Chapter 671: Not Wanting to Be Rich Is the Most Terrible Thing!

After spending the afternoon reviewing documents in the office, as the end of the workday approached, Qiao Lin called to remind him: "Executive Tang, it is almost time to get off work; we can set off for the restaurant now."

Tang Ye replied: "Alright!"

Upon arriving downstairs, Tang Ye saw a gleaming Audi parked there.

The driver was standing by the car chatting with Ma Ran, and seeing Tang Ye appear, he quickly put on a smile.

Tang Ye did not get into the car, but instead dialed Qiao Lin's number: "Director Qiao, the grade of this car you arranged for me is too high; I dare not ride in it!"

Qiao Lin was stunned for a moment, secretly thinking to himself that he had specifically gone out of his way to find a decent car for Tang Ye, and hurriedly explained: "Executive Tang, please don't be too sensitive. That Audi was purchased through second-hand channels; it cost over a hundred thousand at the time, and there is a record in the system. This car will be exclusively for your use from now on."

Tang Ye knew clearly that the so-called second-hand channel was merely a front; this car was clearly a new model released last year.

The state has strict regulations regarding the vehicles used by leading cadres, but some leaders happen to prefer luxury cars. To satisfy their own selfish desires, they have subordinates purchase luxury cars, report them as second-hand vehicles at a low price, and then recoup the money through other pretexts.

Tang Ye frowned: "I am not used to riding in such a good 'second-hand' car. You had better arrange another one immediately, or else I will just take a taxi there."

Qiao Lin had not expected Tang Ye to be so stubborn, and while he cursed Tang Ye half to death in his heart, he kept a smile on his face: "I will arrange it right away, please wait a moment!"

A moment later, a Volkswagen pulled up, and Tang Ye walked straight into the back seat.

Ma Ran quickly sat in the front passenger seat, thinking to himself that although his superior was not old, he was very measured in his actions.

Tang Ye sat in the car, his expression gloomy.

The words "National-level Poverty-stricken County" were like needles pricking his heart, making him feel immense pressure.

Yet, the leading cadres of Dayu County did not seem to think so.

The welcome banquet was held at a restaurant in Nancheng, organized personally by the County Party Secretary, and almost all the County Party Committee Standing Committee members, the heads of the four major leadership bodies, and the leaders of the public security, procuratorate, and judiciary were present.

Holding this welcome banquet was, firstly, to express a welcome to Tang Ye, and secondly, to allow the people from these departments to get to know Tang Ye.

This was mainly because Tang Ye's exchange status was special; he was conducting a swap exchange in the capacity of Executive Deputy County Magistrate.

In other words, the original Executive Deputy County Magistrate of Dayu County was going to Suiyuan County to serve as Executive Deputy County Magistrate as well.

Not much work would be discussed at the welcome banquet; everyone spoke only high-sounding words, and they only sipped their drinks without drinking too much, as they had to be mindful of their image and influence.

During the banquet, Tang Ye toasted everyone one by one, downing his drink in one gulp each time.

The drinking culture in Dayu County was fierce, and seeing that Tang Ye's expression did not change after a round of toasts, everyone realized his drinking capacity was extraordinary.

In officialdom, having a high tolerance for alcohol is indeed an advantage, and Tang Ye had intentionally shown off a bit.

After the meal ended, Tang Ye arrived at the County Reception House. The accommodation Qiao Lin arranged for him was the best suite in the Reception House; it looked plain on the outside, but inside it was a different world, with all facilities provided and the furniture and appliances all brand new.

Tang Ye felt very uncomfortable.

Dayu County was clearly so poor, yet he was living so well; he felt truly ashamed.

Tang Ye had been running around all day; after tidying up his things, he changed into casual clothes and gave Jiang Jing a call.

Seeing Tang Ye's number, Jiang Jing's lips curled into a smile: "You've taken up your post in Dayu County? How does it feel?"

Tang Ye gave a helpless, bitter smile: "The situation in Dayu County is indeed a headache. The main issue is that the cadres lack spirit; it is a case of being 'poor in means and short in ambition'!"

Jiang Jing was thoughtful: "Oh, tell me about it in detail."

Tang Ye said in a deep voice: "Regarding the label of 'National-level Poverty-stricken County,' many cadres do not feel it is a disgrace; they even take pride in it. Because with this label, they can get a sum of money from the national poverty alleviation funds every year. This money flows into Dayu County continuously, yet it is not being used in the right places."

Jiang Jing nodded slightly. Every year, many places fight tooth and nail to secure poverty alleviation funds, just like students fighting for poverty scholarships at school; sometimes, even when a family is not actually poor, they forge poverty documents just to get the state subsidy, and once the funds arrive, they immediately buy mobile phones and computers and start enjoying life.

Under such conditions, the cadres of Dayu County gradually developed a habit of not seeking progress.

Poverty is not terrible; not wanting to be rich is the most terrible thing of all!

The first thing Tang Ye had to solve was the problem of ideology!

"Do you have any ideas?" Jiang Jing asked softly.

Tang Ye said: "If Dayu County wants to improve in the short term, it must make good use of its own resources. The mineral resources here are abundant, especially the coal resources, which have an advantage, but for various reasons over the past few years, there have been constant problems."

Jiang Jing frowned: "You want to start with coal?"

Tang Ye replied: "That's right, old leader. Huai Province has a huge demand for energy, and nowadays coal is being hyped as 'black gold.' As long as we can transport Dayu's coal out, I believe Dayu County will soon be able to develop the ability to generate its own revenue."

Jiang Jing nodded slightly: "Your idea is good. I will communicate with Provincial Governor Fu later; wait for my news."

After hanging up on Tang Ye, Jiang Jing stroked his chin, lost in thought. Tang Ye had not called asking for money, but for channels; this exceeded his expectations, and at the same time, he had a higher opinion of Tang Ye.

After finishing his call with Jiang Jing, Tang Ye set up his laptop, connected the network cable, and initiated a video request via QQ.

Not long after, Du Xi's figure appeared on the screen.

Tang Ye adjusted to his best state.

Seeing Tang Ye, a look of joy flashed in Du Xi's eyes, and she said softly: "Hubby, how much did you drink tonight?"

Tang Ye said with a smile: "I didn't drink much. In this kind of setting, everyone is mindful of their image."

"How are the conditions over there?"

Tang Ye explained with a smile: "I am in the county seat, and the conditions are alright. But I heard the conditions in the mountains are very poor. I plan to go take a look in the mountains in a few days."

"Let me see the dormitory."

Tang Ye held the laptop and turned around: "Because I'm connected to the network cable, I can only show you a rough idea. I promise you, there is no one hiding in the room."

Du Xi glared at him: "What are you saying? I trust you completely."

Tang Ye was just about to say some mushy sweet nothings when his mother-in-law's face suddenly appeared on the screen; he quickly swallowed his words and greeted her with a smile: "Mom, it's so late, you haven't rested yet?"

Xiao Qin was a bit sentimental; the thought of her son-in-law going to such a far place to suffer made her heart ache: "When you are out there alone, take care of your health. Don't get sick, drink less, and pay attention to your diet."

Tang Ye could feel Xiao Qin's sincerity and said with a smile: "Mom, I will listen to you and take good care of myself. You do the same at home; take good care of yourself and Dad's health."

Xiao Qin wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and nodded: "You work with peace of mind over there; don't worry about things at home."

In Xiao Qin's eyes, Tang Ye was no different from her own biological son.