Chapter 650

Lu Fan pointedly said: "Some cadres dare to cross the red line of party discipline and state law, recklessly intruding into the forbidden zone of clean politics, not because they fail to understand the party's warning that 'the intensity of punishing corruption will not weaken, the Zero Tolerance attitude will not change,' but because of ant holes in dikes and needle-point air leaks—someone is emboldening them!"

Only after realizing certain things can one have a clear mind and keen eyes, discern what are flowers and poisonous weeds, what are sunny boulevards and life's pitfalls, thereby finding the bullseye for one's actions; at any time one can withstand temptation, evade encirclement, and hold to one's bottom line!

Gu Yunhao, to speak frankly, the political ecology of our grassland is truly unhealthy, genuinely worrisome!

Gu Yunhao fell silent for a moment, then replied: "Secretary Lu, what exists is reasonable; many things arise from unique historical causes and Beijing, not necessarily bad. Take the grassland, for example: the achievements of our predecessors' struggles are indelible and have earned the love and support of the grassland people. As grasslanders, we are following in their footsteps, exhausting ourselves and working day and night for the public good in developing the grassland."

Lu Fan replied: "At all times we must hold a sense of reverence; with reverence in heart, there are limits to action. Keeping the character 'awe' constantly in mind—being in awe of power, of law and discipline, of the masses—allows us to maintain at all times a cautious demeanor like treading on thin ice, like standing in the deep abyss."

Nowadays, the phenomenon of 'inbreeding' exists in many places, where in selecting and employing people, consideration is given to familial, blood, and regional ties to show favoritism, even to the extent of appointing relatives exclusively, forming small cliques and factions, which will severely deteriorate the political ecology.

The 'Several Guidelines on Political Life Under the New Situation' clearly stipulate: one must not form small cliques, small factions, or small gangs; it is strictly forbidden to pull personal ties and form interest groups. Such small cliques are deadly! Many mistakes arise from here, and errors are committed from here.

In reality, however, some cadres are enthusiastic about forming 'small cliques', loving to form gangs and factions. Some think, 'Not joining is just wasting effort; only by entering the clique does one truly belong to the team.' Thus they feel no shame, but pride, becoming obsessed with the clique, calling each other brothers, practicing the 'one's honor is all's honor, one's loss is all's loss' mentality, pouring vast energy into running the small clique, abandoning principles, colluding mutually, using public power for private gain, becoming worms that suck the marrow of the common people.

Little do they know the old saying: 'People associate with people, ghosts with ghosts, flies love to stick to rotten legs.' Engaging in gang-forming, dragon-clinging, and pulling each other along, the ultimate outcome cannot escape the fate of 'pulling up a radish brings up the mud, tree falls and monkeys scatter'.

Times have changed; as a leading cadre, one should regard the Party's principles and discipline as lofty as heaven. One should realize that interests of small groups outside the Party and the people have already opened for oneself the gate to slide into the abyss!

Different paths do not plot together; these words made Gu Yunhao fully understand Lu Fan's attitude, feeling there was no need to continue the talk, and saying more would only bring self-inflicted humiliation; he also wanted to save face.

The provincial government of Grassland currently has a vacancy for a deputy provincial governor, and many are eyeing it covetously, especially Chen Guangming, head of the Natural Resources Department, who daily goes to the office of the deputy provincial governor in charge, Yun Junjie, to soft-soap and hard-press, determined to obtain the deputy governor's post.

As the afternoon was about to end work, Ma Qiang arrived on time to 'report for duty'.

After entering, he cheerfully requested: "Governor, is there no arrangement for this afternoon? I've found a place that serves 'game meat'—wild enough, nourishing enough, the taste is absolutely top-notch; why don't we give it a try? Once the 'ammunition' is replenished, the Governor will surely be able to 'kill in all directions'!"

Originally the governor would laugh and scold a few sentences, but today he seemed odd; Yun Junjie showed an expression of frustration at inability to make steel from iron, saying: "All you know is to supplement, supplement, supplement—keep supplementing and even the yellow flowers will get cold! I heard the superiors are considering assigning a deputy provincial governor to the grassland; you'd better keep your wits about you—it's time to supplement your brain!"

"Ah?" Ma Qiang anxiously said: "Hasn't the Provincial Party Committee already recommended you for promotion?"

Yun Junjie said earnestly: "The Provincial Party Committee only has the right to recommend; ultimately who gets the position is decided by superiors, and one must look at the Organization Department's documents. Although Secretary Xingyuan and Governor Shiyu support you, now there is Secretary Lu, and his opinion is highly valued by the higher-ups. Guangming, if you cannot pass Secretary Lu's hurdle, your beautiful dream will be shattered! Think about it—being able to come down at this age to become a deputy secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, how could one not have a heaven-reaching background?"

"Governor, please point me a clear path," Ma Qiang said upon reaching that level; his insight was insufficient, and Yun Junjie had always been his 'mentor'.

After thinking for a while, Yun Junjie said: "Everyone in the world loves money! Money can solve myriad difficulties, dispel a thousand worries, remove a hundred anxieties—why not try opening the way with money?"

"But I've heard that Secretary Lu doesn't accept money, not even gifts, and since I have no personal ties with him, I'm afraid I can't get anything through to him!"

"If the amount is too small, they certainly won't take notice. He is young and capable with a bright future, so naturally he won't eye petty gains; if you give, do it in one go, offering a sum that one cannot refuse."

