Chapter 80: Approval

Zeng Yi walked out of Feng Yuqin's office, having reported on the work of the expert committee over the past few days, and then headed downstairs.

Even the official director of the expert committee, Zhang Wentian, rarely had the opportunity to report to Feng Yuqin. Zeng Yi, being closer to the source, often came several times a day, which made the people in the expert committee quite envious and jealous.

As he passed the eighth floor, Zeng Yi noticed a familiar figure in the hallway. Upon closer inspection, he walked over and said, "County Magistrate Jiang, I didn't expect to run into you here. Are you here on official business from the Health Department?"

Jiang Zhongyue was also greatly surprised, "It's you, Brother Zeng!" He looked a bit puzzled and asked, "Do you work here?"

"Yes, in the Health Bureau downstairs," Zeng Yi smiled. "Why didn't you let me know you were here? Come, let's go to my office for a chat."

Jiang Zhongyue pointed to the door of the adjacent office, "Maybe later. I'm afraid that after Mr. Wu, the section chief, finishes his work, he won't be able to find me."

Zeng Yi glanced at the door, which had a sign for the Disease Prevention and Control Section. This section was usually part of the provincial office for the prevention and control of endemic diseases, responsible for the prevention and control of key diseases such as schistosomiasis, pediatric meningitis, and AIDS.

Zeng Yi had met Wu Changxing, the head of the Disease Prevention and Control Section, a few times, but they were not very familiar. Seeing Jiang Zhongyue standing outside Wu Changxing's office, he knew he had been given the cold shoulder. "I'll go in and check," he said.

With that, he knocked on the office door and then pushed it open.

Wu Changxing was sitting in his office chair, holding a copy of the Nanjiang Daily, reading it intently. Hearing the knock, he said, "What is it?" without lifting his head.

Zeng Yi saw that Wu Changxing was deliberately making things difficult for Jiang Zhongyue, a common bad habit in provincial government offices. Whenever people from lower levels came to do business, they would always be kept waiting, as if not making them go through a few rounds would not show the superiority of the provincial government.

"Section Chief Wu, you're busy studying!" Zeng Yi smiled.

Wu Changxing frowned, wondering who had the nerve to speak to him like that. "Do I know you well?" He put down the newspaper, ready to show his displeasure, but when he saw Zeng Yi, his face immediately brightened with a radiant smile. He stood up, saying, "It's Director Zeng! You're a very busy person, and this is your first visit to my office! Come, come, sit down. I have some good tea for you to enjoy."

As he spoke, Wu Changxing walked out from behind his desk, warmly welcoming Zeng Yi. Zeng Yi was a favorite of Feng Yuqin, and everyone in the department knew it. Wu Changxing did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent.

"Section Chief Wu, you're too polite!" Zeng Yi hurriedly thanked him.

"It's only right, you're a distinguished guest we can't easily get to visit!" Wu Changxing smiled, but he was puzzled. Zeng Yi was from the Health Bureau, and he wondered why he had suddenly come to his office. "Director Zeng, you should come more often."

"Section Chief Wu, you're right. I'll come more often to report on my work."

Wu Changxing put on a stern face, "Am I that bureaucratic? Do you have to report on your work to come here for a cup of tea?"

"I misspoke!" Zeng Yi smiled. "I passed by the door just now and met an acquaintance. He was afraid of disturbing Section Chief Wu's work, so he didn't dare to come in."

"Is that so?" Wu Changxing knew Zeng Yi's intention. It was about the county magistrate. He walked to the door and scolded, "These people from the lower levels are too considerate. They are always so polite, making us seem bureaucratic. Our department is always open to everyone."

Zeng Yi thought Wu Changxing was quite skilled at shifting the blame. Clearly, it was Wu Changxing who had kept the person waiting, but now it seemed like it was Jiang Zhongyue's fault.

"County Magistrate Jiang, right?" Wu Changxing looked at Jiang Zhongyue. "You came all this way, it's not easy. Why be so polite? If you have something to discuss, just knock on the door. My office isn't the Hall of the Dead, what are you afraid of?"

"Yes, yes, I was afraid of disturbing Section Chief Wu's important work and didn't consider the impact," Jiang Zhongyue felt wronged but had to show a self-critical attitude. "I've heard from the health workers in our county that Section Chief Wu is known for being approachable and very warm to people from the grassroots, with no airs about him."

Wu Changxing smoothed his few strands of hair and smiled broadly, "The grassroots workers have given me too high an evaluation. Our departments are supposed to serve the grassroots. Come, County Magistrate Jiang, please come in and sit down."

