Chapter 82: The Final Decision

"Feed mill and livestock farm? Have you conducted a feasibility study for this project?" Wang Wenhui pondered.

"Secretary Wang, all our projects in the township have undergone feasibility studies. This time, the studies for the feed mill and livestock farm were conducted by Comrade Zhu Daodong, who was very thorough and comprehensive. This afternoon, I listened to Comrade Zhu Daodong's report and felt that compared to the feed mill and livestock farm, the diatomite factory is not as important," Chen Shuli said with a sigh.

"Oh, Comrade Zhu Daodong, can you introduce the situation of the feed mill and livestock farm?" Wang Wenhui smiled lightly.

"Sure, Secretary Wang. The idea of building a feed mill came from the abundant feed raw materials in Shumu Ridge, such as tofu residue and distillery waste. Therefore, the feed mill is not for producing high-quality feed but coarse feed. With the feed, we can establish a livestock farm. However, whether the township provides funds for the farm or a village or several villages manage it, it won't form a large-scale operation and won't benefit the entire township. Only by involving all the people in the township can we achieve both scale and benefits for everyone," Zhu Daodong explained.

"You say you want all the people in the township to participate. In what form?" Wang Wenhui asked indifferently.

"Through shareholding. Each household in the township must invest at least ten yuan, with ten yuan as one share, and a maximum of one hundred shares. This money will be used for the livestock farm, while the township's funds will be used for the feed mill and will not participate in the livestock farm," Zhu Daodong said. Allowing the township government to participate in the livestock farm might seem good in the short term, but in the long run, it might not be.

"Do you know if the people in the township are willing to invest?" Wang Wenhui frowned. The relationship between the party and the masses was deteriorating. Even though some things were for the benefit of the people, they often didn't appreciate it. Zhu Daodong's idea was good, but he was too young and didn't understand how difficult grassroots work could be.

"Ten yuan per household shouldn't be refused. Moreover, if someone really refuses, we can adopt a second plan, where the township holds the majority shares," Zhu Daodong said solemnly. Whether the relationship between the party and the masses was complex or the masses were short-sighted, as long as they received real benefits, everything would change. The Communist Party gave them land and solved their three major problems, and in return, the people supported the party. Zhu Daodong helped Houjiatang Village establish a tofu factory, benefiting everyone, and in return, the people of Houjiatang Village supported him.

If someone else were to implement this project in Shumu Ridge, it would be fraught with difficulties and obstacles. But if Zhu Daodong were to do it, everything would melt away like ice. This was the reputation the Houjiatang tofu factory had brought him. However, Wang Wenhui didn't understand this. To him, Zhu Daodong was just talking without practicality.

Fortunately, Wang Wenhui had a good relationship with Chen Shuli. Although he didn't fully believe Zhu Daodong, since Chen Shuli trusted him so much, he had to listen to Zhu Daodong's grandiose talk.

"Comrade Shuli, are you sure you want to abandon the diatomite factory and focus on the feed mill and livestock farm?" Wang Wenhui asked seriously.

"Daodong, go wait outside," Chen Shuli said softly. Zhu Daodong quickly left Wang Wenhui's office and went to the jeep outside.

"Chen Shuli, what are you up to?! This morning, you were adamant about the diatomite factory, and now, after just one meal, you've changed your mind! Do you have any principles or discipline as a party secretary? A feed mill and pig farm, how could you come up with such ideas?!"

As soon as Zhu Daodong left, Wang Wenhui launched into a scathing tirade at Chen Shuli.

"Secretary, I have no choice," Chen Shuli said with a pained expression. He then explained the situation with the diatomite factory, including the fraudulent expert and the buyer who offered a price lower than the cost. What future did such a diatomite factory have?

"So, you're saying the diatomite factory must be shut down?" Wang Wenhui listened quietly, and his anger dissipated.

"Yes, Secretary. Moreover, I think the feed mill and livestock farm proposed by Comrade Zhu Daodong have great potential," Chen Shuli said. He knew that Wang Wenhui rarely got angry, and if he did, it meant he truly considered you one of his own.

"You think so? You also thought the diatomite factory would be profitable. As a party secretary, how could you be so easily deceived? That Dai Zhengjun was one thing; he might not be an expert from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, but at least he's from Beijing and knows something about diatomite. But this Zhu Daodong, who hasn't even grown a beard, how could you be deceived by such a person?" Wang Wenhui said with a cold sneer, clearly disappointed.

"Secretary, I may be rough, but my judgment isn't that bad. Zhu Daodong is not simple. Although he is young, he has a bachelor's degree. He discovered the Shumu Ridge wine, which, after packaging, has become very popular. The tofu factory in Houjiatang Village sells tofu to the city, supporting the central government's 'basket project.' Our current feed mill and livestock farm also align with central policies, solving the 'basket problem' for the entire country. The county and city governments should support us with policies and funds," Chen Shuli said with a smile.

"Shumu Ridge wine was his idea? I didn't see that coming," Wang Wenhui muttered.

"See, you won't oppose it now, right?" Chen Shuli smiled.

"Alright, you should report this to Comrade Shengli. After all, business matters are the responsibility of the government," Wang Wenhui nodded. If Zhu Daodong really was behind the Shumu Ridge wine, it might be acceptable for him to manage the feed mill and livestock farm.

"Sure, I'll report it right away. Secretary, the township's finances are tight. When will the county funds be available?" Chen Shuli asked with a grin.

"The party congress hasn't started yet. You'll have to wait until it's over," Wang Wenhui said, glaring at him. "By the way, Zhu Daodong is too young. Running a township enterprise requires someone more steady. How did he become a deputy township head?"

"First, Comrade Zhu Daodong is very capable. Second, he helped me find my son when he was kidnapped, and I need to thank him. Third, Secretary Guo seems to like him..." Chen Shuli was open with Wang Wenhui, not hiding anything.

"Shuli, you are really confused. How dare you use someone favored by Guo Linan?!" Wang Wenhui was furious. Guo Linan was an outsider, while he was a local. They were natural enemies.

Wang Wenhui originally intended to use his position to decide Zhu Daodong's fate, but his words inadvertently decided his own.

Zhu Daodong had been hesitant about whether to tell Chen Shuli about the petition to impeach Wang Wenhui. But when he heard Wang Wenhui's demands in the jeep, he knew what to do.

Sometimes, a casual action or a casual word can decide a person's fate, sometimes for others, and sometimes for oneself!