Chapter 60

Chapter Sixteen: The Great Secret's Strategy

"Secretary Gu, I have an idea I'd like to discuss with you."

Li Yi stood in front of Gu Heng's desk, speaking respectfully.

"Hmm, sit down!" Gu Heng smiled, got up, and pointed to the sofa, sitting down first.

Only then did Li Yi sit down, leaving a seat between them. He sat upright and said, "Secretary Gu, regarding our investigation of water safety hazards, I think we need to delve deeper! I propose to conduct a comprehensive inspection of water conservancy projects across the province under the name of the Provincial Government Advisory Office, especially large reservoirs and critical embankments, to ensure they can withstand a once-in-a-century flood. If we work hard now, we won't have to work hard to make up for mistakes in the future."

"Your idea is good, but have you considered that many local leaders are not unaware of the importance of water conservancy projects? They know which projects in their jurisdictions need repair. The problem is, they simply don't have the money to carry out these projects! Or, even if they have the money, they won't use it for these projects! They would rather use it to build new government buildings, or even embezzle it!" Gu Heng said earnestly, "To treat a disease, you must treat its root! The root lies in the mindset of officials. We need to change their thinking, instill a sense of foresight, and prioritize prevention over remediation."

Li Yi listened intently, nodding from time to time. Gu Heng's words deeply moved him, striking at the heart of the matter.

As a person who had been reborn, Li Yi naturally knew that a major flood would occur in the land of China in a few years! This was the reason he placed such importance on water conservancy construction. After the incident at the Malin Reservoir in Sanjiang City, Li Yi's resolve was even stronger.

"Rome wasn't built in a day. As long as someone does the work, and more people get involved, and more people report it, the higher-ups will take it seriously. I'll be the first to do it! Secretary Gu, please support me!" Li Yi said sincerely.

"Of course, I support you! Ha ha, young man, you have the spirit to take on challenges! Go ahead and explore! As for manpower, we're all old bones, and we can't help much. Let me see if I can find one or two researchers from the government to assist you." Gu Heng thought for a moment and added, "How about this: we draft a proposal and submit it to the provincial government for discussion. We can form a water safety inspection team by drawing personnel from various departments to conduct a comprehensive inspection of water conservancy and embankment projects across the province. What do you think?"

Li Yi chuckled, "Secretary Gu, you think far ahead! This way, we'll have the manpower and funding. However..."

"Hey! Kid, why are you hesitating? Spit it out!"

"Secretary Gu, since it's an inspection team, there must be a team leader. The choice of the team leader will determine the team's level and efficiency. This is a bit of a dilemma, ha ha." Li Yi said with a smile. After the Sanjiang incident, he felt both respect and affection for Gu Heng, and he spoke more freely.

"Are you thinking of being the team leader but worried about your rank?" Gu Heng pointed at Li Yi and laughed, "Wanting to be an official, huh?"

"Who doesn't want to be an official? A civil servant who doesn't want to advance isn't a good civil servant! Isn't that right, Secretary Gu? Besides, you lost the chess game to me the other day and promised me a deputy section-level position." Li Yi understood the principle that a crying child gets the milk! If he didn't fight for it, he wouldn't get it.

"Being the team leader is out of the question. Without a high-ranking official in charge, the inspection team won't have the clout! Ha ha, as for the rank, that's easy to solve. Our advisory office is a full-hall-level organization, and I can give you a deputy section-level position. However, I can only give you a non-leadership position as a deputy section-level officer. If you want a real leadership position, you'll have to wait until you graduate and find a specific job." Gu Heng's words were reasonable, and Li Yi couldn't argue.

He frowned, "Then how about this: I'll write the draft and find the people! The team leader must be a high-ranking official who can command respect! You just need to help me get the seal!"

Gu Heng laughed, "That makes it easier for me. Come, let's play chess! I don't believe I can't beat you."

Li Yi smiled, "Sorry, Secretary Gu, I need to write the draft! I can't accompany you!"

Li Yi ran back to the office. A few older colleagues were playing chess or reading newspapers. When they saw Li Yi come in, one of them laughed, "Young man, you're always in a hurry. What are you so busy with?"

Li Yi smiled, "It's all about the water conservancy inspection! It's getting busier!"

"Oh?" Another colleague asked, "Are you going down again? Which city next?"

Li Yi smiled, "It's not decided yet!"

The colleague nodded thoughtfully and continued reading the newspaper as if nothing had happened.

Li Yi didn't pay much attention, sat down, thought for a while, and then took out paper and pen to start writing the draft.

The next morning, Li Yi went straight to the provincial party committee compound and found the office of the provincial party secretary. It was still early, and no one had come to work. Li Yi wasn't in a hurry and stood waiting at Wen Yuxi's office door.

About twenty minutes before work started, Huang Shuqi arrived. Seeing Li Yi, he was taken aback for a second, then smiled and shook Li Yi's hand, "Comrade Li Yi! Why are you standing guard so early in the morning?"

Huang Shuqi's words were very warm, making Li Yi a bit uncomfortable. He laughed, "I have something to discuss with Secretary Wen."

"Secretary Wen? He went to the capital three days ago and won't be back until this afternoon." Huang Shuqi opened the door and invited Li Yi in.

Li Yi was surprised, "Is that so? I'll come back this afternoon."

Huang Shuqi called out, "Wait! Comrade Li Yi, here's my phone number. Keep it, and you can ask me if you need anything in the future."

Li Yi thought it made sense. Although he had Wen Yuxi's number, he didn't dare call it lightly. But with Huang Shuqi, he could ask him first, which would save him a trip like today. He smiled, "Thank you, Secretary Huang!"

Huang Shuqi smiled, "I'm older than you, call me Brother Huang!"

"Sure!" Li Yi responded, turned to leave, and Huang Shuqi suddenly asked, "Brother Li Yi, I see you seem very close to Secretary Wen. Are you related?"

He called Li Yi "Brother" naturally, as if Li Yi were his own younger brother.

Li Yi thought, "No! I've only met Secretary Wen a few times." He wondered why Huang Shuqi was asking this.

Just then, a stern voice came from the doorway, "Xiao Yi! What are you doing here?"

Li Yi looked up and saw Wen Yuxi's square face, which naturally exuded authority, smiling at him.