These classmates all hold important posts; in Huayuan Province's political circle they are considered "young talents," so Lu Fan naturally wants to unite them.

Hearing the monitor's promise, everyone felt reassured and began to focus on drinking. After all, the old saying goes: "Don't discuss business at the wine table; getting drunk easily leads to regrettable remarks."

The next morning at 9:00, Lu Fan set out from the hotel to attend the provincial leading cadres meeting at the Provincial Party Committee.

Upon entering the venue, Lu Fan found his seat in the first row and warmly greeted the Municipal Party Secretary of Xuzhou and the Municipal Party Secretary of Zhoujiakou beside him.

At 10 o'clock, the meeting began on schedule; Secretary Haoguangqi, Governor Tang Bing, and other leaders walked onto the rostrum, and Lu Fan saw Weiwei also present.

After the meeting commenced, Deputy Minister of the Organization Department Wang Zhaowen announced the appointment decision……

Secretary Haoguangqi delivered his farewell speech, stating that this adjustment in Huayuan Province was made from the perspective of the overall situation, based on work needs and the actual state of leadership team building, after comprehensive consideration and careful study; I fully support and firmly uphold it. Please everyone speak politically, consider the big picture, firmly support the work of Comrade Tang Bing and Comrade Liu Linghao, maintain the good situation of unity and harmony in Huayuan Province, and sustain the positive trend of economic and social development.

Secretary Haoguangqi said, "I have worked on this hot land for a full eight years; together with everyone, I have conscientiously fulfilled my duties, the people's lives have significantly improved, and the level of social civilization has been comprehensively enhanced. In this process there have been the hardships of struggle and the joys of success; thank you all for your understanding and support! No matter where I am in the future, regardless of what work I do, my heart will forever be linked with the hundreds of millions of Huayuan people, forever caring for and supporting Huayuan's development. I sincerely wish that all undertakings in Huayuan flourish day by day, and I sincerely wish that the days of Huayuan's elders and fellow townspeople become ever more prosperous!"

Next, Tang Bing and Liu Linghao delivered their inauguration speeches. From then on, the political landscape of Nanyuan entered a new pattern, but for Lu Fan it had little impact.

Generally, the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government will be relatively harmonious, but the two top leaders each have their own political ambitions, so open and covert struggles are inevitable; as long as they stay within bounds, the superiors will not intervene.

After the meeting ended, Lu Fan walked out of the conference room together with everyone.

Just as he entered the courtyard, he saw Weiwei waving at him; Lu Fan quickly walked over, took the initiative to shake hands, and said with a smile, "Welcome, Bureau Chief Yuan, to Huayuan to guide work!"

Weiwei laughed and replied, "You're joking, senior leader; I'm just a gofer! I haven't even congratulated you yet, and you're about to be promoted again!"

The two chatted and laughed, drawing the attention of many meeting participants.

After a while, Weiwei led Lu Fan to the office of Zhao Lingyun, head of the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department, to introduce them to each other.

Weiwei specially introduced, "Lingyun, Lu Fan used to be my leader; he has not only won the honors of National Outstanding Education Worker and National Outstanding County Party Secretary, but he is also a 'direct disciple' of Secretary Wang!"

"Lu Fan, from now on, come often; my office is always open to you!" Zhao Lingyun thought to himself, he is also Li Lao's grandson-in-law!

Lu Fan hurriedly said, "Minister, you've just arrived; if there's anything, please feel free to order—I guarantee I'll be available at a moment's notice!"

Just after a few words of conversation, Secretary Tang Bing sent someone to summon Zhao Lingyun and Weiwei to the office, arranging a banquet for noon.

Seeing this, Lu Fan made plans with Zhao Lingyun for dinner, then rose to take his leave.

After work in the afternoon, Lu Fan first visited Secretary Tang Bing, chatting for five minutes.

"Congratulations, Secretary; Nanyuan City will resolutely implement the Provincial Party Committee's decisions and deployments!"

Tang Bing smiled and said, "We don't need to stand on ceremony; everything remains as before! I have taken up my post as secretary—when will you take up yours?"

Lu Fan replied with a smile, "Please, Secretary, decide; I will obey the Provincial Party Committee's arrangements!"

Tang Bing said, "Nanyuan's various works this year have indeed made breakthroughs; you probably aim to surpass Luojun City, and I feel there is great hope. Therefore, Nanyuan now needs unity, concerted effort, and smooth governance. You arrived in Nanyuan in August to take office; please hold on for another four months."

"Okay, Secretary, I will follow your arrangements!"

"Regarding the mayor of Nanyuan, who do you intend to recommend?"

"Secretary, I recommend Su Xiang Hai, Wang Hongtan, Zhao Haorui, Yang Jiahe, Tian Xuantan, Kong Yongjie…"

Tang Bing nodded and said, "Prepare a written report; the Provincial Party Committee will fully consider your opinion."

After discussing work, Lu Fan laughed and said, "Secretary, congratulations on the new addition to your family!"

Hearing this, Tang Bing's face broke into a especially bright smile, and he said, "You are still the child's godfather; Xinpu plans to name the child "Yihao," and all the names were your suggestions!"

"Secretary, I just said it offhand; I never expected it to reach Xinpu's ears."

While they were chatting, Deputy Provincial Party Secretary Li Mingyang pushed the door open and happened to see the two laughing heartily, increasing his regard for Lu Fan by a notch.

Lu Fan rose and said, "Secretary Li, congratulations! I won't disturb the leaders' work discussion; Secretary, I'll come again next time to report on work."

Li Mingyang laughed and replied, "When you have time, come sit at my place."

Leaving the secretary's office, Lu Fan went to the neighboring office to visit Provincial Party Committee Secretary-General Jiao Zuo.

The two had interacted many times before, so naturally they talked and laughed freely, enjoying a pleasant conversation.

Waiting for Li Mingyang to exit Tang Bing's office, Lu Fan rose to say goodbye, quickly caught up with Li Mingyang's pace, went to his office, and again expressed his congratulations—a full-time deputy secretary is certainly not to be trifled with.

Lu Fan well knows that getting things done and achieving success cannot be separated from the support of superiors, so maintaining good interpersonal relations is crucial. Even if you have connections and background, you must still keep sufficient humility.

Around 4 p. m., Lu Fan arrived at the provincial government, visiting Executive Deputy Provincial Governor Huang Chongzhou, Standing Committee Deputy Provincial Governor Lei Juan, and the newly appointed Deputy Provincial Governor Lu Shaohua, each receiving a box of tea as a token of goodwill.

At 5 o'clock, Lu Fan met Governor Liu Linghao; upon entering, he said, "Governor, congratulations!"

Liu Linghao laughed and said, "Sit down and speak; no need to stand on ceremony here."

Lu Fan replied with a smile, "I guarantee I won't stand on ceremony with the governor; under the care and support of the provincial government, Nanyuan City will surely ignite abundant work enthusiasm, with high spirits and full vigor to do the job well. Governor, this is what I have drafted as items needing provincial government support; I hope you will give strong support!"

"You really don't stand on ceremony with me! Let me first catch my breath; leave the things here, I will study them carefully these days, and I will definitely support whatever I can support!"