Chapter 561: Suppression!

On November 3, Lin Changping, director of Inspection Office One of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee, acted on the instructions of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee, formally established a task force, drawing 120 personnel from across the province to launch a comprehensive investigation and review of data falsification in Zhoujiakou City.

In an instant, turmoil erupted in Zhoujiakou City; Mayor Lei Xingxing sat anxiously in his office, repeatedly making phone calls.

"Minister, isn't this blatant nitpicking? Which place doesn't have this problem? Is it necessary to raise it to the top level? Isn't this just making me look bad?"

Provincial Propaganda Department Minister Qin Mengyang said helplessly, "I told you long ago he isn't a good guy, otherwise he couldn't have reached his current position. You think what you did is flawless, airtight, but where in the world is there an impenetrable wall? Even without evidence, mere suspicion can point the spear at you! I've already advised you that shortcuts are unacceptable and only add ridicule, yet you keep turning a deaf ear and persisting stubbornly."

"Minister, the matter has come to this, most actions are futile; now the problem is he is making a mountain out of a molehill. What should we do?"

"Do you think data falsification is a minor issue? Little Lei, you need to see the situation clearly. Currently, all levels enforce Zero Tolerance on data falsification—any exposure is struck down. In recent years the data have been essentially truthful, with only isolated regions erring. As Secretary Tang Bing said yesterday, this stems from a misguided view of achievements; the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government didn't permit you to falsify, right?"

Lu Fan replied, "Then don't even think about it; he can't just raise it high and set it down lightly. I think you should go to Liu Lao! Don't embellish the story; voluntarily admit the mistake and seek Liu Lao's forgiveness. I tell you, this matter can be big or small—if you end up bearing a sanction, you won't be considered for promotion in the short term!"

Qin Mengyang guessed correctly; Lu Fan indeed intends to take drastic measures. To come without returning is impolite; to openly suppress, why let you off? He lacks the magnanimity to repay resentment with virtue.

On November 4, Lu Fan returned to the province, but the supervision team and task force were not idle, turning Zhoujiakou City into a complete mess.

In the morning, three County Party Committee Secretaries, four County Chiefs, and fifteen bureau chiefs were summoned by the task force; in the afternoon, two County Party Committee Secretaries and four County Chiefs were summoned; near the end of the workday, the Executive Vice Mayor in charge of the economy was personally summoned by Lin Changping, and the spear gradually pointed at Mayor Lei Xingxing.

Back in the province, Lu Fan went to Secretary Tang Bing's office and gave a detailed report on Zhoujiakou City's data falsification.

Tang Bing was shocked and said, "I didn't expect the problem to be this severe; there's a 30% discrepancy. Li Jun and Lei Xingxing are truly audacious and reckless!"

Lu Fan replied, "Secretary, as I understand it, this matter isn't closely tied to Li Jun. Zhoujiakou City's political environment has serious issues; the Municipal Party Committee's directives often fail to be effectively implemented, which is abnormal. I recommend the Provincial Party Committee make appropriate adjustments to Zhoujiakou City's leadership team and support the Municipal Party Committee's work."

Tang Bing thought for a moment and said, "Lu Fan, Lei Xingxing once served as Liu Lao's secretary!"

The remark left Lu Fan speechless! After a moment he said, "Secretary, it can now be confirmed that the data falsification in Zhoujiakou City was ordered by Lei Xingxing. He issued a death‑defying order for economic indicator growth across counties, which is a grave error in work; such misconduct is a serious violation of discipline and law, a stumbling block that hinders the implementation of the Provincial Party Committee's decisions. My personal view is that it cannot be tolerated and must be severely punished. If it isn't punished, there will be 'successors', and failing to address it won't be taken seriously! If you are reluctant to speak up, I can raise it proactively at the Standing Committee meeting."

"Lu Fan, tugging one hair moves the whole body; let me think about it."

Lu Fan stood up and said, "Secretary, I won't disturb you further. I'll state my stance: regardless of how the Provincial Party Committee decides, I will resolutely obey and execute!"

On November 5, the task force issued a notice: the main leaders of Nan County, Xi County, and Shang County were instructed to break down major economic indicator targets to towns (parks) and enterprises, to order, direct, and force companies to fabricate false statistical data; relevant departments fabricated false statistics and filled or reported statistical forms on behalf of others; the concerned units and individuals failed to report the situation truthfully, destroyed related evidence and documents. The task force conducted a review and investigation of 38 responsible persons.

Lu Fan instructed Lin Changping to trace responsibility backward, escalating one level up: not only hold the directly involved parties accountable, but also trace back to the principal, supervisory, and leadership responsibilities; to pursue both Party disciplinary liability and legal liability. Only in this way can the statistical work be cleared of 'performance interference' and make the Statistics Law be respected.

On November 6, Lu Fan returned to Nanyuan City and immediately received a special briefing from the head of the provincial statistical supervision team.

The statistical supervision of Nanyuan City is overseen by Executive Deputy Provincial Governor Huang Chongzhou, with a patrol officer from the Provincial Statistics Bureau leading the team. After several days of inspection, no problems were found, thanks to Nanyuan City having abandoned the 'bad habit' of data falsification since 2022.

