Chapter 65: Twist it wherever it needs to go!

Before Tang Ye could even speak, Du Chengfeng took the initiative to bail him out.

"Today's incident had nothing to do with Xiao Tang's work methods. The pie that is Pinghu is simply too tempting, making quite a few people restless and plotting to create chaos so they could fish in troubled waters."

Jiao Deyei caught the underlying meaning and felt a sense of disappointment.

Since the nature of the matter had already been officially defined, Tang Ye had smoothly passed the test!

He quickly smiled and said, "Is that so? Well, among the masses, there are good people and bad people! It's wonderful that the issue could be properly resolved. The main thing is to communicate well with the reporters. Secretary Du has truly put in a lot of effort."

Changing the subject, Du Chengfeng asked, "Did you need something from me?"

Jiao Deyei glanced at Tang Ye. "I wouldn't visit unless I had a matter of importance! And this is a rather significant one."

Knowing that Jiao Deyei wanted to report in private, Tang Ye took the opportunity to excuse himself. "Secretary Du, I have some follow-up work to handle, so I'll take my leave."

Du Chengfeng had not yet had the chance to properly celebrate with Tang Ye and share his joy, so how could he bear to let him leave just like that?

He waved his hand to stop him. "Don't be in such a hurry to leave. Comrade Deyei, are you here to discuss the food city project? Comrade Tang Ye possesses exceptional expertise in project planning. Why don't you stay and listen in? Many hands make light work, and we can all brainstorm together!"

Jiao Deyei felt as though he had swallowed a live fly. With a troubled expression, he said, "This project still needs to be kept confidential for the time being."

Du Chengfeng waved his dismissive hand. "If the project is good enough and closely aligns with the government's planning, there is no need for secrecy. Display it openly and boldly; there's no need to hide it away."

Jiao Deyei realized the situation had shifted!

Previously, Du Chengfeng's tone had been quite receptive, feeling that the project was innovative and creative, and could even be highlighted at the municipal investment promotion conference to make a striking impression.

Now, it was no longer valued to that extent!

Helpless, Jiao Deyei took out the proposal document.

Du Chengfeng glanced over it roughly and handed it directly to Tang Ye.

Jiao Deyei's gaze practically wanted to "slash" him!

Knowing better, Tang Ye only gave the project summary a single glance.

Jiao Deyei already regarded him as an enemy who had stolen his political achievements.

If he were to flip through the entire project proposal, wouldn't that just escalate the conflict?

In official circles, robbing someone of their political achievements was little different from killing their parents!

Besides, the project could hardly be considered exceptionally creative; precedents could easily be found elsewhere in the country.

"The train of thought is very clear, and the concepts are particularly well-conceived. I've benefited immensely from reading it," Tang Ye offered perfunctorily.

Sensing that Tang Ye was reluctant to offer excessive commentary, Du Chengfeng pivoted the conversation. "Comrade Tang Ye, I am assigning you a very important task. At next week's municipal investment promotion conference, the wellness town project will be our county's primary promoted initiative. You must seize the time to finalize the written materials. Strive to use this project to draw more attention to Pinghu Town and attract additional capital."

Tang Ye had already anticipated this outcome. "I've made quite a bit of preparation regarding the wellness town, and much of the material is already ready. Later on, I'll send the documents over to you and make any additions according to your requirements."

Satisfied, Du Chengfeng patted Tang Ye on the shoulder. "You are steadfast in your work, and I have complete peace of mind with you."

Listening to the exchange between Du Chengfeng and Tang Ye, Jiao Deyei was left completely bewildered.

"Secretary, wasn't this year's municipal investment promotion conference supposed to feature our township's food city project?" Jiao Deyei asked, thoroughly perplexed.

"It was indeed supposed to be the food city project, but circumstances have changed. We just received word from the municipal government that the resort area will be established in Pinghu! In accordance with the municipal party committee's directives, our county must prioritize Pinghu Town this year."

Jiao Deyei was struck dumb, his jaw dropping open. "Wasn't that project supposed to settle in Jinshui Town?"

In high spirits and eager to share his excitement, Du Chengfeng said, "It has been officially confirmed for Pinghu! The initial construction funds will amount to three billion, with more capital flowing into the project successively. It will be a lengthy engineering undertaking lasting at least a decade. Pinghu is about to usher in a period of massive development."

