Chapter 825: Two Department Chiefs

If anyone else heard that, it would definitely knock their jaw off.

Whether it's the Transport Department or the Finance Department, they're definitely fat, powerful bodies. Especially the Finance Department—ordinary prefecture‑level city mayors never get replaced, unless it's the city Party Secretary, then that's another story.

Under normal circumstances, for people like them, even a Vice County Magistrate would have to wait months, let alone a Vice Mayor seeking their assistance.

But comparing people is pointless; comparing goods is also pointless. Su Yang's own position doesn't matter; what matters is who his friends are.

Su Yang was indeed a bit overwhelmed by the favor, and he said, "I really don't deserve this; I just arrived, and I'm with Hall Chief Zhao and Hall Chief Xu."

As he spoke, he quickly stepped forward to shake hands separately with the two. The scene was highly dramatic; the three shook hands fervently at the stairwell.

At that moment, Qinhuai Ru said, "Leaders, please come over to the tea table first for tea; you've been standing at the stairwell, and Director Bai will think I can't entertain guests."

Finance Department head Xu Liguo said, "Very well, now we see Mr. Su is overly excited."

After taking seats, seeing Qinhuai Ru brewing Da Hong Pao, his eyes lit up: "It seems we've benefited from County Magistrate Su's influence today; otherwise we'd only have heard of Da Hong Pao and never actually tasted it."

Transport Department head Zhao Kai added, "Indeed, indeed, Director Bai's Da Hong Pao and Longjing aren't teas just anyone can drink; we're truly fortunate today."

Su Yang replied, "Not at all; it's because Director Bai knew you were coming and specially brought out the tea leaves. How could I have the face to claim credit?"

Matter aside, words aside, even if Bai Zhantang truly gave him this special treatment, he can't bring it up. After all, these two are also powerful department heads; the respect owed must be fully shown. Though Bai Zhantang's status is present, they certainly won't make things difficult for him, but if he behaves arrogantly here, they may not trouble him on this matter now, yet what about the future?

"County Magistrate Su, did you come directly from the county today? I heard Lieshan County is now rushing to develop the economy, after purging the previous tumors, they're earnestly getting down to business. Especially a capable, distinctive young cadre like County Magistrate Su, such people are truly rare."

"Honestly, I've heard of Lieshan County; the problems are quite severe, the city can't solve them, even colluding with them. The province knows, but can't act; the relationships are tangled and complex."

"But we didn't expect you could completely dismantle it in such a short time; on that point, we sincerely admire you," Xu Liguo said with a grin, essentially flattering Su Yang with empty words.

Su Yang said very humbly, "All this was possible thanks to the strong support of the provincial Party leadership and the vigorous backing of conscientious local cadres; I alone could never have done it."

Zhao Kai said, "You are truly overly modest. How many cadres originally said they'd take a post in Lieshan County? The Organization Department would first talk, then they'd fall ill or find excuses to back out. You're the only one willing to go, and Lieshan County is truly fortunate to have a leader like you."

"I heard Director Bai mention in passing that you're vigorously attracting investment, and you also want to widen and repair the county's main transport arteries; besides that, you plan to build a highway and Yingbin Dadao."

"Your boldness is unprecedented. Not just a county—if a city wants to build a highway, it takes a year and a half to plan, then submit reports; after that, the Transport Department conducts feasibility studies, project approval, surveying, then construction. It would take at least two to three years. Once the highway is finished, it's at least a six‑ to seven‑year endeavor, assuming funding is fully in place and no mishaps occur."

"Therefore, few local officials are willing to undertake this, because the cadres who propose the road may not reap the huge political credit."

"Moreover, if something goes wrong—midway accidents, funding shortfalls—he takes the blame, so this work is thankless. Only outstanding cadres like you, who devote themselves entirely to the job and treat the county's development as personal business, would do this. Honestly, I admire you."

"But now that the road proposal is on the table, both project approval and funding likely have some issues, right?"

Su Yang, hearing the two speak so directly, originally thought bringing up the road issue might be too abrupt; after all, this was their first proper meeting, and if they didn't answer directly, it would be awkward.

As long as Bai Zhantang is present later, everything will fall into place naturally. But now they've already brought up the topic themselves; he couldn't ask for more.

"Leaders, I'm actually worried about this matter, which is why I asked Director Bai to invite you both for a meal. I know it's year‑end, and both project approval and the Finance Department's funding pressures are huge; you're both aware of our situation, and I simply can't wait any longer."

"Previously, the existence of the Twin Ditch Large Koji Winery, due to Geng Miao colluding with the County Party Committee and County Government leaders, created a severely distorted economic ecology, immersing everyone in a false prosperity without genuine diversification efforts."

"When the Twin Ditch Large Koji Winery's problems surfaced, the county's economy nearly collapsed entirely."

"We have always been an economically poor county; these years of delay have made the situation even more bleak. If we don't push forward now, there may never be another chance later."

"Thus, while attracting investment, we also must repair the county's roads and spruce up our appearance. Of course, some may say this is just a vanity project; you both know that genuine investors, seeing our dilapidated county seat, wouldn't linger."

"I have no other choice, so I shamelessly begged Director Bai to ask you both for help. I know it's difficult, but it's an urgent situation; I've already spoken out, and hundreds of thousands of Common People in the county are watching anxiously."

"If this fails, I will have no face to return to our county, so if conditions permit, I earnestly ask you both to be flexible for me, please."