Chapter 1008: What a Masterstroke, the Stars Shift

Everyone who heard this not only couldn't wrap their heads around it, they couldn't even tell what Zhang Jiangbo and Zhao Nanxing were intending.

But to Su Yang, these two are downright insane! They want him to bear the crime, to pin the hat on him, and to have him handle the matter—truly a masterful scheme.

He said, "I did indeed mention this matter, and I even promised it in front of the Common People. At the same time, in the investment‑attracting project, this is also a prerequisite."

"However, the Provincial Finance Department and the Transport Department can't provide the matching funds, so we have to figure something out with the Ministry of Transport."

"I heard Secretary Zhang came from Jingcheng, so he must have good connections at the Ministry of Transport."

After that, he turned to everyone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you may not know that the ministries in Jingcheng aren't like those in our province; as officials like us, we can't even get past the main gate."

"I previously boasted, and indeed I was overreaching. During the Spring Festival I tried to visit the Ministry of Transport to see the leaders, but to be honest, I couldn't even get through the door. I'm truly ashamed of this."

"Yes, but I've also heard from friends in Jingcheng that Secretary Zhang and the Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transport are very close as uncle and nephew."

"They are like iron brothers—once Secretary Zhang is willing to do real work for our county and look after the interests of the Common People, that's a one‑sentence matter."

"Of course, the premise is that Secretary Zhang is willing to do it."

"People like us, even if we want to, lack the ability, right? I wonder what Secretary Zhang's intentions are."

Zhang Jiangbo froze: "What's going on? This boomerang's been flung at me? Shouldn't I be the one making it hard for you? How did it end up hitting me again?"

That's right, I have a good relationship with Jia Guolong; Jia Guolong's uncle Pang De is indeed the Executive Vice Minister, so this matter is just a one‑sentence affair.

But the issue is, if I don't give you a cold reception, can I showcase my far‑reaching connections and background? If I don't give you a cold reception, can my status stand out?

Moreover, he is the top leader, the County Party Secretary; these should be tasks he leads. If the two speak privately like this, he can simply turn a deaf ear.

But this is at the County Party Standing Committee, and everyone watches his every move.

He could only grit his teeth and say, "Comrade Su Yang's information is indeed precise, but the Jingcheng ministries have their own rules and systems."

"For example, as a Vice‑department level official, even if I go to Jingcheng, I might not even see a director. As for Executive Vice Minister Pang, that's even less likely."

"Since the conversation has come this far, I can't keep it hidden. Everyone's connections are meant to serve the people. So after this, I'll call my buddy and have him inform his uncle."

"Then let Comrade Su Yang go straight to Jingcheng to submit the relevant paperwork; I think that will almost settle the matter."

"I admit I didn't think in that direction, didn't consider using connections early to solve our county's problems and gain benefits; otherwise, the highway issue should have been resolved when I first took office."

"Comrade Su Yang, this undoubtedly opens a new avenue for our county to seek welfare policies in the province or Jingcheng ministries in the future. That's great."

Saying that, he shamelessly led the applause.

Everyone echoed, saying Secretary Zhang's network is extensive, he can bring resources, and we'll surely achieve a qualitative breakthrough and development; having Secretary Zhang work in our county is a blessing for the Common People.

Someone added, "Our province has over 80 counties; for a county to secure policies from the provincial level is already difficult."

"Projects and funds directly coming from Jingcheng are practically a miracle for our whole county!"

"Moreover, our county not only wants to shed the poverty label but also rise to become an economic strong county in the province."

"Exactly, in the future we'll be the economic benchmark for the whole province, and other brother counties will come to learn from us."

These sycophants are so nauseating they could make themselves vomit, yet they speak so fluently.

As the saying goes, if flattery makes even you feel nauseous and cheesy, it proves the flattery is effective; otherwise it's bland and has no persuasive power.

Sure enough, Zhang Jiangbo took to the compliments. He smiled and said, "No doubt, Lieshan County's economic development is a shared wish of mine and all comrades."

"We can't just handle a few tasks while coveting vanity, a cushy position, or that little money from projects; that's unacceptable."

"Of course, aspiring to be the province's economic model is not out of reach. As long as we unite, I can make a few trips to Jingcheng; it's no big deal—at worst I'll put my face on the line and stake the little goodwill our family has."

At that, Zhao Nanxing immediately gave a thumbs‑up: "Secretary Zhang is truly noble!"

Everyone gave Secretary Zhang enthusiastic applause, then began clapping wildly, some hands turning red, almost to the point of screaming and shouting.

But Chen Bo wore a calm expression, because she could sense a trap in all this.

Zhang Jiangbo was talking about calling his good brother to pull strings; the other party would surely grant the favor, and then Su Yang could go to Jingcheng to submit the documents.

It sounds logical and 100% doable, but if any slip occurs and it fails, the blame falls on Su Yang.

In fact, no one knows exactly what's said on the phone, and it's hard to tell whether the connection even exists.

Anyway, it turned out that the phone call was crucial; if the matter fails, Su Yang will become the target of everyone's criticism.

It's as if two hundred million of funds were tucked into a pocket for Su Yang to fetch in Jingcheng, and if Su Yang botches it, he'll be severely blamed.

He couldn't help but look at Su Yang, who gave a slight smile; Chen Bo's thoughts were also on his mind.

He said, "Secretary Zhang, I have an unreasonable request. All our county's leaders are here today; if I go to the Jingcheng ministries and the matter is mishandled, I'll become the county's sinner."

"But before handling this, I still hope to see Secretary Zhang make that call, at least so I have some certainty and know who to approach at the ministries and what documents to submit."

"Otherwise, even if I reach the Ministry of Transport's gate, they won't let me in."

The assembled crowd gasped, realizing Su Yang was no easy mark, completely acting against convention.

Secretary Zhang has already said that, yet you keep pressing step by step; logically, that shows a lack of political sense, and stepping on shoes could even kill you.

But Su Yang is, after all, Su Yang; he conducts himself properly and isn't afraid of Zhang Jiangbo's petty tactics. Moreover, everything is already out in the open, so why worry?

Chen Bo almost laughed; after all, it's still the Su Yang she knows.

However, Zhang Jiangbo's expression didn't stay pleasant; it instantly grew grim.