Chapter 62

County Party Committee Standing Committee member and Deputy County Magistrate Wang Hai, as the vanguard, began to speak first. He held a cigarette between his fingers, took a deep puff, and then fiercely extinguished it. He raised his head and scanned the room, saying calmly, "Comrades, since no one else is speaking, I'll start with a few words, just to break the ice, as my personal opinion. In this plan, I believe everyone can clearly see that it proposes to increase investment in the Huangyun Cement Factory and the Jiahe Canned Food Factory.

"But do you know how much investment has been made in these two state-owned enterprises over the years, and how much real profit they have brought? It's a 3:1 ratio. Do you know what that means? It means that for every three million invested, the return is a mere one million!

"One million, comrades, for two factories of such scale, not only have they failed to support the county, but they have become a burden. If we don't find a way to solve this problem quickly and effectively, and instead continue to invest, the county's finances will really be unable to bear it."

As Wang Hai's words echoed, the entire meeting room fell into silence. The township party secretaries and mayors sitting below did not speak, all keeping their mouths shut. They feared being caught in the crossfire. Moreover, this plan was personally formulated by Xie Wen. Now, with Deputy County Magistrate Wang Hai leading the charge, the implications were clear to everyone.

They knew that even if they didn't speak, someone would.

Sure enough, as Wang Hai lit another cigarette, County Party Committee Standing Committee member and County Party Office Director Zheng Xuemei spoke up, "Deputy County Magistrate Wang, I do not agree with what you said. How can you call these factories a burden to the county? When these factories were established, you should be well aware. In the first year, they contributed four million in taxes, greatly improving the county's financial situation.

"Although their development has slowed in recent years, as two major state-owned enterprises in our Xingtang County, I will never allow them to close. We must take responsibility for the factories and the workers. We must continue to increase fiscal investment to ensure the survival of these two factories. Therefore, I support the plan to continue additional investment."

The meeting, which had just begun, was already filled with intense tension, almost like a confrontation. Everyone knew that as the Deputy County Magistrate, Wang Hai was a capable deputy and an ally of Zhao Rui'an. On the other hand, Zheng Xuemei, the only female member of the County Party Committee and the Director of the County Party Office, was aligned with Xie Wen.

The confrontation between the two meant a showdown between the top two leaders of Xingtang County. Whoever could win would represent the person with more influence behind the scenes.

Su Mu sat quietly, listening to the debate, but his mind was already racing. To be honest, from the bottom of his heart, he held the plan formulated by Xie Wen in contempt.

From the perspective of his economics major, this plan was garbage, with no redeeming qualities. The entire plan was Xie Wen's stubborn adherence to the previous ten-year plan.

For example, the Huangyun Cement Factory and the Jiahe Canned Food Factory, these two factories were established by Xie Wen after he took office. However, except for the first year, they have been losing money ever since. If it weren't for the county's annual financial support, the factories would have collapsed long ago.

Of course, even now, the two factories are essentially defunct. The workers can't work properly, and going there every day is just a waste of time and money.

Without addressing the management issues, the idea of saving the factories through investment is nothing but a fantasy! The more invested, the more the county's finances will be burdened.

In this sense, Xie Wen is a conservative person who likes to control everything, even if it means paying a heavy price.

Now, all the members of the Xingtang County Party Committee were seated here, including Party Secretary Xie Wen, County Magistrate Zhao Rui'an, Party Committee Deputy Secretary Fang Junda, Deputy County Magistrate Zhang Zhen, County Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Lin Zhonghe, Political and Legal Affairs Committee Secretary Xu Guofu, Propaganda Department Minister Liang Zhonghe, Organization Department Minister Li Ya, Deputy County Magistrate Wang Hai, People's Armed Forces Department Political Commissar Xu Junhe, and County Party Office Director Zheng Xuemei.

Su Mu was very clear that among these people, the only one who truly stood with Zhao Rui'an was Deputy County Magistrate Wang Hai. Party Secretary Xie Wen held the real power, which is why he could remain calm despite the tense atmosphere.

"Su Mu, watch this, County Magistrate Zhao will lose this battle!" Liang Changgui whispered.

"Old Secretary, sometimes even in defeat, one must make a sound!" Su Mu said calmly.

"Yes!" Liang Changgui's eyes lit up, and he nodded at Su Mu with a smile.

As a seasoned official, Liang Changgui knew exactly what Su Mu meant. In such a situation, Zhao Rui'an must stand up and speak, otherwise, a weak government would lose all credibility. After all, the government is responsible for the economy.

If you, who are in charge of the economy, remain silent, how will the higher-ups view you? Do you, Zhao Rui'an, still want to continue in your position?

Cough, cough!

Just as the atmosphere in the meeting room became increasingly intense, Zhao Rui'an coughed twice, drawing everyone's attention. He then said calmly, "Comrades, I want to emphasize that the country is advocating for the liberation of thought and a developmental perspective, which is very good! If the country does not reform, it will stagnate. As part of the country, we must embrace the courage to reform.