Jiang Zhongyue had heard the conversation between Wu Changxing and Zeng Yi and was even more convinced that Zeng Yi must be someone important. Otherwise, why would a seasoned section chief be so polite and enthusiastic to a young man? If you listened carefully, there was even a hint of flattery in his words.

After Jiang Zhongyue sat down, Wu Changxing asked, "County Magistrate Jiang, are you facing any difficulties in your work? If you have any problems, just speak up, and we will do our best to help you."

He was putting on a show for Zeng Yi. He already knew why Jiang Zhongyue was there—to apply for disease control funds for Nanyun County and to request a batch of urgently needed disease control medicines. These funds and medicines were for specific purposes and could not be pocketed by Wu Changxing, but he still wanted to control them. There were many requests, and it was difficult to allocate them. Sometimes, a call from above would come when the funds were already allocated, which could be very inconvenient. Additionally, by controlling the funds, there might be unexpected benefits.

"Thank you very much, Section Chief Wu," Jiang Zhongyue quickly stood up to thank him. "Your words warm my heart and give me more motivation to work."

He then handed an application to Wu Changxing, saying, "Section Chief Wu, Nanyun County is surrounded by mountains, and the terrain is rugged. To do a thorough job in disease control, we need more funding than other counties. Additionally, the county urgently needs a batch of disease control medicines. Without these medicines, the disease control situation this year will be very concerning."

"Let me see!"

Wu Changxing put on his glasses and read the application seriously. After about ten minutes, he put down the application and said, "There are data and facts. Your application is very detailed, showing that your work is well done."

Jiang Zhongyue replied, "There are still many shortcomings, but we are always striving. Health work is very important, and we will complete every task assigned by the department without any discount."

"Your attitude is commendable, and the department can rest assured!" Wu Changxing took off his glasses and smiled. "County Magistrate Jiang, your application is well-reasoned and justified. It seems I can't refuse your request."

With that, Wu Changxing stood up, sat back in his office chair, took a pen, and wrote "Agreed" on the application. Then he took out a red stamp and placed it on the application.

Jiang Zhongyue did not expect the matter to be resolved so smoothly. He took the application and repeatedly thanked Wu Changxing, "Thank you very much. Thank you, Section Chief Wu, for your strong support of Nanyun County's health work. I represent the 700,000 people of Nanyun County and thank you."

"The department's work relies on grassroots leaders like you to implement it. Why should we be so formal?" Wu Changxing waved his hand. "Is 800,000 yuan enough? According to the data in the application, a county with 700,000 people has only one drug sensitivity testing device, which is insufficient for the needs of testing."

Jiang Zhongyue did not expect Wu Changxing to bring this up and immediately started to plead poverty, "To be honest, one device is indeed tight, but Nanyun County is economically backward, and our financial situation is very tight..."

Wu Changxing interrupted, "Disease control is a matter of public health and cannot be taken lightly. You can't just focus on economic development; health issues are also very important!"

"That's true, Section Chief Wu. As a county magistrate, I am also at a loss," Jiang Zhongyue said with a bitter face.

Wu Changxing stroked his chin and said, "Here's what I'll do. I'll give you 2 million yuan."

"Thank you so much! Section Chief Wu, I don't know how to thank you. Should I bow to you on behalf of the people of Nanyun County?" Jiang Zhongyue said, and he really bowed to Wu Changxing.

With the environment deteriorating, various occupational and infectious diseases are frequently breaking out in local areas, and food safety issues often lead to mass poisoning. As a county magistrate, Jiang Zhongyue was well aware of these issues. To curb them from a systemic perspective, advanced testing equipment was needed to monitor the source and process. However, with Nanyun County's current financial capabilities, it was difficult to achieve. If he received this funding, Nanyun County's public health situation would see significant improvement.

"Don't thank me yet. I have a requirement for this funding," Wu Changxing looked at Jiang Zhongyue and narrowed his eyes. "I hope that by the end of the year, Nanyun County will submit an excellent report on disease control."

Jiang Zhongyue stood straight and said, "Section Chief Wu, I promise that by the end of the year, Nanyun County's disease control work will meet your expectations."

Wu Changxing's face finally showed a smile, "I hope you're not just talking big. Otherwise, I will hold Nanyun County accountable."

"Section Chief Wu, you can count on us. Nanyun County will not let you down!"

Jiang Zhongyue was genuinely delighted. He had thought it would be difficult to secure 800,000 yuan, but Wu Changxing offered him 2 million yuan. He knew this was all due to Zeng Yi's influence and was even more cautious about underestimating Zeng Yi's capabilities.

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