Chapter 487: Drawing a Big Pancake in Reverse

Bai Yutang immediately became energetic: "Exactly, exactly, Director Su is right, but how should we get started ourselves? Could you please give us an idea, Director Su?"

Su Yang gave a hehe smile: "You said we could now deal with mountain products, set up ticket collection, etc. Shouldn't we first find a spot at the mountain's base, build a row of wooden cabins or something? That would facilitate later commercial activities and also allow modest fees."

"It happens to be scorching summer now; city folks come every day, dozens even, despite our lousy road they still come, and they even camp overnight. The main idea is to build some small cabins for them to stay, also provide food—this kills two birds with one stone, convenient for them and increases our income, while also showing our initiative to higher-ups."

"Specifically, after we return, we can launch a donation drive for all township cadres, and besides the township cadres, village cadres can also join."

"Now, whether city or county finances are tight, sometimes we want to undertake such a big project but are willing yet unable; more often, we lack the will to do it. But if we take the initiative ourselves and let them see our results, they will surely support us."

"And during the donation drive, I will implement real-name registration and truthfully report the list upward. I believe the higher-ups, upon seeing cadres who contributed to this drive, will deepen their impression and may even promote them as models."

"Of course, this is just my idea; you know the situation of Xiushui Township cadres better than I do. Letting them eat, drink, and gamble is fine, but if you ask them to do some real work, they'll lift their heads and roll their eyes, as if someone in their family died."

"However, as long as everyone gets moving, I will definitely apply to the county and city for this; I'll take full responsibility for it."

As the saying goes, "Striving against others brings endless joy." If he hasn't guessed wrong, Bai Yutang surely has obtained some promises, thinking he can secure the Township Party Committee Secretary post. The better these preliminary works are done, the more his ability stands out, and the higher-ups will recognize him more.

This also exactly suits Bai Yutang's taste. Hearing Su Yang say that, he immediately declared: "Director Su still doesn't quite understand our Xiushui Township cadres. Although they usually look lazy and lack proper jobs, if we truly develop and renew Xiushui Township, they will definitely straighten out their attitudes."

"You don't need to worry about this; leave it to me, I'll have it done tomorrow. Oh, right—I'll now inform the Party and Government Office Director to draft a document so the relevant cadres can first grasp the spirit."

Su Yang gave a faint smile: "Well said—if all comrades have this enthusiasm, what's there to worry about regarding work ethic? And what's there to worry about shaking off the poverty hat?"

Originally he hadn't expected this to go so smoothly, nor had he thought of relying on these people's help; he simply wanted to obtain policies and funds from above to settle the development of Xiushui Mountain. But Bai Yutang, whose head is full of straw, now has his mind full of little schemes, so he has no choice but to go along with it.

As soon as Bai Yutang finished speaking, he ran to the Party and Government Office Director to hand off the matter.

In his view, the sooner this is done, the better; otherwise, if we have to wait for his appointment to come out, that would be a major blow to Su Yang's enthusiasm.

By then, if Su Yang drops the task or is transferred back to the county, and if this project fails to get approved, he won't be able to claim this political achievement.

Watching his hurriedly retreating back, Su Yang's mouth involuntarily curled into a smile. No matter the method, as long as he can get these people moving, it's also a great thing for him.

Not long after, Xiang Donglai arrived on a three-wheeled motorcycle from the police station. Although it's past 2000, in such a backward, remote village most still lack jeeps; having two three-wheelers is already decent. Huatian Town's economy is also poor, but they once were glorious—back then they already had 212 jeeps.

As soon as the motorcycle steadied, Xiang Donglai jumped down: "Director Su, I brought two guns today, with plenty of ammo; any game we spot won't escape. I also brought food, drink, and a tent—if it gets late we won't need to return."

"With so many city people camping, we might as well give it a try. I've worked here for years, yet I've never actually spent a night in Xiushui Mountain."

Su Yang said: "Good, since that's the case, let's set off. Oh, right—Deputy Secretary Bai also wants to go; bring him along."

Xiang Donglai glanced toward Bai Yutang's office, slightly frowning. He deeply despised the former township Party Committee members; in his eyes they weren't material for doing real work, and they usually had no interaction with him.

Moreover, due to his special job, he doesn't need to look at their faces; even if they happen to meet, it's just a nod. That Su Yang could get together with Bai Yutang surprised him a bit, but since Su Yang said so, he certainly won't speak up.

However, Su Yang still saw what Xiang Donglai was thinking and said: "Originally I hadn't planned to go into the mountains; it was his suggestion, so I think bringing him along for a tour makes no difference whether he's there or not."

After a while, Bai Yutang emerged from the Party and Government Office, now carrying a bag of food—canned goods, cigarettes, instant noodles, etc. —clearly he also intended to wander around more.

Seeing Xiang Donglai approach, he went forward and greeted: "Chief Xiang, I'm accompanying Director Su on a mountain tour; I've bothered you, sorry about that."

Xiang Donglai also replied with a very courteous, formulaic smile: "This is also my duty, Deputy Secretary Bai, don't be so polite. We also have comrades in the Forest Ranger Team; I used to chat with them, see what difficulties they had; also, I wanted to strengthen their paid mountain‑patrol protection work."

After exchanging pleasantries, the three of them got on the three‑wheeled motorcycle and headed straight for Xiushui Mountain.

This time upon reaching Xiushui Mountain, Su Yang didn't go straight in; he first chatted briefly with the mountain‑guard elder and the Forest Ranger Team members, which also counted as a consolation. At the same time, he gave the bag of instant noodles, canned food, sausages, and cigarettes that Bai Yutang brought to the Forest Ranger Team's mountain‑patrol elder.

Just as he was about to leave after coming out, he saw a listless, lethargic young man reeking of alcohol walk in from outside.