At 3 p. m., Lu Fan convened an expanded Standing Committee meeting, received reports from five special‑focus task forces, heard the municipal government's economic work report, and listened to reports from each county and key department. Lu Fan commented on each and put forward specific requirements.

The unfinished‑building crackdown achieved zero issues for 239 problematic projects. Lu Fan demanded that the whole city focus on the goal of "ensuring delivery, safeguarding livelihoods, maintaining stability," adopting a more decisive attitude and more decisive measures, racing against time, striking in one go, and earnestly tackling the unfinished‑building remediation battle, aiming to hand over all units within six months. He insisted on a "one building, one plan" approach, tightening procedures, guarding the policy gate, legal gate, and decision gate, strictly preventing projects with hidden problems from passing inspection. Through this zero‑issue remediation, the city's quality will be further enhanced, establishing a good urban image for Nanyuan.

Regarding the creation of 'three‑no' petition counties, Lu Fan noted that 85 accumulated and difficult petition cases must be tackled intensively, all to be resolved by the end of December, achieving a 'dynamic zero'. Each case requires a specific plan, with clear task orders and roadmaps, coordinated up and down, left and right to resolve conflicts. The Municipal Party Committee and municipal government will form a supervision task force, holding a weekly dispatch, summary, and report to ensure all cases are cleared and resolved, never allowing the people of Nanyuan to live with grievances.

The meeting lasted until 10 p. m., a full seven hours, yet no one complained; on the contrary, everyone was full of vigor!

After the meeting, Lu Fan summoned Mayor Su Xianghai, Deputy Secretary Wang Hong, Executive Vice Mayor Zhao Haorui, and Discipline Inspection Committee Secretary Du Wenlong to his office to continue discussing work.

Lu Fan emphasized the economy's operation and key project construction, insisting that the remaining two months must stay locked on the 250 billion GDP target.

Lu Fan stressed that the business environment must be fully protected, with particular support for Pang Xilai and Wanhe Agriculture & Animal Husbandry.

After assigning the work, Lu Fan said, "Has anyone noticed the recent news? 'Youyi Ku' is not using Western Region cotton."

Su Xianghai replied, "Secretary, I've heard. The foreign ministry issued a statement that Western Region cotton is among the best in the world, and hopes relevant companies can eliminate political pressure and adverse interference, making independent commercial decisions that serve their own interests. This is clearly pressure to 'choose a side.'"

Lu Fan asked, "Does Nanyuan have 'Youyi Ku'?"

Executive Vice Mayor Zhao Haorui answered, "There's one on the first floor of Xintian Plaza; I've even shopped there."

Lu Fan said firmly, "If they don't need Western Region cotton, then we don't need 'Youyi Ku'! Xianghai, come up with a way to shut that store down; under my watch I will not allow any 'eating while breaking the pot' incidents! High‑tech products can't be made in‑house and must be bought, but cheap clothing—if you don't wear it, does your flesh fall off? It's absurd!"

Su Xianghai laughed, "Secretary, don't worry; if the task isn't completed, you'll only have me to blame!"

Lu Fan said, "Alright, do it cleanly, without gossip. You all go back first; I'll talk to Xianghai about something."

The few stood up to take their leave, all expressing concern for Lu Fan and urging the secretary to rest early.

After they left, Lu Fan said bluntly, "Xianghai, there's just over a month left; I've checked and we're still short by more than 110 billion, and then we'll reach a trillion‑GDP. Do not be complacent; the top leaders of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government are watching. This can be called Huayuan's top priority this year."

Su Xianghai replied resolutely, "Please rest assured, Secretary, I am 100 % confident! Recently I surveyed the city's large‑scale industrial enterprises; they alone can generate 100 billion in added value, and a conservative estimate puts Q4 over 300 billion. Under your leadership, we will achieve brilliant results!"

Lu Fan nodded and said, "I don't see it as a big problem. Once Nanyuan secures the trillion‑GDP honor, I will step down as Nanyuan Municipal Party Committee Secretary. At the same time, I will fully recommend you to succeed me, so during this period you must step up, keep all Nanyuan work in your hands, and ensure no slip‑ups. Also, plan a grand public‑welfare project to build your momentum."

Su Xianghai's face showed difficulty, and he said, "Thank you for your support, Secretary, but I can't think of anything to do; small‑scale actions are meaningless, and I have no mature ideas for a major initiative."

Lu Fan laughed, "Can't even spend money? No funds left?"

"The finances are now unprecedentedly abundant, all thanks to the secretary; we in Nanyuan firmly refuse to spend money that shouldn't be spent, tightening our belts for frugal living."

"Xianghai, the government lives frugally to let the people live well; hoarding money serves no purpose. Here's a thought: the people's needs are our direction. You must ask the people what they need, seek their advice, focus on their urgent difficulties and hopes to find the right leverage points and breakthroughs, enhancing their sense of gain and recognition. I suggest allocating a large sum of funds to support rural industries, especially subsidies for green planting and breeding!"

"Alright, Secretary, I'll draft the plan first; you oversee it."