Chapter 2177

Shi Wenguang could see Su Xinghui's feelings for Weng Guoying; he said to Su Xinghui: "Weng Guoying—he was just as dark and thin when I saw him this time. Of course, all of us in water conservancy look like this, but his spirit was still good. Still, he works too hard, often forgetting to eat. I've advised him, but I doubt it did any good."

Su Xinghui knew Weng Guoying's nature—he was the type who worked until he dropped. He shook his head: "Alas, he's too far away for me to advise him. If you go to Jiangcheng again, please try to persuade him for me."

Shi Wenguang nodded: "I'll do my best."

Su Xinghui then seized the opportunity to bring up the idea of returning farmland to lakes. Shi Wenguang immediately praised it—he'd held this thought for years, but whenever he voiced it, people found it unbelievable, so no one took it seriously.

Now that he heard Su Xinghui shared the same view, he instantly felt a deep sense of kinship.

In fact, when Shi Wenguang passed through Jiangcheng this time and met Weng Guoying, they both had the same idea—great minds think alike.

Shi Wenguang asked, surprised: "You have such thoughts too?"

Su Xinghui said: "Yes. When I came to Chongjin County as county magistrate, you've seen its environment—it's land between the Yangtze River and Yanglan Lake. Much of Chongjin's farmland was reclaimed from the lake. If we hadn't reclaimed it, and kept the original lake area, this year's disaster wouldn't have been so severe."

Shi Wenguang nodded: "True. Without returning farmland to lakes, major floods like this will keep happening. The Yangtze's riverbed keeps rising, and dredging is hard. We can't keep raising the levees indefinitely. To cure flooding once and for all, returning farmland to lakes is one essential path—but we're low-ranking, our words fall on deaf ears."

Su Xinghui understood Shi Wenguang's situation perfectly. Though a senior engineer, in China's officialdom-driven system, even true experts' words often go unheard unless they find a leader who truly values them.

If he never met such a leader, even his insights would be ignored—those leaders care more about climbing the ladder.

If there really were leaders who appreciated them, the flood response wouldn't be this dire.

Su Xinghui understood: "I know what you mean, Shi. But this time, there's a good opportunity."

Shi Wenguang's heart stirred: "You mean Premier Nan?"

Su Xinghui nodded: "Yes. Premier Nan arrives in Chongjin tomorrow. We'll all meet him. I'll bring up returning farmland to lakes first—you just need to nod along."

Hearing he'd speak to Premier Nan, Shi Wenguang grew nervous. He knew Premier Nan was pragmatic, but still—he was the Premier! Such a high-ranking official, he'd never met face-to-face. How could he not be nervous?

Su Xinghui saw his tension and smiled: "Don't worry, Shi. I'll lead the way. You just nod along. Besides, Premier Nan isn't some bureaucratic official—if you speak sense, he'll listen."

Shi Wenguang wasn't a coward. If not for Premier Nan's extraordinary status, he wouldn't have feared at all. He gritted his teeth: "Fine. This time, I'll join you in daring to plead."

Su Xinghui smiled: "Don't worry—it won't be life-threatening. I'm sure we'll get a good outcome."

Shi Wenguang met his gaze, and they both burst into laughter.

Premier Nan arrived in Chongjin County the next morning from Jiangcheng. Because the Yangtze's water level was so high, ferries had stopped running. His party flew directly to Chongjin by military helicopter—the fastest option available.

Premier Nan's inspection tour along the Yangtze's banks lasted only about a week, so every day was precious—no time could be wasted on travel.

Huang Weiran, Secretary of the Chenshui Municipal Party Committee, had arrived in Chongjin the night before with several top municipal officials, waiting for the central leadership.

Jiang Fangping and Ke Zhifang drove from Hongzhou to Chongjin early that morning. They met with top officials from Chenshui and Chongjin, then waited together for Premier Nan's arrival.

This was Su Xinghui's first time meeting Jiang Fangping. He was curious about this provincial secretary who wanted to investigate him—but when he saw Jiang in person, he was slightly disappointed. The provincial secretary looked no different from any ordinary official.

Jiang Fangping was plain-looking: average build, slightly overweight, hair slicked into a glossy pompadour, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, gray dress pants, and leather sandals. With the hot weather, this was typical attire for cadres.

Su Xinghui, in a T-shirt, stood out sharply among these cadres. Most officials of his rank considered T-shirts undignified—white shirts still dominated.

Jiang Fangping had excellent self-control. He warmly shook hands with every cadre who came to greet him, saying "You've worked hard," even with Su Xinghui—the man who had once humiliated him. When he met Su Xinghui, he still shook his hand warmly: "County Magistrate Su, you've worked hard!"

Su Xinghui smiled: "We didn't work hard—Secretary Jiang, you're the one who's worked hard!"

Jiang Fangping said: "I've heard Chongjin County has the best flood response. Today, before the central leadership, you must make Jiangyou Province proud!"

Jiang Fangping spoke with a gentle smile, the very image of a kind elder. No one would guess he'd once clashed with Su Xinghui—or suffered a major defeat at his hands.

Su Xinghui said: "Rest assured, Secretary Jiang. Chongjin County will strive to bring honor to Jiangyou Province!"

After two words with Su Xinghui, Jiang Fangping released his hand and moved on to shake hands with others.

Today was an extraordinary day. All Chongjin County's leaders, except those stationed in townships and unable to leave, turned out to greet the provincial secretary, provincial governor, and central leadership.

After greetings and handshakes, they waited at the helicopter's designated landing site—the empty cement field outside the Chongjin Economic Development Zone's management office.

The landing site was a vacant cement lot outside the Economic Development Zone's office. Jiang Fangping stood straight with all provincial, municipal, and county leaders. Even though shaded areas were nearby, he wouldn't go there—he dared not show the slightest disrespect before central leadership.

Everyone stood motionless. Though still morning, July's sun was fierce. Sweat poured down their faces in minutes, but no one wiped it—Jiang Fangping and Ke Zhifang hadn't moved. Who dared?