"In addressing the issues of the two factories, my opinion is that we should be more daring and forward-thinking, rather than always following old ways. That approach only treats the symptoms, not the root cause, and in the end, it will be the government and the people who suffer.

"Of course, as the person responsible for the county's economic development and as the county magistrate, I admit that I have not done well enough in this area. There have been some mistakes in my work, and I need to improve, to liberate my thoughts, and to move forward boldly."

After a brief pause, Zhao Rui'an scanned the room, his gaze landing on Su Mu, and he smiled, "Of course, after self-reflection, I want to praise one person, and that is the mayor of Heishan Town, Su Mu. Su Mu has done well in liberating his thoughts and moving forward boldly. A few days ago, he submitted a development plan for Heishan Town, and many of the suggestions in it are excellent. If implemented, it will certainly bring about significant changes to Heishan Town."

As Zhao Rui'an finished speaking, everyone in the meeting room turned their gaze to Su Mu, curious about what kind of plan this young mayor had proposed.

At that moment, Su Mu's heart raced, but he maintained a calm expression, though inside he was seething.

"Zhao Rui'an, what do you mean? You can't handle Xie Wen, so you're pushing me out to shield yourself? Yes, that plan is my work, and I will make it happen. But this doesn't mean I can tolerate being used as a shield in such a situation. Don't you know that Xie Wen already has issues with me?"

In that instant, Su Mu lost all confidence in Zhao Rui'an, condemning him in his heart. Even a heads-up would have been better than this sudden attack.

In fact, Su Mu wasn't wrong about Zhao Rui'an. He mentioned Su Mu to strike at Xie Wen. You, Xie Wen, are powerful, but Su Mu is a protégé of Deputy Mayor Li Xinghua. If you touch him, I don't believe you will come out unscathed.

As for Su Mu's plan, Zhao Rui'an never really believed Su Mu could make it happen. If Heishan Town were so easy to develop, it wouldn't still be so poor.

In this sense, Zhao Rui'an's words now were a typical political move.

Bang!

Just as Zhao Rui'an finished speaking and before Su Mu could respond, Xie Wen, who had been waiting for this opportunity, suddenly erupted. He slammed the document in his hand onto the table and shouted, "Comrade Rui'an, who told you that the ten-year plan formulated by the county committee is conservative and lacks the liberation of thought? Who told you that investing in the two factories is a mistake? Can you guarantee that after additional investment, the cement factory and the canned food factory will not be able to resume operations and generate profits? Can you?"

The entire meeting room fell silent!

Faced with Xie Wen's aggressive questioning, Zhao Rui'an was momentarily at a loss for words. Compared to Xie Wen, Zhao Rui'an's influence in Xingtang County was too small and weak. The absolute silence in the room, with no one daring to cough, was a clear indication.

Compared to Xie Wen, who rose from the grassroots to become the county party secretary, Zhao Rui'an, even as the county magistrate and with a group of supporters, still lacked the authority.

"Regarding this 'Heishan Town Science and Technology Ecological Park Pilot Plan' you mentioned, why didn't I receive it before? Let's put that aside! After all, it's your government's responsibility. But to say that Su Mu is forward-thinking and bold, that's absurd!

"Comrade Rui'an, have you carefully reviewed this plan? It's full of empty talk, painting a rosy picture of Heishan Town, claiming it is rich in resources and treasures. Why, then, has Heishan Town remained poor for so many years, with no signs of prosperity? Are you, Su Mu, smarter than the previous mayors and party secretaries of Heishan Town?

"Su Mu, your plan is a waste of resources and a burden to the people. Even if you manage to attract investors, no one will stay! So, Comrade Su Mu, in the future, think carefully before proposing such plans. If this happens again, I will have to question whether you are fit to be the mayor of Heishan Town and whether you can lead it well.

"Compared to your so-called reform, which is a waste of resources, Comrade Su Mu, you should focus on the ten-year plan formulated by the county committee. Sometimes, being young is an advantage, but sometimes it is also the most fatal flaw. Do you understand what I mean, Mayor Su Mu?"

After Xie Wen finished speaking, the pent-up anger he had harbored for days was somewhat relieved. It wasn't that he didn't want to deal with you; he wanted to do it in such a public setting, to humiliate you in front of everyone. He wanted to see what you could say or do next!

Do you really think that relying on Zhao Rui'an can help you stand up to me? What a joke!

If Zhao Rui'an's words made Su Mu the focus, Xie Wen's words now pushed him into the abyss. The gazes of everyone in the room were filled with complex emotions, mostly disdain for Su Mu for daring to challenge Xie Wen, and now he was getting what he deserved.

How embarrassing!

How humiliating!

The meeting room, which had been quiet, became even more tense.

In this tense silence, Su Mu suddenly raised his hand, met Xie Wen's gaze, and said calmly, "I don't understand."

Three words, shocking and defiant!