"That is truly a super-sized surprise!" Jiao Deyei said insincerely. "Congratulations to you, Mayor Tang. I never imagined that taking on a temporary post in Pinghu would bring you so many resources. Say, why didn't you choose to take a temporary post in our Zhugou Township instead?"

Tang Ye quickly responded with a modest smile, "Thank you, Secretary Jiao, you flatter me. I'm just a screw, to be tightened wherever I'm needed. Pinghu's ability to secure a provincial-level project is entirely due to Secretary Du's correct leadership and meticulous care. I merely did what little was within my power."

Patting Jiao Deyei on the shoulder, Du Chengfeng said with a smile, "Let's see if there's an opportunity to feature the food city project at next year's investment promotion conference!"

Knowing that the scale and magnitude of the two projects were simply incomparable, Jiao Deyei smiled with worldly-wise resignation. "Very well, then I shall wait a little longer..."

As Jiao Deyei walked out of the county committee compound, a sudden sense of desolation washed over him.

Unless something unexpected happened, Tianling County's leading position was about to slip away!

A sudden thought crossed his mind: should he request a temporary official from the municipal level?

He immediately dismissed this futile idea.

Most temporary officials were simply putting in time to pad their resumes. Someone like Tang Ye, who could channel resources and deliver tangible political achievements, was a once-in-a-blemish-free gem—virtually impossible to seek and find.

He felt a pang of pity for Xu Yiping, who was now locked away in a cell.

If Xu Yiping were to find out that Pinghu had clinched the resort project, he would most likely weep until he passed out in the restroom.

...

Xu Qiao accompanied Tang Ye back to the county government offices.

Lacking the seniority to join Tang Ye in the county committee meeting, she had been forced to wait for news at the county committee's Bureau of Letters and Visits.

The staff at the complaints bureau had maintained a cold demeanor toward Xu Qiao the entire time.

Xu Qiao understood why!

When issues in the township could not be resolved locally and ended up escalating to the county level, it reflected poorly on their execution and merely created extra trouble for the staff.

Accompanied by Bureau Chief Zhang, Tang Ye walked into the office.

"Mayor Tang, please rest assured. If a similar situation arises in the future, we will certainly coordinate with you in advance."

"Grassroots conditions are complicated; thank you for your understanding, Chief Zhang."

Chief Zhang's attitude toward Tang Ye was exceptionally courteous.

This caught Xu Qiao somewhat off guard!

The expressions on the faces of the staff members had also shifted; they were no longer icy!

After Tang Ye and Xu Qiao left, Chief Zhang immediately convened a brief meeting.

From then on, if Pinghu encountered any similar situations, cases had to be evaluated individually. They could no longer pressure the grassroots government or casually kick the ball back and forth!

They had to thoroughly investigate matters and actively help subordinate departments resolve their problems.

Tang Ye and Xu Qiao boarded the vehicle and headed back to the government seat.

Chen Zhihua soon appeared in Tang Ye's office.

Wearing a wide smile, Chen Zhihua gave Tang Ye a hearty pat on the shoulder. "You've worked hard!"

Tang Ye instructed Xu Qiao, "Brew a cup of tea for the Secretary. I'll brief him on the work."

Xu Qiao quickly steeped a cup of green tea and handed it to Chen Zhihua.

Taking a small sip, Chen Zhihua said excitedly, "I just received a call from Secretary Du. I never expected that the provincial-level resort would actually be established in Pinghu! You deserve the utmost credit!"

Xu Qiao, who had been bending over to tidy up the documents on the desk, stopped mid-motion and stared at the two men in astonishment.

Tang Ye knew that paper could not wrap up fire, but he hadn't expected the news to spread quite this fast.

With a faint smile, he remarked, "Such a massive project means our responsibilities will be formidable!"

A sharp gleam flashed in Chen Zhihua's eyes. "I've already prepared myself mentally. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We must firmly grasp this chance for the people of Pinghu."

Listening to the dialogue between the top two leaders, Xu Qiao's heart pounded wildly.

She had long heard rumors that the resort area had a chance of landing in Pinghu!

She simply hadn't expected it to actually come true!

No wonder Bureau Chief Zhang's attitude had undergone such a drastic 180-degree turn!

Mayor Tang was truly a master at keeping secrets.

On the ride back, he hadn't let slip even a hint of the news!