Chapter 769

Former County Magistrate Tong Guohua took a sip of tea and asked, "How is it? Did Su Yang agree?"

Zhou Yanru said: "He was initially reluctant, but I finally said I would provide a list to fill the current vacant positions, and also firmly support him at the standing committee meeting, after which he agreed to accept me."

Thinking about it, it's rather sad; I am, after all, a deputy secretary of the County Party Committee, yet I still have to rely on him, this vice county magistrate who is a standing committee member. If we really rank the standing committee, he would be near the bottom.

Former County Magistrate shook his head with a smile: "You, you, what era is this, still worrying about that? Just keeping your position this time is already not bad. I've greeted everyone I know up and down, said what needed to be said, and said hello where needed."

They all promised to help moderately, but I know those people are mostly perfunctory. The real decision-making power lies in the city.

I had you go see him because the Municipal Party Committee Secretary Guo Haiyan and Deputy Secretary Wang Huazhong met him in turn, and these two—one is now trying to protect himself, the other seeking promotion—both want to use Su Yang as a conduit to Vice Provincial Governor Huang.

So as long as Su Yang wants to help you, I'd say it's about eighty or ninety percent certain. As for the ranking you mentioned, it's actually not important at all; rankings are just nominal.

Generally speaking, aside from the secretary, the county magistrate, and the deputy secretary, other rankings aren't necessarily fixed—you know that without me saying. Moreover, I estimate Su Yang might even move forward this time; even if he stays put, no one dares to underestimate him.

After all, his nickname "officialdom killer" has spread; this time, of your County Standing Committee's eleven members, eight have gone in. Even the incoming secretary and county magistrate will likely have to weigh their options, to face off against Su Yang—what the final outcome will be.

Zhou Yanru nodded and said: "Indeed, if it were just an ordinary standing committee vice county magistrate, it wouldn't be a big deal, but this person really is somewhat extraordinary. He managed to get so many people in at once; anyone coming to take office in Lieshan Xian would have to think twice."

Even if he stays put this time, no one dares to underestimate him. Although the other standing committee members aren't in place yet, the situation is now clear: he already has four votes on the standing committee.

Former County Magistrate asked: "Where did he get those four votes? You only have three people now."

Zhou Yanru said: "Hou Junlai needs no saying? I currently have no choice but to side with him. Just now he received a call from Lu, the head of the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department, telling him to go to the city tonight to meet the incoming Organization Department head in advance, saying it's to exchange information on the county's special circumstances, but actually it's to instruct his own people on how to carry out work in the county going forward—this clearly is to support him."

Of course, even without this connection, I think anyone sitting in the position of County Party Committee Organization Department head would find it hard not to wonder why the previous Organization Department head, Zhang Guodong, was transferred away.

Leaving aside Zhang Guodong's own violations, as soon as he took office he targeted Su Yang and was promptly kicked aside; anyone would have to think twice. But our current messy situation is not easy to pick up; without the Shuanggang Daqu, the county's finances will soon run into deficit.

Now he is fully in charge of work; if wages can't be paid, I really don't know how he'll face it. Moreover, given this special situation, I estimate the county party secretary and magistrate won't be in place quickly; it's obvious that whoever comes will first have to shoulder this messy situation. The best time to enter is after Su Yang resolves these problems, puts everything on track, even nearly completes investment promotion, and then suddenly parachutes in.

Former County Magistrate Tong Guohua said with a laugh: "This is hard to say; after so many years, I've pretty much seen it all. There are plenty who seek political gains and climb upward, but those who truly want to solve problems, get out of difficulty, and genuinely serve the common people are few and far between. Su Yang is one of them."

His coming to our county is indeed a blessing for our common people. But truly shouldering this burden is easier said than done.

But no matter what, I still have to thank him; if it weren't for him this time, Geng Biao and his gang wouldn't just avoid sanctions—they would have brought disaster on our family as well. I only learned these past two days that my young son had been lured into their trap, owing them money; if this had been delayed a few more days, my son couldn't have escaped their clutches, and my granddaughter was even seized by them as a hostage—of course, Su Yang also rescued her.

Since he is willing to accept you, you must thereafter wholeheartedly support him. In this personnel adjustment, don't entertain other thoughts; promote those who are capable, talented, and ambitious but have long been suppressed. A county as big as ours cannot rely solely on a wise county party committee leader; it also needs capable middle-level cadres to back him up.

Zhou Yanru felt a twinge of regret: "This is a hard-won opportunity; I originally wanted to slip a few people in. After all, the vacancies this time are truly many—there are some acquaintances working in the province, and some municipal party committee leaders who have called me several times. The people they want to recommend may not be very capable, but their loyalty is still decent; I once considered adding them as well."

Former County Magistrate Tong Guohua slammed the table: "You're clueless! These people keep calling you to arrange things, and you just want to create a good connection, but have you considered whether they can influence your situation in the county? Can they guarantee you won't be moved from your post as deputy secretary of the county party committee?"

Do whatever you do with a long-term view. Moreover, I believe someone like Su Yang won't take all the slots for himself; he will definitely make room for you and Hou Junlai, though I can't say exactly how much.

Finally, I still need to tell you earnestly: this young man Su Yang has ability, resolve, background, and means, and moreover a heart devoted to serving the people—this is especially rare. As long as no major upheaval occurs in the future, his achievements are limitless; you had best wholeheartedly and solidly support him, for that will bring you only benefit, no harm.

Zhou Yanru nodded seriously: "I understand, old leader; I will certainly keep your teachings in mind. I also hope that in the work ahead he can completely lift our county's messy situation and turn around this gloomy, corrupt atmosphere."

Former County Magistrate said: "I believe that day will come soon. Isn't the agricultural trade market already confirmed to open in these two days? Once this gets started, other businesses will quickly follow."

The key is how he resolves the Shuanggang Daqu messy situation; with his ability, I think it's possible that the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission might eventually take it over. Anyway, let's not talk about that—let's start eating; it's been a long time since we've had such a relaxed meal and tea.

Later that evening, Su Yang arrived as promised at a private home-style restaurant in the city.