Chapter 63

Chapter 19: A Layer of Waves, Three Layers of Sorrow

Lu Zhibang raised his head in surprise, looking at the young man who was almost stubbornly persistent. Behind that young, resolute, and handsome face, it seemed as if countless hot currents were surging.

This reminded him of his own youth, when he was just as persistent and passionate.

How long ago, years of political career, like a ruthless engraving knife, had changed his appearance. The youthful passion, like a surging river, had gone without a farewell.

Now, he wrapped himself in a thick, authoritative exterior, wearing a cold smile, accustomed to the myriad facets of the political world.

He didn't speak, but his sharp gaze gradually softened, tacitly accepting Li Yi's suggestion.

Three minutes? So be it. What can you do in three minutes?

"Governor Lu, in the early days of our country's founding, the total steel production nationwide was less than 1.6 million tons, while the United States had nearly 90 million tons. At that time, the total industrial and agricultural output value was only 10 billion US dollars, while the United States had 280 billion US dollars."

Li Yi's opening remarks caught Lu Zhibang's attention, as even he, the executive vice governor in charge of industry, commerce, and other departments, was not so clear about these figures.

Lu Zhibang said with a slight surprise, "Is that so? The gap was that large back then? But, this seems to have nothing to do with the topic we are discussing today, right?"

Li Yi replied, "I want to use these figures to illustrate two points. First, even in such a difficult period, our wise national leaders still chose to prioritize water conservancy and build projects that benefited the people! Most of the water conservancy projects, large and small reservoirs, and embankments in the province were built before the 1980s."

Lu Zhibang nodded, "I agree with this point. The leaders were indeed wise."

Li Yi continued, "Second, during that era, our steel production was very low, and so were other industrial outputs. Correspondingly, the construction materials for our water conservancy projects, which protected the people and the country, could not have included large amounts of steel! Stones and cement were the main materials used in construction."

"I see what you mean," Lu Zhibang fell into thought.

Li Yi continued, "Society is developing, and industrial and agricultural production is rapidly advancing. With economic growth, the demand for water conservancy projects will increase, and the requirements will become higher. Many of the old water conservancy projects have already fulfilled their historical missions."

"Governor Lu, they should retire! If we don't conduct a comprehensive survey and repair them, it will surely lead to a major disaster in the future! This is a century-long plan that benefits the people and enriches the country! If any of these water conservancy projects fail, even a single breach or collapse, the loss of lives and property will be immeasurable!"

"Our province, though a large inland province, is rich in water resources, with the largest freshwater lake in the country and the Yangtze River flowing through it. There are also more than a dozen national-level large reservoirs, and countless other medium and small reservoirs and rivers. The hidden dangers are profound!"

"The river of Xiangjiang flows on, a layer of waves, three layers of sorrow. A folk song sings of the hardships of the people along the river. In the early days of the country's founding, despite the weak national strength, the whole country mobilized to build water conservancy projects and infrastructure. Now, with the reform and opening up, the country is strong and the people are prosperous. How can we not prioritize water conservancy and the people's livelihood?"

"Governor Lu, three minutes are up. I have said all I need to say! The pros and cons, please make your decision!"

Li Yi's voice was low and magnetic, speaking calmly, as if naturally attractive.

Lu Zhibang finally took over Li Yi's draft and began to read it seriously.

The spacious and bright office was quiet for a moment, with only the occasional bird chirping outside the window.

Secretary Xiao Liu, urged repeatedly by Ge Hemin, knocked on the door again and poked his head in, saying, "Governor Lu, it's almost nine o'clock. Mayor Ge has been waiting for more than half an hour."

"Tell him to get lost if he can't wait!" Lu Zhibang said coldly.

Xiao Liu's head retreated wisely.

Ge Hemin naturally heard this and was drenched in cold and hot sweat, standing uneasily, his thoughts scattered, blaming himself for being too impatient!

How could a mere vice mayor dare to urge an executive vice governor?

It was sheer audacity!

Leaders are busy with their own affairs; it's not your place to urge them. No wonder Governor Lu was so angry!

At this moment, another official with a large belly and a bald head walked in and asked Xiao Liu in a low voice, "Director Liu, is it over inside? Is it my turn?"

Xiao Liu smiled bitterly, "Director Zhang, there's still one person ahead of you!" He pointed to Ge Hemin.

Ge Hemin, who often ran projects and built relationships in the provincial capital, naturally recognized this deputy director of the Water Resources Department, Zhang Dawei. Although they were both at the deputy director level, Zhang Dawei was a provincial official, and the city's water resources funds and projects all depended on him. He immediately smiled and said, "Director Zhang, I've been waiting for half an hour!"

Zhang Dawei chuckled, "I have an appointment at 9:30! Mayor Ge, you might not get your turn today!"

Ge Hemin cursed this guy in his heart, thinking he was a vicious little man. He had finally managed to get an appointment for today, and if he didn't see Governor Lu, who knew when he would have to wait again? He was on a business trip in the provincial capital and was supposed to return tomorrow. He couldn't keep delaying. But he smiled and said, "My matter is simple, it will only take five minutes! We from a small place can't compare to Director Zhang, who handles big matters!"

This sounded like flattery, but it actually contained a subtle criticism, indicating that he was there first and wouldn't allow anyone to cut in line. Yet, he didn't offend anyone, speaking smoothly and tactfully.

Zhang Dawei chuckled and asked, "Who is inside?"

He thought that with two deputy directors waiting outside, there must be at least a full director inside.

Xiao Liu smiled, "A counselor from the Consultative Office."

Zhang Dawei chuckled, "An old comrade, he should be taken care of. We can't let him wait outside."

Xiao Liu smiled bitterly again.

Inside, Lu Zhibang finished reading Li Yi's research draft and said, "The research proposal from your Consultative Office is very well done! I remember there wasn't such a good secretary in your office before?"

Li Yi smiled, "To be honest, Governor Lu, I wrote it myself."

Lu Zhibang took a red pen and, while signing and writing comments on the report, said, "Oh! Not bad! I've read the report. You can conduct the research, and I will fully approve the research funds! As for personnel, you can draw one or two people from the provincial government's policy research office, research office, and inspection office to form a joint research team."

Li Yi was delighted; his persistence had finally paid off.

Lu Zhibang glanced at him and added, "But there is one thing you must pay attention to: you must maintain good relations with the local party and government leaders. You are conducting research, not investigating cases, so there's no need to create conflicts. I heard that during your last trip to the Three Rivers, you had a heated argument with the local city leaders? Such incidents are very detrimental! They must not happen again!"

Li Yi was taken aback, thinking, "No wonder Governor Lu was indifferent to me. The root of the problem is in the Three Rivers City. But which leader in the Three Rivers City is Governor Lu's protégé? Xiong Xilai? Or Meng Di?"

"Yes, Governor Lu, I will always remember your teachings and never forget them," Li Yi said respectfully.

"Ha, young man, capable and energetic! Very good," Lu Zhibang pushed the document to Li Yi, "Go to Deputy Director Qiao Yijiang of the General Office, and he will help you with the personnel arrangements."

"Thank you, Governor Lu. I'll take my leave now, I've disturbed you," Li Yi smiled and left.

Seeing a young man come out of the inner room with a joyful expression, the people outside were stunned.

Zhang Dawei and Ge Hemin both widened their eyes, looking at Secretary Liu as if shouting, "You said it was an old counselor from the Consultative Office inside! How did a young man come out?"

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