"Governor, please advise, what amount would be appropriate?"

Yun Junjie thought for a moment, then extended two fingers.

"Twenty million?"

"That's the extent of your vision! I don't think you'll ever become a deputy provincial governor!"

"Two... two hundred million?" Ma Qiang stammered: "Isn't that a bit too much?"

Yun Junjie said earnestly: "A deputy provincial governor is not merely a promotion in position; it is also a talisman attached to you. You understand this principle, don't you? Money can be earned again if lost, but this opportunity comes only once! Two hundred million—do you have it?"

"Well... I could manage to raise it, but how would I deliver it? Two hundred million in cash would weigh over two tons—I couldn't carry it!"

Yun Junjie cursed: "Are you saying you've grown a donkey brain? Can't you first bring in a box? The rest can be placed in the car outside! Moreover, don't foolishly rush straight to someone's door; during this period you should go more often to the Discipline Inspection Committee, first get familiar with Lu Fan's face, report your work more, and strive to gain his approval first."

Ma Qiang nodded without hesitation: "Okay, Governor, I'll follow you; no matter what, I must give it a try, otherwise I'd truly be unwilling!" While speaking, he clenched his fists tightly, his eyes flashing with determined and resolute light.

There is a popular saying in the grassland: 'Ten thousand for a greeting, a hundred thousand for registration, a million for a hat.'

Returning home, Ma Qiang began to raise funds with all his might; this time he considered it a do-or-die effort, prepared to bleed heavily! To become an official and reach the deputy provincial level, to earn money he must make ten billion—that is his lifelong ideal. If he doesn't strive now, he'll grow old; if he doesn't climb the ranks, he'll be relegated to the second line.

Working until nine, Lu Fan finally finished today's documents. Suddenly his stomach 'gurgled' twice, and he then realized he hadn't eaten dinner.

Leaving the office, he saw Zhou Xiang sitting properly at his desk working; Lu Fan walked in and said: "Summon Xiao Lu, let's go to the night market for a stroll."

Zhou Xiang rose and said: "Secretary, shall I get you something hot? Going to the night market might not be safe."

Lu Fan said impatiently: "Come on, come on, come on, where does all this nonsense come from? The grassland is still the Party's domain!" Having said that, he headed straight for the elevator.

Zhou Xiang shouted, then hurriedly followed; Xiao Lu in the neighboring office, hearing the commotion, immediately 'flew' out.

Walking out of the Provincial Party Committee compound, Lu Fan greedily inhaled a few mouthfuls of 'free' air.

The night of Qing City is a sleepless night. After a day's busyness, at night people embark on a brand-new nightlife—whether strolling alone by the river to catch the breeze, or meeting three to five friends at a hotpot restaurant, or gathering in groups to show off their singing; nightlife is extremely varied and colorful. No matter the form, the nightlife of Qing City's people is always rich and diverse, captivating one.

Half an hour later, Xiao Lu drove to the night market in Yuchuan District.

This place is extraordinarily lively, worthy of being called a 'premium' night market; every evening the crowds throng the Dazhao Square scenic area, and the old streets of Sai and the Tongshun Lane are even more prosperous beyond compare.

The three strolled along Tongshun Lane, seeing many nationwide internet-famous chain stores, while local specialty foods occupied half the market.

Here the highlight is intangible culinary heritage; amid the antiquated atmosphere of the lanes, Qing City's history and culture, culinary specialties, and folk customs are blended into a tourism calling card that tourists love.

Shrimp strips, giant bubble gum, and Bibimbap—these 'delicacies' of a generation inevitably evoke childhood; the military couple's 'squid dance' and 'busy cowboy' Western-style beverage shop add many fashionable elements to the old street.

Entering Lao Xia Barbecue, the sounds of laughter, chatter, and clinking cups and plates intertwine, forming a unique life symphony, full of mortal warmth.

Zhou Xiang looked left and right; fortunately a table was still free, like discovering a treasure, he hurried over to 'seize' it.

Smelling the aroma inside the shop and seeing the dishes on nearby tables, Lu Fan's interest surged; he summoned a waiter and ordered a full table of the shop's specialties, mainly grilled lamb.

Soon the dishes arrived; the three moved their index fingers eagerly, began to feast heartily, and enjoyed the food.

"Hey there, good-looking guys, can we share a table? This place is really packed—there's no vacant seat left!"

A sweet, girlish voice came over; Lu Fan looked up to see two youthful, pretty girls, very beautiful, smiling, their eyes hinting at expectation and request.

Lu Fan's mouth corners turned up slightly; he said cheerfully: "As long as you don't mind our eating manners, feel free to sit wherever you like!"

The two girls hurriedly thanked: "Thank you, handsome guy! You're really kind!"

Lu Fan laughed and said: "We've ordered quite a lot; if you don't mind, we can eat together."

"Sure, sure, but we won't take advantage of you; we'll order some more and we'll all eat together!" Having said that, she introduced herself: "I'm Toya, she's Li Xinxue, we are students at Grassland University, now in our fourth year."

Lu Fan sighed: "Going to college is great! Grassland University is excellent—it's both a 211 and a Double First-Class institution, strong in strength, its employment rate has consistently stayed above 95%, it enjoys a good social reputation, renowned throughout Grassland Province, and likewise well-known domestically."