Chapter 936

Even the last time he went, the little female cousin whom he had never even seen before also enthusiastically grabbed his hand, calling him 'brother-in-law' affectionately, one 'brother-in-law' after another.

"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, just call me Qiao Yindi!"

I hear you're quite the big shot these days; from now on you gotta help us out more!

Qiao Yindi's words had barely fallen when Qiao Yinyuan dragged her aside: "What are you talking like? Your brother-in-law came over to pay New Year's respects to Grandpa and Grandma—do you even have any sense?"

Dressed in a Tang-style outfit, Qiao Yindi still refused to give up: "No, no, I still want to get acquainted with my brother-in-law! As they say, rely on the mountains for food, rely on the water for food; from now on we'll rely on our brother-in-law!"

By the way, brother-in-law, I've already talked it over with my older sister—I want to be a bridesmaid at your wedding!

Su Yang looked at this seventeen- or eighteen-year-old innocent, lively girl and couldn't help but laugh: "You've got one thing wrong—it's not about relying on the mountains for food, relying on the water for food, nor relying on me; everyone has to rely on themselves."

Of course, if you come to me for food and drink, I can certainly afford it!

However, to be a bridesmaid you're still a bit young; you'll have to wait until you graduate from college.

Having said that, everyone burst out laughing.

Zhou Weiguo and Qiao Yindi had already gone in to pay New Year's respects to the old gentleman; Su Yang hurriedly followed them inside.

"Grandpa, Grandma, happy New Year! I've come to pay my respects!"

Saying that, Su Yang really knelt down to pay his respects. He had expected someone to come stop him, but instead they let him do it. Su Yang's kneeling motion hung in the air for three seconds before he finally forced himself down and actually kowtowed. This drew loud laughter from everyone.

Zhou Ruohan said from the side: "You're really sincere! Nobody else kowtowed, but you actually did!"

"Grandma, Grandpa, this kowtow shouldn't be for nothing—you gotta give us red envelopes, or we're not leaving your place!"

Old Mr. Qiao laughed heartily: "That's exactly what I was hoping for!"

Talk is talk, laughter is laughter, but he still pulled out a big red envelope from his already-prepared pocket and stuffed it into Su Yang's hand: "My precious granddaughter has spoken—if I don't give you a red envelope, I'm afraid I won't have a peaceful day!"

As his words fell, the old lady also produced a thick red envelope and stuffed it into Su Yang's hand.

Su Yang said: "Grandma, Grandpa, Ruo Han was just joking—look, you actually gave me a red envelope!"

The old man laughed and said: "It's Spring Festival; according to our traditions and customs, juniors kowtow to pay New Year's respects to their elders, so we naturally have to give red envelopes! Although the kowtowing custom is gradually being discarded as a bad habit, we still can't not give red envelopes!"

Then he said to everyone: "You all chat first, crack some seeds, drink tea. I'll have a few words with Zhou Weiguo and Su Yang."

Saying that, he led the way to the study, and Su Yang and Zhou Weiguo followed.

To be frank, this is his first time entering Old Mr. Qiao's study; such treatment didn't exist before, and it's greatly related to his being highly praised and recognized by the institute's leadership this time.

After the study door was closed, Old Mr. Qiao said: "I heard you met the institute's leadership this time, and they gave Su Yang high recognition. Exactly what happened? Tell me in detail."

This time, Zhou Weiguo didn't speak directly, but looked toward Su Yang.

Su Yang recounted the whole affair of meeting the leadership, though he omitted some parts, only mentioning the medical insurance matter. Of course, he didn't hide the matter of sending characters, because Old Mr. Qiao surely already knew about it.

After hearing it, Old Mr. Qiao repeatedly praised: "Zhou Weiguo, you've really found a fine son-in-law! I originally wanted to have a chance to let you guys train this kid more, but it seems his awareness and thinking are both good—he's actually gotten ahead of us old fogeys. Excellent, excellent!"

Our situation, Su Yang also knows. Since I stepped down, no one in our family has gone directly into government; instead we've all gone into enterprises and institutions. Although it sounds like their positions aren't bad and they're getting by fine, they have no interest in an official career. According to them, if they transferred to Within the System, they'd face relatively more constraints, which would make those of us accustomed to idling in enterprises feel very uncomfortable.

Since that's the case, I also don't intend to force them, but our clan's resources and various connections cannot be wasted. My plan is that, if necessary, the eldest Qiao brother, the second Qiao brother, and the third Qiao brother can each make appropriate concessions and fully back Zhou Weiguo's promotion this time.

So, Zhou Weiguo, in your upcoming work, continue pushing forward your plans while constantly paying attention to the priorities of the higher-ups. Now our country is in a great wave of development, and everything is centered on developing the economy as the top priority.

So, in Jiangnan Province, while you're attracting foreign investment, you also need to figure out how to revive and boost the local enterprises. Otherwise, if those foreign-invested companies run into trouble, the responsibility will fall entirely on you, and they may not necessarily contribute to our nation's economic development as imagined.

After today's meal, come with me to visit a few old comrades; this year counts as my last time personally going to see them. Seize the opportunity—you must grasp it well.

Zhou Weiguo said: "Okay, Dad. My planning here will still continue to be pushed forward; after today's report to the institute's leadership, they also gave support, and he also raised some suggestions, which I will fully implement."

Immediately after, Old Mr. Qiao said to Su Yang: "You little brat, you're impressive—you noticed a problem that even your dad didn't pick up on. I've heard that in your county, besides attracting investment, you've also been vigorously developing the local planting and breeding industry; that's correct. At any time you must learn to walk on two legs, so you can walk steadily and far."

In the coming time, I believe your burden will only grow heavier. So besides achieving something in attracting investment and developing the economy, you also need to have sufficient understanding of Cultivation Organization personnel. Because in the end you'll find that personnel is politics, politics is personnel.

Besides these, you also need to learn to look at problems from a high standpoint, having the vision to take in the whole picture and the ability to sort out all issues. I heard the Ministry of Transport gave you strong support; Comrade Xia Shuiliang will advance next year, and I also contributed to this.

Besides, there are two more departments you need to visit: one is the Ministry of Agriculture, the other is the Environmental Protection Bureau. Our country is after all a major agricultural nation, and the places where you currently work and will work in the future are mostly remote cities, so you must base yourself on agriculture and strive to obtain all relevant agricultural policies.

Why say it's the Environmental Protection Bureau? Because the state now advocates environmental protection, and these heavily polluting enterprises face mandatory environmental measures, but the relationships behind these people are complex; some, in order to continue developing, have begun a massive migration to the west. So they will soon appear in the areas where you are, and these also deserve your attention.

Remember, never develop the economy at the cost of sacrificing the environment, or else by the time you want to regret it, it'll be too late.

And there's one more thing I also want to tell you all.